Posted on Monday, March 9, 2020 12:57 PM
The healthcare population is gearing up for the potential for the coronavirus (COVID 19) to become more widespread. In the U.S. more than 100 cases have been confirmed in 13 different states according to the CDC. Hospice patients are at the end of their life, so protecting them from any additional viruses that could cause them any undue suffering.
“As hospice and palliative care providers we have a unique ability to disseminate information and to provide care in some pretty uncontrolled circumstances,” Edo Banach, president and CEO of the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), told Hospice News. “[Providers] are addressing the threat through education, letting their communities and staff know about some best practices. I want to stress that where we are right now influenza is much more common and more deadly.”
Many hospices are further developing their infection control and prevention procedures. LHC Group has issued written procedures to help protect their patients. “Employees must immediately report any concerns regarding exposure to 2019-nCoV to a supervisor, whether the potential exposure has occurred through providing patient care, travel, assisting an ill traveler or other person, handling a contaminated object, or cleaning a contaminated environment,” the document indicated. “Upon receipt of a report of potential exposure from an employee, the supervisor must take the following immediate actions: Ascertain and fully document: The circumstances surrounding the potential exposure as reported by the employee; whether the employee is experiencing any symptoms associated with 2019-nCoVas.”
Click here for the full article.
About Corridor
Corridor is the nation’s preferred partner and trusted business advisor to home health and hospice providers, providing quality services and impactful results for 30 years. Focusing on key operational, regulatory and financial challenges, Corridor delivering industry-unique solutions and deep expertise in coding, clinical documentation review, compliance, billing and collections , consulting and provider staff education . At Corridor, we make the business of caring for people Better! For the most important industry updates and news that impacts home health and hospice, please make sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive the latest up-to-date industry information direct to your inbox!
For additional information, please contact Corridor at 1-866-263-3795.