CMS has issued a guidance on the new coronavirus, COVID-19, for healthcare providers to stay up to date on the screening, treatment and transfer procedures to follow as well as how to better protect seniors in nursing homes.
The guidance comes as the number of cases in the U.S. has grown to 647 and 25 deaths as of March 10, according to the CDC. President Trump previously tasked Vice President Mike Pence with heading up the U.S. response to COVID-19, though HHS Secretary Alex Azar has been leading the task force as chairman.
In particular, CMS published a new guidance for hospices and nursing homes, including information on how to address possible and confirmed cases of the disease. Hospices are advised to identify high-risk patients before an appointment and begin screening for signs of infection, such as fever, cough and sore throat. Patients who have traveled internationally within the last 14 days are also at risk.
Nursing homes, which house high-risk patients, are also advised to screen for the disease, as well as limit or monitor visitors and restrict ill staff members. Taking steps to transfer an ill resident or patient is also essential, and nursing homes need to be prepared in case they accept a patient who has tested positive for COVID-19.
“CMS is laser focused on protecting patients, no matter where or they are receiving care,” CMS Administrator Seema Verma said in a statement. “We are receiving up-to-the minute information about COVID-19 and are in turn, making necessary updates to our requirements and sharing that information with our providers throughout the healthcare system. America’s patients and providers should rest secure knowing that we are taking aggressive precautions to safeguard your health.”
In another guidance, Medicare-participating hospitals have been directed to screen patients and maintain infection control and prevention policies. Every patient, including those suspected of having COVID-19, should be screened. Hospitals should also reach out to state or local health officials for information about transferring patients and information on other next steps.
“CMS is proactively and aggressively providing clear and actionable guidance to healthcare providers across the system to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to keep patients and healthcare workers safe,” Verma said. “Hospital emergency departments–and all healthcare providers–should redouble their infection control and prevention efforts. We have been in close communication with provider groups and associations, and are thankful for their proactive efforts to prepare their members to address the potential spread of Coronavirus.”
The new guidances come after CMS issued an FAQ on COVID-19 with information for Medicare providers to bill and receive payment for testing and treating patients. The Trump administration also created coronavirus.gov with updates about the disease, as well as tools and other information.
So far, the U.S. has approved more than $8 billion in funding to fight the spread of COVID-19, characterized by a cough and fever, with symptoms ranging from severe to mild.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."