Q: We are already in flu season and H1N1 is prevalent. Our agency is trying to come up with a firm immunization policy. How should we develop the program around OASIS-C?
A: First, here is the information about vaccinations in OASIS-C. There are four vaccination-related items. M1040 and M1045 address influenza. M1040 asking whether the patient received the vaccine from the agency for the current year’s influenza season, if not, M1045 asks why the vaccine wasn’t received. M1050 and M1055 ask for similar information about the pneumococcal vaccine. These questions apply at discharge or transfer to an inpatient facility, which CMS notes gives the agency sufficient time to obtain the information.
An effective immunization policy will provide the data needed for OASIS-C. Here are some tips that will help you address OASIS-C questions.
- Establish policies that streamline the immunization program.
- Designate a spot in the clinical record to document vaccine information.
- Facilitate completion of data elements at transfer of care.
- Access the CMS Web site for the latest information regarding Part B billing.
- Update billing processes and train the billing staff.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Our agency administers the flu and pneumonia vaccine but we do not supply the drug. We go to the patients physicians office and pick up the vaccine and take it to the patients home and administer. How would wwe answere this question? One of my supervisors said she heard someone say that if the agency did not supply the drug the answer was no.