Question 1

What is social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Social distancing/ physical distancing means keeping at least 6 feet apart from others to slow the spread of COVID-19. Avoid crowded places and stay at least six feet away from other people, especially in enclosed areas.

Question 2

When should I wear a face mask?

Accepted Answer

You should always wear a face mask when you are not at home. Please wear a face mask to protect yourselves and others even when you do not feel sick. Face masks should cover both your nose and mouth and placed securly around your face. Face masks should not be worn by children 2 years and younger.

Question 3

How should I clean my hands if liquid soap and water are not available?

Accepted Answer

Avoid touching your hands, eyes, and mouth. If soap and water are unavailable, you can use hand-sanitizer containing at lest 60% alchohol.

Question 4

How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

• Practice social distancing and stay at least six feet away from others who do not live in your household. • Wear a cloth face covering when in public. • Wash your hands with water and liquid soap often for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based handsantitizer.  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that get touched a lot (such as door handles, cell phones, light switches, etc.)

Question 5

What is considered an essential service?

Accepted Answer

Essential services include: grocery stores, food establishments, gas stations, auto-repair shops, health care providers and caregivers, banks, post-offices and shipping buisnesses, food banks, hospital and labatory personnel, manufacturers, technicians, logistics and warehouse operators, workers who support food, shelter, and social services, etc. *   *Please note this is not a comprehensive list*    Non-essential buisnesses are generally recreational by nature.  Examples of non-essential services include: hair and nail salons, spas, movie theatres, shopping malls, sporting and concert venues, museums, and gyms. *

Question 6

How often should I wash my hands?

Accepted Answer

Before putting on your mask Before taking off your mask  After being in a public place where you may have touched commonly touched items such as doorknobs, shopping carts, gas pumps, etc.

Question 7

HOW DO I GET A LISTING OF APPROVED CHILDREN FIRST MEDICAL GROUP (CFMG) SPECIALIST?

Accepted Answer

At www.childrenfirstmedicalgroup.org, navigate to the “Provider Website” in the top right, and then click on “Provider Directories” in the bottom left.   You can search by specialty, the doctor’s name, by city or by county

Question 8

HOW DO I REQUEST FORMULA FOR OUR PATIENTS?

Accepted Answer

Fax the physician order to the vendor. The vendor will then request authorization.

Question 9

HOW DO I REQUEST A NEBULIZER FOR OUR PATIENTS?

Accepted Answer

Fax the physician order to the vendor. The vendor will then request authorization.

Question 10

DOES CFMG COVER PODIATRY?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Podiatry is a Health Plan benefit forAlameda Alliance for Healthand Anthem Blue Cross, you will need to complete a CFMG Request for Authorization Form for visits. Refer to the Health Plan website for a listing of Podiatrists. CFMG does not have Podiatrists in our network.

Question 11

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF MY AUTHORIZATION REQUEST?

Accepted Answer

As a reminder, routine requests are processed within 5 working days; urgent requests within 72 hours, and post-service requests within 30 calendar days. If your request is within these time frames, please be patient.

Question 12

DO REHABILITATION SERVICES REQUIRE AUTHORIZATION?

Accepted Answer

Authorization is not required for the initial evaluation at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland or UCSF Benioff Children’s San Francisco. You may use the CFMG Specialty Referral Form to request an evaluation. Additional visits are requested by the treating therapist directly to CFMG

Question 13

HOW DO I REQUEST A DATE EXTENSION FOR AN AUTHORIZATION?

Accepted Answer

Fax the authorization letter with your requested extension date to (510) 450-5868 or call the Utilization Management department at (510) 428-3489.

Question 14

HOW DO I FIND A LISTING OF CFMG OBSTETRICIAN/GYNECOLOGISTS?

Accepted Answer

Visit either health plans website: AlamedaAlliance.org or Anthem.com to find a physician. CFMG does not have OB/GYN’s in our network as OB services are Health Plan responsibilities.

Question 15

WHERE DO WE REFER MEMBERS WHO CANNOT BE SEEN AT UCSF BENIOFF CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OAKLAND DUE TO AGE?

Accepted Answer

Check the Health Plan website for a contracted provider, call the provider for availability, and submit the authorization request to CFMG.

