The Role of Public Health in the Success of Health Care Reform: Closing the Gaps

When: April 11th, 2013 8:30 AM  -  3:30 PM
Location: Double Tree Hotel--Thornton, Steamboat Grand Ballroom, 83 E. 120th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80233
Email: colorado.cphp@ucdenver.edu
Click here to register

"The Colorado School of Public Health, in conjunction with public health leaders from across Colorado, will host this symposium.  The purpose of the convening is to create a public platform to discuss and plan ways in which public health can collectively engage in the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage expansion..." Click here for more information.  [Source: Center for Public Health Practice]

Free Meaningful Use Boot Camp

Dates/Times:  April 12, 2013 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location:  Hilton Garden Inn - Tech Center, 7675 East Union Ave, Denver, CO , 80237

"Interested in learning more about meaningful use? Want to find out if you’re eligible for incentive funds?

Attend the free Meaningful Use Boot Camp for health care professionals who want to incorporate Meaningful Use objectives into their practices and potentially receive incentive payments."  Learn more about this event.  [Source: CORHIO]

COHBE Seeks Applications from Local and Statewide Organizations to Provide Customer Support and Outreach

"The Colorado Health Benefit Exchange (COHBE) is inviting organizations across Colorado to submit applications to be part of the new Connect for Health Assistance Network. The Assistance Network will be a team of organizations across the state that will provide certified Health Coverage Guides to sit down with customers and help them use Colorado's new health insurance marketplace...The Connect for Health Assistance Network Funding Opportunity is available on our website. Applications for grants are due April 8, 2013. COHBE will host public informational meetings to answer questions about the funding opportunity. Questions and completed applications must be submitted by email to grants@cohbe.org. Sites are expected to be chosen in May and training will take place this summer, in preparation for opening in October."  [Source: COHBE]

Primary Care Provider Self Attestation Form

"Changes to Medicaid primary care reimbursement were enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act. Eligible physicians will receive supplemental payments for services rendered between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014, that raise the Medicaid reimbursement to Medicare rates. Medicare rates have not been confirmed at this time.

To be eligible, physicians must personally attest as practicing in family medicine, general internal medicine and/or pediatric medicine and be board certified or meet thresholds for providing recent primary care services.  Advanced practice professionals practicing under the personal supervision of a qualified physician are eligible to receive the supplemental payment...Providers must fill out the short Self-Attestation Form in order to be eligible for the supplemental payments.

If self-attested before March 31, 2013, payments will be retroactive to January 1, 2013. If attested after March 31, 2013, the supplemental payments will be for eligible services provided after the date of self-attestation."  Click here to read more.

• Self-Attestation Form
• FAQs
• Fact Sheet

[Source: Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing]

CFHA 's 15th Annual Conference & Call for Presentations

When: October 10-12, 2013
Where: Omni Interlocken Resort, Broomfield/Denver, Colorado

The Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) is a member-based, member-driven collaborative organization...The CFHA Annual Conference focuses on the many and varied aspects of collaborative and integrated healthcare. It has become the premiere conference of its type, bringing together practitioners, researchers, students, academicians, consumers and patients, corporations, governmental agencies, foundations, and many others...

This conference is your opportunity to share your expertise and your creativity with others from whom you too can learn. This is an opportunity to expand connections and accelerate our collective capacity to become effective change agents in the adoption of collaborative care.

We seek proposals for presentations that address the conference theme, "Disrupting Status Quo", as well as presentations that help advance CFHA’s mission to promote a comprehensive and cost-effective model of healthcare delivery..."  Click here to learn more about submitting a proposal (due March 15th, 2013) and attending the conference.  [Source: Collaborative Family Healthcare Association]

Updates from HCPF

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing's CICP Newsletter is now available. (February 2013)

Colorado Collaboration Award

"Once again, the Colorado Collaboration Award will offer $50,000 to a highly successful nonprofit partnership. The award was established in 2011 by a diverse group of Colorado funders to acknowledge, encourage and support successful collaboration. The 2013 award application is open now through March 15. To get started, visit the Colorado Collaboration Award Web page."  [Source: Colorado Health Foundation]

New heart attack awareness resources available in Spanish

"The HHS Office on Women’s Health (OWH) recently launched its new heart attack awareness campaign targeting Spanish-speaking women age 50 and over. The “Haga La Llamada, ¡No Pierda Tiempo!” campaign builds on OWH’s successful “Make the Call, Don’t Miss a Beat” campaign, that began in 2011. The new Spanish-language campaign aims to educate and empower Spanish-speaking women to call 9-1-1 when they experience any of the seven symptoms of a heart attack and to do the same for their mothers, sisters and friends. View resources here..."  [Source: COPrevent]

Introducing Forum keynote speaker Dr. Winston Wong!

