News and Events
Click here for MedWatch and KCER Alerts.
Swine Flu Information Posted
The “widget” above is designed to give you a quick way to access up to date information about the swine flu epidemic. Click on the appropriate links above to learn more.
If your organization has a website and you would like to include this same tool for your readers, click here to find information that your webmaster can use.
Para más información en español sobre la gripe porcina, diríjase a http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/
Medicare Scam Alert
CMS has become aware of a scam where perpetrators are sending faxes to physician offices posing as the Medicare carrier or Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC). The fax instructs physician staff to respond to a questionnaire to provide an account information update within 48 hours in order to prevent a gap in Medicare payments. The fax may have the CMS logo and/or the contractor logo to enhance the appearance of authenticity.
Medicare FFS providers, including physicians, non-physician practitioners, should be wary of this type of request. If you receive a request for information in the manner described above, please check with your contractor before submitting any information. Medicare providers should only send information to a Medicare contractor using the address found in the download section of the CMS.gov website found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNGenInfo/ or http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll .
KDQOL COMPLETE Is Now Available
The new KDQOL COMPLETE is now available for purchase to all facilities. It is an easy-to-use online program that quickly scores, stores, and trends results for the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL) survey and complies with new Conditions for Coverage. The results identify patients with psychosocial needs and allow the facility staff an opportunity to provide appropriate interventions to help improve their outcomes. This program can be purchased online by going to their home page at www.kdqol-complete.org.
FFBI Publishes Updated AVF Reimbursement Rate
The Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative has created a flyer to publicize the increased reimbursement rate for direct vein to artery fistulas. With the new rate, these AVF types are now being paid at a rate equivalent to grafts. Use this link to view the new fee schedule.
Temporary Facility Closure in Alabama - Update - 5-11-09
DCI Dothan facility remains closed due to flooding at this time. Plans are underway to reopen the clinic soon in a different, temporary location. Details will be posted as they become available.
Life Safety Code Regulations Implemented
The Life Safety Code (LSC) components of the ESRD Conditions for Coverage became effective on February 9, 2009.
• The LSC component for dialysis facilities includes Chapters 20 and 21 of the 2000 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 101 LSC.
• The ESRD regulation provides certain exceptions to the LSC provisions, including sprinkler systems, Essential Electrical Systems (EES), and fire drills. The regulation also provides for specific LSC waivers.
Important Information About the Implementation of CROWNWeb
On February 1, 2009, CMS will move, in a modified fashion, CROWNWeb from its testing environment to a production/implementation environment. We are pleased to announce that the software is available on schedule. CMS will launch CROWNWeb to a small, select group of providers across the country—both large- and small-dialysis organizations, as well as independent dialysis facilities across the country. CMS and ESRD Network Organizations will communicate directly with the dialysis facilities that will be part of phase I implementation: facilities that are a part of phase I implementation will be aware of their status no later than Friday, January 23, 2009.
Until your facility is phased in to CROWNWeb implementation, you must continue with your normal business operations and reporting requirements as usual. This includes using the SIMS, VISION, and paper-based data (form and report) submissions. Facilities that are not part of the first phase of implementation may continue to meet their requirements under the ESRD conditions for coverage by continuing to use these submission methods.
CROWNWeb training is still on schedule, so if you have registered for one of the upcoming face-to-face training sessions, please continue to make plans to attend. Registration for QIPS (CROWNWeb User IDs/Password) and Batch (Delegation of Authority) continues. Support will be available to dialysis facilities from their local ESRD Network Organizations. Facilities can also call the CROWN Help Desk at 888-ESRD-HD1 or email ESRDHD1@esrd.net. Network 8, Inc. will continue to communicate information to facilities as it becomes available.
Questions & Answers
How will we know whether our facility will be in the first phase? The two facilities selected to participate in Network 8 have been notified, and we will provide more information about Phase 2 as soon as it is available.
How do we process the forms we are holding now? All facilities will resume the submission of 2728 and 2746 Forms, PARs, and Fistula First reports via paper or VISION (for those already using VISION) to Network 8. No forms should be held any longer, and any forms that were being held pending the implementation of CROWNWeb should be submitted to the Network immediately.
Resource Guide for Conditions for Coverage
Network 8 is pleased to announce the release of a newly developed resource guide for the Conditions for Coverage. This document is a streamlined version of the Interpretive Guidance document that was released by CMS on October 3, 2008. Though not meant to serve as a stand-alone document, and certainly not meant to replace the Interpretive Guidance, it is hoped that this resource will be a beneficial guide to understanding the new requirements. Click here to view the resource guide.
Applying for a CROWNWeb Account
Click here for information and directions on how to apply for a CROWNWeb Account.
Facility Agreements Reinstated Nationwide
CMS has used the new Conditions for Coverage to reinstate the federal requirement for signed agreements between ESRD Networks and dialysis facilities operating in each region. State surveyors will immediately begin asking to see the agreements during inspections of new facilities, and Network 8 will expedite the approval process for any facility anticipating their initial site visits. To download a copy of the Network 8 agreement and instructions, click here.
Free Phosphorus Education Materials Now Available for Patients and Professionals
These tools will allow your patients to see which tools at fast food restaurants are high in phosphorus additives and also give them healthier alternatives.
New MedWatch Link
Due to the numerous blast faxes that have been sent regarding the recent Heparin recall, we have added a direct link to the FDA MedWatch website so that users will have access to the most current information available, as soon as it is posted. This link, located on the left side of the page under “Quality Improvement” section, has information on FDA activities, including recalls and warnings for both medicines and medical devices. Please contact us if you have any questions or need assistance navigating this site.
This site was last reviewed and updated on 6/23/2009.