Fazzi Associates, Inc.

Now that you have fully implemented the new OASIS-C assessment tool, it’s time to look ahead and prepare for the new outcome and process measures scheduled for posting on Home Health Compare (HHC) late this year. First, we suggest you start with a look back at your performance on HHC for the 2009 calendar year.

The final update for the current OASIS outcomes were posted on Home Health Compare in April and reflect the January 2009 - December 2009 data collection period. Because the results for outcomes collected with OASIS B-1 will not be combined with results collected from OASIS-C, these will be the only outcome results available until late this year. To access the final quality chart, click here or on the image to get the 2009 quality chart. For a chart that includes your state's results, go to our
Home Health Compare by State page and click on your state.

New results are now being collected from OASIS-C submissions. The following 13 process measures will be added to HHC with the first posting expected in October 2010:

1.	Timely Initiation of Care
2.	Depression Assessment Conducted
3.	Multifactor Fall Risk Assessment Conducted
4.	Pain Assessment Conducted
5.	Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Conducted
6.	Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Plan of Care
7.	Diabetic Foot Care & Pt/Cg Education
8.	Heart Failure Symptoms Addressed During Short Term Episode
9.	Pain Interventions Implemented During Short Term Episode
10.	Drug Education On All Meds Provided to Pt/Cg During Short Term Episode
11.	Influenza Immunization Received for Current Flu Season
12.	Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Ever Received
13.	Pressure Ulcer Prevention Implemented During Short Term Episode

Here’s a potential problem that all agencies need to pay attention to: your first quarter HHC results have already been collected. If you did not have positive outcomes and/or did not reach your goals for 2009, evaluate where you have gaps and set an appropriate plan for the clinicians, quality team, and supervisors right away.

In setting your plan, consider three key best practices: 1) educate staff and managers, 2) set competency standards, and 3) track performance. You will find helpful resources on our OASIS web page including the updated OASIS-C Best Practice Manual. This report is free and offers explanations and tips for each OASIS-C item.