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News Bulletins 2006 |
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News Bulletins 2006 |
| Topic Index |
Topic Index
19 Dec 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Sub-11 Anemia Management Web Training Available
On December 11, in collaboration with the Denver ESRD Network, we broadcast an internet slide show on "Management of Patients with Sub-11 Hemoglobin" to staff at selected facilities. You can play the session at https://ifmcevents.webex.com/ec0508l/eventcenter/docshow/playback.do?siteurl=ifmcevents&wrfPath=http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/webby//F-ESRDANEMIA121106.wrf. If you have a copy of the WebEx slide-presentation program on your computer, this link will first update your computer to the necessary version of the WebEx software - you may need to check with your IT staff or computer people to see if you are allowed to download software.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
29 Nov 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Medicare Diabetes Coverage Expanded for 2007
CMS has published a tip sheet called Information Partners Can Use on: Important Updates to Medicare's Diabetes-Related Covered Services in 2007. See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/diabetesupdate.pdf. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
29 Nov 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Network Fistula Rate Tops 60% in September
We've updated the Network's monthly and quarterly fistula-rate progress at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress. The AVF-in-use rate for prevalent patients rose to 60.2% in September, still shy of the 2006 Network goal of 62%. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
29 Nov 2006 Quarterly Modality Reports for September 2006 are avilable at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality/mode0906/modality.htm, showing 4.0% growth over September 2005. These Reports tally estimates of the Network dialysis patient census by state, by county, by facility, and by zip code. See http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality.htm for historical reports back to 1998. If you want to be notified immediately whenever Modality Reports are posted, send a note to nwrnbulletins@nw16.esrd.net, and we'll add you to our Site Planners List. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.
Third Quarter Modality ReportsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
27 Nov 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Patient's View of Quality Care: A New Survey Tool - AHRQ's CAHPS
The HHS Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has made available their CAHPS (Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) consumer satisfaction survey for in-center hemodialysis patients, in both English and Spanish. They are used to uncover opportunities for quality improvement. You can download the surveys, along with protocols, guidelines, and sample materials for administering them, plus data analysis programs and reporting measures, from https://www.cahps.ahrq.gov/cahpskit/ICH/ICHChooseQX.asp. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
27 Nov 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
UNOS Seeks Public Comment on Policy Changes
UNOS is seeking public comment on proposed policy changes, including policies on biopsy standarization, organ packaging, and transplant center reporting requirements. Comment deadline is January 19, 2007. See http://www.unos.org/news/newsDetail.asp?id=741 for details. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
20 Nov 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Medicare Part D Beneficiary Drug Coverage 2007 Open Enrollment
Between November 15 and December 31, 2006, Medicare beneficiaries may switch plans or sign up for the first time for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. Some plans have changed pricing. Renewal is automatic if no change is made. If you are making a change, do so by December 8 to assure that your new coverage is in effect by January 1. Announcement of the open enrollment period can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=2047. See http://www.medicare.gov/ for full details. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
20 Nov 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Index of Fistula Resources for Patients Updated
Find a revised version of the Index of Fistula Resources for Patients, prepared by the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative Beneficiary Task Force, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/FFBIPatientEducation.pdf. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
16 Nov 2006 The CDC has set aside November 27 to December 3, 2006 as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This event is designed to raise awareness of the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November, December and beyond. For information see http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/r061113.htm. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.
National Influenza Vaccination Week Promotes Patient and Provider AwarenessTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
16 Nov 2006 A two-page brochure describing the Medicare Ombudsman's role can be downloaded from http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11173.pdf. The Ombudsman Center is at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/ombudsman.asp. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.
Medicare Ombudsman Website and BrochureTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
2 Nov 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
NPI (National Provider Identifier) Update
You can find CMS's October press release on the National Provider Identifier (NPI) at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/NPIOct06.htm. The NPI replaces Provider Numbers and UPINs. CMS asks that you continue using your old identifiers along with your NPI until they finish testing their new software. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
23 Oct 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
New Medicare Drug Coverage Tools For Medicare Beneficiaries
CMS has released a number of new tools for help with choices available for 2007 under Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. See“New Tools Available to Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Choices for 2007” at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=2033,
“Medicare Drug Coverage Continues to Provide Significant Discounts and Savings in 2007: Analysis of Drugs for Common Health Problems” at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press/release.asp?Counter=2035, and
“Enhancement to Plan Finder Tools on www.Medicare.gov” at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/PartnerTipSheet-WebEnhancement11216-P.PDF.
