qualitynet 'servicenow' Q&A tool update 

On October 21, 2019, the new QualityNet Question and Answer (Q&A) tool went live with a new look and simplified navigation aimed at making information about QualityNet programs easier to find. The new Q&A tool called ServiceNow replaced the former RightNow Q&A tool.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to making the new ServiceNow tool even better. The team is working on developing similar "My Stuff" functionality in the new Q&A tool. In the near future, the QualityNet ServiceNow Q&A tool will include new functionality that allows users to lookup in-process and historical information.

As a reminder, please update your bookmarks to include the URLs for the new QualityNet ServiceNow Q&A tool and the Ask-a-Question function as they changed on October 21, 2019. Users may continue to access the Q&A tool through the QualityNet website or directly using the following URLs:

• Main Q&A tool page
• Ask-a-Question
• All knowledge bases

For questions concerning the QualityNet ServiceNow Q&A tool, please contact the CMS ServiceNow team at CCSQServiceNow@cms.hhs.gov.

updated interim infection prevention and control recommendations for measles in healthcare settings 

CDC's updated Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Measles in Healthcare Settings can help clinicians protect against the spread of measles. Measles is most commonly spread from person to person either at home or in public settings, but it can also spread in healthcare settings. While the most important way to prevent the spread of measles is community vaccination, core measles prevention in healthcare settings requires a multi-faceted approach including:

• Ensuring healthcare personnel (HCP) have presumptive evidence of immunity to measles
• Rapidly identifying and isolating patients with known or suspected measles
• Adhering to Standard and Airborne Precautions for patients with known or suspected measles
• Routinely promoting and facilitating respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette 
• Appropriately managing exposed and ill HCP 

CDC's interim guidance should be implemented as part of a comprehensive infection prevention program to prevent the spread of germs among patients, healthcare providers, and visitors. 

final rule explains changes to the end-stage renal disease quality incentive program (esrd qip)  

On October 31, 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that updates payment policies and rates under the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for renal dialysis services furnished to beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2020. This rule also updates the acute kidney injury (AKI) dialysis payment rate for renal dialysis services furnished by ESRD facilities to individuals with AKI and finalizes changes to the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP). The final rule is displayed in the October 31, 2019 Federal Register.  Download the final rule. 

time-limited relief for part b premium penalties  

Under this time-limited policy-known as equitable relief-people who are eligible for Medicare and have Marketplace coverage can apply to enroll in Medicare Part B without penalty. Those who have already transitioned to Medicare can request that any Part B late enrollment penalties they may have received be reduced or eliminated. Eligibility for this ends on June 30, 2020. Learn more. 

NHSN to begin collecting individual dialysis event dates in 2020  

The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) will begin collecting individual dialysis event dates in 2020. Currently, related events are reported on one form, with one event date (for example, positive blood culture and a related IV antimicrobial start). NHSN is moving toward collecting an individual event date for each event type, even if the events are related. Individual event date fields will be optional in 2020 and required by 2021. Download this overview from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more. For questions, please email nhsn@cdc.gov and put "dialysis" in the subject line.

transition period for new medicare card ends soon  

Starting January 1, 2020, you must use the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). Claims submitted with the Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) will be rejected, with a few exceptions and reject all eligibility transactions. Protect your patients' identities by using MBIs now for all Medicare transactions. Ask your patient for his or her card. If he or she did not get a new card, give them the Get Your New Medicare Card flyer in English or Spanish. For more information, see the MLN Matters article.

networks partner with mtppi to host free webinars on pcori findings  

This fall, together with Medical Technology and Practice Patterns Institute (MTPPI), Quality Insights Renal Networks 3, 4 and 5 is providing a series of free webinars targeted to patients, dialysis facility staff, and nephrologists. The webinars disseminate findings from Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) studies. Registration is required for each webinar and continuing education credit will be provided to nurses and social workers, for some of the events.*  See additional details below:

Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. EST
Patient Peer-Mentoring - For Patients
Speakers: Dr. Nasrollah Ghahramani
Audience: Dialysis Patients
*Continuing Education Credit NOT OFFERED
Register today.

Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. EST
Shared Decision Making - Renal Supportive Care
Speakers: Dr. Joan Berzoff and Jenny Kitsen
Audience: Social Workers
*Continuing Education Credit offered to all nurses and social workers
Register today.

peer connection call recordings now available  

During August, patient SMEs from the NPFE-LAN led three peer sharing calls that focused on home dialysis, transplant, and, caregiving. During the calls, which were open only to patients, family members, and caregivers, attendees were able to ask questions of patient SMEs, as well as gain insight on the challenges, benefits, and outcomes of home dialysis and transplantation from the patient perspective. Listen to a call recording below or visit the ESRD NCC website.

• Home Dialysis Peer Connection Call
• Kidney Transplant Peer Connection Call
• Kidney Caregiver Peer Connection Call