HEALTH ADVISORY: Outbreak of Aeromonas skin infections associated with athletic event in Sonoma County On August 24, 2023, Sonoma County issued a Health Alert and Media Advisory regarding a Tough Mudder Endurance event that took place on August 19-20, 2023 in Sonoma, CA. Multiple event participants reportedly developed symptoms of rash, sometimes accompanied by fever, myalgias, nausea/vomiting or respiratory symptoms, often 24 hours after exposure to mud at the event. Culture results implicate a pan-sensitive Aeromonas species. Aeromonas species are Gram-negative rods that can cause a range of serious infections. Prompt evaluation of any symptomatic patients is strongly recommended, and empiric antibiotic treatment, ... August 29, 2023 General, Healthcare, Patient Care, Public Health aeromonas, health advisory, outbreak, rash, skin infection 0 0 Comment Read More »
SANTA CLARA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT UNVEILS STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2026 The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan sets the direction for the organization for the next three years. The objectives and strategies laid out provide a roadmap that will help achieve their mission to protect and improve the health and well-being of the community. It also helps to prioritize resources like budgets, staff, and time spent on projects. Read more about the Department and their mission and core values. The plan highlights priorities for the next three years, which cover five areas: · Racial and Health Equity · Policy · Partnerships · Data and Technology · Workforce Development ... August 16, 2023 Advocacy, General, Healthcare, Patient Care, Public Health community health, Health Department, Santa Clara County 0 0 Comment Read More »
SCCMA EHC Writes Recommendation to Replace Artificial Turf with Natural Turf for Saratoga High School The SCCMA Environmental Health Committee has examined issue of artificial turf and recommends the Saratoga High School Board of Trustees to replace the artificial turf with natural living grass, as have other cities, for the health and safety of both the students and the environment. Although in the past artificial turf seemed to be the best alternative due to reduced costs, reduced water usage, and lower maintenance, newer information has come to light regarding the direct and indirect environmental and health impacts of synthetic grass, including full life cycle analysis. To learn ... August 15, 2023 General, Public Health Environmental Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
DEADLINE: HIPAA Compliant Video Communications Tools for Telehealth by August 10, 2023 When the COVID-19 public health emergency expired on May 11, 2023, the U.S. Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced the end of flexibilities that allowed physicians to utilize remote communication technologies for telehealth services that did not fully comply with HIPAA rules. OCR provided a 90-calendar day transition period for covered health care providers to come into compliance with the HIPAA rules for telehealth. The transition period will expire at 11:59 p.m. on August 9, 2023, at which time physicians will be expected to utilize only HIPAA-compliant communication ... July 27, 2023 CMA, COVID19, General, Healthcare, Insurance, legislation, Patient Care, Public Health HIPAA, telehealth, virtual appointments 0 0 Comment Read More »
2024 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule is Out The CY 2023 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule Final Rule updates payment policies and rates as well as other provisions for services offered on or after Jan. 1, 2023, under the Medicare Physician Payment Schedule. The AMA provides final rule summary (PDF) of the 2023 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP). In addition, CMS has released the CY 2024 Medicare Physician Payment Schedule Proposed Rule, including key proposals that impact Medicare physician payment and the Quality Payment Program (QPP). Key proposals include a predicted 3.36% reduction in the ... July 27, 2023 AMA, General, Healthcare, Insurance, legislation, Medicare, Patient Care, Public Health payment schedule 0 0 Comment Read More »
