A Community Effort to Covid-19 Vaccinations
by Chris Symolon, Director, COVID-19 Vaccination Project, Foundation for Healthy Communities, New Hampshire Welcome to 2023, a new year, a new start, a reset! I have been reflecting on the …
Physician Office
Raising Preemies During a Pandemic: Vaccines Protect The Most Vulnerable
by Erin Just, BScOT, MA, Quality Improvement Coordinator, Vermont Blueprint for Health In 2019, I welcomed identical twin boys. They arrived earlier than hoped, requiring medical intervention to improve their …
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Health Equity Updates: December 2022 Newsletter
View the new edition of our health equity newsletter featuring news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your communities. This month, read about …
Now is the Time: A Compendium of Tools to Use for Great American Smokeout and Beyond
It is a well-established fact: smoking leads to disease, disability, and harm in nearly every organ system. It has long been shown to cause cancer, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, lung …
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Antibiotic Stewardship: Quick Wins for Improving Duration of Therapy
November 8, 2022, 1 – 2 PM EST. Antibiotic Stewardship (AS) remains a national priority aimed at optimizing antibiotic use to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harms caused by …
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CMS Physicians, Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum
Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Start Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET); Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time. This call will be Conference …
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August 28 is National Dog Appreciation Day!
There are so many reasons to love dogs, but did you know these fascinating facts about dogs and their positive effects on healthcare? Nursing home residents with dementia who interacted …
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and it is a great time to encourage all healthcare providers to be vaccinated and promote vaccination. Recommendation from a healthcare professional is the …
Next CMS Physicians, Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum: April 27, 2022, 2PM
The next CMS Physicians, Nurses & Allied Health Professionals Open Door Forum scheduled for: Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Start Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET); …
Reimbursement & Resources for Screening & Supporting Patients with Substance Use Disorder
Thank you to those who completed the physicians needs assessment. Your responses helped us identify a need for tools and resources to support management of your patients with substance use disorder …
Don’t Miss a Click on Cardiac Care: Our Top 10 Picks for American Heart Month
Just in time for American Heart Month, our quality improvement specialists curated their favorite resources to help support you, your teams, and your patients as you focus on promoting cardiovascular …
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CMS Ambulance Open Door Forum Conference Call, December 9, 2021
The next CMS Ambulance Open Door Forum is scheduled for December 9, 2021, 2-3 PM Eastern Time (ET) Open Door Participation Instructions: This call will be Conference Call Only. Please …
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Be Antibiotics Aware: U.S. Antibiotics Awareness Week, November 18-24 2021
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week is an annual one-week observance that gives organizations like ours an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of appropriate antibiotic use to combat the threat …
Be Antibiotics Aware: U.S. Antibiotics Awareness Week, November 18-24 2021 Read More »
IPRO QIN-QIO Presents: Optimal Z Code Utilization & Reimbursement Opportunities, Webinar, December 7, 2021, 11 AM
Healthy People 2030 defines social determinants of health as “the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range …
Health Equity Updates: November Newsletter
View the latest health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your organization and communities. What’s Inside? Overdiagnosis of Schizophrenia for Residents …
FDA amends EUA for Moderna/J&J COVID-19 Booster Shots, Effective 10/20/2021 & Billing Codes
Effective October 20, 2021, FDA amended the emergency use authorizations for the Moderna and Jansen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines to allow for use of a single booster dose for …
CDC Updates Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Healthcare Settings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about …
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New Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index Website
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services would like to share this announcement from our colleagues in the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Centers for Disease …
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Get Vaccinated During National Immunization Awareness Month
This August, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is recognizing National Immunization Awareness Month and encouraging you to get vaccinated to protect yourself …
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COVID-19 Variants
The Delta Variant It appears to be more contagious than other strains. Unvaccinated individuals are at greatest risk, some communities are encouraged to resume social distancing and masking precautions, and …
COVID-19 Vaccine Messaging for Rural Communities
The New England Rural Health Association developed a COVID-19 Vaccine Messaging Campaign to help improve vaccination rates in our states and communities. Materials These materials focus on the business community and …
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Get your patients back on track with routine vaccinations.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). This annual observance highlights the efforts of healthcare professionals to protect patients of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases through on-time vaccination. The COVID-19 pandemic …
Get your patients back on track with routine vaccinations. Read More »
New Program Announcement: Operation Expanded Testing
Federally-Funded COVID-19 Testing Program What is Operation Expanded Testing? Operation Expanded Testing is a program supported and funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide COVID-19 …
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Health Equity Updates: August Newsletter
View the latest hospital health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your health system and communities. What’s inside? America’s Health Rankings …
CDC Health Advisory: Vaccination to Prevent COVID-19 Outbreaks with Current and Emergent Variants
July 27, 2021 | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory The CDC is issuing this Health Alert Network Health Advisory to …
Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Changes Proposed
On July 13, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule, which proposed changes to the Medicare …
Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Changes Proposed Read More »
Ask a Doctor: What About the New COVID-19 Variants?
