13 minute read
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
V A C C I N E
COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations
Advertisement
(last updated 12/1/20) When a COVID-19 vaccine is authorized by the FDA and recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), vaccination in the initial phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program (Phase 1a) should be offered to both:
• Healthcare personnel • Residents of long-term care facilities Healthcare personnel are defined as paid and unpaid people serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials. Long-term care facility residents are defined as adults who reside in facilities that provide a variety of services, including medical and personal care, to persons who are unable to live independently.
Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit Requirements for the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program
The Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit has been updated with a COVID-19 Vaccine Addendum with information on Storage and Handling best practices for COVID-19 vaccines. All vaccination providers participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program must store and handle COVID-19 vaccines under proper conditions to maintain the cold chain as outlined in the toolkit and addendum. The addendum will be updated with specific storage and handling information for each COVID-19 product. Please sign
up for email alerts on the CDC website to be notified when
updates are made or check the website often. (Sign up is in the left column of the CDC website page) The 2020 Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit is a comprehensive guide that reflects best practices for vaccine storage and handling from Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, product information from vaccine manufacturers and scientific studies. The toolkit has been updated for 2020 to clarify language including: • Beyond use date (BUD) • Routine maintenance for vaccine storage units • New definition added to the glossary
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting Specifications (CVRS) Instructions V2 Vaccine Administration Documentation
COVID-19 vaccination providers must document vaccine administration in their medical record systems within 24 hours of administration, and use their best efforts to report administration data to the relevant system for the jurisdiction (i.e., IIS) as soon as practicable and no later than 72 hours after administration. This specification defines the COVID-19 vaccination reporting requirements to the CDC’s Immunization Data Clearinghouse (DCH). Whenever possible, existing and new connections between provider organizations and immunization information systems (IISs) should be leveraged to report vaccinations directly to IISs. This specification addresses how IISs will report these data to CDC’s DCH, as well as, how provider organizations that are unable to report to IISs can still report to CDC’s DCH to ensure a comprehensive accounting of administered doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, this specification supports the submission of deidentified case-level data. It includes reference to identified data elements, but these elements may be populated with “Redacted” or an appropriate coded value.
In the future, this specification will be expanded to include two additional models for reporting. All models of reporting will use the same file format, but will vary in what identifying information is provided. The specification allows for submission of different types of events: (1) vaccination events and (2) vaccine refusals. Each has unique requirements and is defined in the “Deidentified Extract Format.” Only vaccination events are required to be reported at this time. The CDC understands that not all IISs collect data about comorbidities or serology. When these data are not collected by the IIS, the values for these variables must be reported as “unknown.” It is also understood that an IIS may not have information about refusals. These data are only required to be reported if and when available.
“What Every Clinician Should Know about COVID-19
Vaccine Safety” This webinar was presented and recorded on December 14, 2020. The slide set is available under "Call Materials" on the COCA Call webpage. Continuing Education (CE) was not offered for this webinar.
OVERVIEW
Monitoring vaccine safety is a vital part of the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As COVID-19 vaccines become available, the public’s knowledge and confidence in their safety, both initially and during extended use, is an important part of a successful national vaccination effort. CDC remains committed to ensuring that public health officials, healthcare providers and the public have accurate and timely information on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. During the COCA call, clinicians learned how to educate their patients on what to expect after a COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, they learned how they can play an important role in monitoring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, including encouraging patients to enroll in v-safe and to use v-safe to report how they’re feeling. Clinicians also learned how to report adverse events (possible side effects) to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Presenters were Tom Shimabukuro, MD, MPH, MBA, Vaccine Safety Team Lead, COVID-19 Response, CDC and David T. Kuhar, MD, Healthcare Infection Control Team, COVID-19 Response, CDC.
COVID-19 Vaccines and Monoclonal Antibodies Medicare Part B Payment for COVID-19 Vaccines and Certain Monoclonal Antibodies during the Public Health Emergency
CMS has released a set of toolkits for providers, states and insurers to help the health care system prepare and assist in swiftly administering these products once they become available. These resources are designed to increase the number of providers that can administer the products and ensure adequate reimbursement for administration in Medicare, while making it clear to private insurers and Medicaid programs their responsibility to cover these products at no charge to beneficiaries. This webpage provides the payment allowances and other related information for these products. For more information, review the COVID-19 provider toolkit.
