Funding Opportunity - Kaiser IHI Community Benefit Program

CRHC is pleased to offer this program which provides eligible rural safety net clinic leaders conference registration scholarships and travel support funding to participate in IHI courses. Funding is limited, apply today! For more information, click here

Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines

Seed Grant Application Deadline: June 15thSeed money is available for purposes or projects whose intent matches CRHC's mission: enhancing healthcare services in Colorado by providing information, education, linkages, tools & energy toward addressing rural healthcare issues. These funds are intended as "seed" money and should be only a portion of a larger project or idea. Awards are made to rural applicants who are CRHC members with a maximum award amount of $1,000. To learn more and download the application, click here.

MJJ Grant Application Deadline: June 15thThe Marva Jean Jackson (MJJ) Rural Community Health Scholarships Program provides small grants that help pay for the training and/or education of a local healthcare provider and are available for rural facilities or community groups. CRHC will match, two-to-one, the support provided, up to $1,000 a year. For example: a long term care facility might pay for an LPN to acquire an RN license; a hospital would help pay for a Medical Assistant training to become a Lab Technician; or, a small community would support a local student in becoming a Physician Assistant. Awards are made for one year, but applicants may be awarded up to three times. The scholarship recipient must be either currently enrolled in classes or start training within three months of the application date. To learn more and download the application, click here. “

Webinar: Innovating within Healthcare Reform: The Rural Response to Changing Payment and Delivery Models

June 12, 11:00-12:00
Although the federal healthcare reform mandate is clouded by the uncertainty of a judicial review, the healthcare world is changing rapidly. In this session, Ryan White from Eide Bailly, will discuss how rural healthcare facilities are aligning themselves to succeed in the healthcare payment and delivery systems of the future. Topics covered include payment reforms around reducing preventable admissions, value based purchasing, bundled payments, and ACOs. The goal will be to learn how to look at designing a financially sustainable healthcare delivery system for your local market, whatever its size, to emphasize better care, better health, and lower costs. This webinar is free for all CRHC-member hospitals and clinics; $79 for all others (invoiced after the webinar). For more information and to register, click here.

FREE Webinar - Tobacco Cessation: Helping Providers Work with Patients to Quit

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Colorado Foundation for Medical Care, and National Jewish Health are pleased to offer this free, LIVE CME/CE educational activity for health care providers throughout Colorado.
Presented by Dr. Amy Lukowski, Clinical Director at National Jewish Health, this webinar will provide essentials of smoking cessation for patients who use tobacco. Please click here for more details and registration information.

Semi-Annual Meeting of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment (HOP Panel)

August 27- 29, 2012



The link below is the Federal Register notice that announces the second semi-annual meeting of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment (HOP, the Panel) for 2012. The purpose of the Panel is to advise the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the clinical integrity of the APC groups and their associated weights, and hospital outpatient therapeutic supervision issues.
Of particular interest to rural hospitals and CAHS, the Panel will be reviewing recommendations from the public (including hospitals, organizations, associations) on the appropriate supervision level (general, direct, or personal) for individual hospital outpatient therapeutic services. More information on the process to submit recommendations for this meeting, and on recent changes to the supervision level for individual outpatient therapeutic services can be found here.

Deadline for presentations and comments to be sent to CMS:  Friday, July 27, 2012; 5 p.m. EDT.

For more information, please click here

Colorado Medicaid

Until a couple of years ago, ACS conducted yearly Colorado Medicaid Provider Billing Workshops in different locations around Colorado. Because of State budget cuts, ACS is no longer conducting these state-wide trainings. Instead, ACS is offering Web-EX presentations of basic billing for the CO1500 and the UB04 providers. In addition, we also offer several other specialty billing sessions throughout the year. You can what classes are being offered each month by referencing the monthly provider bulletin that is published at the beginning of each month.

These Web-EX workshops are set up specifically for the providers servicing Medicaid clients outside the Front Range geographical area. In a time when practices need to run “lean and mean”, it may be good to know there is no enrollment fee for providers to dial into these sessions. I have attached a listing of all the Web-EX trainings that we will be offering this year.

For more information on these Web-EX trainings please click here

SAVE THE DATE!!

August 16-17, 2012
Kansas City, MO

Healthcare Associated Infection Prevention Training. There will be CNE's available and there is NO CHARGE for this training!! Travel support is available. Please click link to access application. 

