Category: All Networks

Master Account Holder Quarterly DFC/DFR Requirements

Your facility’s Master Account Holder (MAH) Password and User Accounts on DialysisData.org must be re-established in order to retrieve your facility’s DFR and December 2018 QDFC preview file. On December 13, 2018 all MAH passwords were reset and user accounts for https://www.DialysisData.org disabled. Networks are providing new passwords to facility MAHs. Facility MAHs must log in to their master account to re-enable or add facility user accounts and grant permissions prior to the start of the February 1, 2019 QDFC/QDFR Preview Period. MAHs must create a separate user account to be able to view DFRs and QDFC data, as their MAH account only manages user accounts and cannot view data.

Download the Detailed Timeline for 2019 QDFC Reports, Quarterly Updates of the FY2019 QDFR for State Surveyors Report, and FY2020 DFRs, State and Region Profiles – https://dialysisdata.org/sites/default/files/content/FAQs/Timeline_100918.pdf.

An FAQ page is available on https://www.DialysisData.org, accessible without logging in. Facilities having difficulty logging in or that have other questions may use the “Contact Us” form at https://www.DialysisData.org or call 855-764-2885 M-F, 7am-1pm PST.

It is the MAH’s responsibility to update user contact information (including their own), transfer MAH credentials within the facility appropriately, review and enable existing user accounts, and set user-specific permissions. If MAH credentials are passed on within your facility to a new MAH, please notify your Network and update the contact information on https://www.DialysisData.org to reflect a new contact person for the MAH.

PSRs and PSCs Now Available

CMS has released the PY2019 ESRD QIP Final PSRs and PSCs, which are now available on EQRS.

The PY 2019 Final PSR provides information on your facility’s performance during 2017 and any payment reduction that CMS will impose for reimbursement on 2019 claims. The Final PSR reflects any applicable revisions applied to your facility’s performance scores during the review and correction period and may differ from those displayed during the Preview Period.

Each facility is required to download, print, and post both the English and Spanish versions of the PSC in a prominent patient area within fifteen (15) business days of their availability; facilities also must ensure that these documents remain posted throughout 2019.

PY2019 Final PSRs and PSCs will only be available on EQRS until summer of 2019, when the PY2020 Preview Period will begin. We encourage each facility to save an electronic copy of its Final PSR and PSC for reference, reprinting, and reposting throughout the year should the need arise. Facilities that do not save a copy can request an additional copy from the QualityNet Helpdesk (see below), but should expect a delay in receiving it.

For further assistance regarding the information contained in this message, please contact the ESRD QIP Support Team using the ESRD QIP Q&A Tool at https://cms-ocsq.custhelp.com/app/homeesrdqip/p/960. If you have questions or concerns regarding use of the ESRD QIP system, please contact the QualityNet Help Desk at mailto:qnetsupport-esrd@hcqis.org or 866-288-8912, 5am-5pm PST, M-F.

NHSN Data Deadline for PY2020 QIP

NHSN has advised that NHSN data for July 1-September 30, 2018 must be submitted and corrected by December 31, 2018 in order to be applied to PY2020 QIP scores. NHSN recommends:

Contact the NHSN Helpdesk at nhsn@cdc.gov with subject line “Dialysis” if you have any questions.

The NHSN software was updated to Version 9.2 on December 8, 2018, with many additions and changes, including analysis updates. Please carefully review pages 1 and 7-8 of the Version 9.2 release notes at https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/nwrn.org/files/NHSN/NHSN9.2.pdf for important details about these changes. To use any of the new analysis output options you must first Regenerate Datasets. Send any questions to the NHSN Helpdesk at NHSN@cdc.gov.

CROWNWeb New User Training, QIP

CROWNWeb has announced that their next New User Training session will be held on December 11, 2018.  Find details and register at http://mycrownweb.org/pcw_lems/dec-2018-crownweb-new-user-training/.

The December 2018 CROWNWeb Newsletter is also available, at http://mycrownweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/December_2018_Newsletter_V1.7-508.pdf.  This issues includes articles on:

  • A Clinical FAQ on Post-Weight Dialysis Assessment date.
  • Scheduled CROWNWeb Clinical Closure Dates; note that your Network may require earlier data entry in some situations.

Announcement of a December 20, 2018 CROWNWeb Town Hall on 2018: A Retrospective Review.  See http://mycrownweb.org/pcw_community_events/crownweb-town-hall-2018-a-retrospective-review/ for details and registration.

