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News Bulletins 2006 |
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News Bulletins 2006 |
| Topic Index |
Topic Index
23 Jun 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Index of Useful Patient Education Materials on Fistulas
Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative has produced an index of useful patient education materials on fistulas. The index can be found at http://www.network12.org/qi_projects/ffbi_patient_education.pdf. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
23 Jun 2006 There are later articles on vascular access and home dialysis.
Home Dialysis Central Articles on Self-Cannulation and Coverage
Home Dialysis Central's Topic of the Month is "Dialysis Needles, Self-Cannulation, and the Buttonhole Technique." The patient education article is at http://www.homedialysis.org/v1/rotating/0506topicofthemonth.shtml. HDC has also added to their website maps showing which parts of the US are within two hours drive of a facility that offers home dialysis. View them at http://www.homedialysis.org/v1/types/maps.shtml. There are earlier bulletins on both vascular access and HDC.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
21 Jun 2006 The FDA has issued a class 1 recall for the Welch Allyn AED20 Automated External Defibrillator. A class 1 recall implies potential for serious injury or death. Details can be found at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/recalls/recall-061506.html.
Class 1 Recall of Welch Allyn AED20 Automated External DefibrillatorsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
21 Jun 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Open Door Forum June 28 on Medicare Part B and D Drug Provisions
The next Pharmacy Open Door Forum meeting on June 28 will focus on the Part B and Part D drug provisions of Medicare. For details see http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/22_ODF_PPDM.asp#TopOfPage. There are earlier bulletins on Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
29 May 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Network Fistula Rate for March 2006 at 59.1%
The monthly and quarterly Fistula Rate graphs have been updated for March 2006 at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress. As of March, 59.1% of prevalent hemodialysis patients were using fistulas. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
29 May 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
March 2006 Modality Reports Show 3.7% Growth in Dialysis Population
The March 2006 Modality Report, an unofficial patient census, is now available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality/mode0306/modality.htm. The Network dialysis population has increased by 3.7% since March 2005. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
29 May 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
National Provider Identifiers to Replace Provider Numbers
NPIs (National Provider Identifiers) will soon replace Provider Numbers. See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=1870 for details. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
23 May 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
FDA Recall of Tacrolimus API Transplant Immunosuppressive Drug
The FDA has announced a recall of Tacrolimus API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) because some batches are sub-potent. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug used to prevent rejection of transplanted solid organs such as kidneys. For details see http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/spectrum05_06.html. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
23 May 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
UNOS Solicits Public Comment on Proposed Transplant Policy Changes
UNOS has released for public comment seven proposed transplant policy amendments. Comments are due by June 19, 2006. See http://www.unos.org/policiesAndBylaws/publicComment/proposals.asp. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 May 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
2006 Dialysis Facility Report Schedule
By the current schedule, dialysis facilities will receive this year's Dialysis Facility Report (DFR) in mid-August. They will then have until September 10 to register their comments online. Comments they submit will be appended to the copy of their DFR sent to their State Survey Agency in September. Selected data from each DFR will be published on the CMS Dialysis Facility Compare website in November.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 May 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
December 2005 Fistula Rate Reports Mailed to Facilities
We've mailed out Fistula First Project progress reports for 2005 to all facility representatives and medical directors. The graphs and other information from these reports, along with Network goals, are reproduced at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress. For 2006 the Network goal for prevalent in-center hemodialysis patients has been raised to 62%. At the end of February 2006, this Network's overall AVF rate was 58.5%.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 May 2006 We've also added two new articles to our online "On Course with Cannulation" module (http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/ffcannu.htm), "Improving AVF Cannulation Skills" (with ANNA CEU credits) at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/cannu/imprvcanskills.pdf, and "Determining Maturity of New AVFs," at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/cannu/maturity.pdf.
New Fistula Cannulation ArticlesTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
3 May 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Comments Wanted on Dialysis Delivery at Long Term Care Facilities
The Indiana-Illinois Network is developing recommendations for CMS on the Delivery of Dialysis Treatment within the Long Term Care Facility setting. They request that you review their draft report at http://www.therenalnetwork.org/LTC.html and comment on it at this site by May 15.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
19 Apr 2006 For a limited time the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, part of NIH, is offering bulk quantities of some of their educational materials free of charge, including Eat Right to Feel Right on Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis Dose and Adequacy, Renal Osteodystrophy, and others. Order at http://catalog.niddk.nih.gov/special_orderform.cfm?offer=kidney01.