Reimbursement Update
COVID-19 vaccination providers must administer COVID-19 vaccine regardless of the vaccine recipient’s ability to pay COVID-19 vaccine administration fees or health plan coverage status. According to recent guidance from CMS, COVID-19 vaccination providers may seek appropriate reimbursement from a program or plan that covers COVID-19 vaccine administration fees for the vaccine recipient. COVID-19 vaccination providers may not seek any reimbursement, including through balance billing, from the vaccine recipient.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Providers COVID-19 Vaccination Prioritization Guidance
The Bulletin | Year End 2020 17
Caring for the Community During A Pandemic - Thank You
As we continue moving through this pandemic, Covenant HealthCare would like to thank all the local healthcare providers for the collaboration. Caring for the community in times like this is a true reminder of the importance of the oath we each took. As the largest regional healthcare system, we take seriously the responsibility of caring for critically ill patients from across 20 counties. On behalf of the Covenant staff, administration, nursing leadership, support services, clinical teams, and most importantly, our patients, thank you for helping us and continuing our mission of extraordinary care for every generation. In addition, while we are unable to gather together for the annual physician office holiday reception, a donation will be made in your honor to the local food pantries. This gift will aid in what has been an exceptionally difficult year for members of our community. From all of us at Covenant HealthCare, we wish you safe and happy holidays, followed by a joyous and healthy new year. Stay safe, mighty, and well!
The only Michigan hospital to earn the Fall 2020 Leapfrog Top Teaching Hospital Award. For the second time in a row, Covenant has been named a Top Teaching Hospital by the Leapfrog Group, and for the fifth time in a row an “A” rated hospital. “It speaks to our dedication to the Covenant Culture of Safety that we could earn this distinction while facing the most threatening health crisis in centuries,” notes Dr. Michael Sullivan, Covenant Vice President for Performance Improvement and Chief Medical Officer. The highest performing hospitals on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey are recognized annually with the prestigious Leapfrog Top Hospital award. Top Hospitals have better systems in place to prevent medication errors, higher quality on maternity care and lower infection rates, among other laudable qualities. Hospitals that are eligible to receive a Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade must have received an A in the most recent round of scoring to be eligible. The award is not given to a set number of hospitals, but rather, to all teaching, general, rural and children's hospitals that meet the high standards defined in each year's Top Hospital Methodology. Covenant HealthCare has also achieved an A grade five consecutive times, the highest safety rating given by the Leapfrog Group.
Covenant Medical Group Welcomes New Providers
Hospital Medicine
Paritharsh Ghantasala, MD; Sonya Gupta, DO; and Mulham Shikh-Hamdon, MD
1447 North Harrison, Saginaw, MI 48602 | Phone 989.583.4220 Primary Care
Abayomi Abimbola, MD
1910 Pine Avenue, Alma, MI 48801 | 989.463.3101
Essa Alsharif, DO
800 Main Street, Birch Run, MI 48415 | 989.624.7001
Jamal Fadhel, MD
3875 Bay Rd. Suite 4S, Saginaw, MI 48603 | 989.583.5150
Joseph Natole, MD
4701 Towne Centre Road, Suite 103, Saginaw, MI 48604 989.793.4747
Melissa Victor, MD
3875 Bay Road, Suite 2N, Saginaw, MI 48603 | 989.583.5300
Specialty Care
Jeffrey Balazsy, MD
Covenant Orthopaedics - Adult and Pediatric Orthopedic Traumatology and Reconstruction Pelvis/Acetabulum Surgery 900 Cooper, Suite 3100, Saginaw, MI 48602 | 989.583.7450
Jason Kuhn, DO
Covenant Surgery - Bariatric Surgeon 5415 Cardinal Square, Saginaw, MI 48604 | 989.790.4855
Qasim Omran, MD
Covenant Pulmonary and Critical Care 800 Cooper Ave., Suite 4, Saginaw, MI 48602 | 989.583.7380
Mark Raphael, DO
Covenant Medical Group Digestive Care 900 Cooper, Suite 4300, Saginaw, MI 48602 | 989.583.7460
Covenant Physician Leads Effort to Reinstate Michigan Chapter of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, Seeking Members
Rania Esteitie, MD of Covenant HealthCare recently collaborated with healthcare professionals from Beaumont and Wayne State University to reinstate the Michigan chapter of the
Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). SCCM is the largest non-profit medical organization dedicated to promoting the practice of critical care. Now more than ever, Dr. Esteitie recognized a need to promote awareness, offer continuing education and share research amongst medical professionals in the field of critical care. “This as an incredible opportunity and resource for the medical community throughout the state, and it is especially timely given the uncertainty before us with COVID-19 and the flu season at hand,” she said. “With this resource of critical care professionals and critical care practitioners, we aim to foster a collaboration among caregivers at the regional level for the enhancement of patient care.” Eligible members of the chapter include physicians and physicians-in-training, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians and industry representatives. This would include specialties that have an interest in critical care medicine such as pulmonary critical care, cardiology, trauma surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology and emergency medicine. Chapters provide a vehicle for members to host conferences or webinars, to exchange information, network with local critical care practitioners, and discuss the impact of national issues on their communities. Dr. Esteitie adds that the organization will also aid in connecting smaller, rural hospitals and institutions with additional resources during this time of pandemic. For more details on the SCCM membership, contact Dr. Rania Esteitie at Rania.Esteitie@chs-mi.com or resteitie@gmail. com. More at www.sccm.org.
diabetes SELF MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
In the United States, 30.3 MILLION people are living with diabetes – 84 million are living with prediabetes.
