Online resource packed with regulatory news and expert guidance, tips & tools pertinent to professionals across the post-acute care continuum.
An updated survey tool will be released for SNF surveyors that places stricter focus on infection control policies. Plans for the updated tool, based on information gathered from the COVID-19 outbreak at Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, was announced by the federal government on March 23. The CDC determined that in under three weeks […]
Providers in the U.S. will have a specific ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for the COVID-19 virus beginning April 1. During a March 18 meeting, the ICD-10 Coordination and Maintenance Committee announced that it would adopt the World Health Organization (WHO) code, U07.1 (COVID-19), effective April 1. Previously, the panel had planned to implement the code beginning […]
CMS has released a document responding to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the coronavirus. The document includes 21 questions and responses for health care providers related to COVID-19. The FAQs discuss telehealth and in-home services as well as billing for testing patients at risk for the coronavirus. Related link: Read the FAQs online at https://go.cms.gov/3d9eLeH.
Just as employers were taking a look at a bill in Congress aimed at providing paid leave for employees affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, the House-passed legislation took on changes in the Senate. As of early March 17, no Senate vote had been scheduled. Worries from business interests have resulted in a scaling back of […]
Just as employers were taking a look at a bill in Congress aimed at providing paid leave for employees affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, the House-passed legislation took on changes in the Senate. As of early March 17, no Senate vote had been scheduled. Worries from business interests have resulted in a scaling back of […]
In order to address provider’s concerns regarding COVID-19, we have created a coronavirus forum where providers can connect with one another. The forum can include topics such as supplies, visitation, concerns, regulations, mandates, infection control, payment, staffing, etc. You’re not alone in this, we have you covered. Visit the forum to post questions, concerns, and […]
CMS is providing guidance to home health agencies and dialysis facilities concerning the coronavirus outbreak. The guidance gives information to healthcare workers specifically regarding screening, treatment and transfer procedures when working with patients. The guidance includes a frequently asked question section as well. The purpose of the guidance is to protect those who receive both […]
President Trump declared COVID-19 a national emergency on March 13, prompting healthcare providers to active their emergency plans. Trump also advised that healthcare professionals utilize telehealth when possible to limit in-person interactions. By declaring COVID-19 a national emergency, the Trump administration has removed constraints on SNFs by waiving: License requirements so that medical professionals can […]
As COVID-19 spreads throughout the U.S., LTC providers face unique challenges to keep their high-risk residents safe. In an effort to fully understand the challenges SNFs are currently facing as a result of the virus, we’d like readers to complete a survey to tell us about their challenges. In order to aid home health and […]
CMS expanded the range of acceptable facemasks and respirators that can temporarily be used in SNFs in a March 10 memo. “CMS is working in lockstep with the CDC, FDA, and other Trump Administration partners to protect both patients and the dedicated healthcare workers who are battling the spread of Coronavirus,” said CMS Administrator Seema […]