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Winston Wong, MD, MS will be the 2013 Forum's keynote speaker!  Dr. Wong serves as Medical Director, Community Benefit, at the California-based Kaiser Permanente where he is responsible for developing partnerships with communities and agencies in advancing population management and evidence based medicine, with a particular emphasis on safety net providers and the elimination of health disparities.  Dr. Wong also continues his work as a physician in a small practice in Family Medicine at Asian Health Services in Oakland, CA.

If you are interested in getting a glimpse of Dr. Wong we recommend viewing the following clips:

Speech from "All School Day 2013: Does Wealth Mean Better Health?" [Begins at 15:13 and ends at 56:18]
As a self-proclaimed health policy "wonk," Dr. Wong speaks to the University of Southern California's School of Social work about topics such as health disparities and health care expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

Winston Wong, MD: Kaiser Permanente's Support for Safety Net Organizations
Dr. Wong discusses the necessity to invest and strengthen safety net leaders in preparation for health care reform and the growing population of the newly insured.

Learn more about the Forum and register today for early bird pricing!

New Medicaid Estimates

"According to a new cost-benefit analysis from the Colorado Health Institute, expanding Medicaid would cost Colorado about $1 billion over 10 years and add an estimated 240,000 to the state’s Medicaid rolls, including as many as 73,000 people who could switch from private to public health insurance.

Colorado lawmakers expect to introduce a bill in the coming weeks that will outline the state's plans for Medicaid expansion.  Read the informative blog post from Health Policy Solutions here."  [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center]

[Webcast] Driving Patient Demand for Shared Decisions, Better Value, and Care Improvement

"On February 25-26, the Roundtable on Value & Science-Driven Health Care will host a workshop that will focus on:

• building insights and recognition on the necessity of increased patient, family, and citizen engagement in achieving better outcomes and lower costs in health care;
• exploring what has been learned about effective approaches for building patient demand and involvement in improving evidence, care, and value-including principles and barriers;
• considering strategies and policies for activities to be undertaken at multiple levels to advance patients, in partnership with providers, as leaders and drivers of care delivery improvement through the protected use of clinical data, informed, shared decisions, and value improvement; and
• identifying important research opportunities for developing the additional insights needed to accelerate progress."

Click here to register and.  More information about this workshop is available online as well.  [Source:  Institute of Medicine]

Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation has funds available for patients in need

The Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation has funds available for children on CHP+ who exceed their $600 max and for those insured by Delta Dental of Colorado who need help with their co-payments.

Below you will find important documents pertaining to this fund,

• Programs Fact Sheet
• Patient Insurance Application ("The Delta Dental of Colorado Fund - Groups 8883/8884 are only for patients who fall within certain income limits. The plans are only available to current Delta Dental subscribers who need assistance with co-payments or CHP+ members who have exceeded their annual maximum. Individuals covered under another carrier's dental plan do not qualify for this coverage.")
• Provider DDCO Fund Enrollment "How To".  For support with this process please contact Moncia Woods at the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation at  303-889-8607.

For general questions about these programs please contact Colleen Lampron, Senior Program Officer at the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation.

[Source: Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation]

Spark Webinar on the Power of Collaboration - Developing Reimbursement Models

When: Wednesday, February 27, 12pm to 12:45pm   

"This free webinar on integration across the health care sectors will will start with an overview of the impact of health care reform on public health services, and then move on to a discussion of opportunities for partnership between public health and the health care system to improve cost efficiencies. We will then discuss practical, hands-on steps for developing reimbursement models for your agency’s direct services so that you can enhance your work in achieving healthy communities.  We are very lucky to have two highly informed experts joining us as guest speakers on this webinar: Lisa Van Raemdonck, Executive Director of the Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials / Public Health Alliance of Colorado; and Lou Ann Wilroy, consultant at RT Welter & Associates."  Click here to register.  [Source: Spark Policy Institute]

Comprehensive Medicaid expansion report details positive impacts on Colorado jobs, economic growth and household income

"According to a new report on Medicaid, expanding Medicaid eligibility in Colorado could add 22,388 new jobs, increase economic activity by $4.4 billion and raise average annual household earnings by $608 by 2026. The independent report commissioned by the Colorado Health Foundation,  "Medicaid Expansion: Examining the Impact on Colorado's Economy," also finds that expanding Medicaid to 138 percent of the federal poverty level will require fewer state dollars than not doing so..."  Click here to read the release and the full report.  [Source: COPrevent]

