Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

The Joint Commission (the accrediting agency formerly known as JCAHO), launched a falls prevention education campaign this summer. "Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that falls are the second leading cause of injury-related deaths for people ages 65 and older, and are the most common causes of injuries and hospital admissions among the elderly," the Commission says in a release.

The program offers patients simple tips to prevent falls in the home. Tips include turning on lights when entering a room, removing throw rugs, and applying non-slip decals in bathrooms and on stairs.

You can find English and Spanish brochures for your patients on the Commission's website (http://www.jointcommission.org) under Patient Safety.