Showing posts with label RHCs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RHCs. Show all posts

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Upcoming QHi Education Sessions


QHi began in Kansas in 2004 to provide small rural hospitals a web-based enterprise-wide benchmarking tool. Since then QHi has grown into a multi-state project supporting over 300 hospitals and 83 rural health clinics in 15 states. QHi continues to adapt to remain relevant in the ever-changing realm of health care, providing trend reports and comparative analytics in the areas of clinical quality, finance, human resources and patient satisfaction.
Our next QHi Education Session is on Tuesday, August 25 at 2:00 Central Time. Darlene Bainbridge will present,"Raising Your Numbers through Effective QI" targeting the Rural Health Clinic setting. Please register here for this free webinar. Presentation materials will be distributed prior to the session.

A Back to Basics Session for all participants or those interested in the program is scheduled for Thursday, September 17 from 2:00 to 3:00 Central Time. We will review new features of the site and walk through the basics of adding users, selecting measures, entering data and running reports. Please click here to register for this free session.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Clinics! Please Complete Your Clinic Profile

If you haven't done so already, please complete and return the 2015 Clinic Profile document to Liz Kelman at lk@coruralhealth.org

This profile is sent out annually to all rural clinics in Colorado to be completed by clinic leadership staff. We at CRHC understand the time restraints you and your staff have and the heavy workload that you carry. It is not our intention to add to this load, but to collect pertinent information from you that will in turn help us to advocate on your behalf. It is extremely important to collect even the minimal amount of demographic data from all rural clinics in the state in order to have a unified voice in promoting services, payment reform and funding opportunities for you. In addition, having up to date contact information will ensure that you receive all updates and announcements from us in a timely manner.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

CY 2016 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule

On July 8, 2015 CMS published the proposed rule for the 2016 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. We believe the following provisions are of interest to the National Association of Rural Health Clinics.

Proposed Chronic Care Management Benefit

As a part of their broader goal to integrate and coordinate services, CMS is proposing to extend the Chronic Care Management benefit to RHCs. Beginning on January 1, 2016 RHCs who furnish a minimum of 20 minutes per month of chronic care management (CCM) services to qualifying patients may begin billing for these services. RHCs would also be subject to all the other requirements of providing CCM services such as having up-to-date EHR software, maintaining an electronic beneficiary care plan, and beneficiary consent. You can find a primer on the current CCM benefit here.

The proposed rate for the CCM services will be based off the national average non facility payment rate for CPT code 99490 which was $42.91 per beneficiary per month in the first quarter of 2015. In evaluating the payment methodology for the CCM benefit, CMS specifically noted comments submitted by the National Association of Rural Health Clinics. CMS proposes to waive the face-to-face requirement in order to allow CCM services to be billed as part of the RHC benefit. We expect CCM services will be billed via the CPT code field on the standard UB 04 form. Further billing details will be released after adoption of a final rule later this year.

Proposed HCPCS Reporting Requirement for RHCs
CMS believes that requiring RHCs to report HCPCS (CPT) codes for all services would provide useful information on RHC patient characteristics, and the types of services being furnished by RHCs. As such CMS is proposing that all RHCs must report all services furnished during an encounter using standardized coding systems beginning January 1, 2016. The proposal requires an HCPCS (CPT) code to be reported along with the standard Medicare revenue code for each service furnished by an RHC to a Medicare patient. CMS is inviting comments from RHCs on the feasibility of updating their billing systems to meet the proposed implementation date of January 1, 2016.

Clarifying RHCs are not subject to PQRS Adjustments
CMS clarified that eligible professionals working in RHCs who perform non-RHC services (hospital inpatient visits, lab services, etc.) and bill Medicare Part B for these services, at RHCs are not subject to PQRS negative payment adjustments.

Comments Solicited for MIPS Low-Volume Threshold Exception

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) combines the PQRS, Meaningful Use, and Value Based Payment Modifier into one system called the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) beginning in 2019. MACRA requires the Secretary to create a low-volume exception, to exclude certain professionals who might otherwise qualify from the MIPS program. CMS is soliciting comments on what factor(s) should be used to establish this low-volume threshold.