Free NIDDK Educational MaterialsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
14 Apr 2006 The FDA has announced two Class II recalls, on the Gambro Prisma M100 and HF1000 presets, and on the Baxter BM25 HD System, including the BM11 and BM11A Blood Monitor Pumps and BM14 Ultrafiltration Monitoring Module. A Class II recall is used when adverse consequences are not likely to be permanent or life-threatening. See http://www.renalweb.com/cgi-local/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=14&t=000305 for details. There are also earlier alerts on Gambro Prisma Systems.
Class II Recalls on Gambro Prisma M100 and HF1000 Presets and Baxter BM25/BM11/BM11A/BM14 HD MachinesTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
14 Apr 2006 The Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey measures the satisfaction facilities have with their financial intermediaries and other Medicare contractors. It's been sent to a random selection of facilities, and the return rate from ESRD facilities is only half that from other facilities. If you have one and haven't returned it yet, we encourage you to do so. For more information see http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MCPSS/.
Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction SurveyTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
31 March 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Updated CMS Bulletins on ESRD and Medicare
CMS has published several new and revised bulletins, including the 104-page "Medicare & You 2006" at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/mnyou306.pdf, the 64-page "Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services" at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/patcov306.pdf, the 58-page "Physician's Guide to Medicare Coverage of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Services at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/doccover306.pdf, and an 83-slide PowerPoint Presentation of Module 6 of the 2004 REACH National Medicare Training Program, "Medicare Entitlement Because of ESRD or Disability," at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/reach6esrd.ppt.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
28 March 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Updated Grievance Procedure Materials Mailed to Facilities
We've mailed updated grievance procedure materials to each facility, including the Grievance Protocol Guide, which is also available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/grievance_protocol.htm, and a state-specific grievance poster. The posters are also available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/grievanceposterWA.pdf for Washington, http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/grievanceposterOR.pdf for Oregon, http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/grievanceposterMT.pdf for Montana, http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/grievanceposterID.pdf for Idaho, and http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/grievanceposterAK.pdf for Alaska.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
28 March 2006 We've mailed to each Facility Representative a Network Mortality Report for July 2002 through June 2005, including facility-specific Standardized Mortality Ratios ("SMR"), and information about how to read and use them. As the report explains, these are different from the SMRs in the Dialysis Facility Reports which we mail out every summer. For more information see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/mort05/smr0205rpt.htm.
2002-2005 Standardized Mortality Ratio Reports Mailed to FacilitiesTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
14 March 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
March 16 Seminar: A Team Approach to Managing Bone Disease in CKD Stage 5
On Thursday March 16, NKF of Oregon and Washington is presenting a half-day CEU program in Portland on "A Team Approach to Managing Bone Disease in CKD Stage 5" for dietitians, nurses, social workers, and dialysis technicians. For details see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/nkfprogram0316.pdf. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
14 March 2006 March is National Kidney Month. Free educational materials about chronic kidney disease are available from the Life Options Programs at http://www.lifeoptions.org and from the National Kidney Foundation. The Life Options Kidney School has a new booklet on "38 No-Cost Ways to Use Kidney School for Patient Education." Find it at http://www.kidneyschool.org/pdfs/KSIdeaGuide.pdf. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.
Free Educational Materials for National Kidney Month from Life Options and Kidney SchoolTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 March 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Medicare Prescription Drug Phone Scam
CMS has issued a Consumer Alert warning of a phone scam. Seniors and disabled persons are talked into withdrawing money from their bank account to pay for a non-existent drug plan. The Alert is at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/phonescam.pdf. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 March 2006 There is a CMS ESRD Open Door Forum on March 21, 2006. See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums/15_ODF_ESRD.asp.
