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 certain populations. Get the most current list of billing codes, payment allowances and effective dates. More Information:CMS News Alert: CMS Reminds Eligible Consumers They Have …
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 Coronavirus (COVID-19). The updates primarily focus on recommendations for use of source control, SARS-CoV-2 testing, and quarantine for fully vaccinated patients and nursing home residents. …
CDC Updates Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Healthcare Settings Read More »
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 Control and Prevention (CDC) and the HHS Office of Minority Health (HHS OMH) developed the Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to enhance existing resources …
New Minority Health Social Vulnerability Index Website Read More »
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 and your loved ones. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates for preventable diseases like pnemococcal pneumonia, flu, and hepatitis B have declined, …
Get Vaccinated During National Immunization Awareness Month Read More »
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 vaccination is still our best defense.
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 parents to encourage vaccinating their eligible children.
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 impacted all aspects of life, including patients’ ability to attend important appointments and receive routine vaccinations. Many patients had to postpone or cancel appointments and …
Get your patients back on track with routine vaccinations. Read More »
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 testing to qualifying group settings such as K-12 schools, congregate living facilities, prisons, and more at no cost to the organization. This program is being …
New Program Announcement: Operation Expanded Testing Read More »
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 Inaugural Health Disparities Report CMS Proposes Changes to Reduce Disparities among Patients with CKD and ESRD CMS Proposes Physician Rule to Improve Health Equity & …
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 notify public health practitioners and clinicians about the urgent need to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage (i.e., the percentage of the population fully vaccinated) across the …
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 Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) expanded model intended to boost supplier enrollment, with a goal of increasing beneficiary participation and access to services that can help …
Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program (MDPP) Changes Proposed Read More »
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 is a part of We Can Do This, a public education campaign by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), seeking to spread …
Ask a Doctor: What About the New COVID-19 Variants? Read More »
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 Adverse Drug Event Prevention (ADE Action Plan) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP).
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. This advisory outlines how the public can confront health misinformation by helping individuals, families and communities better identify and limit its spread. The advisory also …
Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Confronting Health Misinformation on COVID-19 Vaccine Read More »
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, 1990, the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. In the …
Celebrating 31 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act Read More »
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 Innovation Contractors (NQIIC) 2020 Annual Report: Confronting the Pandemic Together. The Annual Report highlights the COVID-19 response in nursing homes by Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement …
CMS NQIIC 2020 Annual Report: Confronting the Pandemic Together Read More »
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 highlighted by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) and to expand patient access to comprehensive care, especially in underserved populations. In CMS’s annual Physician Fee …
CMS Proposes Physician Payment Rule to Improve Health Equity, Patient Access Read More »
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 areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. We’re raising awareness about …
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 31st Anniversary Read More »
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, and culturally-based practices are all valid and valuable choices people can make for their mental health – but they may not be aware of these …
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 Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Treasury, and the Office of Personnel Management, issued “Requirements Related to …
HHS Announces Rule to Protect Consumers from Surprise Medical Bills Read More »
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 to Fight COVID-19 and Improve Health Literacy A New Guide on Universal Screening for Health-Related Social Needs VacciNATION: Inspiring Stories on the National COVID-19 Vaccine …
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 potentially save lives. Save a Life – #PrepYourHealth It can be difficult to tell if a person has overdosed on opioids. When in doubt, treat …
CDC’s Public Health Matters: Overdose Prevention Read More »
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) today announced an additional payment amount for administering in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to Medicare beneficiaries who have difficulty leaving their homes or are otherwise hard-to-reach. This …
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 livestream event on June 17 from 2-2:30 p.m., featuring NIMH-funded researcher Barbara Rothbaum, Ph.D., ABPP, professor of psychiatry and associate vice chair of clinical research at …
June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month Read More »
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 HealthCare.gov during the Special Enrollment Period and enroll in coverage or potentially take advantage of more cost savings. June Health Observances June is Pride Month, …
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 and recognize their unique health needs. LGBTQ+ persons are comprised of a multitude of groups that have their own unique health needs. Transgender individuals, for …
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 the CDC’s Pneumo Recs Vax Advisor application as a tool to simplify the decision about which pneumonia vaccine is most appropriate for each patient.
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 28-30, 2021, as well as broadcast virtually. This forum provides the largest venue for open discussion and education on advances in anticoagulant therapy and improved …
16th Annual National Conference on Anticoagulation Therapy Read More »
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 disparities. We are seeking both providers and patients to share their experiences on how racism has impacted them asthey sought or provided healthcare. If you …
Call for Stories: IDEA Initiative Structural Racism & Health Disparities Read More »
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 to patients enrolled in health plans that either do not cover vaccination fees or cover them with patient cost-sharing. This new program is called the …
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 on Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Limited Progress in Increasing Proportion of Black Physicians HHS Releases New Buprenorphine Practice Guidelines CMS Proposes to Enhance the Medical …
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 needs of this diverse population. Included in the Asians and Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders (Asian and NHOPI) population is a wide variety of …
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Read More »
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 other. In our communities, older adults are a key source of this strength. Through their experiences, successes, and difficulties, they built resilience that helps them …
May’s Older Americans Month: Communities of Strength Read More »
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. Following the FDA and CDC’s decision, the Public Health Communications Collaborative updated their Tough Q&A with messaging to help you address questions from the community.
