Opt-in COVID vaccine program kicks off; Feds partner with CVS, Walgreens
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 19, 2020
Long-term care facilities nationwide can voluntarily opt in to a free pharmacy partnership program that will provide and administer future COVID-19 vaccines on site, federal officials announced Friday.
Controversial drug use in nursing homes elicits senators’ call for investigation
By
Alicia Lasek
Danielle Brown
Aug 31, 2020
Democratic Senators from the Special Committee on Aging are requesting a probe into the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 nursing home patients.
Clinical briefs for Monday, Aug. 31
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 31, 2020
Senators request probe into hydroxychloroquine use in nursing homes … Sex differences in immune responses may underlie COVID-19 disease outcomes … Cochlear implants should be offered more frequently...
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 26
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 26, 2020
CMS announces details of ‘unprecedented’ national nursing home training program for COVID-19 … Doctor casts doubt on coronavirus plasma treatment: ‘No breakthrough here’ … First COVID-19 reinfection...
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...
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.