Posted on October 7th, 2010 by Rick Gulla
Flu season approaches, and public health officials this year are encouraging everyone over six months old to get their flu shot as soon as possible. That’s good advice. But in a published article earlier this week in local media, Massachusetts Medical Society President Alice Coombs, M.D., encourages everyone not to stop with just a flu shot. She’s [...]
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Posted on September 28th, 2009 by Frank Fortin
The AMA today announced two new CPT codes for the upcoming H1N1 immunizations. Coding from the AMA: Use code 90470 to report H1N1 immunization administration and counseling. Code 90663 was revised by the CPT Editorial Panel to refer specifically to the H1N1 vaccine product. Both, revised code 90663 and Category I CPT Code 90470 are [...]
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Posted on September 17th, 2009 by Frank Fortin
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccines will be distributed nationally after the initial lots become available, which is expected within the next four weeks. The state will be responsible for distributing vaccine to health care and public health providers. Massachusetts health care practices [...]
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Posted on September 11th, 2009 by Frank Fortin
The MMS has canvassed the payers operating in Massachusetts to determine their reimbursement policies for administration of the H1N1 vaccine. Aetna, Cigna, Fallon, Health New England, Harvard Pilgrim, Medicare, and Network Health have provided their reimbursement policies. We're waiting to hear from Blue Cross, MassHealth, Tufts and Neighborhood Health Plan. The emerging trend is that [...]
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Posted on September 8th, 2009 by Frank Fortin
The state Department of Public Health (DPH) has launched its online registration for H1N1 vaccine. This fall, the federal government will provide states with H1N1 vaccine and supplies (needles, syringes, sharps containers, alcohol swabs, H1N1 immunization cards) at no cost. DPH is responsible for directing the vaccine and supplies in Massachusetts. Providers (including private providers, [...]
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Posted on August 14th, 2009 by Frank Fortin
On Wednesday, the state Public Health Council adopted emergency regulations to increase vaccination among health care workers and the public against seasonal and pandemic influenza. The regulations promulgated by the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) require hospitals and clinics in the state to offer vaccinations to their employees, patient care volunteers and medical staff [...]
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Posted on August 13th, 2009 by Frank Fortin
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) announced its recommendations for novel H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine when it becomes available. ACIP recommends that vaccination efforts focus on five key populations. When vaccine is first available, the committee recommended that programs and providers try to vaccinate: pregnant women people who live with or care for [...]
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Posted on June 8th, 2009 by Frank Fortin
As swine-origin influenza A H1N1 infections become increasingly widespread, laboratory confirmation of the novel H1N1 influenza is becoming less critical to decisions regarding antiviral treatment, chemoprophylaxis and disease control measures. In addition, as the number of seasonal influenza A infections have declined, the identification of influenza A by rapid tests and other methods has become [...]
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Posted on May 25th, 2009 by Frank Fortin
The Massachusetts DPH on May 22 updated its guidance testing, treatment and phrophylaxis for the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. The full text of the guidance is below. The total number of confirmed cases in Massachusetts is now 284. Seventy-eight percent are under the age of 21. – – – This update is intended to clarify [...]
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Posted on May 20th, 2009 by Frank Fortin
As of 11:00 a.m. today, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is reporting a total to date of 193 confirmed cases of H1N1 (swine flu). Charts produced by DPH reveal the majority (70%) of cases are occurring in patients aged 6 – 20 years old. Eight percent of cases have required hospitalizations. For details, [...]
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