Case managers have a role to play in encouraging COVID-19 vaccination

February 5, 2021
Case Management Monthly

A vaccination for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is finally a reality, and healthcare workers across the country have already rolled up their sleeves for the injection. But polls show that many members of the public may be reticent to do the same when they get the opportunity.

Public health emergency extended, waiver provisions stand

February 12, 2021
Case Management Monthly

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has extended the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency (PHE), which is good news for organizations.

A review of the 2-midnight rule in preparation for CMS removal of the inpatient-only list

February 19, 2021
Case Management Monthly

The elimination of the IPO list is planned to be a gradual process that will take three years to fully implement. This year, CMS removed over 300 surgical procedures from the list, primarily cutting the list of musculoskeletal-related procedures, which was reduced from 1,700 to 1,441. The removal of these procedures from the IPO list allows doctors who perform them to be paid for procedures performed on an outpatient basis.

Complex case: Married couple hospitalized with COVID-19

February 26, 2021
Case Management Monthly

Ellen, a case manager, works more than 40 hours every week on-site at her hospital. This has been her schedule since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions were put in place. She is a single mother and decides, despite the virus risk, to work as many hours as possible.

Practice being in the moment with mindfulness meditation

February 1, 2021
Case Management Monthly

In a hectic work environment, you may find yourself dealing with a constant churn of thoughts and emotions. You may be ruminating about a past case or worrying about the future course of a current one. If this sounds like your situation, there is one strategy you may want to try: mindfulness.

Managing the emotional toll of COVID-19

February 1, 2021
Case Management Monthly

For case managers working in hospitals around the country, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an emotional toll—one that is not expected to relent any time soon. However, implementing these simple shifts can help maintain a sense of balance and normalcy.