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"Meaningful Use" Definition Proposed
Standards set for electronic health record incentive program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule on Dec. 30, 2009, that outlines provisions governing electronic health record incentive programs, including the central concept of "meaningful use." CMS is accepting public comments on this regulation that will "lay a foundation" for electronic health records to drive improvements in quality, efficiency and safety PQRI
Public Listening Session Slated for February 2
Register by January 27 for teleconference access.
CMS will discuss the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) during the first listening session of 2010. The session will solicit comments on the individual quality measures and measures groups under consideration for inclusion in the 2011 program. Interested parties may register online to teleconference the session.
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NEJM: How to Care for CKD Patients
Management of chronic kidney disease is featured in "teaching topics."
How should patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) be managed? This overview in the January 7 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine covers interventions to slow progression and management of associated disorders. The abstract is posted here; members can access full text by logging in.
Call Us for Free "Save Your Veins" Wristband Intervention Kits
Vein preservation is a key component to successful vascular access for potential dialysis patients.
Empower your chronic kidney disease patients to actively participate in their course of treatment by providing them with a "Save Your Veins" wristband and education card. Based on recommendations from the American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN), these wristbands should be distributed to patients who are likely candidates for an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). This patient-centered intervention teaches patients the importance of preserving their veins as well as how to communicate this need to health care providers.
To participate in this intervention and receive kits to educate your patients about vein preservation, call TMF's Campaign for Kidney Health at 1-866-439-8863. Read the ASDIN position paper by visiting the Society Web site.
FFBI Change Concepts to Address Early Detection of CKD and Increased Patient Self-Management
Measures seek to bolster appropriate and timely treatment for CKD patients.
The Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative (FFBI) recently released two "change concepts," which are general approaches that can be useful in promoting changes that lead to improvement. Concept 12 focuses on creating interdepartmental coordination in the hospital setting that supports early detection and management of CKD. Supporting the patient's best quality of life through self-management is the key idea behind Concept 13. It encourages the use of education strategies--such as motivational interviewing and health coaching--to enhance the patient's empowerment in decision-making and self-monitoring.
New Resources: CKD Patient Education Materials at TMF.org
Download today or order quantities from TMF.
Recent updates to the TMF Campaign for Kidney Health Web site include new materials for use in your office, such as a diabetes flow sheet and patient education fact sheets (in English and Spanish). Also take a look at the new Health Educators' Resource section. A CKD slide presentation in English and Spanish is ready for download, along with multiple brochures and handouts for the patient audience. Multiple quantities of materials are available for order from TMF and our partners.
Small Declines Found in Diabetes-Related Renal DiseaseRecently published study suggests prevention efforts are making headway.
The incidence of end-stage renal disease among patients with diabetes has declined in recent years, according to an analysis authored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers. Examining data from the U.S. Renal Data System for 1990 to 2006, researchers found declines among patients under 45, African-Americans and Caucasians; however, no significant drop occurred among Hispanic patients. Incidence was defined as initiation of treatment.
NKF Expands CME Program Offerings
Topics include nutritional therapy, bone fractures and vitamin D issues for CKD patients. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has added four new Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses to its webcast curriculum. Courses are applicable to physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners and dieticians. New topics are "Bone Fracture in Chronic Kidney Disease," "Role of Abnormal Phosphate and Vitamin D Metabolism in CKD," "CKD in Aging Adults: Integrating Nutritional Care to Improve Outcomes" and "Managing Protein-Energy Wasting: The Role of Serum Albumin in Stratifying Risk and Dialysis Patients." Complete course information, handouts and online registration are available through the NKF Continuing Education page.
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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-10-03 |
