Please join us for one of the Colorado Rural Health Center’s (CRHC) upcoming Annual Regional CAH Quality Improvement and Board Workshops. The Quality Improvement Workshops are geared towards CAH Quality Improvement Directors. The CAH Board Workshops are geared towards CAH Boards and CEOs. There is no charge for Colorado CAHs to attend. For more information and to register, click on the links below.
May 1, 2012– Location: Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital, Burlington, CO
CAH Quality Improvement Workshop – 9:00am-3:00pm
CAH Board Workshop – 4:00pm-7:30pm
May 3, 2012– Location: Rio Grande Hospital, Del Norte, CO
CAH Quality Improvement Workshop – 9:00am-3:00pm
CAH Board Workshop – 4:00pm-7:30pm
May 10, 2012– Location: Grand River Hospital and Medical Center, Rifle, CO
CAH Quality Improvement Workshop – 9:00am-3:00pm
CAH Board Workshop – 4:00pm-7:30pm
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Influenza Immunization for Health Care Workers
On February 15, the Colorado Board of Health will hold a hearing to consider amendments related to the notice of proposed rulemaking for influenza immunizations for healthcare workers. For more information about the meeting and proposed amendments, click here
Revised Exhibit 286 Hospital/CAH Database Worksheet
CMS has recently revised Exhibit 286 which is completed by State Agency representatives during their on-site initial, recertification, or validation surveys for hospitals and CAHs. For more information, click
here
here
Friday, January 27, 2012
Think you can't afford to care for Medicare patients? Think again
The Colorado M.E.S.A. Initiative delivers practical advice for primary care providers who see seniors and their office teams. Our goal is to help make it easier and more rewarding for you to provide greater access to quality care for Colorado seniors.
There is no cost to attend. Click on the link below for more informatin and to register or RSVP.
Register
There is no cost to attend. Click on the link below for more informatin and to register or RSVP.
Register
ICD-9 Coding Tips and Tricks--Webinar 2/3
Live Workshops!! We are currently scheduling workshops in the Denver Metro area and the northern Front Range areas.
Brighton
Platte Valley Medical Center
Tuesday, February 21
7:30 - 9:00 am
Click here to register!
Lakewood
St. Anthony Hospital
Wednesday, February 29
7:00 - 8:30 am
Click here to register!
Go to our website for the latest information.
Brighton
Platte Valley Medical Center
Tuesday, February 21
7:30 - 9:00 am
Click here to register!
Lakewood
St. Anthony Hospital
Wednesday, February 29
7:00 - 8:30 am
Click here to register!
Go to our website for the latest information.
New Information on the Appeals Process for Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs on the EHR Website
CMS has added new information to the Attestation section of the EHR website about the appeals process for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records (HER) Incentive Programs.
On Thu Dec 1, 2011, CMS began accepting appeals for eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs). To help EPs, eligible hospitals, and CAHs, the CMS Office of Clinical Standards and Quality (OCSQ) is providing guidance on how to file an appeal. Note that the filing deadline for an eligibility appeal for an eligible hospital has been extended from Fri Dec 30, 2011, to Mon Jan 30, 2012.
OCSQ’s Division of Health Information Technology released the first informal review decision for the EHR Incentive Program on Mon Jan 19. Beginning in February, this informal review decision and other appeal decisions will be posted on the OCSQ Appeals website. Starting in March, providers may find their decisions by visiting the Appeals Portal.
For general questions and for information on how to file an appeal, EPs, eligible hospitals, CAHs, and Medicare Advantage Organizations may contact OCSQ’s designated appeal support contractor, Provider Resources Inc, at:
Toll-free number: 855-796-1515 (Between 9am and 5pm ET, Monday through Friday), or Email: OCSQappeals@provider-resources.com
On Thu Dec 1, 2011, CMS began accepting appeals for eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals (CAHs). To help EPs, eligible hospitals, and CAHs, the CMS Office of Clinical Standards and Quality (OCSQ) is providing guidance on how to file an appeal. Note that the filing deadline for an eligibility appeal for an eligible hospital has been extended from Fri Dec 30, 2011, to Mon Jan 30, 2012.
OCSQ’s Division of Health Information Technology released the first informal review decision for the EHR Incentive Program on Mon Jan 19. Beginning in February, this informal review decision and other appeal decisions will be posted on the OCSQ Appeals website. Starting in March, providers may find their decisions by visiting the Appeals Portal.
For general questions and for information on how to file an appeal, EPs, eligible hospitals, CAHs, and Medicare Advantage Organizations may contact OCSQ’s designated appeal support contractor, Provider Resources Inc, at:
Toll-free number: 855-796-1515 (Between 9am and 5pm ET, Monday through Friday), or Email: OCSQappeals@provider-resources.com
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
FREE Community Organizing Webinar Series
Mark your calendars for the following opportunities to participate in FREE Community Organizing Webinars - Coming Together for a Greater Good. It does not cost you anything and you are not required to pre-register. This series runs from February through May on the 2nd and 4th Thursday's of the month. For More information please click here
Update to the Primary Care Incentive Payment Program for CAH Providers Paid Under Optional Method
On Tue Nov 15, 2011, CMS issued a listserv message with billing instructions for CAHs)paid under the Optional Method regarding the Primary Care Incentive Payment (PCIP) Program. The message instructed CAH providers to continue submitting their National Provider Identifiers (NPIs) using the “other provider” field located in loop 2310C on the current electronic claim format. After further research, CMS has determined that, in addition to reporting the NPI in loop 2310C, CAH providers will need to report the same NPI as well as the information that is required in loop 2310B defined as “operating physician.” This will ensure CAH claims submitted using the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC X12) version 5010A2 will continue to receive their PCIP bonus without any interruption. Change Request 7686 has been created and will be implemented by contractors to update the Medicare systems to assign the PCIP bonus payments based on the NPI from loop 2310D, “rendering physician.” However, until the successful implementation of CR7686 – expected to take place in July – the reporting of the NPI for the PCIP bonus payments should continue as described above.
Register Now for the 'ICD 10 - Keys to Successful Transitions' Workshop
- February 22nd in Rifle, Colorado
- February 23rd in Yuma, Colorado
- March 27th in Alamosa, Colorado
- March 28th in Lamar, Colorado
From Volume to Value: Climbing the ACO Value Chain
Thursday, February 16, 2012 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM EST
Third-party payers are increasingly presenting medical providers with an array of mechanisms that purportedly reward them for improving patient value. Bundled payments, medical-management fees, shared-savings ACOs, capitation, value-based purchasing, Pioneer ACOs, and a multitude of others are all focused on incentivizing and rewarding medical providers that provide coordinated, high-quality, evidence-based care that reduces total patient costs by eliminating waste, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing prevention and wellness. Missing, however, has been any way for providers to seize the initiative to create their own strategies for delivering—and being paid for—value instead of volume. In this webinar, Stroudwater Associates principal Steve Hyde presents such a strategic framework in the form of a four-level Strategic ACO Value Chain, by which medical groups, hospitals, and integrated medical systems can take control with their own value-based revenue strategies without becoming dependent on—and at risk for—the often disjointed, unproven, and over-regulated experiments of their payers.
Faculty: Steve Hyde
Steve Hyde is Stroudwater Associates’ Value-Based Health Care Practice Leader. During his 35+ year career in health care, he has held CEO, Board Chair, and/or board positions in numerous health care organizations, including a highly successful public managed care company, a community hospital, a national PPO company, two health insurance companies, two medical groups, a disease management company, two health management consultancies, and a physician practice management firm. He served in both the Ford and Carter administrations as the federal government’s chief HMO financial regulator. His accomplishments include directly leading the development of Colorado’s first PPO, a health insurance company, and eight managed-care health plans.
