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Welcome to the April 14 edition of the Quality Insights Renal Network 4 (QIRN4) e-newsletter. First, we'd like to say a special THANK YOU to all of our Quality Improvement Focus Facilities as we begin our 2016 contract year! In this issue, we bring you information about CROWNWeb reporting for depression and pain, ICH CAHPS spring survey, healthcare personnel influenza vaccination summary reporting, ESRD events, resources and much more. We encourage you to contact us with any questions, concerns or suggestions. 
CROWNWebAuthorCMS uses cROWNweb for reporting depression, pain
View this online article, published by Renal & Urology News, which discusses the new reporting measures in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Payment Year (PY) 2018 ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP). Further information regarding the ESRD QIP can be obtained from the CMS website, which provides a wide variety of information, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, detailed discussions about the rules for each PY, samples of facility Performance Score Certificates, and other helpful references.
final data collection schedule for the 2016 ich cahps spring survey is announced
The data collection schedule for the 2016 In-Center Hemodialysis CAHPS (ICH CAHPS) Spring Survey has been finalized, and is the same as the data collection schedule published on the ICH CAHPS website in early December 2015. That schedule is shown below.

Note that a sample file for each survey vendor was uploaded on the ICH CAHPS website on April 1. Data collection for the 2016 Spring Survey will begin with the mailing of the pre-notification letter on April 22, 2016.
  • Sampling Window: 10/1/2015 - 12/31/2015
  • Sample Files Uploaded on ICH CAHPS Website: 4/1/2016
NHSNInfluenzahealthcare personnel influenza vaccination summary reporting is due may 15
To meet the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services' (CMS) ESRD QIP National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting requirements for payment year 2017, outpatient dialysis clinics, in-center and home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, must report the influenza vaccination status for all healthcare personnel who are physically present in the facility for at least one working day from October 1 through March 31th by May 15th. Learn more
ReadySetGoESRD ncc kicks off "Ready, set, go!" Campaign
The ESRD National Coordinating Center (NCC) has kicked off the "Ready, Set, Go!" campaign to promote catheter freedom. The steps to Fistula maturity are very important in preparing patients for successful dialysis treatments. Learn more about the steps to catheter freedom and how to check a Fistula every day.
AAKPNationalPatientMeetingAAKP Hosts National Patient meeting
The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) will hold its 2016 National Patient Meeting in Nashville, TN, September 23-25. AAKP is looking forward to returning to Tennessee to build on the excitement, success, and education of last year's meeting. Registration opens in early spring.

NKFSpringMeetingRegistration for NKF's Spring Clinical Meetings is now open





The National Kidney Foundation's Spring Clinical Meetings 2016 present a unique opportunity for busy renal health care providers to learn new developments related to all aspects of nephrology. Registration is now open

ANNASymposiumANNA NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM TO BE HELD IN MAY
The American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) will be hosting its 47th National Symposium May 1 - 4 at the Marriott Louisville and Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY. The symposium provides opportunities for nephrology nurses to expand their knowledge, enhance clinical skills, and widen professional networks. For more information, visit www.annasymposium.org
KidneyFoundationofCentralPAThe Kidney foundation of central pa presents annual professional symposium
In partnership with Penn State College of Medicine, The Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania presents its Annual Professional Symposium/Update on Chronic Kidney Disease on April 19 at the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This program is designed to update nephrologists, physician assistants, certified registered nurse practitioners, dialysis nurses and technicians, renal social workers, renal dieticians, and other interested health care professionals on recent medical advances in the care of patients with chronic kidney disease. Other event sponsors are Pinnacle Health and the Lancaster General Health Essa E. Flory Renal Dialysis Endowment. Presentation of the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania Founders' Club Award for Clinical Excellence (ACE) will take place at the conference. The ACE Award was created to recognize the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania's commitment to the advancement and promotion of renal professionals living and working in our 28-county region. By casting a spotlight on the accomplishments of these outstanding professionals, the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania looks to honor those who have made a positive and lasting impact on the delivery of care to people living with kidney disease. Learn more and register today

CNSWCNSW of Eastern PA and DE spring program is announced
The Council of Nephrology Social Workers (CNSW) of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware has announced its upcoming spring program for Wednesday, April 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.  The program will take place at the Community Center at Giant, located at 315 York Road, Willow Grove, PA. 5.0 CEUs will be offered, pending approval. The cost of registration is $50. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Register today or learn more and view the agenda

PKDPKD National Convention to be held in June
The Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) National Convention will be held June 24-26 in Orlando, FL. The registration fee is reduced if you register by May 5. For ongoing details, visit the PKD Foundation website
ESRDResourcesESRD resources  
 
CMS Releases New Educational Tool
CMS has released a new educational tool, Medicare Costs at a Glance: 2016, to help inform you and your patients about Medicare A, B, C, and D.

NKF Offers PERC
The National Kidney Foundation (NKF)'s Professional Education Resource Center (PERC) and all of its content is available FREE to members. It's as easy as creating an account and getting access to CEUs you can take any time. Register now

Check out the ESRD NCC Information Exchange 
The ESRD Network Coordinating Center (NCC) provides centralized coordination and support for the Medicare ESRD Network program. Each month, the ESRD NCC distributes an e-newsletter, known as the Information Exchange, that compiles the most important information from numerous ListServs and publications related to renal health. To sign up to receive this informative newsletter, please contact the ESRD NCC at [email protected] or visit the ESRD NCC website


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IMPORTANT NOTE:
This bi-weekly e-newsletter will serve as our primary method of communicating important news and updates. We encourage you to visit our Web site for the most up-to-date information or to contact us with questions, comments or suggestions.

This material was prepared by Quality Insights Renal Network 4 under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The contents do not necessarily reflect CMS policy.

Publication No. ESRD4-041316