|
A Monthly Newsletter for Quality Insights Renal Network 4
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Welcome to the December issue of the Quality Insights Renal Network 4 e-newsletter. In this issue, we bring you information about new email addresses for Network 4 staff, CMS updates, resources and more.
We encourage you to
contact us
with any questions, concerns or suggestions.
|
 important note: network 4 staff contact information is changing
Quality Insights Renal Network 4 staff will have new email addresses
effective January 1, 2020. Please make a note of this information and update your contact records accordingly. As always, please reach out to us with any questions.
|
|
|
| CMS Updates |
esrd qip final psr and psc for py2020 now available online
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the Payment Year (PY) 2020 End-Stage Renal Disease Quality Incentive Program (ESRD QIP) Final Performance Score Reports (PSR) and Performance Score Certificates (PSC). Authorized facility staff may log onto the ESRD Quality Reporting System (EQRS) to download and save these documents as soon as possible. The PY 2020 Final PSR documents your facility's performance during 2018 and any payment reduction that CMS will impose for reimbursement on 2020 claims. The Final PSR reflects any applicable revisions to your facility's performance scores from those displayed during the Preview Period. Each facility is required to download, print, and post both the English and Spanish versions of the PSC in a prominent patient area within fifteen (15) business days of their availability; facilities also must ensure that these documents remain posted throughout 2020. PY 2020 Final PSRs and PSCs will only be available on EQRS until December 31, 2019. We encourage each facility to save an electronic copy of their Final PSR and PSC for reference, reprinting, and reposting throughout the year should the need arise. Facilities who fail to save a copy by December 31, 2019 can request an additional copy by e-mail from the QualityNet Help Desk, but should expect a delay in receiving the requested documentation. For further information on how to access and understand your reports, please refer to the PY 2020 supporting documents available via the ESRD QIP Resources page on QualityNet.org. For assistance regarding the information contained in this message, please contact the ESRD QIP Support Team using the ESRD QIP Q&A Tool. If you have questions or concerns regarding use of EQRS, please contact the QualityNet Help Desk at [email protected] or (866) 288-8912 (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT from Monday through Friday).
|
|
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 [email protected] 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.
|
|
|
| ESRD Resources |
 latest edition of kcer watch now available
The
KCER Watch
December newsletter is full of important information for facilities and patients. The newsletter addresses the following topics.
- National Influenza Vaccination Week
- Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist
- Caution: Carbon Monoxide Can Kill
- Fire Prevention Safety During the Holidays
- Emergency Preparedness Tabletop Exercises
- Disconnecting from a Dialysis Machine in an Emergency
|
|
new resources added to the patient grant library
 Do you have a patient who is looking for resources to attend college? Do you know about a patient whose child is interested in pursuing training to learn new skills? The Patient Grant Library offers information about scholarships and recently added resources to its Scholarship Section.
The scholarship resources posted on the Patient Grant Library offer a variety of opportunities for funding. Some scholarships are specific for people affected by kidney disease and others are offered for health conditions related to kidney disease.
Visit today and share these valuable resources with dialysis facility staff and patients. If you have new ideas for content or want to share a success story, send an email to [email protected].
|
|
 managing retaliation in the dialysis setting
Retaliation in the dialysis setting is when patients feel like they are being punished for speaking up about the level of care they receive. To reduce patient fears of retaliation and help educate dialysis staff members lessen patient fears of retaliation, NPFE-LAN Legacy SMEs partnered with CMS to create two resources on managing retaliation.
Download the patient resource, Thriving Without Fear: Managing Retaliation.
Download the staff member resource, Tips for Dialysis Staff to Identify and Manage Retaliation.
|
|
My Dialysis Plan™ now available
My Dialysis Plan™ is an interdisciplinary plan of care program designed to align dialysis care with patient-identified priorities and improve the care planning experience. The program was developed in collaboration with patients, clinic personnel, and medical providers. My Dialysis Plan™ resources include a video and written materials for patients and care team members including a patient brochure, meeting preparation questions, and team guide. Materials are available in English and Spanish.
|
|
 tips for caregivers handout now available
Families provide the majority of the care to people living with kidney failure. Caring for someone with kidney disease can be an overwhelming experience. Some caregivers may become so focused on their loved one that they may neglect their own health or well-being. Members of the ESRD NCC NPFE-LAN developed the Tips for Kidney Caregivers handout. It addresses some of the emotional health issues of caregivers by providing practical advice and suggestions. Download Tips for Caregivers (PDF) now and share with facility staff members, patients, and family members.
|
|
|
|
|
|