Question 16

AAFP / SBA LOANS

Accepted Answer

If you qualify, you can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance. The SBA has up to 15 days from the passage of the law to issue guidance; however, it's important that you start gathering your financial information now to expedite the process when eligibility criteria are announced.   AAFP/How does the Small Business Administration assistance work? The SBA, in conjunction with state governors, is providing targeted, low-interest loans to qualifying small businesses, including family physician practices.   Keep In Mind:
Only certain counties have been declared disaster areas, based on whether the state’s governor has requested disaster assistance from the SBA. Small businesses and private nonprofits located in these counties are now eligible to apply for the loans. Eligible states and counties are listed here SBA Disaster Loan. This information is continually updated, and we recommend reviewing it frequently. Information on how the SBA will grant loans of up to $2 million per business is available here (www.sba.gov).   Loans can be Used For:
The loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that cannot otherwise be paid as a result of the disaster. The interest rates for these loans are 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for private nonprofits. The SBA offers long-term loans, with terms for repayment up to 30 years and terms determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on each borrower’s ability to repay.   The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster loan is December 16, 2020:
The SBA has set the “incident period” to have begun on January 31, 2020, and to continue indefinitely. Applicants must submit the completed loan application and a signed and dated IRS Form 4506-T granting the IRS permission to provide the SBA with tax information. Applicants may also apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. More information regarding the application process, which involves three steps, can be found at the : SBA Disaster Loan Application Process.   SBA Loan Decision Process:
The SBA usually makes a decision on an application within two to three weeks. If the decision is affirmative, the SBA will send loan-closing documents to the applicant for a signature. Upon its receipt of the signed closing documents, the SBA will normally provide the applicant with an initial disbursement of $25,000 within five days.  To Learn More the SBA COVID-19 Related Resources or apply for EIDL Assistance:
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

Question 17

AMERICA'S PHYSICIAN GROUPS (APG)

Accepted Answer

APG COVID-19 Member Urgent Update (04/01/2020) Financial Aid Programs excerpt from AGP's Deep Dive on Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and the New Interim Final Rule (03/31/2020)

Question 18

US DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)

Accepted Answer

HHS Extends Application Deadline for Medicaid Providers and Plans to Reopen Portal to Certain Medicare Providers to Friday, August 28, 2020. News Release 07/31/2020 Visit the HHS Website to apply for the Medicaid and CHIP Distribution.

Question 19

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS (AAP)

Accepted Answer

Critical Updates on COVID-19 / Federal Programs for Pediatric Practices and Small Businesses

Question 20

AAFP RELATED LOSSES CALCULATOR TO QUALIFY FOR THE CARES ACT

Accepted Answer

Includes $100 billion for grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. Recipients will include health care providers affected by COVID-19, including Medicare- and Medicaid-enrolled practices: https://www.aafp.org/patient-care/emergency/2019-coronavirus/financial-relief.html

Question 21

CALIFORNIA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (CMA)

Accepted Answer

CMA announces that physicians can apply NOW for $200 million in financial support from Blue Shield of CA (04/22/2020) 
 https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/48844/Physicians-can-apply-NOW-for-200-million-in-financial-support-from-Blue-Shield-of-CA"

Question 22

Vaccination with underlying conditions

Accepted Answer

Immunocompromised individuals can receive COVID-19 vaccination if they have no contradictions to vaccination. They need to continue following all current guidance to protect against COVID-19. Persons with autoimmune conditions who have no contradictions to vaccination may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. It is recommended that most people with cancer or history of cancer get the COVID-19 vaccine once its available to them. Re-vaccination is not recommended after immune competence is regained in persons who received COVID-19 vaccines during chemotherapy. The potential risks of mRNA vaccines to the pregnant person and the fetus are unknown because these vaccines have not been studied in pregnant people. If pregnant people are part of a group that is recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, they may choose to be vaccinated. There are no data on safety of COVID-19 vaccines in lactating people or effect of vaccines on the breastfed infant or milk production/excretion.

Question 23

Vaccine Coadministration

Accepted Answer

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable with each other or other COVID-19 vaccine products. In exceptional situations where the first-dose vaccine product cannot be determined or is no longer available, any available mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may be administered at a minimum interval of 28 days between doses, except Johnson & Johnson's which requires 1 dose.   Given the lack of data on the safety and efficacy of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines administered with other vaccines, the vaccine series should routinely be administered alone, with a minimum interval of 14 days before or after administration with any other vaccine. No additional doses beyond the two-dose primary series are recommended at this time.

Question 24

Click here to view the information in your language!

Accepted Answer

Enter your answer here

Question 25

Vaccinations with prior COVID-19 Exposure and/or Infection

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 vaccines can be safely be given to persons with evidence of a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccination should be offered to persons regardless of history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic infection. Vaccination of persons with known current infection should be deferred until the person has recovered from acute illness and criteria have been met for them to discontinue isolation. For persons receiving antibody therapries not specifc to COVID-19 treatment, administration of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is unlikely to impair development of a protective antibody response. Persons who have had a known COVID-19 exposure should not seek vaccination until their quarantine period has ended.

