TIP OF THE WEEK
Routine tests for people with Diabetes are not routine for African American Medicare beneficiaries
The Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test, Lipid Profile, and annual Dilated Eye Exams are important tests that help control diabetes and save lives. However, there is room to improve the percentage of those with diabetes who are receiving these tests, especially in traditionally underserved populations that may encounter barriers to awareness, pursuit, or receipt of standards of care.
According to Medicare claims data for Ohio, 81.7 percent of African-American beneficiaries aged 18-75 have received an HbA1c test, while just 71.7 percent have undergone a lipid profile and only 51.5 percent have had a dilated eye exam as part of recommended standards of care. Only a little more than a third – 37.4 percent – has had all three tests, leaving nearly two-thirds of the population ill equipped to monitor all potential complications.
Ohio KePRO encourages your home health agency to help all patients manage their diabetes through patient education about the nature, purpose, and coverage of each of these tests. We offer a number of free resources, including reminder postcards for tests and exams, informational coupons to determine eligibility for a dilated eye exam from EyeCare America at no out-of-pocket cost, African American Health Guides, and the publication “Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies & Services.” A comprehensive care plan that incorporates all three exams can help prevent the multiple complications that can arise from uncontrolled diabetes.
For more information and resources to support patient diabetes management education, contact Cathleen Johnson at Ohio KePRO at 1-800-385-5080 or droffice@ohqio.sdps.org. Or you can order online from our Shopping Bag at www.ohiokepro.com.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
Medicines and you: A guide for older adults
This FDA guide for older adults presents information for avoiding problems with medication use. Also available in printable PDF.
IN THE NEWS
HAVE YOUR PATIENTS BEEN IMMUNIZED?
Ohio's Immunization Registry is free to healthcare providers in Ohio. Hospitals, physicians’ offices, home health agencies, nursing homes, and other healthcare providers can access this database to determine whether a patient was immunized. However, using it is a two way street. In order for the database to be complete and accurate, providers must enter data on patients to whom they have administered the vaccine. For more information call 866-349-0002 or go to www.impactsiis.org.
CMS FLU SHOT REMINDER: IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GIVE AND GET THE FLU SHOT!
The peak of flu season typically is between late December and March; however, flu season can last until May. Protect yourself, your patients, and your family and friends by getting and giving the flu shot. Each office visit presents an opportunity for you to talk with your patients about the importance of getting an annual flu shot and a lifetime pneumococcal vaccination. Remember - influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations and their administration are covered Part B benefits. Note that influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are NOT Part D covered drugs. Read More >>
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GIVE AND GET THE FLU SHOT! (PDF)
February 8, 2007 -- EurekAlert -- Seniors work hard to keep their marriages alive and well, even after one spouse falls ill and goes into a long-term care facility, according to a new study from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.
Researcher Robin Stadnyk was surprised to discover that community-dwelling spouses were heavily involved in the lives of their institutionalized partners, and that many of the couples stayed active together both inside and outside the nursing home.
Read More >>
COMING ATTRACTIONS
ARE YOU READY FOR PAY FOR PERFORMANCE?
The Ohio KePRO Home Health Team is planning meetings throughout Ohio for the end of March. We plan to discuss what agencies can start doing now to prepare for pay for performance.
Save the date for a meeting in your area (more dates and details to come):
- 3/20/07: Miamisburg (Dayton area)
- 3/21/07: Toledo
- 3/27/07: Akron
- 3/28/07: Dublin (Columbus area)
- 3/29/07: Dover (New Philadelphia/South Canton area)
