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COVID-19 News & Updates

 

Please find the COVID-19 updates and educational opportunities offered in October, listed below.
 

Updates for Patients
Educational Opportunities for Patients

Updates for Staff
Educational Opportunites for Staff
 

COVID-19 Updates

For Patients
October 12 Dialysis Patient Citizens Release New Resources
 
Kidney Disease Booklets for Teens
DPC has released new booklets to provide information for teens who learn they have kidney disease. They include a brief overview of living with renal disease, the importance of diet and medication adherence, potential treatment methods, and feelings related to having a chronic illness, family and friends, and being a teen.
 
  • Tips for Teens Living with Kidney Disease (available in English or Spanish)
  • Kidney Disease Tips for Teens Living with Cystinosis (available in English or Spanish)
Online Exercise Course: Exercise and the Benefits to You and Your Kidneys
DPC has released a new online course to explain the importance of exercise on physical and mental health, describe how it benefits people living with kidney disease, and detail how you can develop a personalized exercise program that will work for you.
Access Online Course
 
October 5 Dialysis Patient Citizens Releases: Kidney Disease Booklets for Teens
DPC has released new booklets to provide information for teens who learn they have kidney disease. They include a brief overview of living with renal disease, the importance of diet and medication adherence, potential treatment methods, and feelings related to having a chronic illness, family and friends, and being a teen.

Tips for Teens Living with Kidney Disease (available in English or Spanish)
Kidney Disease Tips for Teens Living with Cystinosis (available in English or Spanish)
ESRD NCC Releases:  Telemedicine Patient Toolkit
The NCC has released a new resource for patients and family members about the benefits of telemedicine, answers to common concerns, a checklist, and appointment tracker.
View Toolkit
 

 

For Staff
October 26 National Renal Administrators Association Sends Letter to CMS Requesting Delay of January ETC Model Implementation
In September 2020, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), published a final rule to implement the ESRD Treatment Choices Model with the goals of increasing rates of home dialysis and kidney transplantation for ESRD beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Fee-for-Service. This mandatory payment model, covering 30% of adult ESRD beneficiaries, is set to begin January 1, 2021, and end June 30, 2027.  
Last week, the National Renal Administrators Association (NRAA) sent a letter to CMS urging the Agency to delay the implementation of the ESRD Treatment Choices Model until after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency concludes.
Read NRAA Letter to CMS
View NRAA Final ETC Rule Resources
COVID-19 Reporting Moving to NHSN; CDC Offers Training
COVID-19 reporting is moving to NHSN, starting in November.  To assist facilities that will need to report the data manually, the CDC is offering training opportunities, where NHSN subject matter experts will provide an overview of the enrollment process, data collection form, and the Outpatient Dialysis COVID-19 Module website.  There are two dates available to attend; both trainings will be identical in content.
 
View and/or Register for the CDC’s COVID-19 NHSN Training Opportunities
 
October 19 CMS NEWS: Trump Administration Drives Telehealth Services in Medicaid and Medicare
For the first time since the May 1, 2020, publication of the COVID-19 Interim Final Rule with Comment Period (IFC), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is adding 11 new services to the Medicare telehealth services list. Medicare will now begin paying for 144 services performed by eligible practitioners, via telehealth, including several ESRD services, effective immediately, and for the duration of the Public Health Emergency (PHE).

View Telehealth Service Codes

To further drive telehealth, CMS has also released a new supplement to its telehealth toolkit that provides examples and insights into lessons learned from states that have implemented telehealth changes. This supplement includes information to help states identify services that can be accessed through telehealth, which providers may deliver those services, the ways providers deliver those services, as well as the circumstances under which telehealth can be reimbursed once the PHE expires.
 
View Supplement
View State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit COVID-19 Version
 
October 12 Quality Insights Renal Network 5 Launches 2020-2021 Influenza Campaign!
Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more important for both healthcare providers and ESRD patients to get a flu shot.  Receiving a vaccination in September/October allows the proper time for immunity protection heading into the peak influenza season early next year. Below are some resources for both providers and patients to utilize as we all strive to reach the goal of 85% by December 31, 2020:

Patient Engagement Resources ​Professional Resources
Please visit the Quality Insights Renal Network 5 influenza campaign webpage for up to date resources and information regarding the 2020-2021 Influenza Season. Let’s all protect one another and Get a Flu shot Today!
ESRD Networks 16 & 18 Wound Care for Burnout Webinar Recording Available
View Webinar Recording
IPRO COVID-19 and Compassion Fatigue Webinar Recording Available
View Webinar Recording
View Slide Set
 
