January 8, 2009

AARC Benchmarking Adds New Outcome Measures
The AARC has added two new outcome measures to its popular Benchmarking System: a modification of an existing metric that assesses productivity and efficiency based in part on the number of ventilator assessments performed, and a metric reflecting how many total days of ventilation are associated with each first day of mechanical ventilation. Click on the link to learn more about AARC Benchmarking and how it can benefit your department.

Are Reimbursement Issues a Confusing Jumble to You?
If so, go to College -- the AARC Reimbursement College. This online course now has a part 2 that delivers more information about Medicare and private pay insurance and how that reimbursement affects your patients. Part 2 carries three hours of CRCE credit -- free to AARC members.

Deadline Extended for Congress RFPs
Don’t forget to make your requests for proposals for the 2009 AARC International Respiratory Congress in San Antonio, coming up Dec. 5–8. The deadline to submit topics and speakers has just been extended until Jan. 31. The Program Committee will meet in early February to finalize this year's Congress line-up.

Good Press: AARC Members in the News
We have another great list of newsmakers to share—check it out to see how your colleagues are getting the word out about respiratory care in their communities.