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Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus (COVID-19) How to Stay Protected and What to Do If You Are Sick?

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) ESRD Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Tool Kit

Network 14 Texas ESRD Emergency Coalition (TEEC) toll-free hotline is here to support you during COVID-19. Please call TEEC at 866-407-3773 (press 2 for Spanish) for assistance. If this is a medical emergency, please hang up and call 911. Our ESRD Network of Texas staff are here to assist with basic questions concerning the COVID-19 virus. For example:

Inability to eat during treatment
Change of dialysis treatment times for social distancing
What to do about public transportation?
What happens if patient decline to wear a mask?
What happens if I run out of PPE supplies?

Your call will be answered in the order of receipt. Please note the ESRD Network of Texas staff are not medically trained to provide medical advice. You can also find information and resources on the the ESRD Network of Texas website at http://www.esrdnetwork.org/ under News or TEEC website links below.

Texas Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing Centers

Texas COVID-19 Mental Health Hotline 1-833-986-1919 additional information available here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and Requests

2019-Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Medicare Provider Enrollment Relief Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
COVID Dallas County Sanitizer Requests

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Medicare.Gov
- CMS coverage with regards to antigen/antibody testing: Is my test, item or service covered?
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
- HRSA E-News: COVID-19 funding & uninsured program portal, telehealth, and more
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- COVID-19 Email Phishing Against US Healthcare Providers

