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)

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

Resources

Additional Albumin Resources have been added to the Quality Improvement page.

Back to top

Events

Calendar of Renal Organization Meetings 2008-2011 (Microsoft Word)

Back to top

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

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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 Patients      |       For Network #15 Professionals      |       About Network #15        |      Contact Us

Supported by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Contract HHSM-500-2006-NW015C. The content of this Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CMS or the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Network #15 assumes full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of this Web site.