Continue to build COVID-19 vaccine confidence in hesitant patients by sharing this one-minute video featuring Dr. Gina Gregory-Burns explaining that the vaccines are effective and protective against variants. This video …
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Pathways to Safer Opioid Use: Interactive Training
This interactive training promotes the appropriate, safe, and effective use of opioids to manage chronic pain. This training is based on the opioid-related recommendations in the National Action Plan for …
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Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Confronting Health Misinformation on COVID-19 Vaccine
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued the first Surgeon General’s Advisory of this Administration to warn the public about the urgent threat of health misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. …
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Celebrating 31 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act
During July, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) observes the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). First enacted on July 26, …
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CMS NQIIC 2020 Annual Report: Confronting the Pandemic Together
As a valued partner in IPRO QIN-QIO’s quality improvement activities, we are pleased to share with you the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Network of Quality Improvement and …
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CMS Proposes Physician Payment Rule to Improve Health Equity, Patient Access
Rule Would Expand Access to Telehealth Services, Enhance Diabetes Prevention Programs The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing changes to address the widening gap in health equity …
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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 31st Anniversary
July 26, 2021 is the 31st anniversary of the day the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all …
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July is BIPOC Mental Health Month
For historically marginalized communities, traditional systems of care may overlook cultural and historical factors that impede BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color) mental health. Community care, self-directed care, …
HHS Announces Rule to Protect Consumers from Surprise Medical Bills
Announcement is the first in a series of regulations aimed at shielding patients from increased financial hardships stemming from surprise medical bills CMS – July 2, 2021 | Today, the …
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Health Equity Updates: July Newsletter
View the latest hospital health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your health system and communities. What’s inside? HHS Awards $250M …
CDC’s Public Health Matters: Overdose Prevention
June 11, 2021 A Shared Approach to Preventing Opioid Overdoses As the opioid overdose epidemic worsens, there are specific actions that we can all take to make a difference and …
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Biden Administration Continues Efforts to Increase Vaccinations By Bolstering Payments for At-Home COVID-19 Vaccinations for Medicare Beneficiaries
Action Could Impact as many as 1.6 Million People with Medicare As part of President Biden’s commitment to increasing access to vaccinations, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) …
June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month
In recognition of June as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, the National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH) released new resources to help educate the public. NIMH will also host a …
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LGBTQ+ Week of Action
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is continuing to promote Weeks of Action! Each week will focus on engaging a targeted population to encourage action to come to …
Celebrate Pride with CMS OMH
June is Pride Month, a time for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons …
IPRO QIN-QIO Video: Simplify Pneumonia Vaccine Recommendations
The IPRO QIN-QIO’s team of quality improvement experts is committed to supporting clinicians in improving vaccination rates across our region. This video provides clinicians with a step-by-step guide to using …
IPRO QIN-QIO Video: Simplify Pneumonia Vaccine Recommendations Read More »
16th Annual National Conference on Anticoagulation Therapy
Deadline: June 10, 2021 Scholarship & Abstract Awards Scholarships are now available for the Anticoagulation Forum’s 16th National Conference, which will be held in-person in San Francisco, CA from October …
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Call for Stories: IDEA Initiative Structural Racism & Health Disparities
Deadline: May 19, 2021 The Anticoagulation Forum’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Allyship (IDEA) Initiative is developing a multi-part webinar series to highlight the critical topic of structural racism and health …
Call for Stories: IDEA Initiative Structural Racism & Health Disparities Read More »
COVID-19-Related Coverage and Payment
HRSA COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund (CAF) On May 3, 2021, HHS, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced a new program covering the cost of administering COVID-19 vaccines …
Health Equity Updates: May Newsletter
Check out the latest health equity news, health observances, events, and resources supporting the IPRO QIN-QIO efforts to eliminate health disparities for Medicare beneficiaries. What’s inside? Devastating Impact of COVID-19 …
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
During May, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health recognizes Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as part of our commitment to understanding the health …
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Read More »
May’s Older Americans Month: Communities of Strength
In tough times, communities find strength in people—and people find strength in their communities. In the past year, we’ve seen friends, neighbors, and businesses discover new ways to support each …
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FDA & CDC Resume Use of the J&J COVID-19 Vaccine
As of April 25, 2021, the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend use of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine resume in the United States. …
FDA & CDC Resume Use of the J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Read More »
COVID-19 and Brain Health
The Global Council on Brain Health’s report, COVID-19 and Brain Health (PDF), recommends steps to safeguard brain health in adults ages 50 and older, especially during the pandemic. According to …
CMS is Simplifying Telehealth Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released new telehealth resources to further support health care providers and patients during the pandemic, as they continue to adjust to virtual …
Updated Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
We’re sharing the following information from the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Updated: April 14, 2021 Why are the FDA and CDC recommending a pause in the …
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Resources on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Suspension
Information Provided by the Anticoagulation Forum Following six reported cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine in the US, …
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Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine: Health Alert
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert, about the CDC and FDA’s recommended pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. We’re …
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COVID-19 Vaccine Resources: Reaching Vulnerable Populations
As COVID-19 vaccines continue rolling out across the country, CMS is taking action to protect the health and safety of our nation’s patients and providers and keeping you updated on …
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HHS’s We Can Do This: Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence
The HHS COVID-19 public education campaign is a national initiative to increase public confidence in and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines while reinforcing basic prevention measures such as mask wearing and …
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CDC: How to Enroll as a COVID-19 Vaccinator
CDC’s new web page reviews information and training on how to enroll as a COVID-19 vaccinator CDC posted a new web page, How to Enroll as a Healthcare Provider, for providers …
Health Equity Updates: April Newsletter
Check out the latest health equity news, health observances, events, and resources supporting the IPRO QIN-QIO efforts to eliminate health disparities for Medicare beneficiaries. What’s inside? April: National Minority Health …
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
Updates as of April 2, 2021 Highlights Fully vaccinated people can: Resume domestic travel Do not need to get tested before or after travel Do not need to self-quarantine after …
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FDA Encourages Americans to Dispose of Unused Prescription Opioids Safely
More than 100 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose, and millions are addicted to opioids. Proper disposal of unused or expired opioids can help save lives. Remove the Risk …
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