Vetting COVID-19 vaccine in bariatric population is essential, investigator says
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 17, 2020
Judging from the performance of other vaccines, some experts are concerned that a COVID-19 inoculation will be less effective in people with obesity than for those with a lower body mass.
Nursing homes with staffing shortages more susceptible to COVID-19 spread: study
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 13, 2020
Facilities with higher Five-star ratings for nurse staffing were less likely to have COVID-19 cases when compared with lower-rated providers, according to a new research letter published in the Journal...
Thunderstorms linked to spike in respiratory emergencies for Medicare beneficiaries
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2020
Emergency respiratory care visits increase among older Medicare patients in the days surrounding a thunderstorm, according to a new study from Harvard Medical School.
Study confirms need to isolate asymptomatic COVID-19 staff, residents
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2020
Symptomatic and asymptomatic adults carry a similar amount of the virus, a study of infected patients has found. What’s more, 81% of the asymptomatic participants had no outward signs of disease for...
An electric cooker can sanitize N95 masks, preserve filtration and fit, investigators find
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2020
A rice cooker or an Instant Pot effectively decontaminates N95 respirators without compromising fit and function, researchers say. They demonstrate the method in a YouTube video.
Six states join coronavirus test-purchasing compact; VA tries statewide COVID app
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2020
The governors of six states, including Republicans and Democrats, have formed an interstate compact to negotiate the purchase of 3 million COVID-19 antigen tests.
Staff, residents get on-site infusions in unusual COVID-19 drug trial
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2020
Eli Lilly and Symphony Care Network have partnered to test a COVID-19 antibody drug in long-term care communities. The drugmaker is deploying recreational vehicles retrofitted as mobile research units...
Residents’ physical decline tied to extended anticholinergic, sedative use
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2020
Long-term exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications is linked to reduced physical function — though not cognitive function — in nursing home residents.
Juniper CEO: Restoring ‘new normal’ in senior living is about COVID lessons learned
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Aug 03, 2020
Juniper Communities created an early COVID-19 battle plan using cohorting and universal testing. Today the majority of its communities are testing 100% negative for the virus, says founder and CEO Lynne...
Feds to reimburse providers for counseling patients to self-isolate
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 31, 2020
Existing E/M codes can be used to bill for counseling patients about virus mitigation at the time of COVID-19 testing, according to CMS and the CDC.