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Medical Rehab

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The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has announced that they will be holding a webinar on November 20, 2020 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am to provide information on the Act 24 Cost Reports. The webinar is specifically for non-nursing facility providers, such as personal assistance agencies, residential habilitation providers, adult day care centers, personal care homes, and assisted living residences. Time will be allotted for questions and answers. The due date for the final report is December 21, 2020. No interim report is due for non-nursing facility providers.

To participate in this webinar, registration is required. There is a maximum capacity of 500 participants per webinar, so providers are encouraged to register early. Attendance is limited to no more than two individuals per organization or agency. The session will be recorded and made available for viewing. OLTL has made the Excel reporting templates for Personal Assistance Services and Home Health Agencies and Residential Habilitation Service Providers available.

Questions regarding Act 24 reporting can be sent here.

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Recently, a bi-partisan group of members from the House of Representatives introduced a bill that addresses the tentative cuts in reimbursement for services paid for through the 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) proposed rule. This bill was published in the Federal Register on August 17, 2020 (comments were due by October 5, 2020). These cuts impact outpatient therapy in addition to inpatient physician services. This bill, “Holding Providers Harmless From Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020”, would create a separate, dedicated fund that would pay providers the difference in their reimbursement and 2020 payment rates for two years. The Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) will continue to update members on the progression of this bill.

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a memo is on the keyboard of a computer as a reminder: meeting

The next Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for December 4, 2020 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. The meeting will be conducted via webinar. Members can register to participate here. Public comments will be taken after each presentation, and questions can be entered into the chat box during the presentations.

To participate via telephone, please dial:

(415) 655-0060

Access Code: 570-909-331

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Record High Testing of Over 49,500 PCR Tests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., November 6, that there were 3,384 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 223,950. This is the highest daily increase of cases.

The most accurate daily data is available on the website with archived data also available.

The number of tests administered within the last seven days between October 30 and November 5 is 301,056 with 17,690 positive cases. There were 49,528 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m. on November 5. This is a record high number of PCR test results reported to the department.

There are 8,975 deaths attributed to COVID-19 with an increase of 38 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 4,743 individuals who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 individuals who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 2,408,366 individuals who have tested negative to date. Of those who have tested positive to date, the age breakdown is as follows:

  • Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
  • Approximately 2% are ages 5-12;
  • Approximately 5% are ages 13-18;
  • Nearly 14% are ages 19-24;
  • Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
  • Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
  • Nearly 21% are ages 65 or older.

There are 1,599 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 351 patients are in the intensive care unit. Most of the patients hospitalized are age 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients aged 65 or older. More data is available here.

The department has seen significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics. Increases among 19 to 24-year-olds from April through November are available below:

  • NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 20 percent of cases so far in November;
  • NE – 6 percent of cases in April to approximately 13 percent of cases so far in November;
  • SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 11 percent of cases so far in November;
  • SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to 10 percent of cases so far in November;
  • NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 10 percent of cases so far in November; and
  • SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 9 percent of cases so far in November.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 27,104 resident cases of COVID-19 and 5,810 cases among employees for a total of 32,914 cases at 1,106 distinct facilities in 63 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,903 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 12,811 of our total cases are among health care workers.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon on November 5:

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean surfaces frequently.
  • Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
  • If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
  • Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa”.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, and Graphics

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nate Wardle

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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released updated Provider Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for phase 3 of the general distribution of provider funds. The document includes updated questions and answers. It also includes information on corrections of data entered by recipients after application submission, use of funds for salaries and employment compensation, reporting the calculation of lost revenues attributable to COVID-19, and defining the term “health care related expenses.”

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November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.  To celebrate, the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation is hosting its sixth annual photo contest. They want you to Show Us Your Tech for a chance to win $500! Assistive technology doesn’t have to be complex or expensive to make a difference in your life.

Do you have a disability or health condition?

Then you’re most likely using assistive technology! It could be:

  • An Amazon Echo to control the lights, fan, and TV independently;
  • A piece of farm equipment to continue to do the work you love;
  • A hearing aid to spend quality time with your grandchildren; or
  • A grab bar next to the pantry to steady yourself while picking out ingredients for dinner.

This contest is open to US residents of all ages.

What kind of assistive technology are you using to do the things you want to do?

Upload a photo of YOU using your assistive technology and write about it in the caption. Get your friends to vote for your photo for a chance to win up to $500!

Entries and voting are open from November 1 through November 30. Winners will be announced on December 4 by 12 pm.

Learn more about the contest here. To spread word about the contest to other communities, use the media toolkit.

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Phase 3 of the Department of Health and Human Services Provider Relief Fund closes NEXT Friday, November 6.  The HHS Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) has created a sheet describing the program and will host a webinar on Monday, November 2 at 3:00 pm Eastern.  Disability service providers are eligible for lost revenue and expenses due to COVID-19 even if they have received a previous payment from the fund.

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a video tutorial for providers in Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) with standardized data assessment guidance and assessment strategies for the cognitive assessment—known as the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS). The video is approximately 22 minutes in length and is designed to provide targeted guidance for accurate coding by using live action patient scenarios.

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