First-Ever Type 2 Diabetes Guidelines Issued for Children

"With an unacceptable number of children who are overweight and obese in this country, the number of children with Type 2 has increased. Up to a third of diabetes being diagnosed in kids is Type 2, the type of diabetes that usually presents later in life. This has necessitated the first-ever pediatric guidelines for type 2 diabetes (age 10-18 years old) from the American Academy of Pediatrics..."  Click here to read full text. [Source: COPrevent]

New Senate report on primary care access

"A new Senate report, Primary Care Access outlines the critical shortage of primary care providers across the nation and predicts a growing primary care shortage. The report urges increased investment in the primary care workforce and in community health centers. Tess Stack Kuenning, executive director of Bi-State Primary Care Association, was among those who testified at a Senate hearing on the need for primary care."  [Source: Association of Clinicians for the Underserved]

Colorado Collaborative for Nonprofits Open House

When: 4:30 - 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 27
Where: 789 Sherman St | Denver, CO 80203

"After nearly three years of imagining, planning, and building, the Colorado Collaborative for Nonprofits cordially invites you to join us for a community open house. Tour the space, reconnect with your network, and enjoy light food and drinks with friends."  Click here to RSVP.  [Source: Colorado Collaborative for Nonprofits]

[Webinar] “Using an EHR and Quality Data to Improve Hypertension”

When: Friday, February 22, 2013, 2 pm EST

"In recognition of “National Heart Month,” in February, this webinar will focus on how safety net providers can utilize health information technology (HIT) to improve health outcomes in patients with hypertension. ..Presenters for this webinar are safety net providers from rural inpatient and community health center settings, who will share their best practices for helping patients control their hypertension."  Click here to register.  [Source: HRSA]

Early bird pricing still available for the 2013 Forum!

April 3-5th, 2013

 

Sheraton Denver West
360 Union Boulevard
Lakewood, CO

Reservations: 888.627.7027
(Group Code: RHD03A)

Register online

 

__________________

 Follow our events blog.  Have the Conference Concierge notify you of new sessions, exciting speakers, event exhibitors/sponsors and local happenings.

__________________

Exhibit and sponsor opportunities are available.  Click here to access a registration form.

__________________

Questions?  Contact Bridgette Olson at the Colorado Rural Health Center.

New Funding Opportunity: Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment Grants

"On January 7, 2013, CMS announced that we are soliciting proposals for Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment Grants.  Funded under the Affordable Care Act, these grants will continue efforts to find and enroll eligible children in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). A total of $32 million is available for states, local governments, community-based and non-profit organizations...Proposals are due on February 21, 2013, with grant award notification anticipated on June 1, 2013.  Grants are expected to range in size from $250,000 to $1 million for a two-year period, beginning June 1, 2013 and ending May 31, 2015..." Click here to learn more.  [Source: InsureKidsNow.gov]

Don’t miss the opportunity to offer loan repayment to your healthcare providers!

Do you have a healthcare provider at your facility who is interested in loan repayment? Let them know that the Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) Loan Repayment Program spring 2013 application cycle will open March 1st, 2013.  The application cycle is open for one month, closing on March 31st, 2013. Up to $105,000 for a 3-year commitment is available to your primary care healthcare providers!  Click here to learn more about the CHSC Loan Repayment program.

Medicaid Expansion: Improving Health & Stability, Reducing Costs & Homelessness

"The National Health Care for the Homeless Council has developed a four-page policy brief on Medicaid expansion. ACU encourages you to use it in your advocacy efforts, particularly in those states reluctant to expand their Medicaid programs. For the first time, the Affordable Care Act gives states the option to provide coverage for the lowest income adults in their States, without regard to disability, parental status or most other categorical limitations. Download Medicaid Expansion: Improving Health & Stability, Reducing Costs & Homelessness."  [Source: Associations of Clinicians for the Underserved]

[Webinar] The Health Care Law 101 (in Spanish)

When: February 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET

The HHS Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships is hosting a presentation on the main provisions in the Affordable Care Act, the health care law, and how to access care in your community in Spanish.  Click here to register.

[Webinar] Meaningful Use Stage 2: Everything you need to know and prepare for as an Eligible Professional

When: February 19, 2013 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM

Meaningful Use Stage 2 takes it to the next level. Starting in 2014, providers participating in the EHR Incentive Programs who have met Stage 1 for two or three years will need to meet meaningful use Stage 2 criteria...

