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 nursing home to help all residents 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
Pain Jeopardy
This jeopardy game is a great way to provide pain education to nursing home staff using adult learning interactive techniques.
Staff should be familiar with pain management or have read the presentations Holistic Approach to Pain and Facility Pain Inservice, which are also available for download.
IN THE NEWS
HAVE YOUR RESIDENTS BEEN IMMUNIZED?
Ohio's Immunization Registry is free to healthcare providers in Ohio. Hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, nursing homes, and other healthcare providers can access this database to determine whether a patient was immunized. However, it is a two way street. In order for the database to be complete and accurate, providers must enter 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 is typically 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 (PDF) >>
ONE DOCTOR'S CRUSADE FOR HOSPITAL REFORM
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 >>
OHIO KEPRO EVENTS
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Objectives:
- Identify the basic principles of quality improvement
- Describe the role of data collection in the quality improvement process
- Discuss ways to improve team performance
- Identify strategies to improve the effectiveness of team leaders and team members
WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Nursing home administrators, directors of nursing, clinical managers, direct care professionals, QI team members
Continuing education credits for nurses and NAB credits for administrators are pending. Please contact Donna Maynard at 1.800.385.5080 to learn the program’s status.
February 8, 2007 through March 8, 2007 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in various locations throughout Ohio.
If you are interested, please download the flyer and register online.
View all Ohio KePRO educational opportunities for nursing homes >>
OTHER INDUSTRY EVENTS
Navigating the MDS Through the Ohio Medicaid Reimbursement System
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
June 11, 2007 or August 23, 2007
Call Cheryl Robertson at (614) 466-9088 for more information.
Roadmap for Change: 2nd Annual Person Centered Care Coalition Conference
March 20, 2007 – Columbus, Ohio
Upcoming CMS Webcasts
How to Enhance the Quality of Dining Assistance in Nursing Homes
March 16, 2007, 1:00 p.m.
Advancing Excellence in Nursing Homes
April 23, 2007, 1:00 p.m.
From Institutional to Individual Care Part III: Clinical Case Studies in Culture Change
April 27, 2007, 1:00 p.m.
Medicare Learning Network: Learning resources and products for the healthcare professional.
Alzheimer’s Association Training Events
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Courses
Ohio Department of Health, Technical Assistance Program – New Programs
Ohio Health Care Association Events
An archive of The Nursing Home Weekly Update is available on our Web site. Click here >>
