Rebound, Reopen, Second Surge…terms previously unrelated to healthcare that in the “new world” have become our highest priority. It seems strange that getting back to historical procedure volumes should be such a challenge. It seems almost like we’re planning to start doing procedures in the space station. Everyone has to figure out what’s the safest suit, how to allow re-entry, how to sterilize the environment, what equipment and supplies must be present until the next shuttle arrives in two weeks, and what strict criteria must be met to allow you to even work in the station.

Be sure to check the AHVAP Community Blog for updates. 

After monitoring the national pandemic response and in consideration of travel restrictions, facility budget and staffing constraints as well as the health and safety of the attendees, presenters and suppliers, the Board and Conference Committee members made the difficult decision to cancel the “live” conference planned for October 21-23, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ. 

AHVAP has an unflagging commitment to provide growth opportunities and continuing education to our members and the healthcare value analysis community, thus the Conference Committee is actively exploring options to provide a virtual online experience in or around the same third week of October 2020.We plan to reschedule our “live” conference event in Scottsdale for October 2021 to avoid any financial penalties to our organization.

For the virtual event, the Conference Committee is extending the submission deadline and would like members to send us presentations on their ‘Lessons Learned from COVID-19’ which can offer additional insights to our attendees and sponsors.

We understand the challenges you have faced during this outbreak and the uncertainty of a possible resurgence of the virus this fall.  We thank you for all your hard work and sacrifices.  Please visit the website for more information as we ‘transform’ our conference platform and dates.

Please contact info@ahvap.org with any questions.  

Sincerely,

Laura Polson, AHVAP President

The pandemic has shown a spotlight on the bravery and compassion of caregivers on the front lines, and the public is responding.

Ethicists and physicians are concerned that, amid a desire to put an end to the Covid-19 pandemic, developers of drugs and vaccines have become overly enthusiastic about the chances their products will work.

At least 62,000 US healthcare professionals have now tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As the federal government, public health experts and scientists push toward a coronavirus vaccine, a new survey suggests only about half of Americans say they will get one when it becomes available.

With medical masks in short supply, several hospitals have turnd to industrial models. They get rave reviews and are allowed by the F.D.A., but the Trump administration has no plans to encourage distribution or production.

Patients who rely on chloroquine and other medications fear they won’t be able to get needed refills because of high demand.