A frequent speaker, writer, and media commentator, Steve has written two books on health care, “Cured! The Insider’s Handbook for Health Care Reform,” and “Prescription Drugs for Half Price or Less.” Steve received a B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University, his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, and certification as a managed care actuary. He lives in Colorado and is an active outdoorsman.
After registering you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the Webinar. Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/475884906
Third-party payers are increasingly presenting medical providers with an array of mechanisms that purportedly reward them for improving patient value. Bundled payments, medical-management fees, shared-savings ACOs, capitation, value-based purchasing, Pioneer ACOs, and a multitude of others are all focused on incentivizing and rewarding medical providers that provide coordinated, high-quality, evidence-based care that reduces total patient costs by eliminating waste, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing prevention and wellness. Missing, however, has been any way for providers to seize the initiative to create their own strategies for delivering—and being paid for—value instead of volume. In this webinar, Stroudwater Associates principal Steve Hyde presents such a strategic framework in the form of a four-level Strategic ACO Value Chain, by which medical groups, hospitals, and integrated medical systems can take control with their own value-based revenue strategies without becoming dependent on—and at risk for—the often disjointed, unproven, and over-regulated experiments of their payers.
Faculty: Steve Hyde
Steve Hyde is Stroudwater Associates’ Value-Based Health Care Practice Leader. During his 35+ year career in health care, he has held CEO, Board Chair, and/or board positions in numerous health care organizations, including a highly successful public managed care company, a community hospital, a national PPO company, two health insurance companies, two medical groups, a disease management company, two health management consultancies, and a physician practice management firm. He served in both the Ford and Carter administrations as the federal government’s chief HMO financial regulator. His accomplishments include directly leading the development of Colorado’s first PPO, a health insurance company, and eight managed-care health plans.
A frequent speaker, writer, and media commentator, Steve has written two books on health care, “Cured! The Insider’s Handbook for Health Care Reform,” and “Prescription Drugs for Half Price or Less.” Steve received a B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University, his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, and certification as a managed care actuary. He lives in Colorado and is an active outdoorsman.
After registering you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the Webinar. Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/475884906
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Free Webinar: 2011 Rural Hospital Replacement Study: Timing is Everything
January 27 2:00 p.m. EDT
In each of the past six years, Stroudwater’s rural hospital replacement study has consistently shown that Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) enjoy enhanced financial performance after replacement, in addition to other benefits such as higher employee retention and ease of recruitment. But the combination of a severe economic downturn and landmark healthcare reform legislation presents hospitals with a unique and perhaps unprecedented set of challenges. The 2011 study looks at the impact of the slumping economy and makes a first attempt to measure the performance of replacement CAHs against a standard which is becoming an increasingly important factor in healthcare reimbursement: quality.
Register by clicking
on this text.
In each of the past six years, Stroudwater’s rural hospital replacement study has consistently shown that Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) enjoy enhanced financial performance after replacement, in addition to other benefits such as higher employee retention and ease of recruitment. But the combination of a severe economic downturn and landmark healthcare reform legislation presents hospitals with a unique and perhaps unprecedented set of challenges. The 2011 study looks at the impact of the slumping economy and makes a first attempt to measure the performance of replacement CAHs against a standard which is becoming an increasingly important factor in healthcare reimbursement: quality.
Register by clicking
on this text.
CMS Rural Health Open Door Forum
The next CMS Rural Health Open Door Forum is scheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 11:30am-1:00pmET. If you wish to participate, dial 1-800-837-1935 Conference ID 27223794. For more information, click here
Top 10 CAH Deficiencies - Webinar
January 27; 11:00-12:00
Please join CRHC and presenter Terry Mahar from Eide Bailly for this webinar “Top 10 CAH Deficiencies and What We Can Do About It…”This webinar will focus on the top 10 most common deficiencies cited related to the CAH Medicare Conditions of Participation both in Colorado, as well as nationally. For each deficiency, the CoP will be reviewed and defined, and process improvement methods (i.e. changes in policy or practice, etc.) on how to be in compliance with that CoP will be discussed. This webinar will also review and discuss the newest revisions/additions to the Medicare CAH CoP’s. This webinar is FREE for all CRHC-Member Colorado CAHs; $79 for all non-member Colorado CAHs and $99 for all others. For more information and to register, click here.
Please join CRHC and presenter Terry Mahar from Eide Bailly for this webinar “Top 10 CAH Deficiencies and What We Can Do About It…”This webinar will focus on the top 10 most common deficiencies cited related to the CAH Medicare Conditions of Participation both in Colorado, as well as nationally. For each deficiency, the CoP will be reviewed and defined, and process improvement methods (i.e. changes in policy or practice, etc.) on how to be in compliance with that CoP will be discussed. This webinar will also review and discuss the newest revisions/additions to the Medicare CAH CoP’s. This webinar is FREE for all CRHC-Member Colorado CAHs; $79 for all non-member Colorado CAHs and $99 for all others. For more information and to register, click here.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Register Now for the 2012 Forum - Essential Perspectives for Safety Net Providers
Our annual event brought to you by the Colorado Rural Health Center and ClinicNET is just around the corner. Join us April 11th - 13th at the Sheraton Denver West in Lakewood, Colorado and participate in the numerous education, training and networking opportunities available to you. For more information on this event or to register please visit our website or contact Courtnay Ryan at cr@coruralhealth.org. See you there!
FREE Hospital Fiscal Management Webinar Series
The Delta Rural Hospital Performance Improvement (RHPI) Program provided a webinar series with presenter Eric Shell from Stroudwater Associates on hospital fiscal management targeted towards department managers and supervisors accompanied by senior management to help managers better understand rural hospital financial performance and the linkage between finances and service delivery. All employees are in the "business" of providing health care services to patients. Both theories and specific financial tools essential to improving departmental and organizational performance are reviewed. Webinar Series Objectives:
- Define the managers' roles and responsibilities related to fiscal management and recognize their unit's contribution to the institution's viability
- Understand the Medicare Cost Report as an important revenue source and as a resource for financial decision making
- Understand financial reports and develop and monitor a department budget
- Demonstrate knowledge of budgeting fundamentals
- Develop projections and design accompanying strategies needed in order to meet the targeted goals
- Review the impact of payer reimbursement on financial management
The recorded series is available to view for free. Registration is required to view the recordings. Registration for the recorded series can be accessed at: https://secure.ruralcenter.org/help-registration/playbacks.
Free Infection Control Training Tool
HHS has released a major new training tool addressing important infection prevention and control practices. To reach the site, go to http://www.hhs.gov/ash/initiatives/hai/training/. The link "Partnering to Heal" will immediately begin the video training tool. Partnering to Heal is a computer-based, video-simulation training program on infection control practices for clinicians, health professional students, and patient advocates. The training highlights effective communication about infection control practices and ideas for creating a "culture of safety" in healthcare institutions to keep patients from getting sicker. Users assume the identity of five main characters and make decisions about preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
Friday, January 20, 2012
Register Now for the 'ICD 10 - Keys to Successful Transitions' Workshop
For more information or to register, please click on the location nearest you!