Question 26

Vaccine Administration

Accepted Answer

Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series consist of 2 doses administered. Johnson & Johnson consists of 1 dose. Pfizer-BioNTech: 3 weeks (21 days) apart Moderna: 1 month (28 days) apart. Johnson & Johnson: no interval The second dose should be administered as close to the recommended interval as possible. Persons should not be scheduled to receive the second dose earlier than recommended. If the recommended interval can not be adhered to, the second dose of Pfizer may be administered up to 6 weeks after the first dose.

Question 27

Vaccination of Children

Accepted Answer

Adolescents as young as 16-17 years are included among individuals eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Children under the age of 16 years are not authorized to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at this time. Children under the age of 18 years are not authorized to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at this time. Children under the age of 18 are not authorized to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Question 28

What is considered an essential service?

Accepted Answer

Essential services include: grocery stores, food establishments, gas stations, auto-repair shops, health care providers and caregivers, banks, post-offices and shipping buisnesses, food banks, hospital and labatory personnel, manufacturers, technicians, logistics and warehouse operators, workers who support food, shelter, and social services, etc. *   *Please note this is not a comprehensive list*    Non-essential buisnesses are generally recreational by nature.  Examples of non-essential services include: hair and nail salons, spas, movie theatres, shopping malls, sporting and concert venues, museums, and gyms. *

Question 29

How can I protect myself and others from COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

• Practice social distancing and stay at least six feet away from others who do not live in your household. • Wear a cloth face covering when in public. • Wash your hands with water and liquid soap often for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based handsantitizer.  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that get touched a lot (such as door handles, cell phones, light switches, etc.)

Question 30

How often should I wash my hands?

Accepted Answer

Before putting on your mask Before taking off your mask  After being in a public place where you may have touched commonly touched items such as doorknobs, shopping carts, gas pumps, etc.

Question 31

What is social distancing?

Accepted Answer

Social distancing/ physical distancing means keeping at least 6 feet apart from others to slow the spread of COVID-19. Avoid crowded places and stay at least six feet away from other people, especially in enclosed areas.

Question 32

How should I clean my hands if liquid soap and water are not available?

Accepted Answer

Avoid touching your hands, eyes, and mouth. If soap and water are unavailable, you can use hand-sanitizer containing at lest 60% alchohol.

Question 33

When should I wear a face mask?

Accepted Answer

You should always wear a face mask when you are not at home. Please wear a face mask to protect yourselves and others even when you do not feel sick. Face masks should cover both your nose and mouth and placed securly around your face. Face masks should not be worn by children 2 years and younger.

Question 34

How many times will they attempt to contact the member?

Accepted Answer

Each campaign is different, but a typical engagement campaign will have 6-10 levels. SameSky Health  is planning to send one level each week but can space out to every other week if desired.

Question 35

If a group is not ready for a particular campaign, what is the solution? For example, they say their immunization data is not ready, can they start with Wellness Exam? A provider could opt out of a campaign and resume for the others as needed."

Accepted Answer

Ideally, SameSky Health  would launch all campaigns at the same time. This will ensure the dashboard reporting is consistent for all providers. But if needed they can certainly remove a provider from a campaign launch and start them later.

Question 36

Texting, how does this work, it is two-way? If the member has questions, will SameSky Health answer them?"

Accepted Answer

All the SameSky Health  texts are two-way and monitored by a live person. SameSky Health  does not use computers to scan messages. A live care coordinator will review every message and respond appropriately depending on the member’s questions, concerns, or escalations. Note: SameSky Health uses auto responses after hours (usually 8pm). This message will alert the member they are closed but will respond to their message in the morning.

Question 37

If the member phone number doesn’t work how will we be notified?

Accepted Answer

At the end of each campaign CFMG will have a report of listing the incorrect phone numbers.

Question 38

What happens if incorrect provider information, how will they respond? The member says this is not my PCP, for example."

Accepted Answer

The member can let SameSky Health  know the provider we prompted them to call is incorrect. SameSky Health  will respond and ask them to reach out to CFMG Customer Service to determine if the data was inaccurate or if the member’s PCP truly has changed.

Question 39

What language will they be able to speak if the member is outside the threshold language?

Accepted Answer

There are up to 20 languages SameSky Health  can communicate in.  The threshold languages for the two counties are as follows:
 Alameda:         Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese & Mandarin Contra Costa:  Spanish

Question 40

How does SameSky Health  mention transportation to the member and communicate this message? SameSky Health  can incorporate and link resources in the text message.

