tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62032016868415461432012-02-02T08:16:43.314-08:00Weekly updates for Colorado's Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health ClinicsAdminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00103929581092862525noreply@blogger.comBlogger10551100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-52096090870892772942012-02-02T08:14:00.001-08:002012-02-02T08:15:13.251-08:00

February 22nd in Rifle, Colorado February 23rd in Yuma, Colorado March 27th in Alamosa, Colorado March 28th in Lamar, Colorado To register, please click on the location nearest you! Your registration confirmation is your ticket to the workshop. For more information or for assistance with registration, please contact Courtnay Ryan at 303.309.6807 or cr@coruralhealth.org. See you there!

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-42134190629670614482012-02-02T07:40:00.001-08:002012-02-02T07:41:29.523-08:00

This peer learning network for rural hospitals and clinics offers 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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-62410904038811976632012-02-02T07:39:00.001-08:002012-02-02T07:40:41.523-08:00

February 28, 2012 11:00am-12:30pm Join CRHC for this webinar on Utilization Management (UM) and Utilization Review (UR) for CAHs. All hospitals, including CAHs, must have a UM/UR Plan that describes the process used to review all services provided by the institution and by the members of the medical staff. In addition to assuring optimal healthcare delivery and positive patient outcomes, sound UM

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-56000567644361244842012-02-01T08:15:00.000-08:002012-02-02T08:16:43.325-08:00

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@

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-32174081618079716922012-02-01T07:56:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:58:17.193-08:00

Dear Colleagues, The Flex Monitoring Team is pleased to announce the release of a new Policy Brief on rural relevant quality measures for Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). The purpose of this study is to provide rural health care providers and policymakers with an up-to-date set of relevant quality measures for CAHs. Relevant Quality Measures for Critical Access Hospitals  Key Findings:   A

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-23219234503673075662012-02-01T07:42:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:48:01.983-08:00

On Tue Nov 15, 2011, CMS issued a listserv message with billing instructions for Critical Access Hospitals (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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-14421595790517880412012-01-31T07:41:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:42:37.296-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-85663130189320724772012-01-30T07:38:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:39:22.151-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-73617617315366599862012-01-30T07:35:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:38:21.756-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-50135090060879818672012-01-27T08:01:00.000-08:002012-02-02T08:04:59.012-08:00

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    

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-14386209477893499412012-01-27T07:50:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:56:21.298-08:00

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.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-32713618857172760012012-01-27T07:48:00.000-08:002012-02-02T07:50:08.069-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-92173953588501605842012-01-25T13:53:00.000-08:002012-01-25T13:58:05.212-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-34717388073170838542012-01-25T11:16:00.000-08:002012-01-25T11:19:25.419-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-55013723031348805642012-01-25T07:53:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:56:07.274-08:00

February 22nd in Rifle, Colorado February 23rd in Yuma, Colorado March 27th in Alamosa, Colorado March 28th in Lamar, Colorado To register, please click on the location nearest you!  Your registration confirmation is your ticket to the workshop. For more information or for assistance with registration, please contact Courtnay Ryan at 303.309.6807 or cr@coruralhealth.org.  See you there!  

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-59605121481876946812012-01-25T07:46:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:50:40.586-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-2640270298037191852012-01-24T07:51:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:53:11.957-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-14032385147614171852012-01-24T07:37:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:38:28.042-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-60759918146559102642012-01-24T07:31:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:35:49.364-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-10361941640522139212012-01-23T07:57:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:58:30.895-08:00

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@

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-33421081674332531782012-01-23T07:36:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:37:34.591-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-61304448933262872632012-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:31:38.123-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-51991050710348020912012-01-20T09:36:00.001-08:002012-01-20T09:37:42.008-08:00

For more information or to register, please click on the location nearest you!February 22nd in Rifle, Colorado February 23rd in Yuma, Colorado We are also working on two more workshops coming March 27th in Lamar, CO. and March 28th in Alamosa, CO. Registration will be open next week for these locations. Stay tuned and see you there!    