- February 22nd in Rifle, Colorado
- February 23rd in Yuma, Colorado
Upcoming AHRQ Health IT Webinar focused on Personal Health Record (PHR) Systems - now offering Continuing Education (CE) credits
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 1:00 - 2:30 p.m., EST
AHRQ National Web Conference on the Evaluation of Personal Health Record (PHR) Systems and Their Impact on Chronic Disease
Overall Purpose:
Through continuing review of new developments and new research in public health and health care, previous continuing education (CE) activity evaluation, and the judgment of the CE planning group, we identified a gap between health care and public health practitioners’ competencies in maintaining privacy and security in the health information technology (health IT)/health information exchange environment. This series of Webinars is designed to increase practitioners’ competencies to improve health care decision-making; support patient-centered care, and improve the quality and safety of medication management. The purpose of this specific Webinar is to illustrate how health IT can impact chronic disease care.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the learning process involved in implementing a Personal Health Record (PHR)
system for chronic disease care.
2. Identify health IT strategies that impact disease outcomes through collaborative management.
3. Describe how the Office of the National Coordinator’s (ONC’s) consumer e-health strategy for creating opportunities for improved patient engagement is supported by AHRQ’s work.
Target Audience:
AHRQ grantees/researchers
Health care providers including physicians and nurses
Consumers/patients
Health care policymakers
To Register:
1. Go to: https://ahrqnrc-conferences.webex.com/ahrqnrc-conferences/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=992643635
2. Select "Register."
3. On the registration form, enter your information and then select "Submit."
Once the host approves your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the event.
For assistance: Contact Jennifer Webb at jrwebb@rti.org or (919) 541-6746.
AHRQ National Web Conference on the Evaluation of Personal Health Record (PHR) Systems and Their Impact on Chronic Disease
Overall Purpose:
Through continuing review of new developments and new research in public health and health care, previous continuing education (CE) activity evaluation, and the judgment of the CE planning group, we identified a gap between health care and public health practitioners’ competencies in maintaining privacy and security in the health information technology (health IT)/health information exchange environment. This series of Webinars is designed to increase practitioners’ competencies to improve health care decision-making; support patient-centered care, and improve the quality and safety of medication management. The purpose of this specific Webinar is to illustrate how health IT can impact chronic disease care.
Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the learning process involved in implementing a Personal Health Record (PHR)
system for chronic disease care.
2. Identify health IT strategies that impact disease outcomes through collaborative management.
3. Describe how the Office of the National Coordinator’s (ONC’s) consumer e-health strategy for creating opportunities for improved patient engagement is supported by AHRQ’s work.
Target Audience:
AHRQ grantees/researchers
Health care providers including physicians and nurses
Consumers/patients
Health care policymakers
To Register:
1. Go to: https://ahrqnrc-conferences.webex.com/ahrqnrc-conferences/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=992643635
2. Select "Register."
3. On the registration form, enter your information and then select "Submit."
Once the host approves your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the event.
For assistance: Contact Jennifer Webb at jrwebb@rti.org or (919) 541-6746.
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month
With January designated as National Glaucoma Awareness Month, we ask you to join CMS in promoting increased awareness of glaucoma and the glaucoma screening service covered by Medicare. Today, more than 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have open angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, and at least half don't even know they have it. Through early detection and treatment, we can help prevent blindness.
Medicare provides coverage of an annual glaucoma screening for beneficiaries in at least one of the following high-risk groups:
- Individuals with diabetes mellitus
- Individuals with a family history of glaucoma
- African-Americans age 50 and older
- Hispanic-Americans age 65 and older
Medicare’s coverage of glaucoma screening includes a dilated eye examination with an intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and a direct ophthalmoscopy examination or a slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination. What Can You Do? As a healthcare professional who provides care to seniors and others with Medicare, you can help protect the vision of your patients who may be at high-risk for glaucoma by educating them about their risk factors and reminding them of the importance of getting an annual glaucoma screening exam covered by Medicare.
For More Information:
- The CMS Glaucoma Screening Brochure
- The CMS Guide to Medicare Preventive Services (see Chapter 7)
- The MLN Preventive Services Educational Products Webpage
- The National Eye Institute
Thank you for joining CMS in promoting increased awareness of glaucoma and the glaucoma screening benefit covered by Medicare.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Register Now for the 2012 Forum - Essential Perspectives for Safety Net Providers
Our annual event brought to you by the Colorado Rural Health Center and ClinicNET is just around the corner. Join us April 11th - 13th at the Sheraton Denver West in Lakewood, Colorado and participate in the numerous education, training and networking opportunities available to you. For more information on this event or to register please visit our website or contact Courtnay Ryan at cr@coruralhealth.org. See you there!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Respiratory Selection for Farm Families
Join us for a Webinar on January 24, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST
PRESENTER: Carolyn Sheridan, RN, BSN - AgriSafe Network Clinical Director
OBJECTIVES OF THIS COURSE ARE:
1.Present overview of Agricultural Respiratory Exposures
2.Present Agricultural Respiratory Selection Guide as a Resource
3.Inform attendees about AgriSafe Network
4.Discuss types of Respirators
5.Discuss Respiratory Protection for Specific Hazards with specific focus on Grain and Hog exposures
Carolyn has dedicated the past 20 years to the development of occupational health services tailored to the farming community. As a nurse Clinical Director for the AgriSafe Network, Carolyn is responsible for continually improving AgriSafe protocols, screening tools, standing orders, and educational materials based upon current practices. Since 2008, she has taught over 400 trainees at Agromedicine courses in North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Vermont, Nebraska, and North Carolina. She farms with her husband and is the Director for the local AgriSafe Clinic at Spencer Hospital in Spencer, Iowa.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now here
PRESENTER: Carolyn Sheridan, RN, BSN - AgriSafe Network Clinical Director
OBJECTIVES OF THIS COURSE ARE:
1.Present overview of Agricultural Respiratory Exposures
2.Present Agricultural Respiratory Selection Guide as a Resource
3.Inform attendees about AgriSafe Network
4.Discuss types of Respirators
5.Discuss Respiratory Protection for Specific Hazards with specific focus on Grain and Hog exposures
Carolyn has dedicated the past 20 years to the development of occupational health services tailored to the farming community. As a nurse Clinical Director for the AgriSafe Network, Carolyn is responsible for continually improving AgriSafe protocols, screening tools, standing orders, and educational materials based upon current practices. Since 2008, she has taught over 400 trainees at Agromedicine courses in North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Vermont, Nebraska, and North Carolina. She farms with her husband and is the Director for the local AgriSafe Clinic at Spencer Hospital in Spencer, Iowa.
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now here
There is still time to apply for the Colorado Rural Health Care Grant!!
It’s not too late to submit an Intent to Apply form for the Colorado Rural Health Care Grant Program! Completed applications are due at Noon on February 15th. Need help writing your application for the 2012 Colorado Rural Healthcare Grant Program? Sign-up for a free grant writing workshop. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
10:00am - 3:00pm
Colorado Rural Health Center
3033 S. Parker Rd., Ste. 606
Aurora, CO 80014
Important Application Dates
Intent to Apply Form Due: February 14, 2012
Applications Due: Noon February 15, 2012
Notification of Grant Awards: June 2012
More Information
Read more about this funding opportunity
Fill out an Intent to Apply form
Download the grant guidance
Download the application
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
10:00am - 3:00pm
Colorado Rural Health Center
3033 S. Parker Rd., Ste. 606
Aurora, CO 80014
Important Application Dates
Intent to Apply Form Due: February 14, 2012
Applications Due: Noon February 15, 2012
Notification of Grant Awards: June 2012
More Information
Read more about this funding opportunity
Fill out an Intent to Apply form
Download the grant guidance
Download the application
Upcoming CRHC Webinars
Click on the titles for more information.
- Top 10 CAH Deficiencies – January 27
- Utilization Management for CAHs – February 28
- CAH Swing Beds Part I – March 20
- CAH Swing Beds Part II – April 3
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Colorado AHEC presents: Grand Rural Rounds
Issues on Child Abuse and Neglect Identification and Mandated reporting. For more information on this educational opportunity please click here
Colorado Rural Credentialing Network – Register Now!
