Page 5 - September Physician Newsletter 2023

Best practices for proper vaccine storage Social Determinants
of Health - tools and
As fall approaches, many practices will soon receive shipments of resources
flu vaccines. This is the perfect time of year for reviewing the proper HCMS offers essential
protocol for storing vaccines.
To ensure their effectiveness and safety, proper storage is tools and resources
paramount. Vaccines are delicate biological products that can be to address Social
sensitive to light, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental Determinants of Health
factors. Below are some essential tips for proper vaccine storage to (SDOH) at https://bit.
maintain their potency and efficacy. ly/Health_Equity_
Maintain the correct temperature: Temperature control is resources.
crucial for vaccine storage. Most vaccines require refrigeration between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). This online hub
A dedicated pharmaceutical-grade refrigerator with temperature monitoring is recommended. equips practitioners
Avoid storing vaccines in the door compartments of the refrigerator, as temperatures in those areas with evidence-based
may fluctuate more significantly. Regularly check and record the refrigerator’s temperature to information, practical
ensure it stays within the recommended range. If vaccines are exposed to temperatures outside of guides, and strategies
the recommended range, the manufacturer must be consulted to determine the next steps. Texas
Health and Human Services (THHS) has a temperature log template located at https://www. to help physicians
dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/immunize/tvfc/docs/EC-105-RF.pdf. understand and mitigate
Inspect shipments: Properly insulated vaccine carriers with cold packs can help maintain SDOH’s impact on patient
the temperature during transportation. However, it is important to open and inspect packages well-being.
immediately upon arrival to ensure that the temperature indicator is still valid. Contact the vendor Key features include:
immediately for shipments received out of temperature range. 1. Education: Access
Organize and regularly check expiration dates: Proper organization within the storage unit informative materials on
is essential to maintain vaccine integrity. Store vaccines with adequate space between them to allow SDOH, aiding informed
for proper air circulation. Always check the expiration dates of vaccines before administering them. patient care.
Remove and dispose of expired vaccines according to the recommended guidelines. Implementing 2. Screening Tools:
a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) Policy ensures that older vaccines are used first, reducing the risk of Discover effective SDOH
wastage due to expiration.
Train staff on protocols: Conduct regular training sessions for team members who handle screening instruments
vaccines to educate them about the importance of correct storage procedures, disposal of expired for comprehensive
products, how to respond to temperature excursions, and plan for power loss emergencies. assessments.
For more information on vaccines, training materials, and educational materials for patients, sign 3. Interventions: Learn
up for a free THHS account at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunization-unit/order-dshs- about interventions to
immunization-publications. improve patient outcomes
Medicare mandates new ABN form by addressing SDOH.
4. Policy Resources:
Medicare now requires the use of the new Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) form to Stay updated with policy
comply with Medicare regulations. Physicians must notify a Medicare patient using the ABN in recommendations to
advance of furnishing items or services when the physician believes they will likely be denied by advocate for change.
Medicare. 5. Community
The ABN establishes that when a physician informs Partnerships: Find avenues
the patient of possible non-coverage, it therefore shifts for collaboration with
financial liability to the patient in the event of a denial. Some community organizations.
examples of when an ABN is required are when services/ Visit the page for a
items: wealth of resources to
• exceed frequency limitations; enhance patient care and
• are considered experimental and investigational; advocate for equitable
• are not indicated for the diagnosis, treatment of health outcomes.
illness, injury, or to improve function;
• are not reasonable or necessary under program Presented by the HCMS
standards; Board on Socioeconomics
• are covered preventive services but provided outside
the statutory timeframes;
The ABN is only to be used for traditional Medicare IN MEMORIAM
patients and is not valid for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) or Medicare Drug Plans (Part D). Honoring HCMS members
However, although the ABN is specific to Medicare, many payors utilize similar forms and rules.
The ABN is not needed to notify patients before an item or service is provided when it is not a who have passed on.
Medicare benefit or is never covered. However, as a courtesy, a voluntary ABN may be given to
inform the patient about their financial liability. Issuing the notice voluntarily does not affect Didier F. Piot, MD,
financial liability, and the patient is not required to check an option box or sign and date the Family Medicine, died on
notice. August 10, 2023. He had been a
Medicare pays close attention to the correct use of the ABN form. Incorrect use exposes a member of HCMS since 1980.
practice to costly, time-consuming audits which can lead to recoupments and penalties and even
jeopardize Medicare participation. For more information visit https://bit.ly/3P2qkYZ.

Presented by the HCMS Board on Socioeconomics
Harris County Physician Newsletter • September 2023 • www.hcms.org 5