For more informion please click here

Version 5010 – Are You Ready?

June 20, 2012    2:00 pm – 3:00 pm MST

Hosted by your Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Office.

Please join CMS staff for an informative webinar for healthcare providers, clearinghouses and vendors on Version 5010. Version 5010 refers to the standards that HIPAA-covered entities (health plans, health care clearinghouses, and certain health care providers) must use when electronically conducting certain health care administrative transactions, such as claims, remittance, eligibility, and claims status requests and responses.  All covered entities should have been fully compliant with Version 5010 by January 1, 2012; however, an enforcement delay is in effect until June 30, 2012.

In this webinar, we’ll cover:

• Current Conversion Statistics
• Final Preparations for 5010/D.0 Cutover
• Operational Concerns
• Future of EDI Communications
• Resources and Contact Information

To Register please click here

We look forward to your participation!

Funding available for PEAK computers

The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is providing funds to increase enrollment in Medicaid and CHP+ through the use of PEAK, the online application and benefits management system. HCPF is offering a grant for community organizations to purchase a computer, laptop, or tablet solely for PEAK use. The maximum amount of funding available is $1,000 per location. Each applicant may request one piece of equipment. There is $50,000 available and grant awards will be made until the funds are depleted. 

Applications are due via e-mail no later than 3:00pm on Monday, June 11. Click here for an application and more information. Please contact Cindi Terra at cindi.terra@state.co.us with questions.

Raising Medicaid Primary Care Rates: Next Steps for States

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released long-awaited proposed regulations for implementing the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid primary care rate increase. Reimbursement rates for all types of health care services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries have historically lagged behind fees paid to providers treating Medicare beneficiaries or people with private insurance. But in in 2013 and 2014, Medicaid primary care providers will be reimbursed by states on par with Medicare rates for certain services, with the federal government picking up the cost of the increase.

In a new blog post, Tricia McGinnis of the Center for Health Care Strategies offers takeaways from the proposed rule, the guidance states will require to carry out the change, and suggestions for implementation, including exploring strategies for confirming primary care provider eligibility. To read more plese click here

Efficiency and Quality Results for Small and Rural Healthcare

SigmaMed Solutions is a Lean Six Sigma professional services firm with decades of experience in healthcare quality, process improvement, and enterprise EHR selection and implementation project management. Our mission is to help our clients do more with less and make the best of medical technology available to all.  SigmaMed is the contract provider of Lean Sigma Healthcare services for Colorado CAHs through the Colorado Rural Health Center and teaches accredited training courses for HRSA, the Colorado AHEC, and University of Colorado Nursing HIT Leadership program.
For more information on Lean Six Sigma and how your organization can get involved,  please click here

National EMS Week 2012

May 20 through May 26
Colorado Rural Health Center would like to acknowledge everyone that proudly calls EMS their job, be it fulltime or part time, paid or volunteer. These devoted individuals have a true calling to provide medical care in possibly the most critical time of our lives. It takes a special person to do this type of work, and we are so thankful to them for their service and sacrifice.
Join us in thanking the dedicated individuals in emergency medical services for the critical work they do and the tremendous role they make to improve health in our communities.

Achieving Quality Improvement in Healthcare with Lean Six Sigma

  New Date!

Friday & Saturday, June 15-16,2012, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm The CU College of Nursing Office of Lifelong Learning CE Program Announcement

Course Overview: Healthcare organizations are under increasing pressure to improve quality and customer satisfaction. Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that is designed to improve the quality of care for patients by reducing errors and waiting times, which can translate into better patient workflow, fewer mistakes, improved patient and staff satisfaction, and stronger cost and profit positions for practices and hospitals. Building on a vast body of academic research into change effectiveness and 30 years of application in healthcare and HIT, this course teaches participants a practical set of Lean Sigma Healthcare tools, and the keys to implementing effective and sustainable organizational change.

Target Audience: Hospital and clinic leaders, managers, and staff who want to learn a concise set of Lean Six Sigma tools adapted specifically to healthcare. Direct care providers and all personnel who need to utilize data to positively impact patient safety and quality. Health IT personnel and those
involved in QI efforts in a variety of clinical settings.