It’s not too late to register for the 2012 Colorado Rural Credentialing Network. This peer learning network for rural hospitals and clinics offers quarterly educational webinars facilitated by a credentialing specialist, access to tools and resources, access to a credentialing specialist for your general credentialing questions, and group discounts on more in-depth credentialing consultations. Membership in the 2012 Credentialing Network is $250 for CRHC members and $375 for non-members. Webinars begin in February. For more information click here.
Join us for a free Webinar!
Friday January 27 2:00 p.m. EDT
2011 Rural Hospital Replacement Study: Timing is Everything
In each of the past six years, Stroudwater’s rural hospital replacement study has consistently shown that Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) enjoy enhanced financial performance after replacement, in addition to other benefits such as higher employee retention and ease of recruitment. But the combination of a severe economic downturn and landmark healthcare reform legislation presents hospitals with a unique and perhaps unprecedented set of challenges. The 2011 study looks at the impact of the slumping economy and makes a first attempt to measure the performance of replacement CAHs against a standard which is becoming an increasingly important factor in healthcare reimbursement: quality.
To register please click here
2011 Rural Hospital Replacement Study: Timing is Everything
In each of the past six years, Stroudwater’s rural hospital replacement study has consistently shown that Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) enjoy enhanced financial performance after replacement, in addition to other benefits such as higher employee retention and ease of recruitment. But the combination of a severe economic downturn and landmark healthcare reform legislation presents hospitals with a unique and perhaps unprecedented set of challenges. The 2011 study looks at the impact of the slumping economy and makes a first attempt to measure the performance of replacement CAHs against a standard which is becoming an increasingly important factor in healthcare reimbursement: quality.
To register please click here
Friday, January 13, 2012
Medical Staff Assistant Position Available
TITLE: Medical Staff Assistant
HEADLINE: Come live and work in the breath taking Colorado Rocky Mountains!! Whether your preference is downhill or cross country skiing, white water rafting or snowmobiling, you will find it within minutes of our Historic Downtown District
FULL TIME/PART TIME: Full Time
REGULAR/TEMPORARY: Regular
LOCATION: Grand River Hospital District
501 Airport Rd. Rifle, CO 81650
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Grand River Hospital District is currently seeking a qualified candidate for our Medical Staff Assistant position. This position is responsible for the Medical Staff Services Department functions, including physician and allied health credentialing and recredentialing, meeting management, flow of information from medical staff committees through the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Board. Also, coordinates medical education sessions and assists with CMS accreditation standards compliance. To fulfill objectives of organization this position works closely with medical staff leaders and administration.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Health care background preferred; previous experience in a Medical Staff Services or HR likes position. CPCS Certification by NAMSS required, or obtained within two years.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1.Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing.
2.Computer knowledge, including Excel, Word, Power Point, Visio.
3.Ability to keep confidential matters confidential.
Location:
Grand River Hospital District is a rural healthcare system located in Rifle, Colorado on the west slope of Colorado in Western Garfield County.
Situated conveniently on the I-70 corridor and the Colorado River, Rifle is a regional hub only minutes from river activities, hunting, fishing, biking and hiking trails and world known ice and rock climbing and less than an hours drive to two ski areas. Rifle is also home to the West Garfield Campus of Colorado Mountain College and Garfield County Regional Airport.
Located only 60 miles from Grand Junction and Eagle which both offer major airline service, and only 30 miles from Glenwood Springs; making Rifle a great place to live.
To learn more about Grand River Hospital District
please visit our website www.grhd.org
For more information on Rifle, Colorado and the surrounding area please visit the chamber website www.riflechamber.com
CONTACT:
Please send your letter of interest, resume and salary requirements to: dnelson@grhd.org
QUALIFICATIONS:
Health care background preferred; previous experience in a Medical Staff Services or HR likes position. CPCS Certification by NAMSS required, or obtained within two years.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1.Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing.
2.Computer knowledge, including Excel, Word, Power Point, Visio.
3.Ability to keep confidential matters confidential.
Location:
Grand River Hospital District is a rural healthcare system located in Rifle, Colorado on the west slope of Colorado in Western Garfield County.
Situated conveniently on the I-70 corridor and the Colorado River, Rifle is a regional hub only minutes from river activities, hunting, fishing, biking and hiking trails and world known ice and rock climbing and less than an hours drive to two ski areas. Rifle is also home to the West Garfield Campus of Colorado Mountain College and Garfield County Regional Airport.
Located only 60 miles from Grand Junction and Eagle which both offer major airline service, and only 30 miles from Glenwood Springs; making Rifle a great place to live.
To learn more about Grand River Hospital District
please visit our website Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.
For more information on Rifle, Colorado and the surrounding area please visit the chamber website Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.
CONTACT:
Please send your letter of interest, resume and salary requirements to: dnelson@grhd.org
HEADLINE: Come live and work in the breath taking Colorado Rocky Mountains!! Whether your preference is downhill or cross country skiing, white water rafting or snowmobiling, you will find it within minutes of our Historic Downtown District
FULL TIME/PART TIME: Full Time
REGULAR/TEMPORARY: Regular
LOCATION: Grand River Hospital District
501 Airport Rd. Rifle, CO 81650
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Grand River Hospital District is currently seeking a qualified candidate for our Medical Staff Assistant position. This position is responsible for the Medical Staff Services Department functions, including physician and allied health credentialing and recredentialing, meeting management, flow of information from medical staff committees through the Medical Executive Committee and the Governing Board. Also, coordinates medical education sessions and assists with CMS accreditation standards compliance. To fulfill objectives of organization this position works closely with medical staff leaders and administration.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Health care background preferred; previous experience in a Medical Staff Services or HR likes position. CPCS Certification by NAMSS required, or obtained within two years.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1.Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing.
2.Computer knowledge, including Excel, Word, Power Point, Visio.
3.Ability to keep confidential matters confidential.
Location:
Grand River Hospital District is a rural healthcare system located in Rifle, Colorado on the west slope of Colorado in Western Garfield County.
Situated conveniently on the I-70 corridor and the Colorado River, Rifle is a regional hub only minutes from river activities, hunting, fishing, biking and hiking trails and world known ice and rock climbing and less than an hours drive to two ski areas. Rifle is also home to the West Garfield Campus of Colorado Mountain College and Garfield County Regional Airport.
Located only 60 miles from Grand Junction and Eagle which both offer major airline service, and only 30 miles from Glenwood Springs; making Rifle a great place to live.
To learn more about Grand River Hospital District
please visit our website www.grhd.org
For more information on Rifle, Colorado and the surrounding area please visit the chamber website www.riflechamber.com
CONTACT:
Please send your letter of interest, resume and salary requirements to: dnelson@grhd.org
QUALIFICATIONS:
Health care background preferred; previous experience in a Medical Staff Services or HR likes position. CPCS Certification by NAMSS required, or obtained within two years.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1.Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing.
2.Computer knowledge, including Excel, Word, Power Point, Visio.
3.Ability to keep confidential matters confidential.
Location:
Grand River Hospital District is a rural healthcare system located in Rifle, Colorado on the west slope of Colorado in Western Garfield County.
Situated conveniently on the I-70 corridor and the Colorado River, Rifle is a regional hub only minutes from river activities, hunting, fishing, biking and hiking trails and world known ice and rock climbing and less than an hours drive to two ski areas. Rifle is also home to the West Garfield Campus of Colorado Mountain College and Garfield County Regional Airport.
Located only 60 miles from Grand Junction and Eagle which both offer major airline service, and only 30 miles from Glenwood Springs; making Rifle a great place to live.