ESRD Open Door Forum March 21TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 March 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
HIPAA Final Enforcement Rule Effective March 16
The Final HIPAA Enforcement Rule takes effect on March 16, 2006. Review it at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/FinalEnforcementRule06.pdf. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
7 March 2006 The NIH National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) has launched a Spanish-language version. Their website en espaņol is at http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/espanol. A series of brochures can also be obtained from the website, or toll free from 1-866-454-3639. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.
Spanish Version of NIH National Kidney Disease Education ProgramTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
7 March 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Helping Homeless Clients with Medicare Drug Coverage
CMS has published a fact sheet on helping homeless clients obtain Medicare prescription drug coverage. It also provides links to many other fact sheets on coverage for people with limited incomes, coverage for Native Americans, food stamps, state health insurance assistance programs, and a link to the "FirstStep on the path to benefits for people who are homeless" website. You can find the fact sheet at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/homelessdrugs.pdf. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
7 March 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
A National Conversation - Friends and Family First
CMS has updated their educational guide, "A National Conversation - Friends and Family First," which explains the process of applying for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/nationalconversation.pdf. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
3 March 2006 There is also a later bulletin on the recall of Gambro Prisma presets.
ALERT: Gambro Prisma Alarms
The FDA has issued an updated bulletin about the Gambro Prisma Continuous Renal Replacement System, warning of additional serious injuries and deaths. The bulletin at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/safety/022706-gambro.html provides detailed regarding safe operation and in-service training. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
27 February 2006 RPA, KUFA, the Forum of ESRD Networks, AAKP, and CMS have collaborated to develop a study to better understand health and safety for hemodialysis patients. A health care professional survey is available now and a patient survey will be available in the future. Health care professionals are encouraged to learn more about the survey and register online at http://www.healthandsafetysurvey.com. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.
Survey on Medical Errors in HemodialysisTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
27 February 2006 The CDC have just published an MMWR on "Influenza Vaccination of Health-Care Personnel," at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr55e209.pdf.
Influenza Vaccination for Health-Care Personnel Bulletin from CDCTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
27 February 2006 The proceedings of the NIH conference on "State-of-the-Science on Improving End-of-Life Care" have been published by the Journal of Palliative Medicine. They are available without charge at http://www.liebertonline.com/toc/jpm/8/supplement+1;jsessionid=iTpZ2sFLEoK7brpdUM.
State-of-the-Science on Improving End-of-Life Care ProceedingsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
13 February 2006 A State surveyor in this Network has reported seeing a significant number of patient accesses covered during facility site visits. Please reread our bulletin at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/canyouseeit.pdf on the importance of keeping access sites visible during dialysis to assure patient safety.
Keeping Patient Access Sites Visible at All TimesTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
13 February 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency Links
We've updated our links to state vocational rehabilitation program websites and related information, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/2006VocRehabStateInfo.htm.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
13 February 2006 CMS is mailing a survey to facilities asking you to comment on the quality of service provided to you by financial intermediaries and other CMS contractors that you deal with, and is requesting a higher response rate from ESRD facilities than they've been getting. For details see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/MCPSSdun.htm.
