CMS Plans to Share MDS Info with Health Plans

In an effort to fight fraud, CMS plans to share provider-specific MDS information with health plans. The MDS is one of 23 records systems affected by the new "routine use" defined by CMS.

According to CMS, sharing this information is meant to "prevent, deter, discover, detect, investigate, examine, prosecute, sue with respect to, defend against, correct, remedy or otherwise combat fraud, waste or abuse in such programs."

This sharing would, for example, show if a scammer is billing multiple insurance providers for a full day's worth of care on the same day.

Disclosures would be coordinated by the Data Sharing Partnership Group of CMS.

To learn more, click here.

Check Out Our Limited-Time Thermometer Promo!

Need a new thermometer? Just love a great deal? Through June 30, we're running a great promotion on three of our most popular thermometers.

When you buy one Genius 2 thermometer, you'll receive one at no charge. Like wise, when you purchase two Braun ThermoScan Pro 4000 or WelchAllyn SureTemp Plus 690 units, you'll receive one at no charge.

Click here for additional details! Please note that thermometers cannot be mixed and matched.

Nursing Home Sued for Asking Workers for Family Medical History

A new government lawsuit alleges that a skilled nursing facility violated federal law when it asked workers for their family medical history. The suit is one of the first of its kind.

According to the lawsuit, the facility asked for the family information as part of mandated medical examinations, which were done after new workers were offered jobs but before they started. The examinations were also repeated annually.

The lawsuit, filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claims that requesting the family information violates the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, or GINA. GINA bans employers from asking workers about their genetic information and using that information in the hiring process.

To learn more, click here.

Get What You Need, Faster, at promedsupply.com

We’ve made it easier than ever to find the equipment and supplies you need on promedsupply.com!

The Products section of the site is now divided into two distinct sections, Featured Product Categories and Equipment and Furniture Solutions. These sections provide you with one-click access to commonly purchased product categories. For example, in the Featured Product Categories section, you’ll find popular categories including incontinence management, gloves and skin care. We’ve also added more standardized categories to the Equipment and Furniture Solutions section for ease of navigation. We will continue to add to these categories based on our customers’ evolving needs.

While we’ve made changes, rest assured that we’ve kept the features that you know and love, including the complete listing of the supplies and equipment categories on the left-hand side of the Products home page that allows you to quickly drill down to the exact product you need. When you click on a category, you can further sort products by subcategory and brand on the next page.

Returning to a product page that you viewed previously is now a more seamless process. Near the top of each product page, underneath the “Online Catalog” logo, you’ll see track-back links to the pages that you viewed previously. This function also works with search results.

Last but not least, if you’re logged in to the site, you’re now able to add products to your cart directly from the Featured Product Categories and Equipment and Furniture Solutions pages!  

We would love to hear your feedback on the new design as well as how we can continue to make the site even better!

ProMed Closure Reminder

ProMed will be closed on Monday, May 27 in honor of Memorial Day. All Monday deliveries will be made on Tuesday, May 28. All Tuesday deliveries will be made on Wednesday, May 29.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Care department at (800) 648-5190.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday weekend!

HHS: More LTC Facilities Should Adopt EHR Systems

The government is suggesting that long-term care facilities follow hospitals' example in adopting electronic health records. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 80% of eligible hospitals have already adopted EHR systems.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that the EHR systems help providers better coordinate care, which can improve patients' health and save money at the same time.

According to a March report from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, long-term care providers have not yet started adopting EHRs on a broad scale. Skilled nursing facilities are excluded from the Medicare incentives for adopting EHRs, but SNFs in some states are eligible for funding through the HITECH Act's Medicaid Nursing Home Grant program.

To learn more, click here.

May Is Hepatitis Awareness Month

In honor of May being Hepatitis Awareness Month, the CDC is leading a national campaign called Know More Hepatitis. The agency encourages anyone born between 1945 and 1965 to get tested for Hepatitis C.

According to the CDC, more than 4 million Americans are living with chronic Hepatitis B or C, but most do not know they are infected. Chronic viral hepatitis can lead to serious liver problems, including liver cancer. Each year, about 15,000 Americans die from liver cancer or chronic liver disease associated with viral hepatitis.