To learn more about Grand River Hospital District
please visit our website Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.
For more information on Rifle, Colorado and the surrounding area please visit the chamber website Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.
CONTACT:
Please send your letter of interest, resume and salary requirements to: dnelson@grhd.org
Roadmap for Success in ICD-10 Readiness - Register for this FREE webinar!
Thursday, January 19th, 2012, 2:30pm ET, 1:30pm CT, 12:30pm MT, 11:30pm PT
The upcoming transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 is the subject of great conversation and stress across the healthcare industry. In this free webinar, experts from Elsevier and HospitalPortal.net will educate you about some of the innovative and customized e-learning tools that can ensure your staff is ready.
Learn how the right e-learning tools maximize efficiency by utilizing focused, prescriptive training, and monitoring of staff progress. The take-aways from this informative session will include how and when to start the preparation of your staff and how to do so with the least possible disruption of operations.
In this upcoming webinar you will learn:
- ICD-10-CM/PCS and its impact on healthcare organizations.
- The challenges and benefits of ICD-10 implementation.
- Timing and implementation schedules for ICD-10 planning.
- Educational planning and strategies related to ICD-10.
Register at our website now! Limited space available.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Register Now for the 2012 Forum - Essential Perspectives for Safety Net Providers
Our annual event brought to you by the Colorado Rural Health Center and ClinicNET is just around the corner. Join us April 11th - 13th at the Sheraton Denver West in Lakewood, Colorado and participate in the numerous education, training and networking opportunities available to you. For more information on this event or to register please visit our website or contact Courtnay Ryan at cr@coruralhealth.org. See you there!
Feel like your workflow could use a little improvement?
Our Quality Improvements Specialists are skilled in conducting process mapping training to assess your workflow and assist with clinical efficiency. Our program offers a review of the current process within a clinic by using tools to map the practice processes to understand and guide improvement. To find out more about this service or to schedule an appointment, please contact Courtnay Ryan at 303.309.6807 or by e-mail cr@coruralhealth.org
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Join a Webinar on Accountable Care Organization Formation
Thursday, January 19, at 2 p.m., E.S.T.On January 19, join a Commonwealth Fund webinar on transitioning to an accountable care organization (ACO). This free 90-minute webinar draws on a forthcoming series of Commonwealth Fund case studies of ACOs by Elliott Fisher, M.D., M.P.H., and colleagues at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice.
Representatives from two of the leading ACO sites, Tuscon Medical Center and Norton Healthcare, will comment on the role of executive and physician leadership in the transition to new models of care. Anne-Marie J. Audet, M.D., M.Sc., S.M., vice president for Health Care Quality and Efficiency at The Commonwealth Fund, will moderate.
Elliott Fisher, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Population Health and Policy, and Bridget Larson, M.S., Director, Health Policy Implementation, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice
Judy Rich, R.N., President and Chief Executive Officer, Tuscon Medical Center. Palmer Evans, M.D., Senior Advisor, and John Friend, J.D., Vice President of Business Affairs and Associate General Counsel, will be available during the question-and-answer session.
Steve Hester, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Norton Healthcare
To register, go to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/ylicu5v819h
Representatives from two of the leading ACO sites, Tuscon Medical Center and Norton Healthcare, will comment on the role of executive and physician leadership in the transition to new models of care. Anne-Marie J. Audet, M.D., M.Sc., S.M., vice president for Health Care Quality and Efficiency at The Commonwealth Fund, will moderate.
Elliott Fisher, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Population Health and Policy, and Bridget Larson, M.S., Director, Health Policy Implementation, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice
Judy Rich, R.N., President and Chief Executive Officer, Tuscon Medical Center. Palmer Evans, M.D., Senior Advisor, and John Friend, J.D., Vice President of Business Affairs and Associate General Counsel, will be available during the question-and-answer session.
Steve Hester, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Norton Healthcare
To register, go to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/ylicu5v819h
Colorado Provider Recruitment launches their new website!!
Colorado Provider Recruitment (CPR) is extremely proud to announce the launch of its brand new website! After long and careful evaluation of the past website, SearchColorado.org, CPR made some major changes to improve how the program should be presented to the public.
The new website, which you will find at www.coproviderrecruitment.org, is designed to accommodate the needs of job seekers and rural healthcare employers alike. It will be a one-stop shop for healthcare professionals interested in Colorado’s rural and urban underserved job market. The website will provide an avenue for job seekers to learn what jobs are available, find out where exactly these jobs are, as well as an easy way to sign up with CPR to start receiving information about these positions. In addition to this, CPR will be providing a new and improved searchcolorado page so that job seekers can continue to explore Colorado’s landscape and the amazing things rural communities have to offer them and their family. CPR has new improvements for employers too! Employers will now be able to easily review all the services and benefits offered to them from CPR as well as fill out the Community Opportunity Form online for fast and easy submission. Included for both healthcare professionals and employers is extensive information on loan repayment, the J-1 Visa waiver program, upcoming events related to workforce and more!
Please take some quality time to browse through the site; you will find that it offers a more enhanced degree of information which is easy to navigate and a chance to learn something new about CPR.
The new website, which you will find at www.coproviderrecruitment.org, is designed to accommodate the needs of job seekers and rural healthcare employers alike. It will be a one-stop shop for healthcare professionals interested in Colorado’s rural and urban underserved job market. The website will provide an avenue for job seekers to learn what jobs are available, find out where exactly these jobs are, as well as an easy way to sign up with CPR to start receiving information about these positions. In addition to this, CPR will be providing a new and improved searchcolorado page so that job seekers can continue to explore Colorado’s landscape and the amazing things rural communities have to offer them and their family. CPR has new improvements for employers too! Employers will now be able to easily review all the services and benefits offered to them from CPR as well as fill out the Community Opportunity Form online for fast and easy submission. Included for both healthcare professionals and employers is extensive information on loan repayment, the J-1 Visa waiver program, upcoming events related to workforce and more!
Please take some quality time to browse through the site; you will find that it offers a more enhanced degree of information which is easy to navigate and a chance to learn something new about CPR.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Improving Children's Health Through Federal Collaboration Webinar Series
Coordinated School Health Clean, Green and Healthy Schools
Join us on Thursday, January 12, 2012
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM EST (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM MST)
To Register Visit: http://www.epa.gov/region8/humanhealth/children/webinars.html
About These Webinars
School health programs are often a result of a "patchwork" of policies and programs with differing standards, requirements, and populations to be served. In addition, these programs are managed by professionals from multiple disciplines: education, nursing, social work, psychology, nutrition, and school administration, each bringing different expertise, training, and approaches. This session will explore how Federal, State and local agencies are working together to coordinate the various aspects of school health in order to eliminate gaps, reduce duplication of efforts, and leverage limited resources.
Join us on Thursday, January 12, 2012
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM EST (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM MST)
To Register Visit: http://www.epa.gov/region8/humanhealth/children/webinars.html
About These Webinars
School health programs are often a result of a "patchwork" of policies and programs with differing standards, requirements, and populations to be served. In addition, these programs are managed by professionals from multiple disciplines: education, nursing, social work, psychology, nutrition, and school administration, each bringing different expertise, training, and approaches. This session will explore how Federal, State and local agencies are working together to coordinate the various aspects of school health in order to eliminate gaps, reduce duplication of efforts, and leverage limited resources.
Medical Chart Audit and Review Services – Are You Prepared? CRHC Can Help!