North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council Request Form
- COVID-19: Strategic National Stockpile PPE Distribution
Texas Department Health and Human Services (TDHHS)
- Texas Health and Human Service: End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Facility Emergency Rule Exception Request
- Texas Regional Advisory Councils (RAC) for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)/COVID-19 Resources
  - Texas Public Health Regions
- ESRD Facility Requirements in Response to COVID-19
- Health Facility Compliance Guidance Letter
- COVID-19 Testing Capacity
- Non-Test-Based Strategy For Releasing Cases and Contacts From Home Isolation and Quarantine
Texas Kidney Foundation (TKF)
- Texas Kidney Foundation docuseries Faces of CKD : COVID-19
- TKF Blog
- Health Talk Podcast: Everything We Need to Know about COVID-19 w/ Dr. Anil Mangla
FEMA
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Addressing PPE Needs in Non-Healthcare Setting
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Eligible Emergency Protective Measures
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response: Tribal Recipients
- Procurement Under Grants: Under Exigent or Emergency Circumstances
  - Memorandum
CDC NEWS
- Special Considerations for Patients on Home Dialysis
- Frequently Asked Questions on COVID-19 Testing at Laboratories
- COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
- Resources for Hospitals and Healthcare Professionals Preparing for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
- Healthcare Professionals: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- Framework for Healthcare Systems Providing Non-COVID-19 Clinical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Preparing for Hurricanes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Healthcare Personnel and First Responders: How to Cope with Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Serology Testing for COVID-19
- COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings: Questions and Answers
- Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Facemasks
- Discontinuation of Home Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 (Interim Guidance)
- Clinical Care Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Evaluating and Reporting Persons Under Investigation (PUI)
- Guidance for U.S. Healthcare Facilities about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Criteria for Return to Work for Healthcare Personnel with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 (Interim Guidance)
- Ten Clinical Tips on COVID-19 for Healthcare Providers Involved in Patient Care
- Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
- Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities: Airborne Contaminant Removal Table B.1. Air changes/hour (ACH) and time required for airborne-contaminant removal by efficiency *
- Severe Illness Associated with Using Non-Pharmaceutical Chloroquine Phosphate to Prevent and Treat Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives: When and How to Wash Your Hands
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Clean and Disinfect
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Check List to Get Ready
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disinfecting Your Home if Someone is Sick
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Children and Coronavirus Disease 2019
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Coronavirus (COVID-19)- If You Have Animals
- #COVID-19 ASL: Video resources in American Sign Language (ASL) on COVID-19 information, prevention, symptoms, risks, and tips for managing COVID-19 at home
- Interim Additional Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Outpatient Hemodialysis Facilities
- Discontinuation of Transmission-Based Precautions and Disposition of Patients with COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings (Interim Guidance)
- Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings
- Cover and Cough
- CDC COVID-19 - Comprehensive information for both providers and patients.
- CDC Guidance for Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 in Outpatient Hemodialysis Facilities
CMS NEWS
- CMS News: CMS Announces Plans to End the Blanket Waiver Requiring Nursing Homes to Submit Staffing Data
- CMS NEWS: Trump Administration Issues Call to Action Based on New Data Detailing COVID-19 Impacts on Medicare Beneficiaries
- CMS News: CMS Issues Proposed Rule to Empower Commercial Plans and States to Negotiate Payment for Innovative New Therapies Based on Patient Outcomes
- CMS News: Establishing Minimum Standards in Medicaid State Drug Utilization Review (DUR) and Supporting Value Based Purchasing for Drugs Covered in Medicaid - FACT SHEET
- CMS News: Re-Opening America: What Patients Should Know About Seeking Healthcare English and Spanish
- CMS News: Trump Administration Encourages Reopening of Healthcare Facilities
- CMS News: HHS Announces New Laboratory Data Reporting Guidance for COVID-19 Testing
- CMS News: Nursing Home COVID-19 Data and Inspections Results Available on Nursing Home Compare
- CMS News: Trump Administration Unveils Enhanced Enforcement Actions Based on Nursing Home COVID-19 Data and Inspection Results