CY2019 Changes and Updates to the ESRD QIP & ESRD PPS

On November 1, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that updates payment policies and rates under the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for renal dialysis services furnished to beneficiaries on or after January 1, 2019.  This rule also updates the acute kidney injury (AKI) dialysis payment rate for renal dialysis services furnished by ESRD facilities to individuals with AKI, and finalizes changes to the ESRD Quality Incentive Program (QIP).  Find the summary at https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/cy19-esrddme-nprm-cms-1691-f-and-dmepos-competitive-bidding-program-temporary-gap-period

Emergency Disconnect Procedure for In-Center Hemodialysis Patients

The national Kidney Community Emergency Response Patient and Family Engagement Learning and Action Network (N-KPFE-LAN) is pleased to announce its new resource, Emergency Disconnect Procedure for In-Center Hemodialysis Patients.  The one-page instruction sheet shows in-center hemodialysis patients how to disconnect from dialysis in three steps in an emergency situation.  The resource can be downloaded and printed from the KCER website at:  https://www.kcercoalition.com/contentassets/7202c26cb0ce40b9a098d3dbede5ccb9/emergencydisconnectdialysis508.pdf.

Annual Facility Surveys and IPRO ESRD Network Program Customer Support Portal

With Annual Facility Surveys around the corner, the IPRO ESRD Network program is encouraging use of the Freshdesk knowledgebase. Please click on the link to access Freshdesk. https://iproesrdnetwork.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/https://iproesrdnetwork.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/

Several articles are posted in Freshdesk to provide an easy-to-use and searchable knowledgebase on the 2744 survey process. The solutions in Freshdesk includes data clean up, instructions on creating the 2744, and how to complete the survey. Freshdesk allows facility staff to submit questions via the portal. Network staff will respond by email or phone. Facilities can also set up a webinar to complete surveys. For information, please send an email to support@IPRO.freshdesk.com or visit https://ipro.freshdesk.com/support/login.

Reset Passwords for DialysisData.org Website

The passwords to access the https://dialysisdata.org/ site are refreshed once a year around this time. All user accounts will be disabled. The Master Account Holder (MAH) password will be sent by the Network. Using MAH password, dialysis facility staff should “Enable users”, so they can access Dialysis Facility. This will prompt users to reset their passwords. These activities are performed at https://dialysisdata.org/. Please see more information on how to enable users at https://iproesrdnetwork.freshdesk.com/a/solutions/ or visit http://help.esrd.ipro.org/support/solutions/articles/9000155453-instructions-for-accessing-dialysis-facility-reports that gives instructions on how to enable users.

The New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet

All new ESRD patients receive the New ESRD Patient Orientation Packet (NEPOP) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This packet contains information that can assist new patients with understanding their disease and guide them to resources that can assist them with their care. The resources included in the NEPOP can be found on the ESRD National Coordinating Center’s website.

In order for these new ESRD patients to receive this education it is important that their contact information in CROWNWeb be accurate and up to date. The Network recommends reviewing and confirming contact information with new patients before the entry is made in CROWNWeb to ensure that they receive these educational resources.

Breaking through the Access to Care Barriers

Dialysis facilities across the country treat patients from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Patients who start dialysis have multiple health comorbidities, which may also be complicated by a history of mental health issues or socio economic problems. The Network works to assist facilities in successfully managing these patients by providing guidance, resources, and policy clarification especially if patients are at risk for an issue with access to care. From patients at risk for being involuntarily discharged, to patients being lost to follow up and discontinuing treatment, a patient’s access to care is becoming a more widespread issue with significant risks to our patient population.

The Network can provide guidance to facilities as they support patients through any one of these processes. Facilities can then take preventative measures to minimize the potential for patients to encounter access to care issues. Facilities should also closely review their own policies in working with these patients and some national resources like the Kidney Patient Advisory Council (KPAC) Grievance Toolkit found at esrdnetworks.org, as well as the CMS Conditions for Coverage.

Assessing Treatment Adherence within the ESRD Population

As we all know, treatment of end stage renal disease (ESRD) is demanding, multifaceted and complex, requiring that patients strictly adhere to treatment protocols to achieve favorable health outcomes.

The American Kidney Fund surveyed more than 1,000 patients and nearly 400 renal professionals regarding patient treatment adherence.

Results were compiled and released this past March in the Barriers to Treatment Adherence for Dialysis Patients Adherence Survey report. Key findings indicate that 31% of patients admitted to terminating their treatment early and 18% cancel or skip a dialysis session. The most reported reason was not feeling well or conflicting medical appointments.

Network staff members are available to provide technical assistance and resources to help facilities improve patients’ adherence to maintaining the frequency and duration of their scheduled dialysis treatments.

In addition, based on the survey results, The American Kidney Fund has begun developing resources and educational tools designed to improve adherence. You can view the entire report at www.kidneyfund.org/adherencereport.

Fluid Restrictions During the Holidays

Dialysis patients deal with several issues that make compliance with fluid restriction difficult all year round; however, during holiday seasons these issues are often compounded, making it particularly difficult to follow guidelines related to fluid restrictions. In addition, there are other dietary considerations that need to be taken in consideration, like sodium restriction. Registered dietitians can help patients personalize fluid restriction goals and manage thirst; they can also offer patients tips to plan their holiday meals. Educating patients about appropriate serving sizes, seasonings and hidden fluid can also prepare them for their festivities. Talk to your patients to help them enjoy their holiday season while avoiding unwanted hospitalizations or other health complications. For more information, please visit https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/fluid-overload-dialysis-patient.