Accepted Answer

SameSky Health  adds links to the SMS/texts with transportation information for the health plan– this could include a form to request or any other transportation benefits/resources offered by the health plan. SameSky Health  can also prompt the member to call ‘Customer Service’ if they have a transportation issue. Finally, the last message of each campaign typically surveys the member to find out what barriers they are facing. Ex: Our records show you still have not made an appt. Is there anything we can do to help? Please let us know what is preventing you from coming in. 1= Child Care 2= Transportation 3= Time off from work.

Question 41

Will this be in excel and be able to be sorted by health plan, for example?"

Accepted Answer

Each week, CFMG will receive an output file from SameSky Health . This will detail all the outbound text messages sent for that week AND include all inbound responses received from CFMG patients. If a phone number is invalid or “wrong” SameSky Health  will note this in the output file for CFMG reference. The regulatory message in each campaign prompts the respondents to send back “W” if the number is incorrect – SameSky Health  will use this information to update their records and share this information with CFMG.

Question 42

With what language will SameSky Health communicate with me if I speak another language other than English?

Accepted Answer

There are up to 20 languages SameSky Health can communicate in.   The basic available languages for the two counties are as follows:   Alameda County: Spanish, Vietnamese, Cantonese & Mandarin   Contra Costa County: Spanish

Question 43

If the my phone number doesn't work, how will we be notified?"

Accepted Answer

At the end of each campaign CFMG will have a report listing the incorrect phone numbers. Each week, CFMG will receive an output file from SameSky Health . This will detail all the outbound text messages sent for that week AND include all inbound responses received from CFMG patients. If a phone number is invalid or “wrong” SameSky Health  will note this in the output file for CFMG reference. The regulatory message in each campaign prompts the respondents to send back “W” if the number is incorrect – SameSky Health  will use this information to update their records and share this information with CFMG.

Question 44

Click here to view the FAQs in your language!

Accepted Answer

Enter your answer here

Question 45

What happens if the incorrect provider messages us? How can we respond? I say, this is not my PCP, for example."

Accepted Answer

The member can let SameSky Health know the provider we prompted them to call is incorrect. SameSky Health  will respond and ask them to reach out to CFMG Customer Service to determine if the data was inaccurate or if the member’s PCP truly has changed.

Question 46

Texting, how does this work? Is it two-way? If we have questions, will SameSky Health  answer them?"

Accepted Answer

All the SameSky Health texts are two-way and monitored by a live person. SameSky Health  does not use computers to scan messages. A live care coordinator will review every message and respond appropriately depending on the member’s questions, concerns, or escalations. Note: SameSky Health  uses auto responses after hours (usually 8pm). This message will alert the member they are closed but will respond to their message in the morning.

Question 47

What if I am not due yet for a Wellness Exam, but am told to call my Primary Care Physician?"

Accepted Answer

If a member said they had a Wellness Exam in December, for example, the member can opt out of the campaign.

Question 48

Can we opt in and out of the campaign?

Accepted Answer

Members can opt out of campaigns whenever they want. The first message in each campaign tells them to reply “STOP” or “DNT” to opt out and they will not receive any more messages related to that campaign.

Question 49

What's the difference between anxiety and depression?

Accepted Answer

You should always wear a face mask when you are not at home. Please wear a face mask to protect yourselves and others even when you do not feel sick. Face masks should cover both your nose and mouth and placed securly around your face. Face masks should not be worn by children 2 years and younger.

Question 50

Who can I discuss my child's mental health with?

Accepted Answer

Social distancing/ physical distancing means keeping at least 6 feet apart from others to slow the spread of COVID-19. Avoid crowded places and stay at least six feet away from other people, especially in enclosed areas.

Question 51

What are some coping mechanisms for children struggling with mental health during COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Avoid touching your hands, eyes, and mouth. If soap and water are unavailable, you can use hand-sanitizer containing at lest 60% alchohol.

Question 52

Is stress healthy for my child?

Accepted Answer

Before putting on your mask Before taking off your mask  After being in a public place where you may have touched commonly touched items such as doorknobs, shopping carts, gas pumps, etc.

Question 53

What are signs of Mental Health distress?

Accepted Answer

Enter your answer here

Question 54

How can COVID-19 impact my child's mental health?

Accepted Answer

• Practice social distancing and stay at least six feet away from others who do not live in your household. • Wear a cloth face covering when in public. • Wash your hands with water and liquid soap often for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based handsantitizer.  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that get touched a lot (such as door handles, cell phones, light switches, etc.)