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-27129065270516822972012-01-20T07:41:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:46:24.002-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-67495730100726015162012-01-20T07:38:00.000-08:002012-01-26T07:41:34.710-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-65298246154327758552012-01-19T07:31:00.001-08:002012-01-19T07:32:38.205-08:00

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@

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-83328296748758046662012-01-18T07:01:00.000-08:002012-01-19T07:03:28.839-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-38868153851669653952012-01-18T06:58:00.000-08:002012-01-19T07:00:41.982-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-27504291353123604252012-01-18T06:56:00.000-08:002012-01-19T06:58:15.137-08:00

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       

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-26764145825361881922012-01-17T08:30:00.000-08:002012-01-19T08:32:09.666-08:00

Issues on Child Abuse and Neglect Identification and Mandated reporting.  For more information on this educational opportunity please click here

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-30796620096195952222012-01-17T06:55:00.000-08:002012-01-19T06:56:42.283-08:00

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.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-47013839517888783662012-01-17T06:51:00.000-08:002012-01-19T06:55:22.594-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-89117308748345430942012-01-13T07:08:00.000-08:002012-01-19T07:27:30.902-08:00

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,

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-49414679358036275462012-01-13T07:03:00.000-08:002012-01-19T07:06:44.073-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-29258598108550635352012-01-12T07:25:00.001-08:002012-01-12T07:28:03.427-08:00

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@

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-75826201979978738492012-01-12T04:00:00.000-08:002012-01-12T07:33:25.936-08:00

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  

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-77763589936390051502012-01-11T10:41:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:47:41.987-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-34162659035878309592012-01-11T09:39:00.000-08:002012-01-11T09:39:55.630-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-48687575756420783212012-01-10T10:37:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:41:51.281-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-27763570873985171292012-01-10T10:23:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:25:10.951-08:00

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.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-72665501268794851282012-01-10T10:21:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:23:29.382-08:00

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.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-37055839884618760792012-01-09T10:26:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:28:32.903-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-16722815998329605022012-01-09T09:46:00.000-08:002012-01-11T09:52:54.098-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-9408658006553375162012-01-06T10:33:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:37:07.226-08:00

 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.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-90796839061069352542012-01-06T10:28:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:33:04.243-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-88394727683854192472012-01-06T10:25:00.000-08:002012-01-11T10:26:11.845-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-42338605229073091542012-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-05T08:00:10.935-08:00

May 1, 2012 –Location: Burlington, CO   CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am -3:00pm   CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pmMay 3, 2012 – Location: Del Norte, CO   CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm   CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pmMay 10, 2012 – Location: Rifle, CO   CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm    CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pmThe Quality Improvement

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-13827901414078553562012-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:002012-01-05T05:00:11.093-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-51102735842726032642012-01-05T03:30:00.000-08:002012-01-05T03:30:01.241-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-52830369785322181072012-01-04T13:26:00.001-08:002012-01-04T13:27:39.113-08:00

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.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-39750788044686849842012-01-04T12:44:00.001-08:002012-01-04T12:45:17.732-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-81097485717801573632012-01-04T12:40:00.001-08:002012-01-04T12:40:57.137-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-615493284365719592012-01-04T12:25:00.000-08:002012-01-04T12:29:24.327-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-50728035740141955182012-01-03T13:04:00.000-08:002012-01-04T13:16:44.402-08:00

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.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-50540510802441524562012-01-03T12:20:00.000-08:002012-01-04T12:23:05.448-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-79022873633808489012012-01-02T12:49:00.000-08:002012-01-04T12:50:25.199-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-77567482189929622452012-01-02T12:32:00.000-08:002012-01-04T12:36:07.312-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-1473240113507311922012-01-02T12:19:00.000-08:002012-01-04T12:20:02.635-08:00

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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-43290263906456571732011-12-31T12:30:00.000-08:002012-01-04T12:31:32.124-08:00