Chart Reviews are an essential component of your Medicare Fraud and Abuse compliance plan! As part of a facility’s compliance review process, medical record review ensures the adequacy of coding and billing and the underlying medical record documentation. CRHC’s Medical Chart Audit and Review services include:
- Onsite review of a representative sampling of medical charts held in the EHR.
- Comparison of the chart documentation for this representative sampling against actual Medicare/commercial insurer billing.
- Evaluation of documentation for other relevant benchmarks including Medicare RAC audit compliance.
- Evaluation of deficiencies if you are using an EHR
- A written report of findings listing gaps and recommendations.
For more information and pricing, contact jd@coruralhealth.org.
January HCPF Provider Bulletin
The January Provider Bulletin from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Finance (HCPF) is now available. The updates include: HIPAA Implementation Update, PAR Status Updates, Office Administered Injections and Devices, Providers Serving Pregnant Women, Pharmacy Billing, Emergency 3-Day Supply, and 2012 Workshops, and more. To access the January bulletin, click here.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Top 10 CAH Deficiencies – Webinar
January 27, 11:00-12:00
Join CRHC for a webinar presentation by Eide Bailly’s Terry Mahar which will focus on the top 10 most common deficiencies cited related to the CAH Medicare Conditions of Participation both in Colorado, as well as nationally. For each deficiency, the CoP will be reviewed and defined, and process improvement methods (i.e. changes in policy or practice, etc.) on how to be in compliance with that CoP will be discussed. This webinar will also review and discuss the newest revisions/additions to the Medicare CAH CoP’s. This webinar is FREE for all CRHC-member Colorado CAHs; $79 for all non-member Colorado CAHs; and $99 for all others. For more information and to register, click here.
Join CRHC for a webinar presentation by Eide Bailly’s Terry Mahar which will focus on the top 10 most common deficiencies cited related to the CAH Medicare Conditions of Participation both in Colorado, as well as nationally. For each deficiency, the CoP will be reviewed and defined, and process improvement methods (i.e. changes in policy or practice, etc.) on how to be in compliance with that CoP will be discussed. This webinar will also review and discuss the newest revisions/additions to the Medicare CAH CoP’s. This webinar is FREE for all CRHC-member Colorado CAHs; $79 for all non-member Colorado CAHs; and $99 for all others. For more information and to register, click here.
TrailBlazer Medicare Contractor Updates
Billing Drug Administration Codes – Through the medical review of various infusion drugs, TrailBlazer identified two problems:
- Billing incorrect quantities of the drug administered.
- Billing chemotherapy administration codes inappropriately.
As a result of these findings, the Medical Review department implemented audits to suspend claims for specific drugs to determine if the quantity and administration codes are billed correctly. While reviewing these claims, TrailBlazer has also found that in some cases administration codes are billed without a corresponding drug on the same date of service. Drug administration billed without a corresponding drug will result in a denial of the administration code. An example seen during the review was patients purchasing a drug and bringing it to the physician’s office for the drug to be administered by the physician’s staff. In this situation, the physician should:
Bill the HCPCS code for the drug administered with the correct quantity (according to the dose per unit specified in HCPCS) and a zero charge.
Append the KX modifier to all of the administration codes billed for the same date of service.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Call for Applications
Dear Colleagues,
Please share this Call for Applications with your grantees, networks, and relevant stakeholders.
We are pleased to announce the release of the Call for Applications for community teams to participate in Phase Two of the Healthy Weight Collaborative, a national quality improvement effort to test and spread evidence-based and promising interventions to prevent and treat obesity. Attached, please find a fact sheet with more information on the Collaborative and the broader Collaborate for Healthy Weight initiative.
The Call for Applications may be found at: http://www.collaborateforhealthyweight.org/Take-Action/Join-the-Collaborative.aspx. Please access the PDF version of the complete application, or click on the blue “Apply Now!” box for access to the online application.
This phase will bring together 40 multi-sector teams (including primary care, public health, and the community) from across the country to engage in a virtual learning community from late February 2012-February 2013.
Key Dates:
• Application deadline: January 27, 2012 at 3:00 pm EST.
• Informational webinar for interested applicants: January 11, 2012 from 3:00-4:00 pm EST. Registration is required to attend, and may be accessed at http://www.cvent.com/d/dcq8qx. Space is limited.
• Accepted teams notified: February 28, 2012.
Please share this Call for Applications with your grantees, networks, and relevant stakeholders.
We are pleased to announce the release of the Call for Applications for community teams to participate in Phase Two of the Healthy Weight Collaborative, a national quality improvement effort to test and spread evidence-based and promising interventions to prevent and treat obesity. Attached, please find a fact sheet with more information on the Collaborative and the broader Collaborate for Healthy Weight initiative.
The Call for Applications may be found at: http://www.collaborateforhealthyweight.org/Take-Action/Join-the-Collaborative.aspx. Please access the PDF version of the complete application, or click on the blue “Apply Now!” box for access to the online application.
This phase will bring together 40 multi-sector teams (including primary care, public health, and the community) from across the country to engage in a virtual learning community from late February 2012-February 2013.
Key Dates:
• Application deadline: January 27, 2012 at 3:00 pm EST.
• Informational webinar for interested applicants: January 11, 2012 from 3:00-4:00 pm EST. Registration is required to attend, and may be accessed at http://www.cvent.com/d/dcq8qx. Space is limited.
• Accepted teams notified: February 28, 2012.
The Colorado MESA Initiative...
Missed a Webinar? Watch it on the MESA Website.
If you missed one of our live Friday webinars, you can watch it at your leisure. Just log in, go to the Classroom Section, and look for Webinar Archives.
Diagnosing Memory Loss
Discussing End of Life Issues
Making the Most of Your Time with Seniors
E&M Coding Fundamentals
Nuances of Time-Based Billing
The Art of Geriatrics
More of What You Need to Know from CMS
2011 CMS Update
Please note that you will need to log in to view the Webinar Archives
If you missed one of our live Friday webinars, you can watch it at your leisure. Just log in, go to the Classroom Section, and look for Webinar Archives.
Diagnosing Memory Loss
Discussing End of Life Issues
Making the Most of Your Time with Seniors
E&M Coding Fundamentals
Nuances of Time-Based Billing
The Art of Geriatrics
More of What You Need to Know from CMS
2011 CMS Update
Please note that you will need to log in to view the Webinar Archives
CAH Quality Network
The next bi-monthly CAH Quality Network webinar will be on January 19 from 11:00-12:00. This call is geared towards CAH Quality Directors and staff and includes an opportunity for education, open forum for questions and concerns, networking, and sharing best practices. Information about the webinar will be sent out to the CAH Quality Network prior to the webinar. For more information contact jd@coruralhealth.org.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Save the Date! CRHC’s Annual Regional CAH Quality Improvement Workshops and CAH Board Workshops
May 1, 2012 –Location: Burlington, CO
CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am -3:00pm
CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pm
CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am -3:00pm
CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pm
May 3, 2012 – Location: Del Norte, CO
CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm
CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pm
CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm
CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pm
May 10, 2012 – Location: Rifle, CO
CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm
CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pm
CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm
CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pm
The Quality Improvement Workshops are geared towards all CAH Quality Directors and staff. The CAH Board Workshops are geared towards all CAH Boards and CAH staff. There is no charge for Colorado CAH Boards and staff to attend. Details, and registration information will be available soon.
2012 Credentialing Network –1st Webinar in February
Join CRHC’s Rural Credentialing Network for 2012 and learn about credentialing practices with your peers. Network participants have the opportunity to participate in quarterly educational webinars, facilitated by a credentialing specialist, covering participant-driven, current topics. As a participant you will also have access to:
- Up-to-Date Tools, Resources, Templates, and Materials, Archived Network Webinars and Information (through a member-only website)
- Peer Networking opportunities
- No-Cost Access to a certified credentialing specialist for general credentialing questions
- Access to personalized credentialing consultations at a group discount rate
The annual Credentialing Network registration fee is $250 (CRHC Members)/ $375 (Non-Members). For more information and to register, click here.
