What your patients don’t know may hurt them. Low health literacy is a problem that affects many patients. They might struggle to understand prescription labels or dosing directions. They may lack a basic understanding of their condition. Even highly educated people might have difficulty understanding medical information and instructions, which limits their ability to participate effectively in their care.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is taking a toll on the mental and financial health of many Americans. A survey published over the summer by the Commonwealth Fund found that one-third of adults in the United States reported that they were struggling to cope with stress, anxiety, or sadness. “This is a significantly higher proportion than in other countries, where no more than one-quarter of adults reported the same,” wrote study authors.
The governor of a state that is considered to be an epicenter for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) makes a national appeal to physicians and nurses to assist his state during the pandemic. His state has almost 70,000 cases, and half of these cases are in one major city.
A new CMS requirement calls for case managers to adjust their processes when it comes to patient discharge appeals. CMS announced that it will no longer accept faxes or paper copies of patients’ medical records as of October 1, 2020. Instead, CMS wants everything transmitted electronically.
Trauma-informed care is an approach to providing care in a way that recognizes and understands how past trauma—such as child abuse, domestic violence, or events like natural disasters, car accidents, or crime—may affect a person.
