09/16/2021
To our Patients:
Please know that we are trying to address the issues which all of our patients are dealing with due to the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Ida.
Where we stand now as a practice is:
The damaging effects of Hurricane Ida, one of the strongest storms to ever hit Louisiana, had multiple effects on our practice. Significantly, more than the combined effects of Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Issac on our main LaPlace facility, which is the center of NMA’s practice structure. We are beginning to get some basic functions back on a very limited basis. Unfortunately, our last attempt to electronically prescribe any medications failed. In person visits are an option in the future. However, many key members of our staff have been affected and displaced as well by Hurricane Ida, which, of course, puts our human capital/employees at a severe disadvantage in our efforts to return to something resembling normalcy.
One obvious example of the crippling effects on the practice is communication. We are unable to even communicate with patients on a regular and consistent basis due to the many system failures (internet, electronic record messaging system, internet phone system, etc) suffered due to this storm.
We are trying to cobble together a plan which addresses our catastrophic damages from this natural disaster, (massive damages to our physical plant/offices, utilities, electronic/internet access and human resources) while at the same time addressing all the many regulatory requirements mandated by the state when treating chronic pain patients.
Unfortunately, there is no specific timeline for re-opening that can be given at this point. However, there is nothing that prevents any physician from prescribing your medications except fear of regulatory repercussions. The state board PMP clearly shows all patients medications and provides an adequate history of your chronic pain prescriptions. This should be more than adequate to represent your prescription medical record in regards to your chronic pain regimen.
In the event you must be seen by a physician outside of NMA in the near future, this information should provide both you and them with the appropriate documentation necessary for your care.
I wish there was more I could do individually, however as a practice, we have been severely crippled by the unprecedented severity of this hurricane. Rest assured we are trying to restore functionality to our damaged systems to provide the level of care that our patients require and deserve.
Neuro Muscular Medical Associates
