Class: Being a Voice for Your Child with Special Healthcare Needs

Do you want more information on how you can be a voice for your child at home, in the doctor’s office, or in a patient room? Attend this event to make sure you know what to ask your physician and when it is time to ask for a second opinion. 

Who: Matthew Vitaska, Jim Koontz, Patty Skolnik
When: Tuesday, October 9, 6:30 – 8pm
Where: Mt. Yale Conference Room, 2nd floor Conference Center, Children’s Hospital Colorado (13123 E. 16th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045)

This event is free, but space is limited, so reserve your spot today! For all questions please call 720-777-6253

Colorado Oral Health Plan Webinar

Date: October 4, 2012
Time: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Please join Oral Health Colorado for a one hour informational webinar to introduce the newly released Colorado Oral Health Plan. Governor Hickenlooper will share some welcoming thoughts about oral health as a critical "winnable battle" and the role of key stakeholders in improving the oral health of all Colordans.

How to Participate
Online: Visit the Livestream channel prior to the webinar to ensure you can access the site.
By phone: Toll Free #: 1-877-820-7831; Participant Passcode:  545656

Public Health Integration Summit

Date/Time: Thursday, October 18, 10:30 to 4:30
Location: Holiday Inn Select, 455 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80246

The Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC) is committed to the role of convening health care stakeholders around the state to build collaboration toward advancing the Triple Aim goals of improved population health, better care for the individual, and lower health care costs. The successful integration of public health and the private health care delivery system is critical to achieving these goals. The Public Health Integration Summit will convene health care and community stakeholders to develop a shared vision of effective integration through further understanding the current landscape, identifying potential gaps and/or barriers to success, and developing a path to advance integration...View the agenda and register online.

NEW REPORT ON FOUNDATION SUPPORT OF ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY WORK

A new report from The Colorado Trust, Advocacy & Public Policy Grantmaking: Matching Process to Purpose, reviews options funders have in supporting advocacy and public policy efforts, and describes the outcomes they can expect to achieve. The report is based on an extensive literature review as well as interviews with staff at foundations with mature policy portfolios, representing an array of foundation sizes, content areas and structures...Read more.  [Source: The Colorado Trust]

HCPF Provider Bulletin

Click here to read the September Provider Bulletin. The index includes:

All Providers .........................................1
Proof of Eligibility Letter..........................1
Safeguarding Medical Identity Toolkit ....1
Colorado Choice Transition....................2
Fee Schedule .........................................2
PAR Submission to the ColoradoPAR Program..................................................2
Client Over-Utilization Program (COUP).... 3
ACC Program Referral Requirement......4
ACC Payment Reform Initiative..............4
Dual Eligibles..........................................4
Record Retention....................................5
September & October Holidays..............5
Dental and Orthodontic Providers......5
PAR Procedures Update ........................5
DME/Supply Providers.........................6
Special PAR Submission Requirements.... 6

...and much more!

Miss the Colorado Health Symposium? Catch up on it!

"If the socioeconomic and political divides in health and health care seem too wide and steep to bridge, a new report sets the tone for a more hopeful future. Subtitled   "Health Equity: Bridging the Divides," the 16-page document compiles the best moments from the 2012 Colorado Health Symposium. The report includes provocative quotes and compelling data from the Symposium's keynote speakers, along with excerpts from a thoughtful debate about the government's role in what we eat. Also, videos of Symposium plenary, keynote sessions and the debate are available on Ustream." [Source: Colorado Health Foundation]

Upcoming Livestream: ECOP Message Testing Results

"CDPHE's Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Team invites you to join a Livestream event to learn the results of a message testing project relating to preconception healthy weight, appropriate gestational weight gain, developmental screening, oral health, and obesity prevention in early childhood. This event will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 1:30-3:00 pm..." Click here for more information and to register. [Source: CDPHE]

Pregnancy-related Depression Webinar now available online!

Pregnancy-related depression webinar with Katherine Stone, founder of Postpartum Progress, is now available online.  This webinar focuses on pregnancy-related depression:

• What it is and what the symptoms look like
• How it impacts moms, children and communities

View and download the Postpartum Progress Webinar Slides here.