- CMS News: Trump Administration Announces Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D to Provide Better Coverage and Increase Access for Medicare Beneficiaries
- CMS News: Trump Administration Issues Guidance to Ensure States Have a Plan in Place to Safely Reopen Nursing Homes
- CMS News: Nursing Home Reporting Requirement
- CMS News: Trump Administration Announces Call for Nominations for Nursing Home Commission
- CMS News: CMS Issues Nursing Homes Best Practices Toolkit to Combat COVID-19
- CMS News: COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Health Care Providers
- CMS News: Interim Final Rule Updating Requirements for Notification of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes
- CMS News: May is Mental Health Awareness Month- Mental Health Resources During Stressful Times
- CMS News: CMS Announces Final Payment Notice for 2021 Coverage Year
- CMS News: CLIA-Certified Labs: New CMS SARS-CoV-2 Testing Resource Available
- CMS News: CMS Announces Independent Commission to Address Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes
- CMS News: Trump Administration Issues Second Round of Sweeping Changes to Support U.S. Healthcare System During COVID-19 Pandemic
- CMS News: CMS Adds New COVID-19 Clinical Trials Improvement Activity to the Quality Payment Program
- CMS News: CMS Reevaluates Accelerated Payment Program and Suspends Advance Payment Program
- CMS News Alert- Guidance Allowing Independent Freestanding Emergency Departments
- CMS News: Trump Administration Releases COVID-19 Telehealth Toolkit to Accelerate State Use of Telehealth in Medicaid and CHIP
- CMS News: Trump Administration Launches New Toolkit to Help States Navigate COVID-19 Health Workforce Challenges
- CMS News: CMS Releases Additional Blanket Waivers for Long-Term Care Hospitals, Rural Health Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Intermediate Care Facilities
- CMS News: Alert summary of recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) actions taken in response to the 2019
- CMS News: Trump Administration Champions Reporting of COVID-19 Clinical Trial Data through Quality Payment Program, Announces New Clinical Trials Improvement Activity
- CMS News: Issues New Recommendations in Phase 1 of Opening Up America Again
- CMS News: CMS Issues Recommendations to Re-Open Health Care Systems in Areas with Low Incidence of COVID-19
- CMS News Trump Administration Announces New Nursing Homes COVID-19 Transparency Effort
- CMS News Fiscal Year 2021 Proposed Medicare Payment and Policy Changes
- CMS News Trump Administration Announces Expanded Coverage for Essential Diagnostic Services Amid COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- CMS News Trump Administration Acts to Ensure U.S. Healthcare Facilities Can Maximize Frontline Workforces to Confront COVID-19 Crisis
- CMS Issues New Wave of Infection Control Guidance Based on CDC Guidelines to Protect Patients and Healthcare Workers from COVID-19
- CMS Approves Approximately $34 Billion for Providers
- Podcast and Transcripts: This website holds all Partner Relations Group Podcasts, transcripts and audio recordings. CMS makes Open Door Forums and other presentations available as an audio podcasts. The Podcasts are available, free of charge.
- Medicare Coverage and Payment of Virtual Services: new video! CMS released a video providing answers to common questions about the Medicare telehealth services benefit.
- CMS News: Trump Administration Issues Key Recommendations to Nursing Homes, State and Local Governments
- End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Facilities: CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19
- CMS.Gov: Coronavirus Waivers & Flexibilities
- CMS Update: Trump Administration Makes Sweeping Regulatory Changes to Help U.S. Healthcare System Address COVID-19 Patient Surge
- EXPANSION OF THE ACCELERATED AND ADVANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAM FOR PROVIDERS AND SUPPLIERS DURING COVID-19 EMERGENCY
- CMS News: Trump Administration Provides Financial Relief for Medicare Providers
- CMS News: Trump Administration Engages America’s Hospitals in Unprecedented Data Sharing
- CMS News: Trump Administration Approves 34^th State Request for Medicaid Emergency Waivers
- CMS Announces Findings at Kirkland Nursing Home and New Targeted Plan for Healthcare Facility Inspections in light of COVID-19
- CMS Announces Relief for Clinicians, Providers, Hospitals and Facilities Participating in Quality Reporting Programs in Response to COVID-19
- CMS ReleasesTelehealth Toolkits for General Practitioners and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Providers
- CMS Approves Washington State’s Request for 1135 Medicaid Waivers
- CMS Emergency Information - The latest emergency information from CMS.
- CMS COVID-19 Virtual Toolkit - A Virtual Toolkit to help you stay up-to-date regarding CMS materials.
- CMS Waivers for Providers - Waivers include information about the three-day hospital stay prior to admission to a skilled nursing facility. [icon type=globe
- CMS Press Release - New measures to protect nursing home residents.
- CMS Launches Groundbreaking Model to Lower Out of Pocket Expenses for Insulin
- CMS Guidance to Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) Organizations
- CMS Announces Actions to Address Spread of Coronavirus