Faculty: This course is being offered through a partnership with SigmaMed Solutions LLC, a leader in Lean Six Sigma healthcare training: Wray Paul, VP of Professional Service; Jamie Martin, President, SigmaMed Solutions, LLC. Wray and Jamie are Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belts with decades of experience in the process and quality improvement industry. Wray has experience as a hospital administrator and also served as a PACs/RIS and EMR Implementation project manager for First Consulting Group. Jamie is a GE trained Six Sigma Black Belt with a diverse background in healthcare and business, including five years as an orthopedic surgical consultant, and radiology PACS/RIS process improvement specialist. Donna Dulong, CU College of Nursing, has over 20 years experience in health information technology, primarily at the senior leadership level.


Location: Anschutz Medical Campus, Ed 2 North, Rm. 1102; CNE Credit: 12.3 contact hours
Questions: professional.development@ucdenver.edu or 303-724-1372
Registration Fee: $345.00
Student Fee: $325.00
REGISTER HERE

VIEW EVENT WEBSITE HERE

Are you interested in a medical home model for children?

The Colorado Children’s Healthcare Access Program (CCHAP) is a non-profit organization created 5 years ago to ensure that every child enrolled in Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) receives comprehensive health care from a primary care provider – a “medical home”. CCHAP is funded by several Colorado foundations to increase access for the under-served children of Colorado. CCHAP recruits, trains and supports pediatric and family practices who care for these children and helps the practice become certified with the state as a Medical Homes for Children on Medicaid. CCHAP also assists these practices by providing support services to help break down the historical barriers to caring for this population. CCHAP also links practices to community services for families, provided by community-based organizations, for example, mental health counseling, social services, transportation, care coordination, case management, and quality improvement coaching.


While certified RHCs do not currently receive extra funding for this program we’d love to get you involved. For more information on how you can participate please contact Anita Rich, Community Outreach and Quality Improvement for CCHAP at anita.rich@childrenscolorado.org or 720.777.5495

CDPHE Measles Advisory Issued

 People traveling to Europe should make sure they are vaccinated against the measles
On May 14, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued a Measles Advisory to Emergency Departments and Healthcare Providers as well as a media press release cautioning people about a potential increase in measles cases.

All immunizers and medical providers should be on alert as the summer vacation season approaches and people travel to Europe. Travelers should be educated to check their vaccination status before going abroad. Clinics, Urgent Care, and Emergency Departments should remember that Coloradans returning from travel in Europe and travelers visiting the U.S. may import measles from countries where transmission is ongoing.

Please share this information with other partners. We will continue to share information with you as it becomes available.

 The Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition (CCIC) promotes improved access, delivery, and demand for children's vaccinations to keep Colorado healthy.

 Become a fan of keeping Colorado kids healthy by joining CCIC's Facebook page or following us on Twitter.


www.childrensimmunization.org

Improving Children's Health Through Federal Collaboration

 Join us on Thursday, June 14, 2012
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM EST (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM MST)
This session will highlight how Federal agencies are working in a coordinated fashion to address multiple housing-related hazards and childhood diseases. The webinar will also include tools and resources available for communities to create neighborhoods and outdoor spaces that promote public health and encourage healthy lifestyles for all ages.

For more information please click here:
To Register Visit: http://www.epa.gov/region8/humanhealth/children/webinars.html

Observation Services - TrailBlazer Web-Based Training

June 12, 2012, 9:00-10:30MST This TrailBlazer course will include an overview of the coverage, documentation and billing guidelines for outpatient observation services. For more information and to register, click here.

Insurance Coverage, Medical Home Access Are Keys to Reducing Health Disparities

A new analysis from The Commonwealth Fund shows that having both health insurance and a medical home—an accessible primary care practice that knows its patients and helps to coordinate their care—dramatically reduces disparities in health and health care.

The analysis, which was based on the Fund's Biennial Health Insurance Survey, confirms that insurance coverage is critical to accessing quality health care. But when insured low-income adults also have a medical home, the positive effects are even greater: with both insurance and a medical home, people with low incomes are nearly as likely as those with higher incomes to receive recommended preventive services and to rate their quality of care as excellent or very good.

The findings, say the authors, affirm the importance of the Affordable Care Act's provisions to expand access to health coverage and promote the spread of health care system improvements, including medical homes. Visit commonwealthfund.org to learn more.