Upcoming CRHC Webinars – Don’t Miss Out!
Click on the titles below for more information and to register for these upcoming January webinars:
- Community Health Needs Assessments – January 11
- Top 10 CAH Deficiencies and What We Can Do About It… - January 27
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Comments on CMS Conditions of Participation
NOSORH, the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, submitted comments to CMS this week on the proposed revisions to the Hospital and CAH Conditions of Participation. To read NOSORH’s comments, click here. CRHC has submitted similar comments and will keep you posted on any updates. If you have questions or comments, please contact jd@coruralhealth.org or ss@coruralhealth.org.
QHi Benchmarking Tool
The next Quality Health Indicators (QHi) Benchmarking Tool Back to Basics webinar will be on January 12 from 1:00-2:00 MST. During this webinar, QHi will walk through the fundamentals of using the system. This webinar is geared towards those interested in learning more about the system, or anyone who needs a refresher. QHi is an online benchmarking tool for CAHs and rural hospitals under 50 beds and is available to all Colorado CAHs at no charge. Over 200 hospitals in 14 states utilize the system. For more information, contact Jen Dunn at jd@coruralhealth.org.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has added new information to the Medicare Shared Savings Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has added new information to the Medicare Shared Savings Program (Shared Savings Program) website at www.cms.gov/sharedsavingsprogram.
A new webpage on Quality Measures and Performance Standards at http://www.cms.gov/sharedsavingsprogram/37e_Quality_Measures_Standards.asp has the latest information on Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) quality measures. The 2012 ACO Narrative Quality Measures Specifications Manual provides guidance about the 33 required quality measures that are part of the quality performance standard.
Two crosswalks have been added to the Shared Savings Program Application webpage at http://www.cms.gov/sharedsavingsprogram/37_Application.asp. Organizations who submitted an application under the Pioneer ACO Model or have been participating in the PGP Transition Demonstration, who would like to submit a Shared Savings Program application, scroll down the page for links to these two application crosswalks.
A new webpage on Quality Measures and Performance Standards at http://www.cms.gov/sharedsavingsprogram/37e_Quality_Measures_Standards.asp has the latest information on Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) quality measures. The 2012 ACO Narrative Quality Measures Specifications Manual provides guidance about the 33 required quality measures that are part of the quality performance standard.
Two crosswalks have been added to the Shared Savings Program Application webpage at http://www.cms.gov/sharedsavingsprogram/37_Application.asp. Organizations who submitted an application under the Pioneer ACO Model or have been participating in the PGP Transition Demonstration, who would like to submit a Shared Savings Program application, scroll down the page for links to these two application crosswalks.
CMS Announces Delay to the Prepayment Review and Prior Authorization for Power Mobility Devices (PMDs) Demonstration and the Recovery Audit Prepayment Review Demonstration
On November 15, 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Prepayment Review and Prior Authorization for Power Mobility Devices (PMD) demonstration and the Recovery Audit Prepayment Review demonstration. These demonstrations were scheduled to begin on January 1, 2012. However, the CMS received many comments/suggestions regarding these demonstrations and the CMS is carefully considering these comments. Therefore, CMS will delay implementation of these demonstrations. CMS will provide at least 30 days notice before the demonstrations begin.
The Part A to Part B rebilling demonstration remains on schedule and will begin on January 1, 2012.
Please continue to check http://go.cms.gov/cert-demos for updated information.
The Part A to Part B rebilling demonstration remains on schedule and will begin on January 1, 2012.
Please continue to check http://go.cms.gov/cert-demos for updated information.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Patient Screening – TrailBlazer Live Web Training
January 10, 2012 – 9:00-10:30 MST
This TrailBlazer training will focus on the importance of patient screening. Topics discussed will include:
- Basic Medicare overview.
- The importance of patient screening.
- Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) overview.
- Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire (MSPQ) overview.
For more information and to register, click here.
National Health Service Corps CAH Pilot Program
A message from the Office of Rural Health Policy...
The Health Resources and Services Administration has released its 2012 guidance for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP), which includes a pilot program that expands eligibility to Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and eligible clinicians working in CAHs: primary care physicians; psychiatrists; nurse practitioners; certified nurse midwives; and physician assistants. The NHSC CAH Pilot Program was created as part of the White House Rural Council (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=lk7blccab&et=1109015216339&s=7345&e=001SE3UYvKOjLiCiAwM2_zKFfb2QP5NEefbQornvkp10nEDGSrZdcCtSBZLCDZ1W89stUqrWMUPFoiVBJbMOF6Q0CacCqT0lma_DD4y3zg9yhneB3cfie-JslQCvui6i3JHTzWw-kP7MHzg8pL7-HUunXnllx5gOwYVtS2W3yi9yU4=).
CAHs and interested clinicians should review the 2012 guidance. CAHs that want to become service sites have to be in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and meet other basic program requirements (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=lk7blccab&et=1109015216339&s=7345&e=001SE3UYvKOjLiaBKU8bsxv2IvpDk82MGGw6zicLhu6AXaOkgDZNbeEiPTFoXa0btJ18zIkdcYJ5zqqk8GdZWJYd0skSjGRLlSfH3ooSHPlTksfW1y-_rl-D5bsg-bNwSHWB_E-2x1xTKoz-4pTWmf3UUf-yuPpYNzAJWh5-q4yQdw=). Currently, approximately 64 percent of CAHs are located in HPSAs. Of these, 36 percent have HPSA scores of 14 or more.
Once they are approved as service sites, their clinicians can apply for loan repayment. The NHSC will pay up to $60,000 for an initial 2 years of full-time clinical practice to clinicians serving at an NHSC-approved service site with a HPSA score of 14 or higher. Applicants working at NHSC-approved service sites with HPSA scores of 13 or lower are eligible to receive up to $40,000 for an initial 2 years of full-time clinical service.
The NHSC will pay up to $60,000 for an initial 4 years of half-time clinical practice to clinicians serving at an NHSC-approved service site with a HPSA score of 14 or higher. Applicants working at NHSC-approved service sites with HPSA scores of 13 or lower are eligible to receive up to $40,000 for an initial 4 years of half-time clinical service.
Allowing CAHs to be eligible for loan repayment will enhance health care access and flexibility. Most providers working for these hospitals staff clinical settings across the CAH, ranging from outpatient clinics, skilled nursing care and emergency services, as well as providing limited inpatient hospital services.
Please help us get the word out about this program to CAHs and interested clinicians so they can take advantage of this opportunity.
The Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) and the NHSC have conducted Webinars related to this change (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=lk7blccab&et=1109015216339&s=7345&e=001SE3UYvKOjLgtzp4cvJnqSyc8juhML6RCiDIa0BelZwXfrvTgU0W-qqf399ijFD5fQICGGJL5SJHzApYySq9gJYk0QeSTn01txQP2HHwHtm8C5-DWq4vtYBQu17sU74gwqjWcQ5JUU_Ot9lrK0o77kPDbYXxGAH3vkSXQa28NR60=). The NHSC has a contact available to answer questions: Lindsey Toohey (ltoohey@hrsa.gov). Additional contacts include your State Offices of Rural Health. You may also Contact your State PCO for assistance, or your ORHP project officer or regional liaison.
For additional program details, please see the 2012 NHSC Loan Repayment Program At-A-Glance Fact Sheet , the NHSC Loan Repayment Program Announcement Flyer and the complete Application and Program Guidance.
