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Cellular and/or Tissue Based Products
Evidence-based topic on cellular and/or tissue products (also known as human skin equivalents, or skin substitutes) - clinical, coverage and reimbursement updates.
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Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for chronic refractory osteomyelitis, with evidence, sample documentation statements, checklists
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HBO Treatment Indications With Protocols
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment Protocol Guidelines and Indications
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Soft Tissue Radiation Necrosis
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for soft tissue radiation injury, with evidence, sample documentation statements, checklists
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Wound Exam Notes Generator
initial assessment
SITE:________________________________________________________________________________________
Status: ☐ Being Treated ☐ Closed ☐ Amputated
Surgical Date: _______________ Date Onset: ___________
Pre- Debridement Measurement Length:_________ Width: __________ Depth: _________
Undermining
1. __________ cm, from _________ to _________ o’clock
2. __________ cm, from _________ to _________
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Osteoradionecrosis - Mandibular
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for osteoradionecrosis (mandibular), with evidence, sample documentation statements, checklists
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ICD-10 Coding in HBOT
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Single and Dual ICD-10 diagnosis codes
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HBO Physician Orders Overview
Physician order sets for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
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Go-No-Go Lists / Prohibited Items
Hyperbaric Oxygen Approved, Restricted and Prohibited Items Examples, Risk Assessment Algorithm, and Prohibited Items Authorization Form
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Safety Program Guidelines
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safety Program Guidelines
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Medical Director Job Description
Hyperbaric Medical Director Job Summary
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Physician Credentialing Guidelines
Physicians engaged in the practice of hyperbaric medicine range across the entire spectrum of clinical specialties. This practical topic describes the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS)' position on eligibility, training, credentialing and continuing medical education for physicians who engage in the practice of hyperbaric medicine
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Physician Credentialing Privilege List
This form lists physician credentialing privileges in hyperbaric medicine and can be used as an evaluation form
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Standard Operating Procedures
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber Operations
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* Emergency Procedures
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Emergency Procedures
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Nursing Interventions
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy nursing interventions, as recommended by the Baromedical Nurses Association
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Patient Care
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy patient care procedures
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Ancillary Equipment
Hyperbaric Oxygen equipment such as air break, ground testing and Transcutaneous Oximetry
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Hyperbaric Medicine - Job Descriptions & Training Guidelines
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Job descriptions and training guidelines
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Qualified Healthcare Professional
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy job description for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Physician Assistant
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HBO Threshold Levels
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatment threshold levels (lower limit, upper limit/utilization review)
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Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN)
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy job description for Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN)
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Certified Hyperbaric Technologist
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Job Description for Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT)
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Staff Physician
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy job description for Staff Physician
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Non-Physician Training Guidelines
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy job Non-physician Training Guidelines
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Staff Qualifications
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Staff Qualifications
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Physician Training Guidelines
Guidelines for physician training in hyperbaric medicine
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Diabetic Foot Ulcer - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for patients with diabetes with lower extremity ulcers
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Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of compromised flaps and skin grafts (including mutilated limb injuries), with evidence, sample documentation statements, checklists.
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Medical Director Guidelines
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Medical Director Guidelines and Responsibilities
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Acute Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for acute carbon monoxide with GRADE recommendation, review of recent evidence, checklist, sample documentation statements. Approved for 1 Category A Continuing Education Credit by the NBDHMT
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Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of clostridial myonecrosis. Evidence-based protocol, sample physician order template and documentation templates to support HBO indication. Operational considerations and nursing interventions
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Decompression Illness and Arterial Gas Embolism
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of decompression illness and arterial gas embolism, evidence-based protocol, sample physician orders, documentation statements, evidence-based GRADE recommendations. Category A Continuing Education Credit
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Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections And Fournier's Gangrene
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections and Fournier's gangrene, protocol with evidence, sample physician order template and documentation guidance/template
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Acute Exceptional Blood Loss Anemia
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for Acute Exceptional Blood Loss Anemia, documentation template and GRADE assessment of current evidence
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Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
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Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss, with evidence-based graded recommendations, sample documentation statements, physician order template, checklists.