CMS is anticipating Congressional action to avert the negative update for the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Therefore, CMS is extending the 2012 Annual Participation Enrollment Period through Tuesday, February 14, 2012. The enrollment period now runs Monday, November 14, 2011 through Tuesday, February 14, 2012. The effective date for any participation status change during the extension,

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-22779659630829275352011-12-29T07:18:00.001-08:002011-12-29T07:19:17.401-08:00

Though CMS has announced an enforcement discretionary period of 90 days for Version 5010 compliance, the deadline remains Sunday, January 1, 2012. Enforcement will not be exercised until Sunday, April 1, 2012; however, it is important that organizations continue to complete the transition to Version 5010 as soon as possible, if they have not done so already.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-23480364556809209022011-12-29T07:00:00.000-08:002011-12-29T07:00:00.988-08:00

As the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implements calendar year 2012 changes, Medicare claims administration contractors will be holding some institutional provider claims containing 2012 services for up to the first 10 business days of January 2012 (i.e., Sunday, January 1, 2012, through Tuesday, January 17, 2012). Claims will be released as system testing is successfully

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-16943559160626041382011-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:002011-12-29T05:00:13.226-08:00

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Clinician Recruitment and Service (BCRS), is pleased to announce the 2012 application cycle for NELRP is now open and will remain open through February 15, 2012. NELRP offers Registered Nurses (RNs), advanced practice registered nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and nurse faculty an opportunity to repay 60 percent of

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-16273790110488781572011-12-28T10:05:00.001-08:002011-12-28T11:52:41.144-08:00

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@

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-31631350923990269172011-12-28T09:55:00.000-08:002011-12-28T09:57:38.870-08:00

Please join CRHC for these upcoming webinars – click on the titles for more information and to register:·         Community Health Needs Assessments – January 11·         Top 10 CAH Deficiencies and What We Can Do About It… - January 27·         Utilization Management for CAHs – February 28·         CAH Swing Beds: Part I – March 20·         CAH Swing Beds: Part II – April 3

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-71180251159396186952011-12-27T09:57:00.000-08:002011-12-28T10:01:20.438-08:00

Credentialing of physicians and other healthcare practitioners is a key risk management function for facilities, both large and small. Further, it has become a complex and seldom understood process. CRHC’s Colorado Rural Credentialing Network provides rural hospitals and clinics with information, education, and resources pertaining to this important task. For an annual fee of $250 (CRHC members)/

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-51774160793300400492011-12-22T07:00:00.000-08:002011-12-22T07:00:03.232-08:00

Community Health Needs Assessments are a great way to highlight for the community the importance of local hospitals and clinics, both in regard to health and to economic impact! Please join CRHC’s Clint Cresawn on January 11 from 1-2pm for an informative webinar about new technical assistance packages designed to assist with community health needs assessments. Participants will learn about: -

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-53247260007836316412011-12-21T15:03:00.001-08:002011-12-21T15:05:06.023-08:00

The Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease and Pulmonary Disease (CCPD) Review Committee is currently reviewing its funding priorities and strategic approach. As stakeholders of CCPD, the committee members value your input as they develop future strategic budgets for the CCPD grants program. Please provide your answers to the following questions by JANUARY 3rd, 2012 so that the Review Committee can make

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-30567944720108606182011-12-21T14:59:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:01:07.861-08:00

Join CRHC for this webinar on January 27 with presenter Terry Mahar from Eide Bailly, where we 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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-25444620394813134572011-12-21T14:30:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:10:53.713-08:00

Do you have a healthcare provider at your facility who is interested in loan repayment? Let them know that the 2012 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program application cycle is open. The application cycle is open from December 13, 2012 to May 15, 2012. Up to $60,000 for a 2-year commitment is available to your primary care healthcare providers (based on HPSA)! NHSC provides

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-70477026544046257142011-12-20T15:14:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:14:53.668-08:00

CMS has posted the 2012 ICD-10-CM code updates to the CMS website, including the 2012 ICD-10-CM index and tabular, code titles, addendum, General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), and reimbursement mappings files. The 2012 ICD-10-CM files contain information on the new diagnosis coding system, ICD-10-CM, that is being developed as a replacement for ICD-9-CM, Volumes 1 and 2. These files are available