Attend this free webinar and you'll learn:

•     The differences between Stage 1 and Stage 2 objectives
•     How to incorporate Meaningful Use Stage 2 Objectives into your workflow – broken down by different areas, such as Patient Check-in and Exam Room
•     How Health Information Exchange and Meaningful Use work together

Click here to register for the free webinar [Source: CORHIO]

Free medication safety leaflets for consumers

"The Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has free consumer leaflets available on their website that describe a variety of commonly used high-alert medications, including warfarin, fentanyl patches, insulin, and more. Each includes key tips for how to take the medications and when to contact a physician. The leaflets can be reproduced for free distribution to consumers. (Note: Free registration is required to get access to the leaflets.)"  [Source: Colorado Rural Health Center]

[Webinar] Kaiser's Success Story: 2012 Million Hearts High Blood Pressure Control Champions

Date: Thursday, February 14, 2013
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM (MT)

"The Kaiser Permanente Colorado High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Management Program established patient registries and outreach lists to manage the care of all patients with high blood pressure and cholesterol in the company’s health insurance system. An integrated care model was implemented with the promotion of home blood pressure monitoring, blood pressure group visits, and patient education...It was estimated that this program prevented more than 135 deaths and 260 costly emergency interventions each year.

Individual physician practices can accomplish similar results using a registry to manage their patients. You are invited to join with Kaiser Permanente’s John Merenich, MD as he discusses those steps taken to great success and how you can use the same plan to take better care of your patient population."  Click here to register.  [Source: Colorado Foundation for Medical Care]

National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program NOW OPEN!

Do you have a healthcare provider at your facility who is interested in loan repayment? National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program is now open! NHSC is open from February 7th, 2013 through April 16th, 2013. Click here to find out more about the NHSC Loan Repayment Program.

COHBE name changes and upcoming RFP for CHAN Assistance Sites

The Colorado Health Benefits Exchange (COHBE) will become Connect for Health Colorado starting in the spring!  Its' Navigator Program is now called the Connect for Health Assistance Network (CHAN).  Click here to learn more about the CHAN.

The Connect for Health Assistance Network will certify Assistance Sites to give local, in person help to people using the new online marketplace for health plans. In late February 2013 an application process will be announced.  Your organization may be interested in participating in this upcoming RFP process. Click here to view the draft of the Assistance Sites selection criteria.

HCPF Newsletters (CHP+ and "On the Horizon") and upcoming CICP Stakeholder Forum

The February 2012 issue of the newly titled, "On the Horizon" CHP+ Newsletter features the following:

• Frontline , Children’s Buy-In Update & AwDC Update
• Adult Buy-In Update & 2013 FPLs
• Timeliness Corner & Did You Know?
• Medical Services Board
• Resources
• Work Group Update & Contact Information

The  February 2013 Provider Bulletin is also available.  This bulletin contains information about Medicaid Expansion in 2014; OAP Provider Rate Increase; EHR Incentive Program; Healthy Living Initiatives and more.

Finally,  the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is holding a CICP Stakeholder Forum on February 21, 2013 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Click here to view the agenda. Please RSVP to Karen Talley.

Infographic: What Governors Are Saying About Medicaid Expansion

"It's the season for "State of the State" addresses, and State Refor(u)m is following these speeches for governors' statements on expanding Medicaid. Excerpts on that topic are captured in an infographic here. The page will be updated as additional addresses take place, and it joins the site's other rich resource on Medicaid expansion, our chart linking to related executive- and legislative-branch activity as well as state and outside analyses."  [Source: NASHP]

[Webinar] The Final HIPAA Rule-what rural hospitals and clinics need to know

When: February 14, 2013 from 12:00-1:00pm

The HIPAA Omnibus rule was published on January 25th. It is actually four separate rules affecting HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification.  Most of the rules must be implemented by September 23, 2013.  Sign up for an informative and high level review by Colorado Rural Health Center's HIPAA Expert, David Ginsberg.  Rural clinic HIPAA compliance staff should attend!
Click here to register.  ClinicNET affiliates are able to attend for FREE!