New Exception to Physician Kickback Rule

CMS is proposing a new exception to the Physician Kickback Rule to permit remuneration from a hospital, FQHC, or RHC to a physician to assist with employing a physician assistant (PA), nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), or nurse midwife (CNM). As currently proposed, the exception only applies when the PA/NP/CNS/CNM is a bona fide employee of the physician. As such, CMS is soliciting comments as to whether or not the exception should also apply to independent contractors. Additionally, CMS is soliciting comments on two methodologies to determine the geographic area served by FQHCs/RHCs. These definitions are intended to apply to RHCs/FQHCs in the same way that they apply to hospitals and rural hospitals, for purposes of the remuneration exception.

Ambulance Fee Schedule - Extension of the Super Rural Bonus



CMS is proposing to amend federal code in order to extend the “Super Rural Bonus” rate modifier for ambulance services through January 1, 2018 in accordance with MACRA.


Ambulance Fee Schedule – Staffing Requirement Revisions
Current staffing requirements require that Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support ambulance providers must have two staffers present, but only one of these staffers must meet certain requirements. CMS is proposing to revise the staffing requirements such that all Medicare-covered (BLS and ALS) ambulance transports must be staffed by at least two people who meet the requirements of state and local law, in addition to the Medicare requirements. CMS believes these proposals would enhance the quality and safety of ambulances services provided to Medicare beneficiaries and strengthen the federal government’s ability to prosecute ambulance staffing violations.

Comments

Comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on September 8, 2015, you may submit comments electronically at www.regulations.gov

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Denver Arthritis Clinic: Equipment for Sale

The Denver Arthritis Clinic has several piece of equipment that are available:

  • Beckman Coulter HmX with autoloader is 6 years old, runs well, performs complete blood count plus 5 part differential.
  • Biotek – EL311 Elisa microplate reader
  • Biotek – ELX 50/8 microplate washer
  • Centrifuge
  • Matrix Impact 2 – 8 channel pipet
For more information, please contact Martha Ferraro at MFerraro@DACdenver.com. 


Thursday, June 18, 2015

CMS Table of Preventive Services

CMS has published an updated interactive table of preventive services, which can be found on the Medicare Learning Network website.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Clinics! Please Complete Your Clinic Profile

If you haven't done so already, please complete and return the 2015 Clinic Profile document to Liz Kelman at lk@coruralhealth.org

This profile is sent out annually to all rural clinics in Colorado to be completed by clinic leadership staff. We at CRHC understand the time restraints you and your staff have and the heavy workload that you carry. It is not our intention to add to this load, but to collect pertinent information from you that will in turn help us to advocate on your behalf. It is extremely important to collect even the minimal amount of demographic data from all rural clinics in the state in order to have a unified voice in promoting services, payment reform and funding opportunities for you. In addition, having up to date contact information will ensure that you receive all updates and announcements from us in a timely manner.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Letter from Program Leader of Colorado Colorectal Screening Program

Colorado Colorectal Screening Program
University of Colorado Cancer Center
13001 E. 17th Place, Mail Stop F519
Aurora, CO 80045

Dear community clinics partners

Although colon cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death, we are making progress reducing incidence and mortality rates in Colorado by 3-4% per year. We want to thank you for the important part you have played in assuring the medically underserved Coloradans received screening, treatment, and navigation support as part of those efforts over the past 10 years. The Program has been able to provide colonoscopies to about 18,000 people, preventing about 575 colorectal cancers, and helping to diagnose and treat about 150 cancers. We want to thank you for providing care to your clinic members, otherwise this never could have happened.

The Program's current 3 year contract with the CDPHE ends June 30, 2015. Our new award includes funding for patient navigation and training, but does not cover direct medical services for colonoscopies or cancer treatment.

We have notified providers that funds for colonoscopy for colon cancer screening, as well as associated anesthesiology and pathology services will no longer be available through this grant after June 30,2015 {the end of the contract period.) All outstanding invoices must be received by the Program by July 15, 2015 in order to be paid. Please make sure that you have provided the certifications to your provider so they can bill in a timely manner. Any invoice/bill/statement received after that date will not be paid.

