Medicare FFS Response to COVID-19 The HHS Secretary declared a public health emergency, which allows for CMS programmatic waivers based on Section 1135 of the Social Security Act. An MLN Matters Special Edition Article SE20011 on Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Response to the Public Health Emergency on the Coronavirus is available. Learn about blanket waivers issued...

Hello once again, this time we have a helpful infographic outlining the differences in symptoms that set coronavirus apart from the CDC:

Here is an excellent Ted Talk on the subject to help everyone get informed:

August 10, 2020 Important of Wearing a Mask July 15, 2020 Officials in Houston are warning that the situation could become a replay of what happened in New York City in March and April, when thousands of people died as hospitals struggled to keep up with the surge of patients, but without the same level...

When you or a loved one has a life-limiting illness, it can seem like your world has shattered. You might feel powerless, scared, or alone. Where do you turn? Hospice can help. Modern medicine has always focused on the cure. But what if there is not cure? In the past we used to be told,...

If any of the following apply to a patient, it may be time to discuss his or her preferences for end of life care: Difficult to control pain Oxygen dependency Dramatic weight loss Recurrent infections Dyspnea and/or dysphagia Diminished functional status Decline in cognitive function Multiple hospitalizations

When a patient has a limited life expectancy, it can be difficult to initiate a conversation about end-of-life options. Medical professionals may worry that they will lose control of their patients’ care by discontinuing curative treatment. This, they fear, may leave patients and their families feeling abandoned. Some clinicians view referral to hospice or comfort...

Signing up with hospice for the first time can be a daunting task, but it’s far simpler than it first appears. In this post I’ll break down the basics on what you’ll encounter. Generally the first step is picking a hospice. Reading up online and choosing one that you like will take you far. Usually...

Dying is a natural part of life, but many people do not have experience caring for someone during the dying process and find themselves navigating through new and unfamiliar territory. It is not rare to experience all kinds of feelings and a sense of the unknown. Friends, caregivers, and members of your family play an...

Dementia is actually a stand in for a lot of different symptoms and not a single disease. Damage to the brain cells are what cause dementia. The damage can cause issues with behavior, thoughts, or the ability to recall information. Dementia Hospice Care Houston Dementia does not have a cure and is terminal, however it...