Colorado Medical Assistance Programs Work Group Meeting on 9/27

When: September 27, 2012 from 10:30AM to 12:00PM
Where: Meeting to be held at 4500 Cherry Creek South Drive, Suite 200, Front Conference Room, Glendale, CO 80246
Teleconference Access Information: Participant Dial-in Number 855-263-6806, Event Pass Code 29991509

The Colorado Medical Assistance Programs Work Group Meeting Agenda incluede: Disability Buy-In update by Andrea Skubal, Help Desk Tickets update by Sonia Sandoval, CHP+ update by Christine Martinez/Teresa Craig, Hunger Free Colorado update by Maura Barnes, MAXIMUS update by Jeff Gaskill.

Questions can be sent in advance to workgroup_coeemap@maximus.com

Mental Health and the ACA

Mental Health America of Colorado has created a detailed summary of the implications of the Affordable Health Care Act on mental health in Colorado.  View it online.

The Colorado Health Foundation Foundation taking first steps toward 'Healthy Places'

"Up to three Colorado communities will become healthier places to live, work and play under a new initiative to be launched by the Colorado Health Foundation.

"Healthy Places: Designing an Active Colorado," a five-year, $4.5 million initiative, will promote environments where it is easier to engage in daily physical activities that encourage movement and connection. The initiative recognizes the importance of the "built environment" in promoting physical activity and fighting obesity...Through a request for participation process, the Foundation will select two to three Colorado communities to be evaluated by the Urban Land Institute. Panelists from ULI will spend a week in the selected communities, assessing their needs, interviewing stakeholders and making recommendations on building healthy places that promote active living. Communities that complete the panel process will have the opportunity to apply for funding to implement their plans.

To kick off the initiative, the Foundation seeks requests for qualifications (RFQs) from contractors interested in providing technical assistance and external evaluation"...  Click here to read more and to learn how to participate! [Source: Colorado Health Foundation]

CDPHE Releases Requests for Application for the Old Age Pension Dental Program

"The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Oral Health Unit has released a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Old Age Pension Dental Program for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. This program supports dental assistance for qualified low-income seniors...Oral Health will be airing an informational webinar at noon on Sept. 24 in which oral health experts will review and explain the RFA.  Please submit any questions or comments you would like addressed during the webinar to Jean McMains. There also will be time at the end of the webinar to address additional questions or concerns. Information about accessing the webinar will be posted to the CDPHE Oral Health Unit webpage soon..." Click here to learn more.  [Source: COPrevent]

The Colorado All Payer Claims Database Launch

Please join CIVHC as they unveil the new Colorado All Payer Claims Database. Be among the first to see a live demonstration of the interactive website and learn how you can get answers to these important questions and more that identify Colorado's variation in health care cost and utilization:

•    How much do we spend on health care in Colorado?
•    Do common procedures differ in price depending on the facility?
•    Are people on Medicaid visiting the ER more than people with private insurance?
•    How has the use of health care services changed in Colorado over time?

When: Thursday November 1, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM MDT

Where: The Colorado Trust, 1600 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203

Space is limited...Register Today!

Oral Health Online Course

Smiles for Life is a comprehensive oral health curriculum designed for primary care clinicians to enhance their role in promoting oral health for all age groups. Developed by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Group on Oral Health, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, students, and other clinicians can access the curriculum and learn on their own time and at their own pace. Each of the courses is available online. Free CME credit is available. Clinicians can access the modules using this quick links:

• The Relationship of Oral to Systemic Health
• Child Oral Health
• Adult Oral Health
• Acute Dental Problems
• Oral Health & the Pregnant Patient
• Fluoride Varnish
• The Oral Examination
• Geriatric Oral Health

[Source: Association of Clinicians for the Underserved]

CU College of Nursing - Making a Difference in Obesity Across the Lifespan

To help examine and assess the impact of obesity across the lifespan, the CU College of Nursing, Office of Lifelong Learning is hosting a program with faculty from the College of Nursing's Division of Women, Children's and Family Health for an engaging afternoon focused on the global perspective, using technology and motivational interviewing to engage families in healthier lifestyles, latest research findings on innovative approaches, and strategies for improving care for populations at risk for obesity.  The program will be followed by a reception with light food and beverages.  Click here for more information and to register.

Where: Anschutz Medical Campus [Education 2 North, 2nd floor, Room 2102]
When: Thursday September 27th, 2:00 PM - 5:45 PM; Reception following until 7:00 pm
Questions? Contact NursingCE@ucdenver.edu or call 303-724-6883
Cost: Registration fee is $40.00 and includes the reception.  Click here to register.

