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.
All nursing home staff in Massachusetts must get COVID-19 shots
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 05, 2021
The state is requiring staff and contract employees in all of its 378 facilities to receive a vaccination, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Wednesday.
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.
CDC extends free COVID-19 PCR testing program to assisted living
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Aug 07, 2022
Assisted living communities now have access to free COVID-19 testing through a federal program that previously targeted schools, shelters and correctional facilities.
Fauci: Early data show omicron spreads quickly but with less severity than delta
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 08, 2021
Omicron cases appear to have led to fewer hospitalizations and patients have been less likely to need oxygen, the White House’s infectious disease expert said Tuesday.
FDA nixes use of Parkinson’s drug Nuplazid for treating Alzheimer’s psychosis
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 08, 2022
The Food and Drug Administration has decided not to approve an expanded use of the psychosis drug pimavanserin (Nuplazid) to treat patients with Alzheimer’s.
Hip fracture readmissions lower when nursing home in sync with hospital staff: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 14, 2022
A collaboration between nursing home staff and hospital clinicians helped reduce readmission and mortality rates and improved quality of life for residents with hip fracture.
Black patients less likely to seek hospice care than whites, researchers say
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 29, 2020
Black patients seek substantially more intensive medical treatment in the last six months of life than whites, a study shows. The investigators recommend that more healthcare providers are trained to promote...
U.S. Senate committee urged to follow SNFs’ lead in falls prevention
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 16, 2019
Lawmakers should consider changes to Medicare and look to nursing facilities’ experience when addressing fall-related injuries in seniors, says LeadingAge.
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...