Webinar: Innovating within Healthcare Reform: The Rural Response to Changing Payment and Delivery Models

June 12, 11:00-12:00 Although the federal healthcare reform mandate is clouded by the uncertainty of a judicial review, the healthcare world is changing rapidly. In this session, Ryan White from Eide Bailly, will discuss how rural healthcare facilities are aligning themselves to succeed in the healthcare payment and delivery systems of the future. Topics covered include payment reforms around reducing preventable admissions, value based purchasing, bundled payments, and ACOs. The goal will be to learn how to look at designing a financially sustainable healthcare delivery system for your local market, whatever its size, to emphasize better care, better health, and lower costs. This webinar is free for all CRHC-member hospitals and clinics; $79 for all others (invoiced after the webinar). For more information and to register, click here.

Executive director position posting at Marillac Clinic in Grand Junction

To view full job description and contact information, please click here

Frontier Focus: JH Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) Implementation Schedule

Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) Implementation Schedule – On November 8, 2011, CMS awarded the Jurisdiction H (JH) MAC contract to Highmark Medicare Services (HMS). The JH MAC contract covers Medicare Part A and Part B claims processing services in the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. As of January 2012, Highmark Medicare Services has assumed the new corporate name of Novitas Solutions, Inc. (Novitas). As the incoming MAC, Novitas will start processing the Medicare claims workloads for JH Medicare providers according to the schedule in the notice hyperlinked above. For more detailed information about the JH Implementation Plan or to contact the JH MAC, use the following address for Novitas Solutions, Inc.: https://www.novitas-solutions.com/transition/jh.

Next RHC TA Call – Tuesday, May 22nd, 2pm (Eastern) -- RHC Financing Options

We hope you will join us at 2:00pm EASTERN, on Tuesday, May 22nd, for the next RHC Technical Assistance call on the topic of USDA Financing Options for RHCs.
This call will be important for all RHCs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has millions of dollars in government subsidized low-interest loans for both non-profit and for-profit Rural Health Clinics. We have scheduled two speakers who will talk about the different programs available for each type of RHC.  First, we will learn about the USDA Community Facilities program and the money they have available to support low interest loans or grants for non-profit RHCs for the purchase of health IT equipment and other infrastructure needs. Then, we will hear from a representative of the USDA Business and Industry program who will talk about the low interest programs they offer for for-profit RHCs for infrastructure needs.   We have heard from many RHCs over the past year about the difficulties you are experiencing coming up with the initial financing to purchase the necessary equipment to bring your clinic into the 21st century of healthcare delivery. Now, the USDA has programs for both non-profit and for-profit RHCs.
Regardless of your tax status, you will want to learn more about these important USDA programs and how they might benefit your clinic.

The call-in information is:
Toll-free Phone#: 800-245-1683
Participant Passcode: 540725#

 We anticipate that the speakers will talk for approximately 45 minutes, followed by 10–15 minutes for questions from the audience.  If you have a question you would like to submit ahead of time, please send it to: info@narhc.org and put RHC TA Question in the subject line.
We look forward to your participation in next Tuesday’s call.

Rural Locator

On April 20, CMS issued a Survey and Certification letter with guidance relating to finding rural areas for swing beds and RHC.  To access the guidance, click here.

CMS Transmittal - Therapy Limits

On April 27, CMS issued a transmittal regarding a Change Request that extends the therapy cap exceptions process through December 31, 2012 and adds therapy services provided in outpatient hospital settings to the therapy cap effective October 1, 2012. The caps do not apply to CAH. The transmittal is available here.

CMS Finalizes CoP Regulatory Reduction Rules

To view letter and press release please click here for letter and here for press release.

iVantage Hospital Survey – National Rural and CAH Emergency Department Study

Each year, iVantage Health Analytics analyzes data from millions of emergency department visits to establish rural performance trends in hospital emergency departments. Analysis of the 2010 data is presented in the 2011 National Rural Emergency Department Study. iVantage is currently completing work on the 2011 data set and will release the 5th Annual National Rural Emergency Department Study shortly. This year, to enhance understanding of the trends and report results, iVantage is hosting a nationwide companion survey open to all rural and Critical Access Hospitals in the United States. The survey results allow iVantage to provide CAH and rural hospitals more in-depth qualitative information about Emergency Department operations and challenges. Participating hospitals receive, free of charge:


Summary results of the national survey
Benchmarks comparing hospital ED performance to peer hospitals
5th Annual 2012 National Rural Emergency Department Study



To answer the survey and receive your complimentary reports, click here. All rural and CAH EDs are invited to participate, free of charge.