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Pyogenic and Invasive Fungal Intracranial Abscesses
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treatment of pyogenic and invasive fungal intracranial abscesses, evidence-based protocol, sample physician order template
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HBO Purchase Recommendations
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Start-up Purchase Checklist
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HBO Suite - Equipment
Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy facility equipment list
EQUIPMENTQTY
Sechrist – 3600 monoplace chamber
2
Cardiac monitor
2
Cardiac Monitor cable – Internal and External
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HBO and Wound Care Suite - Equipment
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Wound Care Department Equipment List
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HBO - Ancillary Equipment and Supplies
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Suite Ancillary Equipment and Supplies list
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HBO Initial Patient Evaluation
Overview of an initial patient evaluation for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
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Ear Exam - Barotrauma
Barotrauma may occur in patients receiving HBOT is middle-ear barotrauma (MEB). This topic describes assessment and treatment for MEB
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An Introduction to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Introduction and Indications for Treatment
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Hyperbaric Safety Drills - Are You Prepared?
Having written procedures in place is one thing, actually practicing them in the form of clinicians' monthly drills is a whole other endeavor. How to make them happen?
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CMS NFPA 99 requirements - what does it take to be compliant?
Why is fire safety important in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility? What does it take to be compliant with Medicare (CMS) fire safety requirements? Learn more about NPFA99
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Housekeeping and the NFPA 99
According to the NFPA 99 chapter 14 - 14.3.6.4 “A housekeeping program shall be implemented, whether or not the facility is in regular use”. A.14.3.6.4 provides some clarity to 14.3.6.4 – “ It is absolutely essential that all areas of, and components associated with, the hyperbaric chamber be kept meticulously free of grease, lint, dirt and dust.
The NFPA 99 2012 edition gives us further guidance regarding the required training for the housekeeping personnel. NFPA 99
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Active Shooter In A Healthcare Facility
360 degrees of Safety - how can Safety Directors and hyperbaric facilities be prepared for eventual “active shooter events” (ASE) or “acts of terrorism”?
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How to Perform An Ankle Brachial Index
DEFINITION
Resting ankle–brachial index (ABI) is the most commonly used test in screening for and detection of PAD in clinical settings. The ankle brachial index (ABI) is the ratio between the blood pressure in the ankles and the blood pressure in the arms. Blockage in the arteries of the legs causes less blood flow to reach the ankles. This reduces the blood pressure in the ankle. The ankle brachial index is lower as peripheral artery disease is worse. The severity of peripher
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Prohibited Items Vs Restricted?
Certain wound dressings, medical devices and other objects can raise important safety concerns when used inside hyperbaric chambers during hyperbaric treatments. This blog post provides clarification on the difference between items that are prohibited versus restricted during hyperbaric treatments.
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Medications In The Hyperbaric Environment
When administered in concentrations greater than those found under ambient room air conditions, oxygen can put forth clinical effects having a therapeutic profile not unlike other pharmaceutical agents. As a drug, oxygen is most notable in the setting of hyperbaric oxygen therapy where the partial pressure (dosage) of oxygen prescribed is significantly higher than that which is typically encountered in routine clinical practice.
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Termination of Relationship: Patient-Provider And/Or Patient-Wound Care And Hyperbaric Service
Providers should use caution when terminating a patient-provider relationship and ensure it does not constitute abandonment. Healthcare providers also have the right to terminate relationships with patients for a variety of reasons. This topic lists these reasons, provides legal/ risk management considerations, documentation and operational guidance for a standardized approach. Includes sample patient dismissal letter.
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Quality of Care Requires Ongoing Competency Evaluations
As clinical processes continue to grow in complexity, it is increasingly vital to patient safety that health care organizations ensure the competence of their care providers.
By definition Competency is the application of knowledge and skill in performance. Competency is best assessed via return demonstration and observation. Additional methods include, but are not limited to, simulation, mock reviews and case studies. Competency is NOT assessed via an education module
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy And Congestive Heart Failure
Background
There are a number of known risks and side effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatments most of which are either rare or of minimal consequence. One such complication is an exacerbation of congestive heart failure. When pulmonary edema occurs, it is typically noted in the latter half of a 90-minute treatment and, though rare, this complication can be significant. Patients may do well with simple decompression. Some may require a diuresis while others may require hospitalization
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Nutritional Screening for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
One of the keys to a successful patient outcome is assessing nutritional status. One out of three patients treated at hyperbaric services can be at risk of malnutrition. This blog post describes the importance of a nutritional assessment and plan for HBOT patients, from both clinical and reimbursement perspectives.
