NRAA tracking use of Conditions for Coverage in dialysis clinic surveys

[okarol]

NRAA tracking use of Conditions for Coverage in dialysis clinic surveys
3/19/2009 10:14:32 AM

Because of reported variation on how the interpretive guidelines for the Conditions  for Coverage are being applied, the National Renal Administrators Association is asking members to report on deficiencies identified by Medicare and state surveyors during initial and recertification reviews of dialysis clinics.

"As CMS and state surveyors are conducting new and recertification surveys around the country under the new CfC and interim interpretive guidelines, we are hearing stories that there is some variation in how the surveyors are applying the new rules," said the association in an email to members. "NRAA plans to implement an ESRD survey database to track these issues."

The NRAA is asking its members who experience surveys to send a copy of the statement of deficiencies that identify the VTag and description of the surveyor findings to the NRAA office.  The association says it will maintain confidentiality of the findings.  NRAA said it will create a tracking tool to make the information available to its members.  For more information, email nraa@nraa.org.

The ESRD Networks have released various guidelines for clinics on how to meet the new Conditions for Coverage. The attached paper is from Network #6. (to read the PDF document called "Covering the Conditions " go to news link below and click on the last sentence in the story.)

http://www.nephronline.com/features.asp?F_ID=417

[Bill Peckham]

How about advocating for the State Surveys to be made available online? That would allow for the NRAA analysis to spot variation in how the surveys are preformed and allow people to see how their local dialysis units are doing.