If you are a Michigan provider, this information is for you! The state of Michigan has updated their testing reimbursement guidelines and issues a memo on November 2, 2020. Please be sure you are following the guidelines, maintaining the documentation and requesting reimbursement for testing on a timely basis. Download the information from Michigan.gov! Stay the course, stay strong, stay …
The CDC has developed two laboratory tests that identify SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The newer of these tests also test for influenza A and B viruses. Testing for all three viruses at the same time will provide public health officials with the information they need to help reduce the spread of these viruses in the community while conserving …
In a study published September 18, 2020, in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, they discuss the risk of testing positive again once you have recovered from the COVID-19 infection. Between April 21 and May 21, 2020, a total of 137 individuals who officially recovered from COVID-19 were enrolled in this study. All patients were tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus …
As reported in McKnight’s Senior Living publication on October 16, 2020, we have become an innovative sector! A California-based senior living company is adopting the COVID-19 testing approach of professional sports teams to create “safety bubbles” among its staff and residents. The testing process provides accuracy levels that mirror typical PCR tests. Pools of up to 100 associates and residents …
The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world in such a way that many small businesses including post-acute care centers are struggling to stay afloat. Restrictions on what we can and can’t do, who comes, who goes, where they go, and for how long has challenged the most seasoned administrator/owner since early March. Add to that the CMS requirement for testing, …
As you have likely heard, an event at the White House Rose Garden is suspected of infecting multiple people with COVID-19. Many experts agree that it was likely the cause of the spread and are referring to it as a “super spreader. Putting politics aside, let’s take a look at some of the facts. The White House has reportedly relied …
Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at risk for severe COVID-19. Facility-wide testing, even in the absence of a reported COVID-19 case, can identify asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infection in LTCFs. Per the CDC, facilities where testing was conducted after a confirmed case of COVID-19 were found to have significantly higher proportions of infected residents and staff members at initial …
Please review the newest rule issued from CMS to understand what it means for your facility. This affects requirements for COVID-19 testing in regards to residents, staff, volunteers, and individuals providing services under arrangement. Read the summary from CMS below and click here to access the full memorandum. CMS is committed to taking critical steps to ensure America’s healthcare facilities …
The CDC recently compiled data from seven state or local health departments that conducted facility-wide testing in nursing homes. A total of 288 nursing homes conducted initial facility-wide testing during March 24-June 14 with turnaround times ranged from 1-7 days from testing until receipt of results. The study results were posted on August 14, 2020 and the discussion below summarizes …
COVID-19 Specimen Collection – A Win-Win? Everyone is talking about avoiding being tested for COVID-19 due to the technique used to obtain the specimen. True, it is not the most pleasant experience, but the good news is there may be an alternative to the nasopharyngeal swab! On June 3, 2020, the New England Journal of Medicine reported a study on …
