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Biden, Sebelius Announce $1.2B in Grants for Health IT Adoption
A portion of funds are dedicated to helping providers acquire an EHR.
Vice President Biden and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the availability of nearly $1.2 billion in federal stimulus funding to help spur electronic health record (EHR) adoption. According to officials, $598 million will go toward establishing health IT centers to help providers acquire EHRs, and $564 million will be used to develop a national health IT network.
CDC Provides H1N1 Vaccination Planning Information
Bookmark this page or e-mail it to others.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted a FAQ page with updated information regarding the distribution, allocation, administration and monitoring of the H1N1 vaccine. Sign up for alerts to updated information on the page's "subscribe" function. Study Traces Decline in Cancer Deaths All age groups benefiting from improved screenings.
Researchers report better screening for cancers that occur in older age, such as mammography in breast cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer. These screenings are spotting cancers at an earlier stage, when they are easier to treat. All age groups measured in the study have shown some improvement.
Tips for Managing Vaccine Costs in the Family Practice Setting
Vaccination Registries Recruiting Private Practices to Boost Rates
Only a third of private practices participate in immunization registries.
Participation in state and local vaccination registries offers benefits for many private practice physicians, including free training and support as well as access to data to spotlight efficiencies and underuse. The registries also can forecast what shots patients will need at upcoming visits, and physicians can receive credit for immunizations outside of the practice--a factor that can improve a physician's quality performance rating from "pay for performance" health plans. |
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Help Patients "Pre-Plan" Diabetes Check Ups
AAFP recommends ordering labs before encounter to focus visit on treatment recommendations.
Effective care of patients with diabetes often hinges on multiple dynamics: a knowledgeable staff, an engaged patient and an office system that promotes the care process. One tactic for pulling these elements together is to "pre-plan" the patient's visit by sending reminder letters, pulling files early and encouraging patients to actively participate in their care. This article from the American Association of Family Practitioners includes sample letters, forms and questionnaires to help implement these processes in your office.
Albuminuria and eGFR Are Better Predictors of ESRDLongitudinal study confirms their combined prognostic value for development of kidney failure.
In this study presented at the American Diabetes Association's 69th Scientific Session, researchers who tracked outcomes for more than 2,000 patients with diabetes over a mean follow-up of 11 years found that a combined measure of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria were significantly more effective in identifying patients who would develop end stage renal disease (ESRD).
CKD Progresses More Slowly in Women
Data show that men are 30% more likely than women to start renal replacement therapy.
Renal disease progresses more slowly in women than men even though women have a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the time of referral to a nephrologist, according to Canadian researchers.
TMF Has RPA Toolkits Available
Order a complete kit from TMF or download individual tools as needed.
The Renal Physicians Association (RPA) has provided TMF with a limited number of its "The RPA Advanced CKD Patient Management Toolkit," a comprehensive guide to treatment to support successful care management of the kidney disease patient. To receive a free toolkit, call Virginia Badgley at 1-866-439-8863 or e-mail us at KidneyHealth@tmf.org. Many of the toolkits' forms and tools are also available for free download at the RPA site.
Learn More About Diabetes and CKD
TMF offers free on-site or online continuing education events.
Contact us today to schedule "Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Save Their Kidneys," a one-hour CME presentation, in your office or as a webinar training event. Geared for clinical staff, this presentation covers the scope of preventing, diagnosing and treating kidney disease in the primary care office. TMF consultants can present in-person to your office staff, or you can participate in a real-time, online presentation. Either option is free to physician offices participating in the Campaign for Kidney Health project.
Call Virginia Badgley at 1-866-439-8863 to schedule a date, or e-mail us at KidneyHealth@tmf.org. |
TMF Health Quality Institute is accredited by the Texas Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
TMF Health Quality Institute designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The presentation "Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Save Their Kidneys" has been designated by TMF for 1 hour of education in medical ethics and/or professional responsibilty. |
This material was prepared by TMF Health Quality Institute, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Texas, under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents do not necessarily reflect CMS policy. 9SOW-TX-PRE-09-16 |