To learn more, click here.

How to Help Oklahoma

In the wake of the massive tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, we wanted to share a list of organizations that are assisting the storm's victims. These organizations would greatly appreciate any donations or contributions.

The Red Cross: Donations can be made online or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Samaritan's Purse: This organization sent a disaster relief unit to Oklahoma. Donations can be made here.

AmeriCares: This global disaster relief nonprofit has sent an emergency response team to Oklahoma that will coordinate aid deliveries and assess the needs of survivors and medical groups in the area.

Team Rubicon: Team Rubicon is composed of military veterans who respond to disaster. They plan to have initial assessment teams in Oklahoma today and will mobilize a full response to help people affected by the storms.

These are just a few of the organizations lending a helping hand. Please click here to learn more.

Lawmakers Introduce Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Federal lawmakers have introduced the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which would require employers to make reasonable modifications to a pregnant woman's job duties. The bill is supported by the American Nurses Association and Service Employees International, among other organizations.

Modifications to job responsibilities could include lighter duty tasks or allowing the pregnant woman to carry a bottle of water in order to stay hydrated.

A number of states, including Illinois, have already passed laws that ensure pregnant women have on-the-job protections.

To learn more, click here.

State-by-State Assisted Living Costs Revealed

How does your state rate when it comes to assisted living costs? According to the 2012 A Place for Mom Senior Care Survey, there's a wide variance from state to state.

The figures listed below represent average monthly rates for a one-bedroom apartment.

Montana: $2,559
South Carolina: $2,630
Idaho: $2,687
Oklahoma: $2,706
Mississippi: $2,784
North Dakota: $2,808
Indiana: $2,844
Tennessee: $2,913
Kentucky: $2,916
Michigan: $2,927
Alabama: $2,945
Georgia: $2,962
Florida: $2,967
Washington: $2,970
Minnesota: $2,981
South Carolina: $2,997
New Mexico: $3,009
Iowa: $3,020
West Virginia: $3,070
Nevada: $3,072
Kansas: $3,092
Ohio: $3,100
Oregon: $3,106
Utah: $3,135
Pennsylvania: $3,158
Arizona: $3,165
Nebraska: $3,165
North Carolina: $3,184
Texas: $3,189
Wisconsin: $3,195
Missouri: $3,212
Arkansas: $3,279
Louisiana: $3,306
California: $3,341
Wyoming: $3,447
Illinois: $3,477
Virginia: $3,542
Colorado: $3,599
Rhode Island: $3,700
Hawaii: $3,777
New York: $3,954
Vermont: $4,171
Maryland: $4,177
New Jersey: $4,197
New Hampshire: $4,278
Massachusetts: $4,472
Alaska: $4,478
Delaware: $4,520
Connecticut: $4,550
Maine: $4,671

Senate Confirms Marilyn Tavenner as CMS Head

The Senate has confirmed Marilyn Tavenner as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). She is the first confirmed head of the agency in seven years.

Tavenner has been the acting head of CMS since 2011. Her predecessor, Donald Berwick, was never confirmed.

To learn more, click here.

AHA: Pets Reduce Heart Attack Risk

The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a scientific statement that says owning a pet may help to decrease a person's risk of suffering from heart disease. Pet ownership is also linked to lower levels of obesity, blood pressure and cholesterol, the AHA noted.

Previous research has shown that the loyalty and love that pets display can reduce stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness. People who own pets also experience increased senses of well-being and self-esteem.

To learn more, click here.

FAQs: Blood Glucose Meter Disinfection

If surveyors were to walk into your building today, would you be able to avoid a citation at Tag F441, which requires that each “facility must establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the transmission of disease and infection”?¹

Facilities are frequently cited at F441 for the way that they disinfect their blood glucose meters. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), meters can become contaminated with blood and, if used for multiple residents, must be cleaned and disinfected after each use according to manufacturer’s instructions.² Is this happening in your building?

We’ve assembled the following frequently asked questions to help you ensure that your disinfection procedure both meets professional standards and protects your residents.

What do I need to use to disinfect the meters?

Blood glucose meters should be disinfected with an EPA-registered antimicrobial that is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Human HIV-1 and the Hepatitis B and C viruses.³ You can find the EPA’s list of approved products here.