Survey on How Well CMS Contractors Serve FacilitiesTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 February 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Emergency Preparedness for Dialysis Facilities
The CMS Emergency Preparedness for Dialysis Facilities book is being revised. In the interim, you can find a copy of the current edition at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/emerprepfacs.pdf. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
8 February 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Annual UNOS Transplant Management Forum in April
The 14th annual UNOS Transplant Management Forum will be held April 24-26 in San Francisco. Conference information and schedule can be found at http://www.unos.org/SharedContentDocuments/TMF_syllabus.pdf. You can register at http://www.regonline.com/89051. A group rate is available at the Westin St. Francis until March 31. You can get more information from UNOS Travel and Conference Planning at 800-292-9548 ext 4986 or 804-782-4986. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
2 February 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Avian Flu Summary from Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports has published a nice summary of Avian Flu issues at http://www.consumerreports.org/mg/free-highlights/cr-health-alerts/safety-alert/avian_flu.htm. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
30 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
ALERT: Gambro Prisma Safety Warning
On January 3 Gambro issued Urgent Product Safety Information regarding the Gambro Prisma Continuous Renal Replacement System, instructing customers to make sure that all personnel who operate the machines use the revised training materials which addressed the previous Safety Alert in August 2005. See also Gambro's January 23 letter to the NKF, their Worldwide Safety Alert, and their Device Field Correction Notice. On their website Gambro has posted a response to the Warning Letter which the FDA issued on January 5. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
30 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Emergency Preparedness Links Update
We've updated our Emergency Preparedness Links page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/emergencylinks9.doc.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
30 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
National Provider Identifier Timeline
Legacy Medicare Provider Numbers may be used on Medicare claims until May 22, 2007. Between January 3 and October 1, 2006 CMS will accept a National Provider Identifier on a Medicare claim only if the corresponding legacy Medicare Provider Number also appears. Between October 2, 2006 and May 22, 2007 either identifier may be used. Beginning May 23, 2007 only a National Provider Identifier will be accepted. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
27 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
First Medicare Ombudsman's Open Door Forum Meeting
The first Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman's Open Door Forum will be held at 2pm EST on February 15. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
27 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Preliminary December 2005 Patient Census
The Modality Report for December 31, 2005 is now available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality/mode1205/modality.htm, showing an increase of 4.9% over year-end 2004 in the point prevalent Network dialysis patient census. When these quarterly reports are published, we immediately notify everyone on our Site Planners Email List. Let us know if you want to be added to that list.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
27 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Reimbursement for Medicare Part D State Costs
CMS has released a fact sheet on reimbursing states for efforts to ensure that beneficiaries have access to their Medicare Part D prescription drugs during the start-up period. See http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/PartDStatePay.pdf. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
19 January 2006 NKF is sponsoring conference calls for nephrology social workers on February 8 and February 10 to discuss issues in the aftermath of the hurricanes. For details see http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/nkfswconfcalls.doc. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.
NKF Nephrology Social Worker Conference CallsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
19 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman Open Door Forum
CMS has established a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman Open Door Forum to allow beneficiaries, caregivers, and advocates to publicly discuss with the Ombudsman issues and concerns regarding ways to improve the systems and processes within the Medicare program. You can get on the e-mailing list for the Forum by choosing BENEOMBUDODF at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/mailinglists/default.asp?audience=4.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
19 January 2006 At http://new.cms.hhs.gov/Transmittals/Downloads/R797CP.PDF, CMS describes billing changes for Method II home dialysis claims.
Home Dialysis Billing ChangeTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
17 January 2006 We've received a letter from Vasca saying that they will discontinue commercial operations on January 31, and that the LifeSite HD Access System will no longer be available. If you have patients with LifeSite accesses and did not get the letter, call Vasca at 888-827-2203.
Vasca LifeSite HD Access System DiscontinuedTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
17 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Medicare Drug Coverage Copayment Help from Healthwell Foundation
The Healthwell Foundation is providing a series of audio conferences on "Help with the Copayment Burden - How the Healthwell Foundation Helps Patients Afford Therapies They Need" at 10am PST January 19, 1pm PST January 26, and 8am PST January 31. Get more information at http://www.healthwellfoundation.org/audio.aspx. There is an earlier bulletin on the Healthwell Foundation, and earlier bulletins on Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
17 January 2006 The current issue of the Nephrology Nursing Journal includes an article by Network QI Coordinator Lynda Ball on Improving AVF Cannulation Skills. See http://nephrologynursing.net/ce/expire2007/Article32611618.pdf. CE credits for this article and others are available online at http://www.nephrologynursing.net/ce/artlist.htm. As of November our rate of AVFs in use by prevalent patients stood at 59.4%, just shy of our goal of 60%. For incident patients, our 34.6% rate of AVFs placed remains short of our 60% goal. Our quarterly progress is graphed on our Fistula First page at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/trendqtrs.htm.
Improving AVF Cannulation SkillsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
17 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
National Provider Identifier Website
CMS has announced a new web page on the National Provider Identifier, at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
12 January 2006 AAKP has added a brochure on Understanding Your Peritoneal Dialysis Options to their website, at http://www.aakp.org/AAKP/pdoptions.htm.
