ASH recognizes the special role health professionals play in responding to emergencies and disasters. By preparing in advance, you can help minimize the impact on yourself, your patients, and your practice or institution. Start preparing now by using the links provided below to resources that can assist you in developing your own emergency preparedness plan.

ASH provides this list of resources as a service and is not responsible for the content of external Web sites.

Influenza A (H1N1) or "Swine flu"

Quick Facts for Clinicians on Antiviral Treatments for 2009 H1N1

While use of influenza antivirals in the United States has increased during the 2009-2010 flu season, there are still many misconceptions about these medications. The available one-pager provides some key facts to consider when deciding whether a patient needs to be treated with antiviral medication.

CDC Key Points and CDC FluView

• CDC Key Points for November 6, 2009

New and Updated Interim Guidance and Links to Resources for Clinicians

• Letter about vaccine supply from CDC Director to state and local health officials
• Influenza Round Table Video Series
  • Don't Get, Don't Spread
  • Antivirals
  • Warning Signs
• Novel H1N1 Influenza: Resources for Clinicians
• All H1N1 Flu Guidance Documents

New Medicare Guidance – Coverage and Reimbursement Rules for the H1N1 Vaccine

A new Special Edition MLN Matters article regarding Billing for the Administration of the Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine is now available. This article explains Medicare coverage and reimbursement rules for the H1N1 vaccine and also addresses seasonal flu coverage and reimbursement.

Note that Medicare will pay for seasonal flu vaccinations even if the vaccinations are rendered earlier in the year than normal. We understand that such preparations are critical for the upcoming flu season, especially in planning for the influenza A (H1N1) vaccine.

Though Medicare typically pays for one vaccination per year, if more than one vaccination per year is medically necessary (i.e., the number of doses of a vaccine and/or type of influenza vaccine), then Medicare will pay for those additional vaccinations. Our Medicare claims processing contractors have been notified to expect and prepare for earlier-than-usual seasonal flu claims and there should not be a problem in getting those claims paid. Furthermore, in the event that it is necessary for Medicare beneficiaries to receive both a seasonal flu vaccination and an influenza A (H1N1) vaccination, then Medicare will pay for both.

Please be advised that if either vaccine is provided free of charge to the health care provider, then Medicare will only pay for the vaccine’s administration (not for the vaccine itself).

All providers administering flu vaccine should review this article and be sure that their billing staffs are aware of this information.

In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated its Medicare Fee-for-Service Emergency Preparedness Questions and Answers (Qs & As). These Qs & As include a section applicable to the H1N1 flu virus.

Influenza Patient Educational Material

• 2009 H1N1 Flu Situation Update - CDC - October 9
  This page also includes current information on the US Seasonal Influenza Weekly Report (Flu View) and the Weekly US Map.
• 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu: What You Should Know About Flu Antiviral Drugs - CDC - October 8
• HHS Unveils New Features on Flu.gov - HHS - October 7
  HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius unveiled several new resources on the federal government’s one-stop resource for flu information - www.flu.gov. The Web site now features a new H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation guide for adults 18 and older along with a new Flu Myths and Facts section, which provides the public with the latest and most accurate information about the flu.
• Flu Information; Protect Your Child; If Your Child is Sick - CDC - October 6

Infectious Disease Outbreaks

• CDC, Recent Outbreaks and Incidents - Information on disease outbreaks and other health topics of recent interest.

• View CDC information in multiple languages at http://www.cdc.gov/other/languages/

Pandemic Avian Influenza

There is agreement in the scientific community that pandemic avian influenza (bird flu) is a current global threat. While there are not yet guidelines that apply to all medical settings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released general information on preparation for pandemic avian influenza and other emergencies. Plans are likely to vary according to a wide variety of factors, such as geographic region and resources. The current emphasis is on community and organization preparedness.

• Guidance on the use of facemasks and respirators - HHS issues interim guidance for the use of facemasks and respirators in public settings during an influenza pandemic.
• Pandemic Planning Update III - A report from Secretary Michael O. Leavitt on the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to prepare the nation for the possibility of pandemic influenza.
• PandemicFlu.gov planning checklist - A checklist to help medical offices and ambulatory clinics prepare for responding to pandemic influenza from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Hospital preparedness checklist for pandemic influenza - A checklist to help hospitals prepare for responding to pandemic influenza from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Pandemic Influenza - An overview of pandemic influenza from Trust for America's Health and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
• Avian Influenza - Information about avian influenza provided by the CDC.

Bioterrorism

• CDC, Bioterrorism - This site provides information on more than 30 different types of bioterrorism agents and diseases and provides specific tips and guidelines for ensuring safety when dealing with them.

Radiation Emergencies

• CDC, Radiation Emergencies - This site includes information on the effects of radiation and radioactive materials, and offers details about taking up shelter and evacuating during such emergencies.

Natural Disasters

• CDC, Natural Disasters and Severe Weather - This site details the potentially damaging effects of hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. Information on preventing illness and injury, and postdisaster cleanup is provided.

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