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Clinical Integration updates: View the latest program updates including updates on Appeals determination letters and statin measures updated to Cerner.
Blue Cross Blue Shield mailing: This month, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Commercial HMO members will receive a mailing explaining Access to Care options available with an IL physician PCP copay. This is a BCBS requirement, and a mailing will go to each policy holder.
Population Health Outreach: We are conducting the following patient outreach on your behalf to support quality outcomes and close quality care gaps. Learn more.
Discontinue use of Halyard N95 masks: The FDA has recommended discontinuing use of Halyard N95 masks, including 46827 (S) and 46727 (R). Review SBAR. For physicians and APCs who have been fitted to one of the identified N95 masks, avoid entering any airborne precaution environment and refrain from further use of these masks. With the safety of our physicians, APCs and teammates at the forefront, we’re currently developing a strategy to address the situation. In the interim, physicians and APCs may not select another mask for use prior to being fit tested for a new N95. To obtain a fit test, walk-ins are available at an Occupational Health site near you.
Carboplatin/cisplatin shortage: Like many health care systems across the country, we’ve been impacted by the nationwide shortage of oncology drugs carboplatin and cisplatin after the largest manufacturer shut down production. We’re closely tracking our usage and supply and our Pharmacy teams are hard at work to secure more in order to provide our patients with the best possible care. Physicians with impacted patients have received specific guidance from Cancer Service Line leadership. View the SBAR and stay tuned for ongoing updates about this fluid situation.
COVID PHE Unwinding changes: As the COVID Public Health Emergency ends on May 11, we expect many changes to waivers, flexibilities and more from CMS, including Medicaid recertification, telehealth services including HIPAA compliant video chat application changes, and COVID testing and reporting. Stay tuned for more information and learn more.
New DEA training requirement: Starting June 27, physicians and APCs will need to attest to eight hours of CME dedicated to Opioid Use Disorder and/or Substance Use Disorder. This is a federally-required, one-time attestation for all new and renewal applications – Illinois licensure also requires three hours by July 31. Past trainings do count towards the eight-hour requirement. If you previously held an X-Wavier or are board certified in addiction medicine, no further education is required by the DEA. Find CME offerings to meet this requirement.
Add inpatient code status within 24 hours: As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, code status updates for Advocate inpatients must be documented within the first 24 hours, effective May 15. This helps standardize our processes, provides more clear guidance for when to contact an attending physician for orders and will have a positive impact on the safety and quality of care for our patients. See this tip sheet for the code status options.
Enhancements to paging service: Advocate Health Care is pleased to announce the enhancement of the alphanumeric existing paging service to improve security and compliance. AMSConnect, American Messaging’s HIPAA-compliant phone application, integrates with your American Messaging pager and replaces the use of Pagecopy. The app sends duplicate notifications to your mobile device for expanded coverage and convenience. Learn more.
Supporting our patients to quit smoking: We offer Freshstart, the American Cancer Society’s free, four-week virtual program to patients to help them quit smoking. See the flyer in English and Spanish for more information and encourage your patients to register.
Advancing Research: Advocate Lutheran General Hospital researchers recently enrolled the 2,000th overall participant in the national U.S. Pointer Alzheimer’s clinical trial led by Darren Gitelman, MD, senior medical director of Advocate Memory Center. View study.
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