KCER
- KCER Watch FDA MedWatch: Use the Correct Cycle and Compatible N95 Respirators When Decontaminating Respirators
- KCER Watch FDA MedWatch: Severe Illness Associated with Using Non-Pharmaceutical Chloroquine Phosphate to Prevent and Treat Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
ASPR
- The HPH Sector Partnership COVID-19 Update

Below are additional useful links with updated COVID-19 information

Battelle Guide for Identifying FDA EUA Authorized N95 Respirators for Battelle CCDS™ Processing
Massachusetts General Hospital Mass General N95 Respirator Collection and Distribution Process
Healthcare Ready website
- April newsletter
Parkland Hospital Dallas, TX
- COVID-19 Key Messages and Talking Points English and Spanish
ANNA
- ANNA Launches Online Tool to Get Nurses to COVID-19 Hotspots
- Nephrology Nursing Surge
- Support webpage
- Create Submission of COVID-19 Area of Need
AAKP Webinar Coronavirus & Transplant Patients: Get the Facts, Save A Life
ASN COVID-19 Considerations in the Home Dialysis Setting
Coronavirus Mobile Scam Alert
How to make a face mask:
- No Sew Mask Step By Step
- No Sew Mask QR Code
- Sew a Mask
- How to use a Reusable Mask
COVID-19: Protecting Health Care Workers – Reuse and Decontamination of N95 Respirators- Webinar Recording and Slides
Ambulnz- Transportation Resource
COVID-19: FAQs For Animal Owners
Ambulette Company Letter
COVID-19 Guidance to Transportation
Guidance for Cleaning/Disinfection and Reporting for COVID-19 within Transportation Settings
Communication strategies during Pandemic
American Society of Nephrology Information for Screening and Management of COVID-19 in the Outpatient Dialysis Facility
North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) COVID-19 Mental Health Support line
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) update on COVID-19
Strategies for Extending the Use Life of Respiratory Protection During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
- Quick Reaction Guide
- Strategies for Respiratory Protection During a Pandemic
- Minimum Recommended Guidance on Protection and Decontamination for First Responders Involved in COVID-19 Cases – Quick Reaction Guide
- Minimum Recommended Guidance on Protection and Decontamination for First Responders Involved in COVID-19 Cases – Detailed Reaction Guide
COVID-19: President Trump Expands Telehealth Benefits for Medicare Beneficiaries During COVID-19 Outbreak
Keeping the Workplace, School and Home Safety Guide
Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission
Class II Recall of Ten Lots of the Revaclear Capillary Dialyzer 300,Product Code 114745L
KCER Watch FDA MedWatch:Medtronic Recalls MiniMed Insulin Pumps for Incorrect Insulin Dosing- Feb 14, 2020
KCER Watch FDA MedWatch:Proposed Changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D Will Provide Better Coverage, More Access and Improved Transparency for Medicare Beneficiaries- Feb. 5, 2020

Patient Education- COVID-19

ESRD NCC Coronavirus Spanish Quickinar Recording and Slides: Combatiendo la Incertidumbre y el Miedo en la Era COVID-19
COVID-19: How to Cope Wearing Your Mask English and Spanish
Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) Education Center:
- Are You Scared or Anxious about COVID-19?
- Webinar Recording: The COVID-19 Explosion - Lessons from New York - What Kidney Patients Should Know
Medicine Assistance Tool
- A Comprehensive FAQ page
Stress Management During a Disaster (English and Spanish)
Coronavirus Mobile Scam Alert
How to make a face mask:
- No Sew Mask Step By Step
- No Sew Mask QR Code
- Sew a Mask
- How to use a Reusable Mask
Patient Safety Tips for Dialysis Transportation English and Spanish
5 Urgent Reminders About Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) for Individuals on Dialysis English and Spanish
Texas COVID-19 Mental Health Hotline 1-833-986-1919 additional information available here
The National Forum of ESRD Networks- Dialysis Patient Depression Toolkit English and Spanish
The Faces of CKD: COVID-19 Part 1 - What is it? and The Faces of CKD: COVID-19 Part 2 - Who does it affect?
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Protect Yourself
ESRD NCC: 4 Ways to Empower Yourself to Cope with COVID-19 English and Spanish
North Texas Behavioral Health Authority (NTBHA) COVID-19 Mental Health Support line
What does COVID-19 Mean for Kidney Patients? Presentation and Slides
Kidney Fund: Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for kidney patients
COVID-19 Prevention Poster: English and Spanish
#COVID-19 ASL: Video resources in American Sign Language (ASL) on COVID-19 information, prevention, symptoms, risks, and tips for managing COVID-19 at home

Mission Statement

The mission of the Texas ESRD Emergency Coalition is to coordinate Planning, Preparedness, Response and Recovery to Emergency Events affecting the Texas ESRD community.

Contact TEEC Toll-Free at (866) 407-ESRD---1 (866) 407-3773

Texas ESRD Emergency Coalition Disaster Preparedness Video for Patients

Click here for a link to the video

Watch the video with Windows Media Player

To request a combined English/Spanish version of the DVD please email Betrice Williams at betrice.williams@allianthealth.org.

Patient Wristband Identification

The TEEC Patient Identification/Database tracking committee developed a set of patient identifiers to be worn on wristbands when a mandatory evacuation occurs to ensure that transient care providers can obtain basic patient information.