Free Tool – Level of Care Pocket Card

Each month HCPro’s Revenue Cycle Institute publishes a free sample tool or form for readers. This month’s tool— a level of care pocket card—is a helpful tool that provides important “points to remember” when it comes to outpatient surgery as well as information on the appropriate use of observation services. To access the tool, click here.

Revision of Hospital and CAH CoPs

This final CMS rule revises the requirements that hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs) must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. These changes are an integral part of CMS’ efforts to reduce procedural burdens on providers. These regulations are effective on July 16, 2012. To access the rule, click here. A summary of the major provisions appears on pages 1-2.

New Combined CMS Notice Forms for Medicare certified HHAs, SNFs, Hospices, and CORFs

CMS has issued new notices that combine the Original Medicare (FFS) and Medicare Advantage notice into one form to be used effective May 1, 2012 for home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities—hospital swing bed providers, hospices, and comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facilities. The new combined Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage CMS Form- 10123 is used to aler beneficiaries them that Medicare covered items and/or services are ending and to give beneficiaries the opportunity to request an expedited determination. To access the new forms, click here.

Kaiser IHI Community Benefit Program

CRHC is pleased to offer this program which provides eligible rural safety net clinic leaders conference registration scholarships and travel support funding to participate in IHI courses. Funding is limited, apply today! For more information, click here.

CAH Finance Education for Boards

CRHC offers training for CAH Boards consisting of an on-site half-day session which will include individualized hospital-specific information about CAH financial statements, cost reports, Medicare & Medicaid payments and other pertinent information related to health care payment policy. For more information and pricing contact jd@coruralhealth.org.

Primary-care Docs to See Increase in Medicaid Rates

States will receive an $11 billion boost for primary-care physicians in their Medicaid programs over the next two years, under a new proposed rule. The temporary increase in 2013 and 2014 is mandated by a provision of the 2010 federal healthcare overhaul and aims to bring Medicaid primary-care payments in line with the level provided by Medicare. The provision, released Wednesday, would increase average Medicaid primary care payments by 34%, according to one estimate cited by CMS.

“Promoting high-quality primary-care is a pillar of the Affordable Care Act, and this proposed rule helps States and physicians provide every American, no matter where they live, access to the care they need to stay healthy,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a news release. “This new rule can help improve health and reduce costs by preventing illnesses before they happen and catching small problems before they turn into big ones.”

Read the full article here.

Melissa Memorial Hospital puts SHIP funds to good use!

The SHIP Grant Program makes funds available through the Office of Rural Health Policy to assist small rural hospitals that are essential health access points for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. The program assists small rural hospitals with projects that focus on quality improvement, performance improvement and patient safety - as well as other projects such as using technology to improve patient outcomes. 

The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) is proud to help recognize one of our SHIP grant recipients, Melissa Memorial Hospital ( MMH) located in Phillips county,- for putting these funds towards quality improvement in the hospital and the impact it will have on their local community. Thru a long-standing partnership between the CRHC and Beth Katzenberg, Director, for the Colorado Foundation for Medical Care (CFMC), the hospital was able to utilize Beth's extensive expertise in quality improvement to conduct a quality systems assessment, funded through CRHC's FLEX grant. Along with the quality system analysis, Beth also reviewed the balanced scorecard and the board quality committee. A process mapping session funded through CRHC's SHIP grant was also performed with a group of hospital employees to look at steps of vital hospital processes. A report will now be generated that will be received and reviewed. MMH administrator John Ayoub noted this is something the hospital wasn't required to do but felt it was important enough to spend the grant money on. They are now aware of the areas for improvement within their system and look forward to implementing new processes that will impact the quality of care given in Phillips county.



To read the article in full please click here

Remote Pharmacy Services Group Purchasing Option Now Available through CRHC

Quality Pharmacy Management (qPM) is partnering with the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) to offer remote pharmacy services to the CRHC members at a discounted rate. If 2 or more CRHC facilities commit to utilize qPM services, all CRHC member facilities will have access to the qPM services described at the rates listed below.