October 5 ESRD NCC Releases a New Tool: Sample Infection Prevention and Control Quality Improvement Plan
The End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network Coordinating Center (NCC) has released a Sample Infection Prevention and Control Quality Improvement Plan, as a tool that can be used by facilities that need to develop an improvement plan due to high infection rates or infection control deficiencies, identified via internal or external audit.
View Sample Infection Prevention and Control Quality Improvement Plan
Quality Insights Renal Network 5 Launches 2020-2021 Influenza Campaign!
Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more important for both healthcare providers and ESRD patients to get a flu shot.  Receiving a vaccination in September/October allows the proper time for immunity protection heading into the peak influenza season early next year. Below are some resources for both providers and patients to utilize as we all strive to reach the goal of 85% by December 31, 2020:

Patient Engagement Resources ​Professional Resources
Please visit the Quality Insights Renal Network 5 influenza campaign webpage for up to date resources and information regarding the 2020-2021 Influenza Season. Let’s all protect one another and Get a Flu shot Today!
 


COVID-19 Educational Opportunities

For Patients
October 26
Looking ahead:
CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Event
Celebrating the Holidays Safely During COVID-19  (Patient Event)                                      Tuesday, November 3, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register
 
October 19 CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Event
COVID-19 vs Flu: Breaking Down the Differences (Patient Event)
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register
Looking ahead:
American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2020 Diabetic Kidney Disease Collaborative Roundtable Series

New Approaches to Transform Outcomes for Kidney Disease and Heart Disease in Patients with Diabetes
Clinical experts will review the latest guidelines for both kidney disease and heart disease, and discuss the most recent trials and promising therapies.  A roundtable of experts from nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology will consider implications for diabetes, kidney and heart disease treatment in 2021.
 
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register
 
October 12
Looking ahead:
American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2020 Diabetic Kidney Disease Collaborative Roundtable Series

New Approaches to Transform Outcomes for Kidney Disease and Heart Disease in Patients with Diabetes
Clinical experts will review the latest guidelines for both kidney disease and heart disease, and discuss the most recent trials and promising therapies.  A roundtable of experts from nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology will consider implications for diabetes, kidney and heart disease treatment in 2021.
 
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register
 
October 5 National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Facebook LIVE Event
People with chronic kidney disease at any stage, as well as kidney transplant patients, are at increased risk of severe illness from both COVID-19 and the flu. This Q&A session will discuss the differences between the COVID-19, COVID-19 during flu season, and how to protect yourself from getting sick.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | 1:30 PM ET
Register
CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Event
Receiving a Kidney Transplant During COVID-19                         
Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register 
Looking further ahead:
American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2020 Diabetic Kidney Disease Collaborative Roundtable Series

New Approaches to Transform Outcomes for Kidney Disease and Heart Disease in Patients with Diabetes
Clinical experts will review the latest guidelines for both kidney disease and heart disease, and discuss the most recent trials and promising therapies.  A roundtable of experts from nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology will consider implications for diabetes, kidney and heart disease treatment in 2021.
 
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register
 

 

For Staff
October 26 NKF & Tricida, Inc. Present Virtual Roundtable
Understanding the Harm Caused by Chronic Metabolic Acidosis
Tuesday, October 27, 2020 | 6:30 PM ET
Register or register by contacting Sarah Spencer at 972-839-3653 or sarah.spencer@syneoshealth.com
(provide your name, degree, office and email address, and phone number)
CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Event

Challenges in an Ever-Changing Acute Dialysis Setting During a Pandemic  (Provider Event)  ** OFFERING 1 CE CREDIT!
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | 3:00 PM ET
Register

**Continuing Education credit for CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Events is extended by the ESRD NCC. Please contact the ESRD NCC with questions or for technical assistance at nccinfo@hsag.com.
Looking ahead:
 
CDC Offers NHSN Training: Outpatient Dialysis COVID-19 Module
With COVID-19 reporting moving to NHSN, the CDC is offering training for facilities that will need to report the data manually.  NHSN subject matter experts will provide an overview of the enrollment process, data collection form, and the Outpatient Dialysis COVID-19 Module website. 

Monday, November 9, 2020 | 2:00 PM ET
or
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 | 3:30 PM ET
Register

Both trainings will be identical in content, so you will only need to attend one session. Advance registration is required.  After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing webinar access information. The webinar will be recorded; the recording will be available on the Outpatient Dialysis COVID-19 Module website post-event.


CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Event

Flu Versus COVID-19 Myths (Provider Event)  ** OFFERING 1 CE CREDIT!
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 | 3:00 PM ET
Register
**Continuing Education credit for CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Events is extended by the ESRD NCC. Please contact the ESRD NCC with questions or for technical assistance at nccinfo@hsag.com.
 