JHCPU Special Issue on Quality Improvement

Readers of the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved (JHCPU) received a bonus last month - a special supplement documenting a decade of work on quality improvement by safety net providers titled Evidence for Informing the Next Generation of Quality Improvement Initiatives: Models, Methods, Measures, and Outcomes. Dr. Ahmed Calvo, senior guest editor for the supplement, said the supplement shows that the "safety net is extremely sophisticated a) about the care that it delivers, b) about its quality measures, and c) about the ability to provide care to complex multi-condition patients that it serves."  Click here to read more and access the supplemental document. 

ACC Payment Reform Initiative Update

"The Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) payment reform initiative bill passed during the 2012 legislative session allows the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to accept proposals for innovative payment reforms that will demonstrate new ways of paying for improved client health outcomes for Medicaid clients while reducing costs.

The Department is developing a formal process for requesting, receiving, evaluating and selecting proposals. The first step will be an invitation for abstracts. All abstracts must be submitted through the Accountable Care Collaborative's Regional Care Collaborative Organizations (RCCOs) and their partners. Abstracts will assist the Department in developing the proposal evaluation criteria...Click here to read more about the process, to find the invitation for abstracts, a fact sheet and FAQs." [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center]

ICD-10 Trainings available to all safety net providers

A number of ICD-10 training opportunities are available.  Special rates are available for ClinicNET affiliates!  While these trainings focus on rural health care providers the information shared is valuable to all providers in the safety net community.  ICD-10 training opportunities include:

Online Classes: Take advantage of this opportunity to enroll in the following online courses that will prepare you and your organization for the successful transition to ICD 10.  These courses will provide you with history, structure, functions, guidelines and the terminology needed to ensure accurate and efficient billing processes. Whether you are a new coder, an advanced coder with years of experience, or a health care provider -- you will find value in this timely information. Click here for more information.

Workshops: “Turning ICD-9 into ICD-10”:  Presenters Todd Welter, MS CPC and Susan Whitney, CPC, CPC-L will take the top diagnosis codes used in a rural health practice/setting and help you, and ultimately your providers, understand what changes will need to be made in the provider’s documentation to maintain timely and accurate claims submission and claims payments.  Workshops will be hosted:

•    September 18th - Holyoke, CO
•    September 20th - Del Norte, CO
•    September 25th - Grand Junction, CO
•    September 28th - Webinar

To register please click on one of the four locations above. If you have any questions please contact Courtnay Ryan.

New Report: Potential Roles for Safety Net Providers in Supporting Continuity Across Medicaid and Health Insurance Exchanges

"One challenge states face in implementing the Affordable Care Act is smoothing transitions for individuals who may churn between Medicaid and health insurance exchanges. Many people who will become eligible for coverage already interact with safety net providers. This report, and a related NASHP webinar explore potential roles safety net providers could play in bridging gaps in coverage and care between Medicaid and exchanges..."  Click here to download the report.  [Source: NASHP]

Webinar: Overview of Meaningful Use Stage 2 Final Rule for Safety Net Providers

When: Tuesday, September 18, 2012, 1 PM (ET)

"This exclusive webinar will feature lead staff from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, who will provide an overview of the Meaningful Use Stage II Final Rule and how it affects safety net providers like health centers, rural providers, critical access hospitals, and Ryan White clinics.  CMS staff will be available to address specific questions from safety net providers. This webinar will also present staff from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, who will provide a brief overview of the Standards and Certification Criteria Final Rule. HRSA encourages all safety net providers to participate in this call to learn more about these proposed final rules..." Click here to learn more and to register.  [Source: HRSA]

Funding for the Old Age Pension Program Renewed

"A bill passed during the 2012 legislative session which restored funding for the Old Age Pension (OAP) program. Treatment for the Oral Health Program of OAP is anticipated to begin January of 2013...The Oral Health Program manages the dental component of the OAP providing grants to eligible grantees for the provision of dental services to seniors eligible for OAP.

Approved procedures and maximum allowable fees are set in the Code of Colorado Regulations (6 CCR 1015-8). Clients may be asked to pay a co-payment not to exceed 20% of the maximum allowable fee.

Click here to read more (scroll down to Old Age Pension Program)."  [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center]

Take this survey on the 9/12 COHBE Public Meeting

On September 12, 20122 the Colorado Health Benefits Exchange (COHBE) invited members of the public to attend a meeting to view and provide feedback about preliminary customer shopping screen designs for individuals and families.  COHBE is distributing an online survey for Coloradans to review and submit feedback about preliminary shopping screens. Please submit the survey by 5 pm on September 18.  