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-62001428387882361942011-12-20T15:12:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:13:56.553-08:00

In January 2012, all Part B suppliers including physicians, and non-physician practitioners performing the technical component of advanced diagnostic imaging services—also known as ADI—who are paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will need to be accredited by one of the CMS-approved accrediting organizations. The accreditation organization will transmit all necessary data to CMS on an

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-62173893225332313992011-12-20T15:10:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:12:04.549-08:00

Attention Health Professionals: Information Regarding the Holding of 2012 Date-of-Service Claims for Services Paid Under the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule The negative update under current law for the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2012, eight business days from today. Consequently, as on numerous occasions in the past, the Centers for

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-28206641844649155652011-12-19T15:15:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:17:00.787-08:00

 January 1, 2012 – PC-ACE Pro32 Version 2.32 File Automatically Effective With ASC X12 5010. ASC X12 835 5010 Move-to-Production Procedures. 5010 Address and Nine-Digit ZIP Code Requirement. Reminders: ASC X12 837 5010 Move-to-Production Procedures. 5010 Testing Procedures Manual – Updated. New CMS ICD-10 Articles. Visit TrailBlazer’s 5010 Information Web page to ensure you receive

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-34888511740064344372011-12-19T15:05:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:06:01.084-08:00

On Friday, December 16th, CMS published notice CMS-1586-N announcing the first semi-annual meeting of the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment. This panel advises CMS on the clinical integrity of the APC groups and their associated weights and will now also review hospital outpatient supervision issues. The first meeting is scheduled for February 27, 28, and 29 and the agenda will

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-40387219071429697892011-12-19T15:01:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:02:36.425-08:00

The Department has posted the final draft of the HCW Influenza Vaccination proposed rule. A summary of the highlights of the proposed rule are below: Any licensed healthcare entity that, using its own methodology, can guarantee at least 90% of its healthcare workers received the influenza vaccine during the prior year shall be exempt from the more specific requirements of the rule as long as the

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-20171339246924357412011-12-16T15:08:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:08:54.205-08:00

Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse – 12/15/11 Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease – 12/12/11

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-28879805199930623392011-12-16T15:06:00.000-08:002011-12-21T15:06:39.979-08:00

The latest version of the ABN (with the release date of 3/2011 printed in the lower left hand corner) is now available for immediate use and can be accessed via the link below. Mandatory use of this version begins on January, 1 2012. All ABNs with the release date of 3/2008 that are issued on or after January 1, 2012 will be considered invalid. More information is available on the CMS website

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-56026709837282329072011-12-15T10:40:00.000-08:002011-12-15T10:40:00.995-08:00

The Colorado Rural Health Center is proud to acknowledge two clinics in the Southeast region of the state for achieving Level III Patient Centered Medical Home ( PCMH) recognition. Way to go!!! Both St. Thomas More Physician Group of Canon City, CO and Spanish Peak Family Clinic in Walsenburg, CO have been working hard to reach this goal since 2009. These two clinics have successfully traveled

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-27503179708610203082011-12-14T14:13:00.000-08:002011-12-14T14:13:26.578-08:00

CMS is accepting comments on the 2012 OPPS Final Rule until Jan 3, 2012. The final rule includes sections addressing physician supervision in hospitals and CAHs. To access the rule and comment page, click here. For a summary of the rule, click here.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-25377844548588798082011-12-14T14:09:00.000-08:002011-12-14T14:10:59.539-08:00

Register now for CRHC’s 2012 Colorado Rural Credentialing Network. This peer learning network provides rural hospitals and clinics: Access to participate in quarterly interactive Educational Credentialing Webinars facilitated by an expert credentialing specialist Up-to-Date Tools, Resources, Templates, and Materials, Archived Network Webinars and Information (through a member-only website) Peer

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-85761256702158662232011-12-14T14:05:00.001-08:002011-12-14T14:08:30.744-08:00