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Prohibited Items, Risk Assessment And Authorization
Are you a hyperbaric oxygen therapy Technologist, Nurse, Safety or Medical Director? In any of these roles, you will need to address prohibited items in HBOT
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Hyperbaric Certification and Continuing Education for Technicians & Nurses
This blog post provides an overview on the importance of Hyperbaric Certification for Technicians and Nurses, as well as recertification and continuing education requirements
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Know Your Place Of Service
Inaccurate information on claims frequently leads to incorrect reimbursement and hassles when trying to fix errors. How can a clinical practice ensure claims are submitted correctly to minimize errors in reimbursement?
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CMS Targeted Probe and Educate for HBOT Codes 99183 & G0277
CMS has authorized WPS Government Health Administrators (GHA) to conduct the Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) review process
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HBOT Chamber Maintenance Records Retention
Background
As healthcare continues the process of transitioning to paperless documentation, provision(s) should be made for the storage of chamber maintenance logs, records and preventative maintenance records. The following is a discussion that was presented in the Undersea Hyperbaric Medicine Journal 2017, Vol. 44.
Q: How long do we need to keep maintenance logs/records/annual preventative maintenance records?
A: This i
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Errors and Healthcare
Patient safety is a serious public health issue. Like obesity and motor vehicle crashes, harms caused during care have significant mortality, morbidity, quality-of-life implications, and adversely affect patients in every care setting. This topic provides a snapshot of current patient safety facts, helpful definitions in Patient Safety, factors that lead to errors, liability in Wound and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Programs, and actions that can be implemented to improve Patient Safety and reduce errors.
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - The 30 Day Requirement For Diabetic Foot Ulcer
INTRODUCTION
HBO2 for DFUs has been shown to improve healing rates and decrease the number of major amputations in the diabetic population. Recent research and evidence have driven the new paradigm of aggressive treatment and the attempt to save a limb, if at all possible, to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with a major amputation. HBO2 is an accepted and approved treatment for DFUs by the Center for Medicare Studies (CMS) and by third-party insuran
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Compressed Gas Handling And Safety
The safe handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders, in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Compressed Gas Association (CGA), and other Federal, State and local regulations provide guidance in maintaining a safe environment.
Storage of Cylinders
All cylinder valve caps must be tightly secured unless the cylinder is connected for use.
Valves must be clos
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Inclement weather? Check the Chamber Exhaust Termination Points
In tornadoes and other harsh weather conditions, the chamber exhaust termination point can become buried in snowdrifts or draped with material resulting from heavy winds
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Hyperbaric Chamber History and Consent
Hyperbaric Oxygen Patient History and Consent
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Obtaining Prior Authorization from Non-Medicare Carriers for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
INTRODUCTIONDenied claims due to unauthorized patient procedures or services can be a major loss in revenue. Although most medical offices and provider based departments are moving closer to 100 percent verification for patient services, there is still no guarantee that every account will be paid. Claims that are denied due to no prior authorization happen primarily in a hospital setting. (1)PROCESSThe coding of HBOT is represen
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HBO Pre-Determination/ Prior Authorization
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Predetermination and Prior Authorization Form; easy to use to assist staff with obtaining the correct information.
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Medicare Billing Protocol and Workflow
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Medicare billing workflow for wound and hyperbaric therapy clinics.