Can’t I just use alcohol pads to disinfect my meters?

No. Alcohol pads are not effective against viral bloodborne pathogens.³

What about bleach?

A 1:10 bleach solution is effective against microbes, but it’s important to note that it can also lead to the physical degradation of blood glucose monitors.³

Do I need to use multiple wipes to clean the meters?

If the surface of the meter is visibly soiled, you should use a wipe to remove gross soil and a second wipe to disinfect the surface.

What does “contact time” mean?

Contact time is the total time that a disinfectant solution needs to remain wet on the surface of the meter to achieve all of its stated efficacy kill claims. The contact time can be located on the product label.

Our highly trained territory managers are ready to help you with your disinfection protocols. To connect with us, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

References

1 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. State Operations Manual Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_pp_guidelines_ltcf.pdf. Accessed May 8, 2013.

2 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/downloads/scletter10_28.pdf. Accessed May 8, 2013.

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Letters to Manufacturers of Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems Listed With the FDA. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/ucm227935.htm. Accessed May 8, 2013. 

FDA Approves Inhaled COPD Drug

The FDA has approved Breo Ellipta, an inhaled drug, for use as treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. It is designed to be a once-daily maintenance treatment and trials have indicated that it might cause fewer serious side effects than other COPD drugs.

Breo Ellipta reduces lung inflammation and helps relax airway muscles. It is approved to reduce COPD exacerbations in patients with a history of exacerbations.

The treatment is expected to be available by the third quarter of 2013.

To learn more, click here.

Are You Ready for Mother's Day?

Has Mother's Day snuck up on you? If it has, don't worry! We have plenty of ideas to help you honor the mothers at your facility.

• Plan a Mother's Day tea. Spruce up your dining area and offer residents drinks, an assortment of finger sandwiches and sweet baked goods. 
• Flower power. Get on the phone right away and call your local florist. Ask them if they'll set aside some bulk carnations for you. Carnations are inexpensive and can be dressed up by tying a bow around the stem. If your florist is too busy to accommodate you, check the floral department of the grocery store.
• Make flower pens. If your residents love flowers but hate how quickly they wilt, consider showing them how to make flower pens. Buy some inexpensive silk flowers and standard stick ink pens. Cut the heads of the flowers off the stems (leave and take the "stopper" out of the end of the pen. Glue the flower  in the end of the pen and then wrap the entire pen with green florist tape. 
• Provide some pampering! Have volunteers massage your residents' hands with lotion or give them manicures. 

However you choose to celebrate it, we wish you a memorable and happy Mother's Day! 

Seniors Who Are Depressed, Lonely More Likely to Get C. diff

Researchers have found that elderly people who are depressed or lonely are also at a higher risk of C. diff infections. These conclusions were drawn from two separate studies.

The first study found that the following groups are more likely to get C. diff: 

• Widows (54% more likely) 
• People with major depression (36% more likely)
• People with depressive disorders (35% more likely) 

On the other hand, people who did not live alone were 25% less likely to get the infection.

The second study found that patients who took mirtazapine and fluxoetine were twice as likely to be diagnosed with C. diff. 

To learn more, click here.

10 Tips for Fighting Seasonal Allergies

You and your residents have surely noticed that hay fever season has hit. We hope the following 10 suggestions from Health.com help you fight back against allergy symptoms!

1. Keep the windows closed. Even though a breeze is refreshing, tree and grass pollen can come into the building through just the narrowest of window cracks. If it gets stuffy, run your air conditioner (and remember the change the filters before each season to remove pollen, dust and mold). 
2. Know what to expect. Weather websites and news channels track the pollen count. There are also phone apps available for this purpose. If the count is high, try to stay indoors as much as possible. 
3. Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses can physically block allergens from blowing into your eyes, especially when it's windy. 
4. Eat yogurt. Studies have shown that people who consumed a yogurt drink containing the probiotic Lactobacillus casei once daily for five months had lower levels of an antibody that produces allergy symptoms. 
5. Try to relax. Stress can aggravate allergic reactions. 
6. Exercise in the afternoon. If you like to walk or run outdoors, do so in the afternoon when pollen counts are lower. 
7. Take off your shoes. When you walk into your home, take off your shoes so that you don't track pollen around the house. You might also want to take a shower so that pollen doesn't hang around on your hair and body. 
8. Eat salmon. A German study found that people who eat food containing high levels of an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA - which is common in fatty fish like salmon - were less likely to develop hay fever. 
9. Keep your pets off your bed. Pets that spend time outdoors can drag pollen back inside with them on their fur. 
10. Take a 24-hour allergy pill before bed. Since these pills can cause drowsiness and take a few hours to kick in, they'll start working while you sleep. 

