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.
Clinical Briefs for Tuesday, July 21
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 21, 2020
Oldest, most frail adults may benefit from hospitalization for COVID-19, study finds … Coronavirus vaccine trial a ‘major breakthrough,’ claims drugmaker … Quest Diagnostics is first to gain...
OSHA blasted for inaction on COVID-19 pleas
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 02, 2020
Complaint logs reveal thousands of “desperate pleas” for protective gear by staff at nursing homes, hospitals and medical offices. Unfulfilled requests may have contributed to worker deaths, according...
Campaign urges Congress to end ‘national nightmare’ of COVID-19 and protect older adults, caregivers
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jun 18, 2020
The Act for Older Adults campaign calls for a comprehensive relief package, including ‘hero’ pay and paid sick leave for care providers, and a $100 billion emergency fund.
Long-term care risks extended negative image without more COVID data from operators: exec
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 16, 2020
Seniors housing and care providers across a wider spectrum must start submitting data to increase transparency about the effects of coronavirus infections, says NIC CEO Brian Jurutka.
CDC director: Agency working to ensure flu vaccine availability
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 04, 2020
The agency is working with drugmakers to help head off what it says could be an overwhelming wave of flu and COVID-19 infections this fall.
Mental health concerns prompting facilities to request renewed socializing
By
Alicia Lasek
May 13, 2020
Some Florida eldercare facility administrators are asking for eased restrictions that would allow limited socializing within their communities.
Unforeseen consequences pile up in race to find COVID-19 treatments
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 25, 2020
The national attention gained by an experimental drug and two existing medications has led to unintended trouble for patients.
Facilities urged to conserve dwindling medical supplies as pandemic persists
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 19, 2020
One in five eldercare facilities will run out of masks, gowns and other PPE if current supplies aren’t carefully conserved, says AHCA / NCAL.
Study links 3 key risk factors to coronavirus deaths among older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 10, 2020
The findings could help clinicians better identify high-risk individuals, say investigators.