Covenant HealthCare is the region’s most experienced diabetes management team. Our program is certified by the Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) through the Michigan Department Health and Human Service (MDHHS). We are certified to provide education for patients of all ages and diabetes diagnoses, including pregnant women. Put your trust in the region’s most experienced diabetes management team – your Patient-Centered Medical Home partner. We also have a Diabetes Prevention Program to help prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes.
To refer a patient or for more information call: 989.583.5193.
Dr. Medley Larkin Honored With Spirit of St. Vincent Award
The Ascension St. Mary’s Foundation proudly announces Medley A. Larkin, MD, MPH, as the 2020 honoree of the prestigious Spirit of St. Vincent award. Dr. Larkin is an asset and rolemodel for patient care in the field of gastroenterology for the Great Lakes region. While the annual Cornette Ball has been postponed, a new virtual “Corantine-Style” program will take place in early 2021. Individuals will be able to participate and show support by staying home and being safe while 100 percent of donations and sponsorships will support the purchase of breast cancer diagnosis and patient treatment enhancements at Ascension St. Mary’s. Dr. Larkin is dual board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and is a fellow in the American College of Osteopathic Internists. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University, she obtained a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Michigan followed by her Doctor of Osteopathy from Michigan State University (MSU). She started private practice in Reese, Michigan in 1985 as an internist before returning to training in a fellowship in Gastroenterology. She established her practice in Saginaw
Health care professionals are not immune to substance abuse or mental health disorders. Many otherwise highly qualified professionals may develop these problems due to stress, long hours, a genetic predisposition, or a tendency to
self-medicate. To assist health care professionals impaired by these disorders, consider the care monitoring services of the Health Professional Recovery Program (HPRP). The Michigan HPRP was established by legislation in 1993 to assist impaired professionals before their actions harm a patient or damage their careers through disciplinary action. Any licensed or registered health care professional in the State of Michigan is eligible to participate in the program. To maintain participant confidentiality, the HPRP is operated by a private-sector contractor under the authority of the Health Professional Recovery Committee (HPRC), a committee comprised of a representative from each of the health professional licensing boards. The Michigan Department of Community Health, Bureau of Health Professions provides administrative services to the HPRC. in 1995, and quickly became a well-regarded provider of gastroenterology care in the community. Dr. Larkin has served in diverse medical roles throughout her career. In addition to work caring for the migrant population in rural Michigan, she was medical director for the Saginaw County jail and medical director for an eating disorders program through Saginaw General Hospital. She served as an educator, starting as Director of Medical Education for Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital and then as a clinical assistant professor at MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition, Dr. Larkin was an instructor and director of advanced cardiac life support for the American Heart Association. She proudly promotes the osteopathic profession as past president of the Saginaw County Osteopathic Society, and continues to support this organization. Today, she serves the Saginaw medical community as Chairperson of the Towne Centre Surgery Center, and holds a position on the board of the Saginaw Valley Endoscopy Center. She also provides medical care for veterans at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. Dr. Larkin’s medical accomplishments were recognized as a recipient of the Tri-Cities “Best of the Best” doctors in Gastroenterology. Ascension St. Mary’s Foundation will celebrate Dr. Larkin’s incredible honor in true Cornette Ball style when we can gather together again in person. More details will be forthcoming.
Participation in the HPRP is confidential. If a licensee/ registrant is referred to the program, has a qualifying diagnosis and complies with the HPRP requirements, his/her name will not be disclosed to state regulatory authorities or the public. Provided there is no readmission, records of HPRP participants are destroyed five years after successful completion. Referrals to the HPRP may come in the form of a self-referral from a licensee/registrant or from colleagues, partners, employers, patients, family members or the State. Any of the 20 health professional licensing boards may also refer licensees/registrants to the HPRP for monitoring as a condition to regain or retain their license to practice. The names of individuals reporting a licensee/registrant suspected of impairment are also kept confidential. For more information on the HPRP, call 1-800-453-3784 or visit www.HPRP.org. Informational presentations on the HPRP are available to employers and health professional groups at no charge. Call the toll-free number to arrange a presentation at your facility.