We hope that your clinic will partner with us to assure medically underserved patients, such as those now on Medicaid, insured through the health exchange, and the uninsured can receive navigation support when they are screened for colon cancer. You will be receiving a separate email containing the new MOU for patient navigation with the Program. In addition, we will be in contact with you to discuss possible ways to receive some limited funding we have from an alternative source to help support screening services.

If you have any questions, please contact Lori Workman, Administration &Fiscal Manager at 303-724-1296 (lori.workman@ucdenver.edu) or me at 303-724-1273 (holly.wolf@ucdenver.edu).

Sincerely,


Holly J Wolf, PhD, MSPH

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Clinics- Please Complete Your Clinic Profile!

If you haven't done so already, please complete and return the 2015 Clinic Profile document to Liz Kelman at lk@coruralhealth.org

This profile is sent out annually to all rural clinics in Colorado to be completed by clinic leadership staff. We at CRHC understand the time restraints you and your staff have and the heavy workload that you carry. It is not our intention to add to this load, but to collect pertinent information from you that will in turn help us to advocate on your behalf. It is extremely important to collect even the minimal amount of demographic data from all rural clinics in the state in order to have a unified voice in promoting services, payment reform and funding opportunities for you. In addition, having up to date contact information will ensure that you receive all updates and announcements from us in a timely manner.

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Slides from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy RHC TA Call

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy has posted the slides, recording and transcript for the May 5th RHC TA call on ICD-10. Follow this link if you wish to access any of this information. This same webpage will also provide you with access to previous RHC TA call recordings, transcripts and slides.

FREE Self-Management Program for Older Adults with Chronic Disease in Colorado

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a six-week, peer-led, evidence-based workshop developed at Stanford University.


Through a grant held by the Colorado Department of Human Services, State Unit on Aging, this workshop is currently offered free of charge to Coloradans age 60 and older with a chronic health condition or age 18 and older with a disability.

CDSMP gives participants the tools they need to set achievable goals, reduce stress, eat healthier foods and increase their physical activity. The program also cuts health care costs, reducing hospitalizations and physician visits.

Workshops are offered in counties across the state. For a full schedule, go to selfmanagementcolorado.org.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: Lessons from Colorado

Colorado is placing a big bet on the expected benefits of integrating primary care and behavioral health care.

Integration is a focus of Colorado’s $65 million State Innovation Model (SIM) award. And many practices across the state are already innovating around integration.

The Colorado Health Institute (CHI) studied six practices that are testing an array of approaches to integration, tailoring models to their locations, their client populations, their workplace cultures and their available resources, among other considerations.

CHI released its report today, "New Models for Integrating Behavioral Health and Primary Care: Lessons from Six Colorado Health Care Providers."

Based on the research, CHI identified five critical success factors:
  • Align the level of integration with patient needs and practice capacity. 
  • Innovate and adapt both the workforce and the workplace. 
  • Create new funding models that support integration. 
  • Recognize that patient numbers impact integration potential. 
  • Lead creatively and learn constantly. 
While each of the six practices is unique and is in different places along the integration continuum, CHI found at least two things in common.

Each practice demonstrates how communities are developing local health care solutions to meet local needs. And each has lessons for Colorado’s policymakers, health care leaders and practices just beginning the integration journey.

Read a blog by the paper's author, Senior Analyst and Communications Specialist Anna Vigran.

In addition to the new report, CHI has also created a new behavioral health data workbook that breaks data down by the state's 21 Health Statistics Regions.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

ICD-10: Preparing for Implementation and New ICD-10-PCS Section X — Registration Now Open

ICD-10: Preparing for Implementation and New ICD-10-PCS Section X — Registration Now Open

Thursday, June 18; 1:30-3pm ET

To Register: Visit MLN Connects® Upcoming Calls. Space may be limited, register early.

It’s not too late to get ready for ICD-10 implementation on October 1, 2015. During this MLN Connects National Provider Call, CMS subject matter experts will present strategies and resources to help you prepare. Also, learn about ICD-10-PCS Section X for new technologies, which will be used by hospitals. A question and answer session will follow the presentations.

