Pregnant women may be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19: Your WellSky COVID-19 Briefing
Based on antibody tests, the CDC estimates that the true number of COVID-19 cases may be 10 times what has been reported thus far. Now, more than ever, you need current news and reliable guidance. The WellSky COVID-19 Weekly Briefing covers the top news and guidance for home health, hospice, and personal care providers. This week’s edition by healthcare policy consultant Sharon Harder, president of C3 Advisors, LLC, is out now. Click here to download. (It’s free.)
Editor’s pick from this week’s briefing
On June 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a new report on pregnancy and COVID-19. The report found that pregnant women may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 than women who are not pregnant. The report was based on data from about 8,200 pregnant women with COVID-19 between January and early June. Specifically, the data showed that, among women with COVID-19, pregnancy was associated with increased risk for hospitalization, admission to intensive care, and being placed on a ventilator. Of the women who had COVID-19 and were pregnant, 31.5 percent were hospitalized. Of the women who had COVID-19 but were not pregnant, 5.8 percent were hospitalized. Read more in this week’s briefing now.
Also in this week’s briefing
NEWS | Will the public health emergency be extended?
Public health emergencies have a maximum duration of 90-days. Will the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issue another extension? Read more…
NEWS | The FDA issues a warning about certain hand sanitizers
The FDA has warned consumers against using certain hand sanitizers due to potential danger from methanol. Read more and see the products to avoid…
COMPLIANCE | Provider Relief Fund: New reporting requirements
The HHS has issued new reporting requirements for providers who receive at least $150,000. Read more…
COMPLIANCE | A landmark false claim settlement
A major whistleblower case has ended with the second-largest monetary settlement ever against a home health agency. Read the key takeaways…
CLINICAL | Telehealth: During and after COVID-19
In its 2021 proposed rule for home health, CMS proposes adding permanent language about telehealth to the conditions of participation (CoPs). Read more…
CLINICAL | CMS releases new FAQs on nursing home visits
New FAQs clarify the meaning of visitation in “compassionate care situations.” It encompasses more than end of life situations. Read more…
ADMINISTRATIVE | Advance beneficiary notices: New requirements
CMS has updated advance beneficiary notice (ABN) requirements and has published a new form. Read more…
ADMINISTRATIVE | Diversion of patients from SNFs: A business opportunity?
It’s been in the home health industry news recently, but providers should consider the long-term impact. Read more…