Don’t have time to read all the blogs you’d like to? That’s okay, we know you are extremely busy. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the top recent news together, with links to information you can review and put into practice.
- ICD-10 updates. Long Term Care Leader reports that CMS has made the 2015 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting available on the 2015 ICD-10-CM and GEMs web page and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. View the PDF here.
- Making strides. AHCA members are making headway on 30-day hospital readmission numbers. The AHCA reports a 14.2% decrease in the average rate of 30-day hospital readmissions through the first quarter of 2014 for AHCA member centers. In fact 50.8% have already met the March 2015 15% reduction target.
- Get represented. There is still time for LTC residential facilities to participate in a National Study of Long-Term Care providers. The National Center for Health Statistics is conducting the 2014 National Study of Long-Term Care Providers (NSLTCP). According to the ALFA update, information provided “will help policymakers, health care planners, and providers better understand, plan for, and serve the future long-term care needs of the older population and disabled young adults.” The 2014 NSLTCP questionnaire is available on the CDC’s website.
- An Ounce of Prevention. Those working in healthcare settings should consider getting the flu vaccine as they prepare for cold and flu season. The flu vaccine is important for healthcare professionals - and their clients and patients. The vaccine is especially important for those working with residents in long-term care facilities. Some states have mandated that all assisted living staff and community contractors receive a flu vaccine. Here are some handy links for educating communities about the flu vaccine, and for finding locations that offer the flu vaccine near you.
Let us know what other topics you’d like us to track and report on in our next blog news roundup. Leave your suggestions in the comments below.