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Acute Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for Acute Peripheral Arterial Insufficiency
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Acute Traumatic Ischemia, Crush Injury and Compartment Syndrome
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol for acute traumatic peripheral ischemia, crush injury and compartment syndrome with GRADE recommendations, review of recent evidence, checklist, sample documentation statements
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HBO Documentation Checklist
Documentation checklist to support medical necessity in HBOT and be audit ready
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Radiation-induced Cutaneous Damage - Introduction and Assessment
SUMMARY
Radiation-induced cutaneous damage is a common sequela of radiation exposure, affecting up to 95 percent of patients who receive radiotherapy.(1–3) Skin damage can be either acute or chronic, based on the timing of presentation. Acute damage occurs within 90 days of exposure, and is dose dependent, ranging from transient erythema, to dry a
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Radiation-Induced Cutaneous Damage - Treatment, Prevention, Patient Education
Radiation-induced cutaneous damage is a common sequela of radiation exposure. This topic describes management of acute and late effects of radiation
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Medicare Coverage Determinations for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy National and Local coverage determinations per Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC)
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Medicare requirements for HBO - compliance, review, pre-authorization
Importance of documentation to justify medical necessity and proper billing in HBOT. Pre-authorization for HBOT
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Transcutaneous Oximetry
Application of transcutaneous oximetry in hyperbaric medicine with practical algorithm.
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HBO must read - Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy and oxygen compatibility of skin and wound care products
This is a recommended read for all hyperbaric clinicians picked by our editorial team.Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Oxygen Compatibility of Skin and Wound Care Products.Bernatchez SF, Tucker J, Chiffoleau G.Ad
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Medicare Billing Protocol - Appeal of Claim
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Overview of the Medicare Claim's Appeal Process
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Medicare Targeted Probe and Educate Protocol
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) Process is designed to help providers and suppliers reduce claims denials and appeals through one-on-one help. This topic provides guidance on how to successfully navigate the TPE process. It includes information on additional documentation request and latest results of recent TPE findings.
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Documentation: Consultation Intake questionnaire
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Consultation Intake Questionnaire
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Prohibited Item Reminder
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy Prohibited items reminder template.
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Routine Inspection - Daily Chamber
Hyperbaric Oxygen chamber daily inspection rationale and template.
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Routine Inspection - Monthly Chamber
Monthly hyperbaric chamber rationale and template.
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Routine Inspection - Pre & Post Procedures and Safety Checklist
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy pre and post treatment checklist templates.
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Routine Inspection - Monthly Chamber Rate Verification
Hyperbaric chamber monthly - chamber rate verification template.
The Pressure Rate Set Control sets the rate of compression or decompression inside the Chamber. All pressure change rates are linear. The numbers “1” through “5” indicate the approximate pressure change rate in pounds per square inch (psi) per minute (i.e., “3” equals 3.0 psi per minute change).
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Routine Inspection - Semi-Annual Chamber Rate Verification
Hyperbaric oxygen chamber semi-annual inspection rate verification form
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Routine Inspection- Chamber Cylindrical Window Blemish
Hyperbaric chamber acrylic inspection template.
Normal
0
false
false
false
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Chamber Operations
An overview of hyperbaric chamber operations.
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Housekeeping and the NFPA
Housekeeping Training in the hyperbaric facility, what is required?
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Safety stops, checklists… when to document
Clinicians providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy go to great lengths to ensure patient safety with every treatment. We utilize processes and systems that have been developed within the field, in some cases through “near misses” and from standards set forth by The Joint Commission (TJC) and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).
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Safety Time Out/Pause (STOP) Checklist
A template for a Safety Time Out/Pause (STOP) checklist.
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Visual Acuity and HBOT
Notification of Instructions Due To: A Change in Visual AcuityAs discussed during your hyperbaric patient education, vision changes are possible after receiving several (>20) hyperbaric treatments. This is usually a temporary change that will resolve within 3 to 4 months after your last hyperbaric treatment.You are receiving this notification because during your last eye exam in the Hyper
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Documentation: HBO Risks and Benefits
Risk and Benefit Assessment for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
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Risks and Benefits Documentation
Hyperbaric Oxygen Risk and Benefit Documentation Template
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Visual Acuity
HBOT documentation templates for weekly visual acuity exam throughout the course of HBOT
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Utilization Review
An overview of the utilization review process for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
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Modification of Treatment Protocol
Sample Modification of Treatment Protocol Form, when patient's treatment protocol is modified
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Role of the Medical Director in Hyperbaric Safety
This topic illustrates how the medical director can take an active role in conjunction with the hyperbaric safety officer in promoting safety in hyperbaric facilities
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Documentation: HBO Progress Note
Consultation template to assist providers with progress notes documentation requirements for HBOT
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Advanced Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (ACHRN)
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy job description for Advanced Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (ACHRN)
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Hyperbaric Nurse Manager
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Job Description for Hyperbaric Nurse Manager
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Hyperbaric Chamber Operator
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy job description for Hyperbaric Chamber Operator
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Hyperbaric Safety Director
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy job description for Hyperbaric Safety Director
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Go-No-Go : Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about which items are prohibited, restricted or allowed inside a hyberbaric chamber during hyperbaric oxygen therapy
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Hyperbaric Program Staffing Guidelines
Staffing guidelines for hyperbaric medicine departments. Roles and responsibilities, staffing ratios, staffing considerations
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MIPS in Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine
Collection period for MIPS Year 3 started in January 1st, 2019. In 2019, CMS expanded the types of clinicians who are subject to participation in MIPS, and implemented other updates. This blog post summarizes some of these changes and provides an overview on how WoundReference can help eligible clinicians and groups perform well in MIPS.