ORHP believes there will be significant interest among CAHs in becoming NHSC service sites to help address the ongoing access challenges these facilities face. The flexibility for loan repayors to divide service time between inpatient and outpatient care will be attractive to program applicants.
The Health Resources and Services Administration has released its 2012 guidance for the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program (LRP), which includes a pilot program that expands eligibility to Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) and eligible clinicians working in CAHs: primary care physicians; psychiatrists; nurse practitioners; certified nurse midwives; and physician assistants. The NHSC CAH Pilot Program was created as part of the White House Rural Council (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=lk7blccab&et=1109015216339&s=7345&e=001SE3UYvKOjLiCiAwM2_zKFfb2QP5NEefbQornvkp10nEDGSrZdcCtSBZLCDZ1W89stUqrWMUPFoiVBJbMOF6Q0CacCqT0lma_DD4y3zg9yhneB3cfie-JslQCvui6i3JHTzWw-kP7MHzg8pL7-HUunXnllx5gOwYVtS2W3yi9yU4=).
CAHs and interested clinicians should review the 2012 guidance. CAHs that want to become service sites have to be in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and meet other basic program requirements (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=lk7blccab&et=1109015216339&s=7345&e=001SE3UYvKOjLiaBKU8bsxv2IvpDk82MGGw6zicLhu6AXaOkgDZNbeEiPTFoXa0btJ18zIkdcYJ5zqqk8GdZWJYd0skSjGRLlSfH3ooSHPlTksfW1y-_rl-D5bsg-bNwSHWB_E-2x1xTKoz-4pTWmf3UUf-yuPpYNzAJWh5-q4yQdw=). Currently, approximately 64 percent of CAHs are located in HPSAs. Of these, 36 percent have HPSA scores of 14 or more.
Once they are approved as service sites, their clinicians can apply for loan repayment. The NHSC will pay up to $60,000 for an initial 2 years of full-time clinical practice to clinicians serving at an NHSC-approved service site with a HPSA score of 14 or higher. Applicants working at NHSC-approved service sites with HPSA scores of 13 or lower are eligible to receive up to $40,000 for an initial 2 years of full-time clinical service.
The NHSC will pay up to $60,000 for an initial 4 years of half-time clinical practice to clinicians serving at an NHSC-approved service site with a HPSA score of 14 or higher. Applicants working at NHSC-approved service sites with HPSA scores of 13 or lower are eligible to receive up to $40,000 for an initial 4 years of half-time clinical service.
Allowing CAHs to be eligible for loan repayment will enhance health care access and flexibility. Most providers working for these hospitals staff clinical settings across the CAH, ranging from outpatient clinics, skilled nursing care and emergency services, as well as providing limited inpatient hospital services.
Please help us get the word out about this program to CAHs and interested clinicians so they can take advantage of this opportunity.
The Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) and the NHSC have conducted Webinars related to this change (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=lk7blccab&et=1109015216339&s=7345&e=001SE3UYvKOjLgtzp4cvJnqSyc8juhML6RCiDIa0BelZwXfrvTgU0W-qqf399ijFD5fQICGGJL5SJHzApYySq9gJYk0QeSTn01txQP2HHwHtm8C5-DWq4vtYBQu17sU74gwqjWcQ5JUU_Ot9lrK0o77kPDbYXxGAH3vkSXQa28NR60=). The NHSC has a contact available to answer questions: Lindsey Toohey (ltoohey@hrsa.gov). Additional contacts include your State Offices of Rural Health. You may also Contact your State PCO for assistance, or your ORHP project officer or regional liaison.
For additional program details, please see the 2012 NHSC Loan Repayment Program At-A-Glance Fact Sheet , the NHSC Loan Repayment Program Announcement Flyer and the complete Application and Program Guidance.
ORHP believes there will be significant interest among CAHs in becoming NHSC service sites to help address the ongoing access challenges these facilities face. The flexibility for loan repayors to divide service time between inpatient and outpatient care will be attractive to program applicants.
Monday, January 2, 2012
CMS Open Door Forum
Review of the Advance Payment Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) Model; Thursday, January 5, 2012 2:30pm-4pmET. Earlier this fall, CMS announced a new Advance Payment Model for physician-based and rural Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) participating in the Shared Savings Program. ACOs selected to participate in the Advanced Payment Model will receive upfront payments that will be recouped from the shared savings they earn. This Open Door Forum will review the Advance Payment ACO Model and the application template. If you wish to participate, dial 1-800-837-1935 & Conference ID: 39623933. For more information, click here.
Reminder: Technical Component of Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Requirements Effective Sunday, January 1, 2012
Suppliers of the technical component of Advanced Diagnostic Imaging that are billing with a service date on or after Sunday, January 1, 2012 must evidence an active accreditation date for diagnostic imaging of CPT codes attached to an MRI, CT, and Nuclear Medicine claim. The professional component claims are not affected by the accreditation requirements and must be processed as usual. Refer to Transmittal #380, http://www.cms.gov/transmittals/downloads/R380PI.pdf or MLN Matters 7177, http://www.cms.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM7177.pdf for further information on claims processing.
Improving Long Term Services and Supports Delivery System
Last month the CCT Operational Protocol (OP), the official roadmap to implementation for the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program, was officially approved by CMS. The OP serves as the policy and procedures manual for the grant. You can access the OP by visiting our Web site at Colorado.gov/hcpf/CCT.
The Department was awarded $400,000 in MFP supplemental funding by The Administration on Aging (AoA) and CMS to facilitate and strengthen the roles of Colorado‟s Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in supporting transitions from nursing homes. The funding will be targeted to ADRCs in three counties (Larimer, Mesa and Pueblo). The capacity of these ADRCs will be expanded to provide counseling to nursing facility residents who wish to learn more about their options for returning to the community. A grant-funded staff position will be hired to establish data and reporting systems to monitor these efforts and to produce performance reports as part of the overall MFP program.
The Department worked with a marketing and communications consultant and focus groups to create a Colorado-specific brand for the MFP program. The most popular name was Colorado Choice Transitions (CCT) with the tag line of „Your Path to Independence.‟ Our new logo and collateral materials for the program will be distributed soon. The Long Term Care Advisory Committee, Steering Committee for Colorado Choice Transitions and the Communication, Training and Outreach Workgroup (CTO) helped in developing and approving the materials.
The CCT project team is currently in the benefit design process.
If you want to participate in the benefit design process or for more information about Colorado Choice Transitions, please contact Nicole Storm at 303-866-2858.
The Department was awarded $400,000 in MFP supplemental funding by The Administration on Aging (AoA) and CMS to facilitate and strengthen the roles of Colorado‟s Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) in supporting transitions from nursing homes. The funding will be targeted to ADRCs in three counties (Larimer, Mesa and Pueblo). The capacity of these ADRCs will be expanded to provide counseling to nursing facility residents who wish to learn more about their options for returning to the community. A grant-funded staff position will be hired to establish data and reporting systems to monitor these efforts and to produce performance reports as part of the overall MFP program.
The Department worked with a marketing and communications consultant and focus groups to create a Colorado-specific brand for the MFP program. The most popular name was Colorado Choice Transitions (CCT) with the tag line of „Your Path to Independence.‟ Our new logo and collateral materials for the program will be distributed soon. The Long Term Care Advisory Committee, Steering Committee for Colorado Choice Transitions and the Communication, Training and Outreach Workgroup (CTO) helped in developing and approving the materials.
The CCT project team is currently in the benefit design process.
If you want to participate in the benefit design process or for more information about Colorado Choice Transitions, please contact Nicole Storm at 303-866-2858.
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