By: Kenny Rakwong, Database, Operations, and Research Intern, C-TAC The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted people all over the world. There are over three million confirmed cases worldwide and no country has seen more cases than the United States. Countries around the globe are implementing ways to slow the spread of the coronavirus, from being…

We are living through an extremely difficult time as we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic. C-TAC has received words of wisdom from members of our faith community, who are key participants in our efforts through initiatives like the Interfaith and Diversity Workgroup. Rev. Carolyn J. Richar, RN, MDiv, CHPN serves as the Chief Mission…

Advance care planning (ACP) is more important now than ever as we face the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic and C-TAC is pleased that these important services can now be delivered through audio-only telehealth technology. This change, outlined in the second round of blanket waivers released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)…

This is the final installment in a three-part blog series which highlights the variety of challenges faced by caregivers. By: Kenny Rakwong, Database, Operations, and Research Intern, C-TAC Millennials represent at least 25 percent of the 40 million caregivers in the United States. It’s important to consider and identify the unique challenges that these new…

By: Rushil V. Patel, MD, Frances Young Tang Research Fellow in Palliative Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center ContagiousSpreads rapidlyImpacts societies While COVID-19 fits all these descriptions, the Rig Veda, a Hindu scripture, describes something else that can be equally viral but vital to our present moment. “Āno bhadrāhā kratavo yantu vishvataha.” “Let noble…

CMS announced a second round of waivers and a new Interim Final Rule yesterday, designed to create more flexibility for the healthcare system to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. Many of these waivers directly relate to the serious illness population and align with the regulatory recommendations that C-TAC submitted to CMS and HHS on April…

C-TAC sent a new set of recommendations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as the agencies respond to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus. The recommendations address several opportunities for policy changes that would support those responding on the frontlines of the…

This is the second installment in a three-part blog series which highlights the variety of challenges faced by caregivers. By: Kenny Rakwong, Database, Operations, and Research Intern, C-TAC As we rightfully celebrate our doctors, nurses, grocery store clerks, and other essential workers fighting in the front-lines against the coronavirus, we must almost recognize the essential…

In May 2018, Teeshla Curtis went to multiple urgent care practices after feeling prolonged discomfort. After being referred to a hospital and receiving surgery, she learned that she had stage four colon cancer. Teeshla, a Program Manager with the My Life My Choices Advance Care Planning Initiative, was now facing serious illness in her own…

This is the first installment in a three-part blog series which highlights the variety of challenges faced by caregivers. By: Kenny Rakwong, Database, Operations, and Research Intern, C-TAC Caregivers provide crucial services to those living with serious illness. The majority of Americans age 65 and older will require at least some long-term care, from support…