The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule on the Quality Payment Program (QPP). The proposed changes are intended to simplify reporting requirements, ease eligibility requirements and provide more support to clinicians, especially small, independent and rural practices.... Read More >>
Nobody likes getting shots, but staying up to date on your vaccines can literally be a life saver. August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, and a time to remember that vaccines play an important role in preventing serious, sometimes fatal diseases. Not only does it protect you personally, but it protects others who may not be able to receive vaccines, such as those with a weakened immune system or those at risk for serious complications if they are to contract one of these infectious diseases.... Read More >>
The countdown is on to the Quality Payment Program (QPP)! Program deadlines are approaching quickly and our goal is to help you be successful with the program. Here are a few ways to prepare for success.... Read More >>
As of January 2017, hospitals accredited by The Joint Commission are required to have antibiotic stewardship programs, and the requirement includes education for practitioners, staff and patients on the antimicrobial program, such as information about resistance and optimal prescribing. For hospitals seeking antimicrobial stewardship education, the Society of Hospital Medicine just released Antimicrobial Stewardship Modules that are available online.... Read More >>
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo in June indicating that it now expects certified health care facilities to have water management policies and procedures. The state Department of Health notes that is has learned of at least one facility that has been cited by CMS for lacking a water management program.... Read More >>
WSHA continues our commitment to improving patient safety and reducing harm from all causes by supporting Rapid Response Teams, which are supportive clinicians with advanced skills who are able to assess a patient when there is a concern that a patient’s condition is declining. Rapid Response Team processes can be initiated by patients, family members and staff.... Read More >>
Communication and Resolution Programs (CRPs) are a principled, comprehensive and systematic approach for responding to patients who have been harmed during health care. Despite the best training and intentions of healthcare professionals, about one in 10 patients is harmed by the care they receive. When something goes wrong during health care, the best response is one that is rapid and compassionate, and promotes healing for all involved.... Read More >>
A study published in Health Affairs in June 2017 compared racial disparities in 30-day readmissions among traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who underwent one of six major inpatient surgical procedures. The study utilized New York State hospital claims data in 2013.... Read More >>
Already late to an evening meeting, I rush through the hospital halls. Up ahead, an older couple ambled. Then, “Do you know how to get to the elevators?” I opted for expediency: “I’m heading that way; I’ll take you.” Relieved, the woman confided that a routine visit discovered a brain tumor. He was having a biopsy in the morning. She insisted he complete an advance directive, but she didn’t know how to begin.... Read More >>
Newport Hospitals & Health Services and Kittitas Valley Healthcare received the Washington State Hospital Association’s 2017 Rural Quality ~ Everyday Extraordinary Award. Newport Hospitals & Health Services received the award for its success in its “Surgical Site Infection Prevention Project,” and Kittitas Valley Healthcare received the award for its success in its “KVH Sepsis Taskforce.”... Read More >>