Agenda:
  • National implementation update and preparation strategies 
  • ICD-10-PCS Section X for new technologies 
  • Testing update 
  • Provider resources 
Target Audience: Medical coders, physicians, physician office staff, nurses and other non-physician practitioners, provider billing staff, health records staff, vendors, educators, system maintainers, laboratories, and all Medicare providers.

Continuing education credit may be awarded for participation in certain MLN Connects Calls. Visit the Continuing Education Credit Information web page to learn more.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

NARHC RHC Technical Assistance Call slides

Did you miss last week’s RHC Technical Assistance call from National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC)??

Here are the slides from this important presentation regarding ICD-10!

Delta Dental Oral Health Mini-Grant Project

Request for Applications

Oral Health Mini-Grant Project


Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood condition and yet preventable. By supporting projects that increase access to care and address the causes of the disease and impacting systems, the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation has a unique approach to fighting childhood cavities. Now, we're looking for creative partners to join us on our journey.

Our statewide request for applications (RFA) has been issued to fund projects working to improve children's oral health in local settings. Approximately $100,000 in funding is available through this RFA, with awards ranging from $1,000 - $15,000 per grant.

Press Release

This announcement is part of our larger efforts to spur dental health throughout Colorado. Interested individuals or organizations must implement a project that targets one of our three drivers of success.

Request for Applications

We are looking for non-profit organizations and individuals who aim to improve children's oral health in Colorado. Applications may include requests for funding projects that take up to one year to complete. Funding is also available for a one time use. Applications are due June 12, 2015.

Important Dates

May 22 
Project Overview Teleconference 

June 12 
Applications Due 
August 21
Notify Applicants of Awards
October 1
Letters of Agreement Issued


Share with others! 
Do you know someone with a great idea? Forward this to them so they can apply.

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Thursday, April 30, 2015

MLN Connects Provider eNews for April 30th, 2015

Click here to view this week's MLN Connects Provider eNews from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Second PQRS/Value Modifier Webinar Scheduled

REGISTER NOW: Additional PQRS/Value Modifier Webinar Scheduled

The Philadelphia Regional Office of CMS will be hosting an additional webinar on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 12:00 Noon EDT to provide an overview of the requirements of the 2015 Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) and the Value-based Payment Modifier (VM). The link to register for this call can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-pqrs-and-value-based-payment-modifier-programs-april-7-registration-16351613115

This will be the same presentation that will be delivered on March 31, so if you are attending that call we kindly ask that you do not register for this call so as to give as many people a chance to hear the presentation. This call is intended for eligible professionals, practice managers, office staff, and all other interested parties who deal with the PQRS and VM programs. The dial in number and link to the webinar will be given upon registration. If we maximize attendance on this call, there may be additional calls scheduled soon. Please share this meeting invitation with partners, members, and colleagues who would benefit from this information. Thank you.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

PQRS Guidance

As previously noted, MLN Matters® Special Edition Article #SE1508, “Guidance on the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS) 2013 Reporting Year and 2015 Payment Adjustment for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs),” was released on March 6th. This article is designed to provide education on the PQRS 2013 reporting year and 2015 payment adjustment for RHCs, FQHCs, and CAHs. Previous issues and a link to subscribe to MLN Connects are available in the archive.

Webinar: Road to 10: A Small Physician Practice’s Route to ICD-10

CMS and HRSA are offering a free webinar to help your practice make the transition to IDC-10. “Road to 10: A Small Physician Practice’s Route to ICD-10” will be held on March 27th from 2PM to 3 PM Eastern and is being offered to HRSA Program Staff and Grantees. To register for the webinar, click on the link. Dial-In Number: (800) 603-1774, Conference ID: 2164597.

Funding Opportunity for Diabetic Education

There is a funding opportunity through the American Association of Diabetic Education to fund diabetic education administered through your clinic. If your clinic has Diabetic Self Management Education accreditation through the ADA or AADE, they may be eligible for significant funding for the program. If you are interested in learning more and have this accreditation, please contact Sara Leahy at sl@coruralhealth.org or 303-565-5848.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Colorado APN Workforce website

The Center has developed a website that will be used to inform folks about APRN issues and Senate Bill 197. You’ll find the latest information about the progress of the bill and any new developments. Please take a look!

www.ColoradoAPN.org