Webinar: Leadership Tips During a Health IT Implementation

When: Friday, September 14, 2012 – 2:00 PM (ET)

"This webinar focuses on the importance of leadership in successfully steering an organization through a health IT implementation. It features established leaders who have conducted more than 70 health IT implementations in health centers, rural health clinics, and critical access hospitals. The presenters will also focus on how leadership is important in helping staff, clinicians, patients, a safety net providers’ board, and partners adjust to and overcome the barriers that typically accompany a health IT implementation and impede success. Lastly, the presenters will provide leadership examples of unique health IT implementation situations such as meeting meaningful use objectives, changing vendors, and implementing health IT in multiple provider sites..."Click here to learn more and to register.  [Source: HRSA]

Meaningful Use “Boot Camp” Seminar to Help Health Care Professionals Maximize EHR Incentive Payments

From conferences to news articles, at every turn health care professionals are being inundated with the term “Meaningful Use.” Many Colorado providers are trying to navigate unfamiliar territory on their own, but don’t know where to start. For those providers needing help selecting an electronic health record (EHR) system, or understanding or achieving Meaningful Use objectives, CORHIO is hosting a free Meaningful Use Boot Camp seminar on September 27. All health care providers and their office staff are welcome to attend..."  Click here to read more.  [Source: CORHIO]

Our 2011 Annual Report is now available!

ClinicNET is pleased to announce the release of our first ever annual report!  The report features general information about ClinicNET, comments from community partners, affiliates, and ClinicNET leadership, detailed organizational priorities, annual financials and more.  It is available in an online format and in hard copy form.  ClinicNET affiliates, community partners, and supporters can look forward to receiving a hard copy of the report in their mail box very soon.  If you are interested in receiving a copy please contact Maddie Snyder. 

ONC- HRSA Webinar: “Demo of the New ONC Privacy and Security Training Game and Program Update for Safety Net Providers”

Tuesday, September 11, 2012 – 10:00 AM (ET)
Webinar will feature a new training tool from the Office of National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) Privacy and Security Group.  ONC will demo an interactive training game for providers and staff on the “do’s and don’ts” of privacy and security issues regarding health IT. This training tool can be used to help fulfill a safety net provider’s HIPAA privacy training requirements. In addition, ONC will provide a privacy and security update on recent program changes and how they affect safety net providers. Presenters include:

·         Laura Rosas, JD, MPH, Policy Analyst, ONC

·         William Phelps Policy Analyst, ONC

Register here: http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=74744813 

Building on a Solid Foundation for the Navigator Program

"The insurance exchanges under development in many states may be brand new, but the navigator programs that will help Americans choose plans in the exchange need not be built from scratch, writes NASHP’s Rachel Dolan in a new blog post on statereforum.org." Read entire blog entry.  [Source: StateRefor(u)m]

Colorado Health Foundation offers upcoming Applicant Information Session webinar

The Colorado Health Foundation is hosting an application information webinar for prospective grant applicants. The webinar gives representatives from nonprofits that work in health care, health coverage and healthy living a chance to learn about the Foundation's grantmaking program.
 
Webinar: Applicant Information Session
Friday, September 14 
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Click here to learn more and to register.

Colorado Disability Supports Program is up and running

The Colorado Disability Supports Program is a new program that is available to assist people with disabilities as they navigate the Social Security and Medicaid Long Term care application and benefit retention process.  The program is up and rolling and accepting clients to assist.  Click here to learn more about the program and fill out a referral form.

PEAK Application Walk-through Webinar 9/10/2012

The PEAK Application Walk-through Webinar will walk through the PEAK screener and a portion of the application so that you can familiarize yourself with the questions being asked.  Application Walk-throughs occur from 1:00 - 2:30PM on the second Monday of each month. To join the September 10th webinar, click HERE and enter the password: peak. To hear the audio portion of the call, dial (712) 432-0220 and enter the code: 5642211#.

Free Diabetic Eye Disease Materials Available

"Diabetic retinopathy, the most common diabetic eye disease, is the leading cause of blindness in adults 20–74 years of age. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), 7.7 million people age 40 and older have diabetic retinopathy and it is projected to increase to approximately 11 million people by 2030...The National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) of the NEI invites you to order free resources to educate people with diabetes about diabetic eye disease and the importance of getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year."  Click here to learn more.  [Source: COPrevent]

Department of Health Care Policy and Financing August issue of At a Glance

The August At a Glance publication provides updates from the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.