Question 55

With whom can I discuss my child's emotional well-being?

Accepted Answer

If you notice any signs of emotional distress in your child, make sure to discuss them with your child's doctor. If these signs become very persistent and serious, please make sure to consult professional and medical help.

Question 56

Can stress be healthy for my child?

Accepted Answer

When stress occurs once in a while, and around events such as school deadlines or activities such as sports games, it is normal. However if your child's stress is persistent and affects their daily behavior, emotions and routine, it is not considered normal.   If your child is displaying any of these changes, ask if they are stressed with anything in school, with their friends or family, or any new changes in their lives.

Question 57

What's the difference between anxiety and depression?

Accepted Answer

According to Cleveland Clinic, anxiety and depression may occur together, but you can experience them separetly as well.    Symptoms of depression can include: feelings of sadness and hopelessness, loss of interest trouble sleeping, feeling exhausted, change in appetite, unexplained physical pain or ahces and feelike like small tasks take extra work.    Symptoms of anxiety can include: persistent and severe worrying, overthinking and envisioning worse cause scenarios, obsessing over situation or outcomes, indecisiveness, fear, inability to relax, feelings of restlessness, trouble focusing or physical agitation.    A large difference between normal worry and clinical depression/anxiety is that the latter are more persistent. If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms in your child, consult with your child's physician.

Question 58

What are signs of emotional distress?

Accepted Answer

According to Mayoclinic, check for the following warning signs of emotional distress in your children. There may be other signs in addition to the ones listed below, such as changes in your childs' specific behavior that may also indicate emotional distress.   - Persistent sadness - 2 or more weeks - Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions - Hurting oneself or talking about hurting onself - Talking about death or suicide - Outburts or extreme irritability - Drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality - Changes in eating habits - Loss of weight - Difficulty sleeping - Frequent headaches or stomachaches - Difficulty concentrating - Changes in academic performance - Avoiding or missing school

Question 59

What are some coping mechanisms for children struggling emotionally during COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Not all children cope with stress te same way. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted childrens' daily routines leading to increased and persistent stress, and potentially mental illness. Watch for the changes below, which are not limited to but include:   - Excessive irritation and crying in younger children.  - Returning to behaviors they have outgrown. - Excessive worry or sadness. - Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits. - Irritability and "acting out" behaviors in teens. - Poor school performance or avoiding school. - Difficulties with attention and concentration. - Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past. - Unexplaiend headaches or body pain.   Some ways to support your child may include, but are not limited to:   - Talk with your child about the COVID-19 outbreak. - Answer questions about COVID-19 in a way that your child can understand. - Reassure your child that they are safe, and that it is okay to feel upset.  - Limit your family' exposure to news coverage of the event. - Maintain regular routies, such as schedules for physical activity, safe family outings, etc.  - Be a role model: maintain a healthy sleeping, eating, exercising and wellness routine. - Spend time with your child in meaningful activites.    For more information, visit the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/help-children-cope/index.html

Question 60

How can COVID-19 impact my child's emotional well-being?

Accepted Answer

The pandemic has led to a disruption to routines, education, recreation, worry for changes in family income, any many countless factors that may leave children feeling afraid, angry, lonely, and concerned for their future. Many of these factors can translate into forms of mental illness. Make sure to continue monitoring and checking in with your child during this Pandemic to discuss the aforementioned factors.

Question 61

How can stress affect my child?

Accepted Answer

Persistent and toxic stress can affect your child's developing brain, and therefore weaken their overall health and affect their behavior.

Question 62

Why am I being messaged and how did you get my information?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of this messaging is to send important reminders regarding your child’s health and benefits (wellness exams, immunizations etc.). Your health plan provided your contact information. Rest assured that your information is safe and protected. Children First Medical group has partnered with your doctor's office to send messages. For more information on CFMG's SMS campaign, please refer here.

Question 63

Whom do I call if my information (e.g name or phone number) is not accurate?

Accepted Answer

Only you can change your personal, identifiable information with your health plan. Even if you call your doctor’s office, only your doctor’s office will know. Not your health plan, for any purpose. Not CFMG. Not ConsejoSano.    You may call your health plans 1) For Alliance: Call their number (510)747-4567, or log onto your member portal of Alameda Alliance, at alamedaalliance.org, and change your information.    2) For Anthem: Call their customer service number (800)-407-4627/(888)-757-6034 (TTY)

Question 64

Click here to view the FAQs in your language!

Accepted Answer

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