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Staffing Guidance for Wound Care Centers
Guidance on lean staffing for wound care centers. Identification of variables that impact staffing, staffing tool and tips
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Hyperbaric Program Staffing Guidelines - Why do We Need Them?
The development of staffing criteria of the hyperbaric service requires the consideration of several factors to ensure that each treatment is given safely. Frequently this process begins with the question of staff to patient ratio. That is, how many staff members do we need to operate three monoplace chambers? This blog post lists questions that programs should ask and resources they can tap for a solid staffing strategy.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Topic for patients and caregivers. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetic foot ulcers can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis
Topic for patients and caregivers. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic refractory osteomyelitis can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Soft Tissue Radiation Injury
Topic for patients and caregivers. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for soft tissue radiation injury can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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CMS Medically Unlikely Edits (MUE)
What are Medicare Medically Unlikely Edits (MUE)? This post explains what MUE are important to wound care and hyperbaric programs and provides tips on how to deal with them.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Osteoradionecrosis
Topic for patients and caregivers. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for osteoradionecrosis can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Compromised Grafts and Flaps
Topic for patients and caregivers. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for compromised grafts and flaps can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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MIPS in Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine - Improvement Activities
The MIPS Improvement Activities Category is one of the four categories comprising the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)'s Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). MIPS is part of the CMS Quality Payment Program (QPP), in which eligible clinicians are required to participate during 2019 to avoid a negative impact on the physician fee payment for the year of 2021. This blog post provides a summary on the
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Documentation: Hyperbaric Treatment Notes by the CHRN and CHT
To ensure audit-readiness and smooth reimbursement, facility and physician charges related to wound care and hyperbaric oxygen services must be validated with documentation from both physician AND non-physician providers (i.e.,Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurses and Certified Hyperbaric Technologists). The CHRN or CHT note is proof and validation that a treatment was provided and billed by the facility (G0277). This topic provides a template for hyperbaric treatment records documented by non-physician providers.
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Designation of Hyperbaric Safety Director
This topic elaborates on the role of a Hyperbaric Safety Director, including aspects related to designation, training/education and a sample policy and procedure. Authors also explain the rationale behind having a formally designated and specifically trained Safety Director in each hyperbaric medicine facility. Designation of the Safety Director in writing and an appropriate job description for the role are paramount to hyperbaric facility safety.
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Hyperbaric Registered Nurse
Job Title: Hyperbaric Registered Nurse
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Staff Minimum Qualifications and Training for HBOT
Regardless of the the purpose and scope of the hyperbaric facility, inadequate knowledge of applicable gas laws, chamber fire safety, potential risks, side effects, and contraindications of hyperbaric medicine, may result in dangerous situations that risk patients' and personnel's well-being. This topic elaborates on the minimum qualifications and training/education for hyperbaric staff, and provides policies that can be adjusted and adopted by hyperbaric programs.
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Safety and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Creating and maintaining an environment of safety in the hyperbaric facility is achieved through proactive planning and attention to detail. Lack of proper safety protocols and procedures causes accidents, and, unfortunately, loss of life. While we never want to have a disaster, we learn from safety analysis of them.
This topic provides a summarized update on Safety in the Hyperbaric Facility. The topic also provides guidance and resources that will help you build an excellent hyperbaric safety program. Resources include safety guidelines, job descriptions, go-no-go lists, go-no-go risk assessment tool, and emergency procedures.