 
American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2020 Diabetic Kidney Disease Collaborative Roundtable Series
 
New Approaches to Transform Outcomes for Kidney Disease and Heart Disease in Patients with Diabetes
Clinical experts will review the latest guidelines for both kidney disease and heart disease, and discuss the most recent trials and promising therapies.  A roundtable of experts from nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology will consider implications for diabetes, kidney and heart disease treatment in 2021.
 
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register
 
October 19
Looking ahead:
CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Event

Challenges in an Ever-Changing Acute Dialysis Setting During a Pandemic  (Provider Event)  ** OFFERING 1 CE CREDIT!
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 | 3:00 PM ET
Register

Flu Versus COVID-19 Myths (Provider Event)  ** OFFERING 1 CE CREDIT!
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 | 3:00 PM ET
Register

**Continuing Education credit for CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Events is extended by the ESRD NCC. Please contact the ESRD NCC with questions or for technical assistance at nccinfo@hsag.com.
 
 
American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2020 Diabetic Kidney Disease Collaborative Roundtable Series
 
New Approaches to Transform Outcomes for Kidney Disease and Heart Disease in Patients with Diabetes
Clinical experts will review the latest guidelines for both kidney disease and heart disease, and discuss the most recent trials and promising therapies.  A roundtable of experts from nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology will consider implications for diabetes, kidney and heart disease treatment in 2021.
 
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register
 
October 12 HHS/ASPR COVID-19 Clinical Rounds

Critical Care: Using a Fairgrounds for Surge
Tuesday, October 13, 2020 | 10:00 AM ET
Register

If you miss a HHS/ASPR COVID-19 Clinical Round session, recordings of past events are available online
Quality Insights/PCORI Web Series:  Goals of Care Conversations during the Pandemic: Why They Matter and How to Hold Them
Join Drs. Alvin Moss and Liz Anderson as they discuss shared decision making (SDM) and advance care planning (ACP) and how each benefits both patients and clinicians. Participants will learn about and explore the Ask-Tell-Ask approach to SDM and ACP and discuss the heightened importance of these patient-centered processes during COVID-19.
This event offers all social workers and nurses who attend 100% of the event, 1.0 continuing education (CE) credit for participation. Each registrant will receive 5 FREE Ask-Tell-Ask pocket guides!
 
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | 12:30 PM ET
Register
CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Event
Managing COVID-19 Pandemic in the Outpatient Dialysis Facility 
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | 3:00 PM ET
Register
Looking further ahead:

American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2020 Diabetic Kidney Disease Collaborative Roundtable Series
 
New Approaches to Transform Outcomes for Kidney Disease and Heart Disease in Patients with Diabetes
Clinical experts will review the latest guidelines for both kidney disease and heart disease, and discuss the most recent trials and promising therapies.  A roundtable of experts from nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology will consider implications for diabetes, kidney and heart disease treatment in 2021.
 
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register
 
October 5 National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Facebook LIVE Event
People with chronic kidney disease at any stage, as well as kidney transplant patients, are at increased risk of severe illness from both COVID-19 and the flu. This Q&A session will discuss the differences between the COVID-19, COVID-19 during flu season, and how to protect yourself from getting sick.
 
Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | 1:30 PM ET
Register
HHS/ASPR COVID-19 Clinical Rounds

Combined Special Session: Update on Remdesivir and Dexamethasone
Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | 10:00 AM ET
Register
 
If you miss a HHS/ASPR COVID-19 Clinical Round session, recordings of past events are available online.
Looking ahead to next week:
 
Quality Insights/PCORI Web Series:  Goals of Care Conversations during the Pandemic: Why They Matter and How to Hold Them
Join Drs. Alvin Moss and Liz Anderson as they discuss shared decision making (SDM) and advance care planning (ACP) and how each benefits both patients and clinicians. Participants will learn about and explore the Ask-Tell-Ask approach to SDM and ACP and discuss the heightened importance of these patient-centered processes during COVID-19.
This event offers all social workers and nurses who attend 100% of the event, 1.0 continuing education (CE) credit for participation. Each registrant will receive 5 FREE Ask-Tell-Ask pocket guides!
 
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | 12:30 PM ET
Register
 
CMS COVID-19 Quickinar Event
Managing COVID-19 Pandemic in the Outpatient Dialysis Facility 
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 | 3:00 PM ET
Register
 
Looking further ahead:

American Society of Nephrology (ASN) 2020 Diabetic Kidney Disease Collaborative Roundtable Series
 
New Approaches to Transform Outcomes for Kidney Disease and Heart Disease in Patients with Diabetes
Clinical experts will review the latest guidelines for both kidney disease and heart disease, and discuss the most recent trials and promising therapies.  A roundtable of experts from nephrology, cardiology, and endocrinology will consider implications for diabetes, kidney and heart disease treatment in 2021.
 
Thursday, December 10, 2020 | 4:00 PM ET
Register
 

 

Past Updates and Opportunities