CRHC is pleased to offer the following upcoming webinars. For more information and to register, click on each title. Community Health Needs Assessments January 11, 2012, 1:00-2:00 Top 10 CAH Deficiencies and What We Can Do About It…- January 27, 2012 11:00-12:00 Utilization Management for Critical Access Hospitals February 28, 2012, 11:00-12:30

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-84191425394956196882011-12-14T08:17:00.000-08:002011-12-15T09:27:43.483-08:00

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 CAHs and eligible clinicians working in CAHs: primary care physicians; psychiatrists; nurse practitioners; certified nurse midwives; and physician assistants. CAHs and interested

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-48115214890399290112011-12-13T14:53:00.000-08:002011-12-14T14:54:26.366-08:00

TrailBlazer Provider Outreach and Education develops and promotes educational opportunities that enhance the Medicare knowledge of our providers and their staffs. All upcoming educational opportunities are posted on the Calendar of Events Web page. For a full list of recent resource links and articles please click here

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-16677314350006220642011-12-13T14:11:00.000-08:002011-12-14T14:11:52.551-08:00

The Federal Health Resources and Services Administration’s Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) recently kicked off a new Critical Access Hospital initiative, MBQIP, the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Project. With more national attention on quality and reporting, this initiative takes a proactive and visionary approach to ensure CAHs are well-equipped and prepared to measure and

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-65101471275616718402011-12-12T14:08:00.000-08:002011-12-14T14:09:14.018-08:00

The Quality Health Indicators (QHi) benchmarking tool is an online system geared towards CAHs and small rural hospitals under 50 beds. The majority of Colorado’s CAHs are QHi users, which enables participating hospitals to benchmark various clinical quality, financial, patient satisfaction, and operational measures against other CAHs in the state and around the nation. For more information about

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-30733150134956608172011-12-12T14:04:00.000-08:002011-12-14T14:05:04.750-08:00

Clarification is provided for existing hospital regulations 42 CFR 482.13(a) and (b), and new 42 CFR 482.13(h), concerning hospital patients’ rights, including advance directives and visitation rights. Clarification is provided for existing CAH regulations at 42 CFR 485.608(a), concerning compliance with Federal laws and regulations, including regulations governing advance directives and required

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-1050007093988658462011-12-12T13:54:00.000-08:002011-12-14T13:57:25.833-08:00

The Dec. 8 NPR piece produced by Kaiser Health News (KHN) didn’t report that Medicare costs are lower for rural patients than their urban counterparts. Medicare spends 4.5% less per beneficiary for rural residents compared to those living in urban areas, according to a recentStroudwater report which used 2008 Dartmouth Atlas data. The value that rural providers (including Hood Memorial Hospital

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-34184203526908489502011-12-09T13:57:00.000-08:002011-12-14T14:03:45.826-08:00

The Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) is pleased to announce the initial launch of http://medicaid.gov/, the first Federal government website devoted to the policies -- and the people -- of Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This website is the culmination of efforts at the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services to revitalize and reorient the information the

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-8714372463853086842011-12-07T14:54:00.000-08:002011-12-07T14:54:00.141-08:00

This course will provide basic information and skills to enable rural health care professionals and health and safety educators to learn the fundamentals and practical aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of occupational illnesses and injuries in the farm community. Successful completion of this course allows health care participants to join AgriSafe® as a Provider Member. AgriSafe®

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-2300453470739450662011-12-07T14:42:00.000-08:002011-12-07T14:42:00.399-08:00

January 27, 2012, 11:00-12:00 MST Please join CRHC for this webinar with presenter Terry Mahar from Eide Bailly where we 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

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-31303549893636470412011-12-06T14:46:00.001-08:002011-12-06T14:48:05.532-08:00

90-Day Period of Enforcement Discretion for Compliance With Version 5010 Deadline – CMS recently announced a 90-day enforcement discretion period for all HIPAA-covered entities regarding the Version 5010 (ASC X12 Version 5010) transition. The compliance deadline for the implementation of Version 5010 is still January 1, 2012; however, CMS will not initiate enforcement action until March 31, 2012