Summary of Service:
The qPM pharmacists utilize state-of-the-art technology to review medication orders for patients of a healthcare facility. The qPM pharmacists assure that the prescribed drug therapy is safe and appropriate for the patient. If issues are identified, the prescriber is contacted to have the order clarified or corrected. Once issues are resolved, the medication orders are entered (or validated) in the facility’s pharmacy information system. Following order processing by the pharmacist, the medication is available to the nurse for administration to the patient and documentation in the medical record. The remote medication order processing can be provided during all hours that the on-site pharmacy is closed or for only a few hours each day depending on the needs of the facility. The qPM pharmacists are available to nurses and physicians 24 hours per day via a toll-free telephone number to answer drug information questions.  

Benefits of Service:
Improved patient safety
Reduced risk of medication errors
Access to drug information
Assured Regulatory Compliance
Consistent pharmacy services 24 hours per day
Timely access to medications
Enhanced nursing workflow management

Cost of Service:
Hourly rate: $12.50 for up to 1000 medication orders processed per month
Fee per order in excess of 1000 orders processed per month: $5 per order
Monthly fee for 24 hour per day access to pharmacist via phone: $250 per month

QPM Contact Information:
Kevin Jones
jonesk@qpmhealthcare.com
720-352-0908

2012 Immunization Schedule Palm Cards

The Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition is excited to announce that its palm cards with the updated 2012 CDC vaccine schedule are here! The cards are laminated and hole punched for easy attachment.
Adolescent schedule, child schedule and child screening are available.
These resources are FREE and easy to order!
To order, please visit http://www.childrensimmunization.org/resources and fill out the provided form. The cards will be mailed to you in 3-4 weeks.

Thanks for all you do to keep Colorado's kids healthy!

CDPHE Infection Control Training for Infection Preventionists

 

In the link below you will find an informative flyer regarding the CDPHE Infection Control Training for Infection Preventionists. I have summarized key points below. You will notice there are many options with regard to location and dates. We hope you find this information useful. 

 

Course description 

The two day Epidemiology and Infection Prevention class will provide a basic foundation of knowledge in infection prevention practices. The course covers disease transmission, prevention and control along with understanding the core concepts for developing a program that addresses regulatory compliance. The outcome of the course will allow those new to infection prevention to have a solid foundation to be more effective in their jobs. Additionally this course will meet the needs as outlined in section 25-3-602(1)(c) C.R.S (from House Bill 06-1045) that indicates that individuals who collect data on hospital-acquired conditions in hospitals licensed for fifty beds or less may meet certification exemption through ongoing education and training. 

 

 

• Sterling, CO: May 31st & June 1st. Sterling Regional Medical Center.
• Grand Junction, CO: June 7th & 8th. Grand Junction Health Department.
• Denver, CO: June 25th & 26th. Wheat Ridge Recreational Center.
• Steamboat Springs, CO: July 12th & 13th. Yampa Valley Medical Center.
• Gunnison, CO: July 16th & 17th. Gunnison County Building.
• Pueblo, CO: July 26th & 27th. Pueblo City County Library.
• Durango, CO: July 30th & 31st. Durango Public Library.

For more information please click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Save the Date – CRHC’s Annual CAH Workshop, October 24!

Save the date for CRHC’s Annual CAH Workshop to be held on October 24 prior to CRHC’s Annual Conference on October 25-26 at the Antler’s Hilton in Colorado Springs. The Annual CAH Workshop brings together Colorado CAH leadership to network and discuss Colorado’s CAH program strategic priorities, current updates, and other issues impacting Colorado CAHs. More details and registration information to come.

Tell a Colleague – The Faculty Loan Repayment Program Is Accepting Applications!

Please help spread the word that the Faculty Loan Repayment Program (FLRP) through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), application cycle is now open. FLRP supports careers for health profession educators who are vital to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.


The FLRP will provide a lump sum, up to $40,000, for a two-year service commitment. In addition, FLRP requires a funding match from the applicant’s health professions school, which helps program participants further reduce their educational debt.
FLRP participants who have additional qualifying loans once their service commitment is complete may re-apply for another two-year contract in exchange for additional years of service.

The financial assistance offered through FLRP decreases the economic barriers associated with pursuing a career as an educator preparing the next generation of health professionals. Visit the FLRP webpage for additional information about applying.

