Coronavirus test availability is increasing following a surge in demand and other events that created shortages and longer wait times for results, a federal health official says.
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.
FDA approves fast-results antigen test for COVID-19
By
Alicia Lasek
May 11, 2020
The first federally approved test of its kind, the point-of-care diagnostic is administered using a nasal swab.
Blood clotting emerges as a new COVID-19 risk
By
John O'Connor
May 03, 2020
It’s well established that COVID-19 fuels severe respiratory problems. In addition, those with severe infections also risk abnormal blood clotting, according to Irish clinicians.
CMS edicts bring tougher survey conditions to nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Nov 15, 2021
More oversight is coming for nursing home providers after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services directed surveyors to take a more critical look at nurse competency and residents’ quality of care...
PPE, staff shortages unchanged: CMS data show 1 in 5 facilities ‘severely’ affected
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 24, 2020
There were notable clusters of equipment shortfalls in certain states. A quarter of U.S. counties had at least 44% of nursing homes reporting low staffing levels.
Healthcare workers account for at least 20% of COVID-19 cases
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 15, 2020
The number comes from state reports and is likely an underestimation, according to the CDC.
Wednesday, earn CE credits while learning about UV-C disinfection
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 20, 2020
Attendees at McKnight’s Online Forum, July 22, will learn about ultraviolet germicidal irradiation along with tools and technology to supplement infection prevention protocols. The hour-long session...
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 briefing: Top officials talk up vaccine plans, focus on long-term care
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 22, 2020
Federal health officials touted transparency and nationwide distribution plans while keeping their eye on Phase 1 vaccine recipients, including LTC residents and workers.