There are earlier bulletins on this topic.
TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
23 Oct 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
CDC/NKF Program for CKD screening
The CDC has awarded a grant to NKF to support implementation of a nationwide screening program for CKD. For more information see http://nephnews.com/core/newswiredsp.phtml?id=1558. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
19 Oct 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
FDA Alert: Counterfeit Glucose Test Strips
The FDA and LifeScan Inc. have announced that counterfeit versions of the One Touch Brand Blood Glucose Monitors, which could yield incorrect test results which in turn could lead to serious injury or death, are being sold in the US. See http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01490.html for details. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
19 Oct 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
More NPI News
CMS has announced more National Provider Identifier (NPI) materials, including a training package at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand/downloads/NPI_Training_Package.pdf, a 90-minute October 25 audiocast at 2pm on “NPI 101 – And We’re Off! Getting up to Speed on NPI” (details at http://www.wedi.org/npioi/index.shtml), and a transcript of the September 26 NPI Roundtable at http://cms.hhs.gov/EducationMaterials/Downloads/NationalProviderIdentifierRoundtable.pdf. The NPI will be required for all Medicare billing beginning May 23, 2007. They are available and usable now. See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/nationalprovidentstand for details. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
11 Oct 2006 The NWRN website includes a page where you can list your job openings, at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/jobs.htm. To add a job to these listings, email us at nwrnbulletins@nw16.esrd.net. Please don't forget to notify us when you fill a position.
NWRN Jobs ListingsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 Oct 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
2006 Family Health and Kidney Expo
The 2006 Family Health & Kidney Expo on chronic kidney disease, sponsored by the Northwest Kidney Centers will be held in Seattle on Saturday October 14. The theme this year is "Knowledge is Power." For details see http://www.nwkidney.org/ways2help/events/expo2006.html.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 Oct 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
New Website Encouraging Kidney Donation
A new website, http://www.donateyourkidneys.org/, encourages donation of kidneys. There is an earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
3 Oct 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
National Provider Identifier (NPI) News
The National Provider Identifier ("NPI") Roundtable discussion on September 26 drew record crowds. A recording of it will be available through Wednesday, October 4. To listen, call 800-642-1687 and enter conference ID number 4795739. After May 23, 2007, all Medicare billing must use an NPI. See http://www.cms.hhs.gov/NationalProvIdentStand for details. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
3 Oct 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Patient Education Materials for 2006-7 Flu Season
The Centers for Disease Control have published a "gallery" of educational materials about influenza vaccination for the 2006-7 flu season, at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flugallery/index.htm.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
3 Oct 2006 A 2-page booklet titled "The Medicare-Medicaid Relationship" has been revised by CMS, and is now available for download from http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/Relationship_Brochure.pdf.
Medicare-Medicaid Relationship Brochure RevisedTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
31 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Transplant Center Compliance and Conditions-of-Participation Forum
CMS will hold a Special Open Door Forum on Medicare Compliance and Conditions of Participation for Transplant Centers on September 12, 2006 to discuss their action plan for addressing centers that are not in full compliance with the current criteria for Medicare certification. For more information, see http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OpenDoorForums. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
31 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
UNOS Transplant Policy Change Proposals
UNOS is asking for public comment on five policy proposals on membership, and nineteen proposals on a variety of clinical issues. Deadlines for comment are September 27, 2006 for the membership issues, and October 27, 2006 for the clinical issues. For details see http://www.unos.org/policiesAndBylaws/publicComment/proposals.asp. This web page starts with proposal set #2; set #1 appears at the bottom of the page. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
28 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Tips for Beneficiaries to Help Cover Medicare Drug Coverage Gap
CMS has prepared two tip sheets to help the 28% of Medicare beneficiaries who will encounter a coverage gap or "donut hole" in their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage. "How the Coverage Gap Works for People with Medicare Prescription Drug Plans," at http://cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/downloads/PartneTipSheetExplCovGap080206.pdf is written for counselors, and covers questions such as "How can a person with Medicare delay or avoid reaching the coverage gap?" "Bridging the Coverage Gap," at http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11213.pdf is written for patients, and includes tips like seeking patient assistance programs. The private organization RxAssist publishes a reference chart of patient assistance programs at http://www.rxassist.org/docs/medicare-and-paps.cfm. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
28 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Medicare Part D Limited Income Subsidy Special Enrollment Period
A special enrollment period for people who qualify for the Limited Income Subsidy ("LIS") to Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage lasts until November 15, 2006. A LIS Outreach Toolkit, links to LIS publications, and LIS information by county can be found at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/LIS/LISOutreachToolkit.pdf, http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/LIS/LinksToLISPubs.htm, and http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/LIS/LISCountyData.htm respectively. They're big files, so have patience. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
28 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Children in ESRD Eligible for Medicare Part D Drug Coverage
CMS has issued a reminder that children in the ESRD program are eligible for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Read the CMS memo at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/ChildrenPartD.pdf. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
23 Aug 2006 The NIH's National Kidney Education Program officially launched their Creatinine Standardization Program in July. Recommendations developed by this program can be found at http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/labprofessionals, along with GFR Calculators, an email-update signup, and other useful tools.