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-87391233345570139322011-12-06T14:38:00.001-08:002011-12-06T14:39:19.284-08:00

CRHC’s iCARE (Improving Communication and Readmission) offers Colorado CAHs the opportunity to receive free Quality Improvement training. Participating hospitals select a project focus and then can choose to take advantage of free Quality Improvement Practices Education and/or Lean Sigma Healthcare Yellow Belt or Green Belt training. The concepts hospitals learn through these trainings will help

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-83341353713641211962011-12-06T08:41:00.000-08:002011-12-08T08:45:05.361-08:00

Our program offers specialty - matched, confidential, medical opinions from a rural provider, for a rural provider, based on objective review of medical records.  The program is a collaborative effort among Colorado's rural providers, and not only provides a cost effective way to manage peer review requirements, but also provides an effective means to improve patient care through identifying

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-44591111612926736462011-12-05T14:57:00.000-08:002011-12-06T15:00:12.224-08:00

Friday, December 9, 2011, 2:45pm-4:00pm (EST) Interested in learning more about how to effectively engage executive leadership and board members in participating in patient safety initiatives? Sign up today for this free patient safety webinar hosted by the Partnership for Patients and the National Quality Forum. More details on the webinar are below: WEBINAR TITLE: Getting Your Board on Board

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-79841894538025381942011-12-05T14:45:00.000-08:002011-12-06T14:46:18.778-08:00

CMS and TrailBlazer have recently issues notices applicable to Critical Access Hospitals: Notification of Final Primary Care Incentive Payment Files for Payment Year 2012; MM7504 – Expansion of Medicare Telehealth Services for CY 2012. ; CMS-855A Application Guidance. For more information, click here.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-66584315420409228172011-12-05T14:39:00.000-08:002011-12-06T14:42:11.405-08:00

May 1, 2012 –Location: Eastern Plains, TBD CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am -3:00pm CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pm May 3, 2012 – Location: Southern Colorado, TBD CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pm May 10, 2012 – Location: Western Slope, TBD CAH Quality Improvement Workshop, 9:00am-3:00pm CAH Board Workshop, 4:00pm-7:30pm The Quality

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-28222452651019350052011-12-02T14:44:00.000-08:002011-12-06T14:45:21.023-08:00

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 12:00pm MST The University of Arizona Rural Health Office and the Southwest Telehealth Resource Center invite you to a free webinar on the implementation and practice of telemedicine. This is an opportunity to learn: Revenue and Expense considerations when developing a telemedicine program Basic business principles as they relate to telemedicine sustainability The

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-64094949888108920672011-12-01T09:30:00.000-08:002011-12-01T09:30:00.427-08:00

The guidance and online application for the CRHC 2011/2012 CAH Capacity Building Awards is now available. Through these awards, Colorado CAHs are eligible for up to $5,000 in funding. Click here to access the guidance. Click here to apply online. Applications are due by December 2, 2011. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Dunn at jd@coruralhealth.org.

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-79332692734381678902011-12-01T08:05:00.001-08:002011-12-01T08:06:41.371-08:00

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released proposed revisions to the Medicare Conditions of Participation for hospitals including Critical Access Hospitals (CAH). Some of the proposed revisions include privileging for non-physician staff, incorporating a nursing care plan into an interdisciplinary care plan, and changes to nursing services to allow for the preparation and

Courtnay Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876902238309929124noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6203201686841546143.post-33228814654100557122011-11-30T12:59:00.000-08:002011-12-01T08:14:47.995-08:00

The application and materials for the fifth cycle of the Colorado Rural Health Care Grant Program, administrated by the Colorado Rural Health Center, are now available. DEADLINE: Online Intent to Apply Forms — January 13, 2012 ; Applications — Noon (12:00 pm) February 15, 2012 ELIGIBILITY: Organizations that are located outside of Colorado's urbanized areas that provide outpatient primary care

Grace Amihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12640776670939549458noreply@blogger.com