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Patient Education in Wound Care and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Patient and caregiver education is central to patient-centered, value-based care. It can be a differentiating factor for wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) services looking to offer the highest standards of clinical practice. This topic provides an update on the importance and benefits of patient education in wound care and HBOT, current gaps, commonly used methods, and resources to develop patient education programs in wound care and HBOT. It lists 5 tools that can be implemented today to streamline patient education at the point-of-care, and provides a downloadable framework with best practices on patient education in wound care and HBOT.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis (Spanish)
For patients and caregivers, in SPANISH. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic refractory osteomyelitis can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Compromised Grafts and Flaps (Spanish)
For patients and caregivers, in SPANISH. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for compromised skin grafts and flaps can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcer (Spanish)
For patients and caregivers, in SPANISH. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetic foot ulcers can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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Global Surgical Transfer of Care to the Wound Clinic
Wound physicians must be aware of the surgical global packaging rules as they relate to the transfer of care from one provider to another. Documentation and proper billing methods are essential to meet CMS compliance standards and to ensure the rules are followed. Failure to do so could make the wound care provider a target for audit and denials. This topic provides guidance and a protocol for global surgical transfer of care.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Osteoradionecrosis (Spanish)
For patients and caregivers, in SPANISH. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for osteoradionecrosis of the mandible can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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Patient Education - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Soft Tissue Radiation Injury (Spanish)
For patients and caregivers, in SPANISH. This topic on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for soft tissue radiation injury can be shared by email, or its PDF (attached to the topic) can be printed as a patient handout and handed directly to patients at the point-of-care.
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Operational Policy: Advanced Wound Care Program Scope of Service
This topic serves as a basis for Wound Care Programs to adopt a Policy on Advanced Wound Care Program Scope of Service. The purpose of this Policy is to enable the Wound Care Program that adopts it to offer its services to patients whose medical needs can be met within the capability of the Wound Care Program's staff and facilities, and to ensure that all patients treated will receive high quality care in an expedient and professional manner.
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Billing 101 for Hyperbaric Providers
INTRODUCTION99183- Physician or other qualified health care professional attendance and supervision of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, per sessionG0277- Hyperbaric oxygen under pressure, full body
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Telemedicine/ Televisit Implementation Playbook - Part 1
Telemedicine can be a plausible option to do more with less in wound care. The purpose of the first part of this playbook is to guide healthcare professionals in assessing the benefits telemedicine can bring to their practices.
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To treat or not treat a patient with C. Diff: That is the Question
Decision support on how to manage HBOT patients with Clostridium difficile
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Cleaning and Disinfection of Hyperbaric Oxygen Monoplace Chamber
Policy for disinfection of acrylic monoplace chambers
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Telemedicine/ Televisit Implementation Playbook - Part 2
Telemedicine can be a plausible option to do more with less in wound care. This is the second installment of the Telemedicine/ Televisit Implementation Playbook. The first installment guides healthcare professionals in assessing the benefits telemedicine can bring to their practices. This topic provides a practical pathway for implementation of telemedicine solutions.
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3 Ways Telemedicine Can Help Wound Care Clinicians Combat the New Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how wound care and HBOT clinicians can leverage telemedicine to continue to care for their patients in a safe manner.
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COVID-19 - Cleaning the Hyperbaric Chamber
COVID-19 is caused by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or SARS CoV-2. Many hyperbaric facilities have been wondering which cleaning products are effective against SARS CoV-2 and are approved for the hyperbaric chamber by chamber manufacturers. This blog post provides a list of products that meet both criteria.
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HBOT and COVID - 19
Here what we know and what we don't know about HBOT and COVID-19Synopsis: UHMS Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Committee Meeting on COVID-19 and HBO2. This is a synopsis of a conference call between invited members of the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy committee, the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Section on Unders
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Provider Supervision of HBOT
Do physicians need to directly supervise hyperbaric oxygen therapy services (HBOT)? It is helpful to first review the definitions of the different types of level of supervision (CFR Title 42, Chapter IV, Part 410) (i) General supervision means the procedure is furnished under the physician's overall direction and control, but the physician's pre
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Staffing, Productivity and Acuity Tool for Wound Care and HBOT Centers
INTRODUCTIONOverviewBenchmarking tools may help understand staffing needs for each center. The staffing tool created by Larson-Lohr for wound care and hyperbaric medicine centers incorporates elements of both patient acuity and staff productivity and provides suggestions on number of full-time employees (FTEs), more specifically nurses, to cover patient demand in a wound and hyperbaric center.