NIH Creatinine Standardization ProgramTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
23 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
CE Credits for Article on Buttonhole Technique
We've gotten permission from Nephrology Nursing Journal to add Lynda Ball's article on The Buttonhole Technique for AVF Cannulation to our Buttonhole Resources section at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/ffcannu.htm. CE credits are available with it. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
23 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Dialysis Facility Report Correction and Deadline
Your facility's annual Dialysis Facility Report ("DFR") was mailed out in July. Page 4 says that the DFRs contain no information on fistula use. This is a typo, as Table 6 of the DFR summarizes your facility AVF rates. Don't forget the September 10 deadline for submitting your comments - see the earlier bulletin on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
11 Aug 2006 The Network's 2005 Annual Report is now available. You can download the full document, or just the data tables by themselves, from http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/ARS.htm.
Network 2005 Annual Report Now AvailableTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
11 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
June 2006 Modality Reports
The June 2006 Modality Report is now available at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/modality/mode0606/modality.htm. The Network dialysis population increased 4% since June 2005. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
11 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
May 2006 Network AVF Rate Drops to 59.1%
The Network average AVF rate for May 2006 was 59.1%, down a bit from April, but up from 58.7% at year-end 2005. See http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/monsnap.htm for a picture of the trend. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
4 Aug 2006 The 24-page booklet, "Medicare Basics: A Guide for Families and Friends of People with Medicare" has been revised for 2006. You can obtain copies by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, by ordering them from http://pubordering.cms.hhs.gov/mailinglist, or by downloading the booklet directly from http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news/cmspub11034.pdf.
Medicare Basics: A Guide for Families and Friends of People with MedicareTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
4 Aug 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
American Association of Kidney Patients Annual Convention
The American Association of Kidney Patients will hold this year's annual convention August 31-September 3 in Orlando. Look for details and registration information at http://www.aakp.org/AAKP/convention.htm.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
12 Jul 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
2005 Clinical Performance Measures Project Results Available
The 2005 Clinical Performance Measures (CPM) Project results are now posted at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/statscpm.htm. The 2005 CPM Project uses data for December 2004. The Network Medical Review Board will be evaluating quality improvement projects for these measures. The 2006 CPM Project is currently underway, and forms are being processed.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
12 Jul 2006 There is a later article on this topic.
Fistula First Results for April 2006 - 59.5% AVF in Use
April AVF rates from the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative are in, and the Network has gained 0.8 percentage points since year-end 2005, to 59.5% AVF in use among prevalent in-center hemodialysis patients, 2.5 points below our goal of 62%. The rate of AVF in place (whether in use or maturing) is up 2.4 points since year-end, to 69.6%. We post our progress at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/fist1st/fist1st.htm#progress every month. There are earlier bulletins on this topic.TOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 Jul 2006 We have been alerted that a number of faxes have been sent to another party with a similar number. We ask that you please check the phone number coded into your fax machines, to make sure that faxes intended for the Network are sent to 206-923-0716. Please forward this to any persons in your organization who are responsible for submitting information to the Network.
Please Verify the Fax Number You Use to Reach the NetworkTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
5 Jul 2006 If you're receiving these Bulletins via email at an outdated email address and you'd like to continue receiving them, please send an email with your updated email address to nwrnbulletins@nw16.esrd.net. And if you know anyone who'd benefit from these Bulletins, ask them to send an email with their request to nwrnbulletins@nw16.esrd.net, and we'll add them to the list. These Bulletins are always filed here at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/news_bulletins.htm after they're emailed, and indexed at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/NewsBulletinTopics.htm. Bulletins of particular interest to patients and clinical staff are separately indexed at http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/patients.htm and http://www.nwrenalnetwork.org/staff.htm respectively.
Updates to Email Addresses for Receiving These BulletinsTOP OF PAGE BOTTOM OF PAGE
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