Understanding Your Peritoneal Dialysis Options BrochureTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
12 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Pandemic Influenza Planning Guide for Individuals and Families
HHS has released Pandemic Influenza Planning: A Guide for Individuals and Families. It is announced at http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2006pres/20060106.html and found at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab3.html. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
12 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Color Poster on Foot Care for People with Diabetes
A recent Diabetes in Control newsletter includes a color poster or handout on Foot Care for people with Diabetes. See http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/issues/issue292/MasterFootcareEng.pdf. See also our earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
11 January 2006 The FDA has announced a Class I recall of the VITROSŪ Immunodiagnostic HBsAg Confirmatory Kit, detailed at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/recalls/recall-121505.html. Class I recalls involve a reasonable probability of serious injury or death.
Class I Recall of VITROSŪ Immunodiagnostic HBsAg Confirmatory KitTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
11 January 2006 On January 25, 2006 CMS will host an Open Door Forum on their draft Tribal Consultation Policy, to provide an overview of the policy, discuss the policy development process, and respond to questions, in order to expedite the comment process and provide clarification and discussion. Final comments on the policy are due February 10, 2006 to Dorothy.Dupree@CMS.HHS.gov or by mail to Dorothy Dupree, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of External Affairs, CMS, 7500 Security Boulevard, MS C1-16-03, Baltimore MD 21244-1850. You can review the draft policy at http://www.cmsttag.org/docs/cms_tribal_consultation_policy_2005-12.doc, and find more information at http://www.cmsttag.org. The Forum will be a 90-minute conference call starting at 2pm EST on January 25, 2006, accessible at 800-837-1935, conference ID #4117549 (TTY 800-855-2880 or http://www.consumer.att.com/relay/which/index.html). After the call, a recording of the Forum will be available until January 31 at 800-642-1687, ID #4117549.
CMS Open Door Forum January 25 on Tribal Consultation PolicyTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
11 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Northwest Renal Dietitians 2006 Annual Meeting Schedule and Registration
The schedule, registration form, and other details for the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Northwest Renal Dietitians is available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/NWRD2006.doc. The conference will be held in Vancouver BC on March 2-3, 2006. Poster sessions must be coordinated by January 31, and rooms in the conference hotel must be booked by February 1. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 January 2006 Our manual on Monitoring Your Dialysis Water Treatment System is described at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news_bulletins05B.htm#waterdoc. We've added a sample letter that a facility might want to send to their water utility at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/waterletter.doc, and a calculator to compute carbon needs and flow rates at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/watercalculator.xls.
Sample Letter to Water Utility and Water Treatment CalculatorsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 January 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Scenarios
At http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/whatif1.pdf, CMS has placed a table of "what-if scenarios" for situations that may arise as the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage takes effect. For instance, the table describes what should happen if a Medicare beneficiary who qualifies for the low-income subsidy, but who is not for the full-benefit-dual-eligible, goes to a pharmacy without a plan ID card but with a plan enrollment acknowledgement letter. CMS will add to the table as you identify new situations. Send your proposed situations to Den_drughelp@cms.hhs.gov for Montana, and to BeneficiaryServices@cms.hhs.gov for Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 January 2006 ANNA's Winter 2006 "Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative: Focus on Cannulation" audioconference will be held on February 21 at 5:30 pm in Alaska, 6:30 pm in Washington, northern Idaho and Oregon except the Ontario area, and 7:30 pm in Montana, southern Idaho, and Ontario Oregon. The audioconference provides 2.0 contact hours of CE credit. Contact your local ANNA chapter for locations and fee schedules.
ANNA Audioconference on Fistula Cannulation February 21TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 January 2006 The National Kidney Foundation's "CKD Best Practice" newsletter can be found at http://www.kidney.org/professionals/KLS/bp-about.cfm.
NKF CKD Best Practice NewsletterTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
EARLIER BULLETINS
Topic Index
Page updated February 17, 2008
FOR PATIENTS FOR CLINICAL STAFF FISTULA FIRST CONTACT US BOTTOM OF PAGE
GRIEVANCE PROTOCOL SUMMARY STATISTICS FACILITIES LIST FORUM OF ESRD NETWORKS
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