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Prohibited Item Risk Assessment
Introduction
Why should each hyperbaric unit have a prohibited items assessment/checklist? The unit safety program is the foundation of every hyperbaric medicine service. The safety program provides guidance in order to ensure that the risks and hazards associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy are identified and eliminated. In certain circumstances, the risk can not be eliminated (e.g., removing a wound care product), and mitigating measures must be taken to reduce the risk potentia
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How to Assess HBOT Prohibited Items: The Go/No-Go Risk Assessment Tool And The Burman Scoring System
The NFPA recommends that hyperbaric facilities utilize the NFPA Risk Assessment Algorithm for assessment of dressings and items that have not been evaluated or deemed safe for use in the hyperbaric chamber. However, several challenges (as described above) prevent widespread use of the NFPA Risk Assessment Algorithm. The Go No-Go Risk Assessment Tool combines the NFPA Risk Assessment Algorithm and the Burman Risk Scoring System. This combination of the two approaches and a user friendly digital interface provide the hyperbaric facility with a robust go/ no-go documentation and risk mitigation tool. This topic provides step-by-step instructions on how to conduct this risk assessment process.
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Performing risk assessments with the Go/No-Go Tool and the Burman Scoring System
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Understanding the NFPA 99 Chapter 14 Hyperbaric Facilities: Administration and Maintenance Part 1
INTRODUCTIONOverviewThe review of NFPA 99 Chapter 14 is intended to provide insight as to how it relates to daily hyperbaric operations, as this chapter applies to all hyperbaric facilities regardless of occupancy (Class A, Class B or Class C). Regulatory/accrediting agencies (FDA/ UHMS) and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) reference NFPA 99 chapter to set hyperbaric operational criteria). The 2012 edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) H
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Patient Guide (Spanish)
¿QUÉ ES LA TERAPIA DE OXÍGENO HIPERBÁRICO?La Terapia de Oxígeno Hiperbárico (TOHB) es un modo de terapia no invasivo e indoloro. Un paciente que recibe TOHB respira oxígeno al 100 %, a una presión superior al nivel del mar, mientras se encuentra en un recinto cerrado a presión. Esto da como resultado una elevación dramática del oxígeno en la sangre, tejidos y fluidos corporales. TOHB puede resulta
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Gas Laws And The Therapeutic Effects of HBOT
History
Boyle’s, Dalton’s and Henry’s law have significant implications in the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. As gases are compressible, they are subject to three inter-related factors: volume, pressure, and temperature. [7]
The first documented usage of hyperbaric medical therapy was in 1662. A British physician created the "domicilium" which consisted of a pressurized airtight chamber in which pressure could be increased using a bellows. Numerous aff
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Fire Triangle/ Tetrahedron and Fire Extinguisher Classification
A fire extinguisher is an item that hyperbaric personnel rarely think about until needed or asked about during an inspection or site visit. Choosing the correct extinguisher type for a specific fire or for purchasing can be made simple by reviewing a few basic concepts.
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Qualified Healthcare Professional Credentialing Guidelines
BackgroundQualified Healthcare Professionals engaged in the practice of hyperbaric medicine range across the entire spectrum of clinical specialties. The practice of hyperbaric medicine involves the delivery of 100% oxygen at pressures above normal atmospheric conditions. This is achieved by the use of a pressurized (hyperbaric) chamber. Chambers are designed to accommodate a single patient (monoplace) or several patients simultaneously (multiplace).Hyperbaric Oxygen thera
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Supervision of HBOT by Providers - Overview
INTRODUCTIONOverviewThe following hyperbaric medicine treatment protocol is based upon the recommendations of the Hyperbaric Oxygen Committee of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Clinical protocols and/or practice guidelines are systematically developed statements that help physicians, other practitioners, case managers and clients make decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances.