Mailings
The new Learn and Earn flyer regarding infections was mailed to all dialysis units. Copies of this flyer need to be distibuted to all patients, who, after reading the flyer, may enter their name in a drawing to win $100 from Network #15. Entries must be received by July 31, 2008.
Conference Calls
Network #15 hosts a series of conference
calls designed to improve the quality, accuracy, and timeliness
of the data that we receive. These calls provide an opportunity
for facilities to learn about CMS/Network forms
and to open up discussions between facilities and the Network.
- Recording of Mid-year Survey TOPIC - available until August 30, 2008
- Toll-free call in number: 1 888 203-1112
- Passcode to hear the recording: 68549468
- Handouts - (Please download before listening to the recording)
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Projects
Safe
and Timely Immunization Coalition (STIC)
A
national coalition comprised of healthcare professionals and patients
with End Stage Renal Disease was formed in 2005 at the request of
CMS to increase the rate of Hepatitis B, Influenza, and Pneumococcal
immunizations in patients and staff in the dialysis setting. Network
#15 is participating in this coalition and is working on developing
and disseminating educational materials to dialysis facilities in
order to improve immunization rates. Information will be posted
on the Quality Improvement page as it
becomes available.
Fistula
First - NVAII Project
CMS
and the ESRD Networks are continuing to work on this project. Details
for this initiative to increase AV fistulas can be found on the Quality Improvement page.
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Publications
Renal Roundup (pdf - 8pgs) - The 2007 edition of our Patient newsletter was mailed out at the end of 2007.
Intermountain Messenger (pdf
- 6pgs) -
The Winter 2007
edition of our facility newsletter was
mailed out to all dialysis facilities in December 2007.
Archived newsletters are available on the Resource
Materials page.
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Resources
Additional Albumin Resources have been added to the Quality Improvement page.
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Events
Calendar of Renal Organization Meetings 2008-2011 (Microsoft Word)
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Alerts
For
a complete list of updated medical/drug alerts we recommend you
visit the MedWatch Web site which is maintained by the FDA.
Heparin Sodium Injection - FDA requests that health professionals and facilities review and examine all drug/device storage areas to ensure that all recalled heparin products have been removed and are no longer available for patient use.
Please review the following documents for details:
Affected Lot Numbers
CMS Letter to State Survey Agencies
FDA Baxter Press Release - 1/25/08
FDA Baxter Press Release - 2/28/08
FDA Baxter Press Release - 3/20/08
Heparin Injection Products Affected
FDA B. Braun Press Release - 3/21/08
FDA Covidian Press Release - 3/28/08
ASHP NS Flush Policy from American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
FDA Bulletin - 5/08/08
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CMS Announcements
H.R. 6331 (pdf) - The Medicare Improvements For Patients And Providers Act:
Better Care For Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease
Conditions For Coverage For End Stage Renal Disease Facilities Issued
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a final rule that establishes new Conditions for Coverage (CfCs) that dialysis facilities must meet to be certified under the Medicare program. You may read the Conditions from this link on the CMS Web site. Please note the complete document is 625 pages in length; the actual rule begins on page 557.
Facilities will have 180 days from April 15, 2008 to be in compliance with the new rules.
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Intermountain
End-Stage Renal Disease Network
1301 Pennsylvania St #750, Denver, CO 80203-5012
phone: 303-831-8818 Fax: 303-860-8392
Toll free for patients only: 800-783-8818 or 888-777-0105
For Network #15
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Network #15 Professionals |
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Supported
by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Contract HHSM-500-2006-NW015C.
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