To learn more, click here. 

Welcome, Camden Christopher Baron!

Congratulations to Team ProMed members Lindsey and Chris Baron on the birth of their son, Camden Christopher Baron!

Could Your Damaged Mattress Covers Lead to Infection?

On April 19, the FDA released a Safety Alert to warn healthcare professionals about the risk of contamination and infection associated with damaged or worn mattress covers. The agency noted that it is concerned that this risk is both widespread and under-recognized.

According to the alert, the FDA received 458 reports between January 2011 and January 2013 of medical bed mattress covers failing to prevent blood and other body fluids from leaking into mattresses. This leakage can occur when mattress covers become worn or damaged by incorrect cleaning, disinfecting and laundering. Zippers on mattress covers can also allow fluid to penetrate mattresses.

Some of the reports that the FDA received indicated that if a mattress becomes contaminated by the body fluids of one resident, those fluids can later leak out when another resident is placed on the mattress, putting that resident at risk for infection.

The FDA recommends performing the following mattress inspections and maintenance:

•  Regularly check each medical bed mattress for any visible signs of damage or wear, such as cuts, tears, cracks, pinholes, snags or stains.
•  Routinely remove the medical bed mattress and check its inside surface. Once the mattress cover is removed, inspect the mattress for wet spots, stains or signs of damage or wear. Check all sides and the bottom of the mattress as well.
• Immediately replace any medical bed mattress cover with visible signs of damage or wear to reduce the risk of infection.
• Do not stick needles into a medical bed mattress through the mattress cover.

To read the Safety Alert in its entirety, click here.

If you discover that any of the mattresses in your facility need to be replaced, please reach out to your ProMed territory manager. We have a complete line of support surfaces to meet all of your residents’ needs. You can also connect with us by calling (800) 648-5190. 

Happy National Nurses Week!

National Nurses Week 2013 kicks off today, May 6, and will run until May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care.”

The American Nurses Association, which spearheads the celebration, included this tribute to the nursing profession on their website: “Often described as an art and a science, nursing is a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths and passions because of the many opportunities the profession offers. As nurses, we work in emergency rooms, school-based clinics and homeless shelters, to name a few. We have many roles – from staff nurse to educator to nurse practitioner and nurse researcher – and serve all of them with passion for the profession and with a strong commitment to patient safety.”

Here at Professional Medical, we’re fortunate enough to partner with dedicated, caring nurses on a daily basis. We are inspired by the care you deliver to the residents who depend upon you and salute your integrity and commitment. Thank you for all that you do!

Are You Ready for National Nurses Week?

Have you been so busy that you completely forgot about National Nurses Week? Fear not. The American Nurses Association has everything you'll need to plan a memorable celebration available on their website. Click here to download logos and a media kit. You can also make online donations to the Honor a Nurse program, which celebrates nurses who have made a difference in the lives of others.

CDC Reports Suicide Is Up for Middle-Aged Americans

The CDC has released a new report that indicates suicide is up among Americans age 35-64. Between 1999 and 2010, the rate rose by 28.4%, from  13.7 per 100,000 population in 1999 to 17.6 in 2010.

The greatest increases in suicide were seen among American Indian/Alaska natives and whites.

The CDC noted that its findings underscore the need for suicide prevention measures directed toward middle-age populations.

To read the report, click here.

Memorial Day Closure Notice

Professional Medical will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2013 in honor of Memorial Day.

All Monday deliveries will be made on Tuesday, May 28. All Tuesday deliveries will be made on Wednesday, May 29.

Customers who typically order on Monday for Tuesday delivery should place their orders by noon on Friday, May 24.

Please call our Customer Care department at (800) 648-5190 if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you!