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 the report, research shows that people living with dementia are twice as likely to get COVID-19, and their caregivers are experiencing additional stress amid the …
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 appointments and services. To help make virtual care as seamless as possible, these resources include instructions for providers and shareable information in a variety of …
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 use of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine? The FDA and CDC are reviewing data involving six cases reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) …
Updated Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions Read More »
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, the CDC and FDA are recommending a pause in the use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine pending further review. Per the CDC Health Alert (April …
Resources on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Suspension Read More »
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 sharing to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for adverse events and can provide proper management due to the …
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine: Health Alert Read More »
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 the latest COVID-19 resources from HHS, CDC and CMS. With information coming from many different sources, CMS has up-to-date resources and materials to help you …
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources: Reaching Vulnerable Populations Read More »
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 social distancing. Through a nationwide network of trusted messengers and consistent, fact-based public health messaging, the campaign helps the public make informed decisions about their …
HHS’s We Can Do This: Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Read More »
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 seeking to become COVID-19 vaccinators. This web page contains the information on how to become a COVID-19 vaccinator, and the training and resources available to …
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 Month Large Federal Investments to Build Vaccine Confidence and Uptake Hospitalized Black Patients at Higher Risk for Poor Safety Outcomes Updating Health Literacy for Health …
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 travel Fully vaccinated people do not need to: Get tested before leaving the United States (unless required by the destination) Self-quarantine after arriving back in …
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People Read More »
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 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched Remove the Risk, an education and outreach campaign to raise awareness about the serious risks of keeping …
FDA Encourages Americans to Dispose of Unused Prescription Opioids Safely Read More »
Are you #VaccineReady?
March 29, 2021 – As COVID-19 vaccines continue rolling out across the country, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking action to protect the health and safety of our nation’s patients and providers by sharing the latest COVID-19 resources from the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease …
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources: What Partners Need to Know Now Read More »
In response to the increased use and expanded coverage of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, From Coverage to Care (C2C) released two new resources to support providers and patients in making the most of virtual care: Providers can learn how and when to use telehealth. Learn how to: Set up telehealth services Conduct a successful …
Stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 resources. This month, we’re highlighting new resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH), and local health departments. Updates include: CDC: COVID-19 vaccine PowerPoint for staff meetings and community presentations (Available in English and Spanish) CDC: …
CMS, CDC, and HHS released new guidance and resources related to the COVID-19 vaccine to serve our beneficiaries.
CMS – March 15, 2021 | Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is increasing the Medicare payment amount for administering the COVID-19 vaccine. This new and higher payment rate will support important actions taken by providers that are designed to increase the number of vaccines they can furnish each day, including establishing …
Biden-Harris Administration Increases Medicare Payment for Life-Saving COVID-19 Vaccine Read More »
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted minority and vulnerable populations. The COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the spread of the virus and help end the public health emergency. Community partners working with racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency, sexual and gender minorities, and rural populations are critical in helping consumers …
New CMS OMH COVID-19 Vaccine Resources for Vulnerable Populations Webpage Read More »
Women’s Role in Health Literacy March is Women’s History Month, a perfect time to highlight Dr. Ruth Parker. Not only is she nationally recognized for her health literacy research, teaching, and advocacy, but she’s a professor of medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine and a professor of epidemiology at the Emory University Rollins …
Check out the March Population Health Spotlight newsletter from the National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM) Foundation In this edition, learn more about the latest news and resources on COVID-19, including the drop in life expectancy, vaccine access and the impact of new variants, as well as new initiatives for supporting vulnerable communities. Highlights …
Drop in Life Expectancy, Vaccine Access & Devastating Winter Storm Read More »
The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of updated emergency response plans. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) compiled a list of resources to assist state survey agencies; state, tribal, regional and local emergency management partners; and healthcare providers in developing emergency plans that are compliant with the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule. Highlighted Resources …
CMS Resources for the Emergency Preparedness Rule Read More »
A year of missed preventive care is endangering minority communities. And people with serious heart conditions are at higher risk for severe illness with COVID-19. In response, Million Hearts® and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) developed a digital media toolkit to encourage people to continue their preventive cardiovascular care. The Toolkit includes: …
Million Hearts® and CDC COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Disease Partner Toolkit Read More »
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? AHRQ Chartbook on Patient Safety Rural N.C. Community’s Strategies to Distribute COVID-19 Vaccine National Evaluation of Social Determinants of Health COVID-19 and Food Insecurity Health Equity Webinar Materials April …
Biden Administration Strengthens Requirements that Plans and Issuers Cover COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing Without Cost Sharing and Ensures Providers are Reimbursed for Administering COVID-19 Vaccines to Uninsured CMS NEWS – February 26, 2021 | In accordance with the Executive Order President Biden signed on January 21, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), …
Each March, we celebrate National Nutrition Month. It’s a great time to discover and make informed food choices. Health eating can mean different things as we age. We need fewer calories, and are ability to absorb certain nutrients is reduced, especially among those with chronic health conditions. That means it’s important to choose foods that …
Patient Safety Awareness Week both acknowledges and celebrates improved safety and care practices throughout all healthcare settings. Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. The World Health Organization estimates that health care errors impact one in every 10 patients globally. We are part of a national effort working to …
Patient Safety Awareness Week: March 14–20, 2021 Read More »