Colorado School of Public Health Offers Vision for the Future

"In less than five years since officially opening, the Colorado School of Public Health has emerged as a strong and growing public health institution. The school’s strength is due in large part to building successful partnerships with key public health agencies - among them the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. As the school faces the future, it will set a track for new and strategic directions focused on addressing the region’s most critical public health needs. Successful outcomes will depend upon increased collaboration with CDPHE and other essential partners. Learn more about the school’s current and emerging vision for the future during the upcoming Grand Rounds presented by the school’s new dean"...Read more.  [Source: COPrevent]

Medical Home Community Forum: RCCO Myth Busting: Checking in with the Seven Regional Care Collaborative Organizations (RCCO)

When: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 4:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

The Colorado Medical Home Initiative is a statewide effort between the Department of Public Health and Environment and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to promote the philosophy and delivery of a patient-centered medical home model of health care.  The initiative invites you to join a community forum for a discussion on "RCCO Myth Busting: Checking in with the Seven Regional Care Collaborative Organizations (RCCO)."  The forum will take place in Denver, Pueblo, Grand Junction and by conference call.  Please click here for more details and to RSVP by February 6th.  [Source: Colorado Medical Home Initiative]

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

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

NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program 2013 Application Cycle Open!

The 2013 application cycle is now open for the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program! The deadline to apply is February 28, 2013, at 7:30 pm EST. Click here to learn more about program eligibility and requirements and click here to begin your application.

Association Between Quality Improvement for Care Transitions in Communities and Rehospitalizations Among Medicare Beneficiaries

"Association between quality improvement for care transitions in communities and rehospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries," shares details on 14 innovative, community-based approaches to improving care transitions that produced promising results.  The article emphasizes the importance of flexibility of interventions, a coalition approach, and locally-driven models.   [Source: Journal of the American Medical Association]

Your 2013 Contribution to ClinicNET

The work and mission of our affiliate clinics and the strength of our partnerships give ClinicNET a trusted voice with public officials, policy professionals, and other stakeholders. ClinicNET will continue to draw from this strength as we further our mission and vision.  If you have not done so already, please make a contribution today to support ClinicNET.  Your contribution will help us continue to:

• Advocate for and increase the recognition of affiliate clinics as key safety net providers
• Support clinic participation in strategic patient care initiatives such as patient-centered medical home and quality improvement initiatives
• Provide education, resources, support and technical assistance
• Improve the HIT/HIE capacity of clinics
• Facilitate improved clinic data collection
• Click here to view a comprehensive list of benefits for affiliates clinics

We hope you will consider a meaningful contribution in support of our valuable efforts.

Sincerely,

 
Sharon Adams
Executive Director


                             
Bebe Kleinman
Board President

Call for Applications: Colorado Collaboration Award - $50,000 Prize for Outstanding Nonprofit Partnership

"Once again this year, the Colorado Collaboration Award will offer a $50,000 prize to a highly successful nonprofit partnership. The Award was created in 2011 by a diverse group of Colorado funders to acknowledge, encourage, and support successful collaboration.

The 2013 Award application is open now through 5:00 pm March 15. To learn more or get started, visit www.ColoradoCollaboration.org."

PEAK surveys and upcoming webinars

PEAK's monthly news communication contains several valuable updates and learning opportunities.

• FEEDBACK OPPORTUNITY: CBMS Communications Survey Specifically for Community Partners -- The state agencies, collaborating with counties and community partners, are working to improve communications surrounding CBMS and are soliciting feedback from stakeholders...Please take a few minutes to complete the attached survey and return it by Monday February 11th at 5:00 p.m.  Click here to take the survey.
• Communications Survey for CBMS Users! -- This survey is designed to gather information, feelings and opinions about how CBMS information is disseminated and received by Users. This survey is only limited to how you receive communications and the quality of those communications.  Please complete the survey by Monday, February 11th at 5:00 p.m.  Click here to take it.
• Does Your Organization Have a PEAK Kiosk? -- The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the CO PEAK Outreach Team are building a comprehensive list of PEAK kiosks across the state. If your organization offers a kiosk (actual kiosk, desk top computer in a lobby, iPAD, or laptop computer) for public use, please e-mail the CO PEAK Outreach Team.
• Introduction to PEAK Webinar:  Wenesday 2/6/2013 for County and Community Partner Staff -- Join the Introduction to PEAK webinar on Wednesday February 6th, 2013, please click HERE and enter the password:  peak. To hear the audio portion of the presentation, call (712) 432-0220 and enter the access code: 5642211#.
• PEAK Support Call:  Thursday 2/7/2013 for County and Community Partner Staff -- The next PEAK Support Call will be Thursday, February 7th at 9:30am - 10:30am. To join the call, simply dial (712) 432-0220 and then enter the following code when prompted: 5642211#.
• Application Walk-through Webinar:  Monday 2/11/2013 for County and Community Partner Staff -- Join this 1.5 hour session where PEAK will dive into the application so that you can familiarize yourself with the questions that are asked! To join the Monday, February 11th 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#.

[Source: CO PEAK Outreach Team]