Bridging the Divide Suicide Awareness and Prevention Summit

May 18th, 2012Bringing together the best minds and most passionate advocates for suicide prevention.
This year's summit highlights:
New and innovative strategies in suicide prevention presented by national and state experts.
Workshops and resources designed specifically for clinicians and mental health professionals.
Nationally recognized keynote speakers.

Everyone interested in preventing suicide where we live, learn, work and play is invited to attend.  
Registration
On-line registration is available through May 7, 2012 at 5:00pm
Registration prices will increase by $25 after May 7, 2012.
Pre-Conference Workshops Registration will close May 1, 2012 at 5:00pm.
Click here to register.

Take A Stand for Falls Prevention

The FallsTalk Workshop is an interactive class built around a wonderful new screening and assessment tool coming to COAW's Summer Academy 2012! Designed for use in community and clinical settings you too can get hands-on experience with the future of Falls Prevention technology in Denver, May 21-26.

In addition we have a great assortment of evidence-based instructor trainings including Tai Chi, N'Balance, Matter of Balance, and Healthier Living Colorado (CDSMP). And make sure you plan on attending the Introduction to Falls Prevention class. Enroll now by clicking here: COAW.org

Visit COAW's website to read all about the offerings and the new Falls Prevention Specialist Certificate! Of course, CEU's are available.

If you have any questions please contact Pam Allen, Education and Communications Manager, 303-984-1845, 888-900-2629, pam@COAW.org.

Falls Talk and N'Balance are filling fast, so please enroll now to insure your spot!

Free Educational Webinar Series: Managing Managed Care Contracts

Be our guest for another free educational webinar series.

 

Title: Managing Managed Care Contracts

Date: Thursday, May 17, 2012

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

 

Managed care contract negotiations are complex in nature. Successful negotiation of these contracts requires a thorough understanding of your managed care organization. The integration of business and legal issues should be carefully reviewed when preparing to enter into negotiations. This session delves into the contract negotiation process, including the initiation of the relationship, preparing for negotiations and key agreement points. Tips for closing the deal and getting the most of your money will also be addressed.

• Identify do's and don'ts of contract negotiations
• Recognize problematic contract terms affecting both reimbursement and operations
• Reviewing the driving forces in managed care (including healthcare reform) that are driving change 

Speaker: Rick Langosch

Rick works with hospital clients to realize sustainable improvements at the organizational, departmental, and services level. Coker Group's Hospital Strategies consulting practice provides timely and responsive solutions to its hospital clients in Service Line Analysis, Staffing/Productivity Benchmarking and Analysis, Interim Management, and RAC Audit Readiness. A seasoned healthcare executive, with over 25 years of experience managing operations and financial, operational, and information technology responsibilities, including multi-hospital ownership and hospital senior management positions. He uses that experience to assist Coker clients in developing a specific implementation strategy that will produce improved performance and drive profitability for their organizations.

 

Langosch is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University of Charleston, Illinois, and he is a Fellow with the Healthcare Financial Management Association. He is active with the Georgia Chapter of HFMA.

 

Brought to you by the NRHASC

FW: Webinar for CEU: Assess ICD-10 impact. Protect revenue.

Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Although the ICD-10 implementation date is expected to be delayed, it is still critical that practices start preparing for the transition now. In this complimentary webinar sponsored by Navicure, learn how practices can shift their focus from 5010 to ICD-10 and how planning ahead will assist with a smooth and successful transition.

Join us on Thursday, May 17th for a free webinar, ICD-10: Evaluating the Impact on Your Revenue Cycle. During this hour, you’ll hear Kim Reid, CPC, CPMA, CEMC, CPC-I, Director of ICD-10 Development and Training with the AAPC, discuss how to: 

• Evaluate the potential financial impact of ICD-10.
• Develop a transition timeline, including where to locate resources about ICD-10.
• Prepare for potential cash flow disruptions.

Participants can earn 1.0 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) from the AAPC by attending the live webinar.*

About the Presenter:

Kim Reid brings over 23 years of progressive coding experience in healthcare to her role as the AAPC's Director of ICD-10 Development and Training. She has a vast range of knowledge from working in a variety of professional medical settings, including a large academic medical group in Vermont with 500+ physicians. In a previous role as a Senior Coding Educator, Kim taught physicians and students complex coding and documentation guidelines. She is a national speaker who presents regularly on various coding topics across the country.