RSVP TODAY for Corps Community Connection and Awards Ceremony, October 9

RSVP TODAY for Corps Community Connection and Awards Ceremony, October 9, 2015, 6:00-8:00pm, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel - Int'l. Airport. Click here for more information. Corps Community Day highlights primary medical, dental and behavioral health care for the underserved in Colorado. It is an opportunity for students, residents, providers and Colorado’s safety net health care facilities to network. Please share this invitation with folks at your clinic! Furthermore, the event celebrates accomplishments of National Health Service Corps and Colorado Health Service Corps providers.

Safety-net healthcare facilities in attendance include: federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, community safety net clinics and other sites meeting the primary care needs of Colorado’s underserved. In addition to the chance to connect with motivated, like-minded professionals, there will be plenty of food and drinks and special giveaways! Keynote speakers include Larry Wolk, MD, MSPH and Justin Wheeler, MD.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for ClinicNET's November 13 Affiliate Convening!

ClinicNET Affiliate Convening

November 13, 2015

8:00am - 3:00pm

Mile High Room at COPIC

7351 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO

ClinicNET Affiliates! Please join us for a day of education and information! Topics will include policy and advocacy, practice transformation, access to care and coverage data, Medicaid and more! Light breakfast and lunch will be served and there will be time to connect with your peers in the Community Safety Net Clinic world! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! 

Contact johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with questions.

Grants to Free/Charitable Clinics to Establish CDC-recognized Lifestyle Change Programs for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

“In collaboration with the American Medical Association’s Improving Health Outcomes department, the AMA Foundation will be awarding $10,000 grants to eight free clinics through the Healthy Communities/Healthy America program. Clinics will receive funding to implement the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program over the course of two years. The 2015 Healthy Communities/Healthy America RFP is now available. All RFP’s must be submitted via email to amafoundation@ama-assn.org by November 6, 2015 at 5pm CST in order to be considered.” [Source: AMA Foundation]

Request for Applications for 2016 Breast Health Projects Released by Susan G. Komen Colorado

“Susan G. Komen Colorado will award Community Grants to eligible local non-profit organizations to provide breast health and breast cancer projects to individuals in the Affiliate’s service area between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017.  For the 2016-2017 grant cycle, Komen Colorado will accept applications that address one of the funding priorities and fall into one of the following funding categories:

1. Community Health Worker
2. Screening/Diagnostics
3. Treatment

Komen Colorado funds an array of breast health and cancer services that together create seamless systems of care for the following target communities:  Hispanic/Latina women; Women in Rural Northeast Colorado; Women in Resort and Mountain Towns in Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, Gilpin, Park, Pitkin and Summit counties; Medically Underserved Women in Front Range counties.

Important Dates:

• Mandatory Grant Writing Webinar: October 2, 2015, 9:00 – 10:30 – click here to register
• Application Deadline: November 23, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. MT

Full details about this funding opportunity are available on Komen Colorado’s website at http://www.komencolorado.org/grants-program/how-to-apply/” [Source: Komen Colorado]

CORHIO’s FREE Health HIT Boot Camp

"Attend the free Health IT Boot Camp hosted by CORHIO and learn more about Meaningful Use, quality reporting, health information exchange, the medical home model and more. The event is October 20, 11:00am-3:45pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, Denver Tech Center, 7675 E Union Ave, Denver, CO 80237. Click here to register and for more information, including the agenda." [Source: CORHIO]

ICD-10 Updates from Medicaid – CCHAP Practice Manager Newsletter

“ICD-10 Updates from Medicaid: External end-to-end testing has confirmed that Medicaid's systems are integrated, operable, and ready to accept the new ICD-10 codes and formats on October 1, 2015. Effective October 1, 2015, ICD-10 is now active and replacing ICD-9 diagnosis codes. Providers should note the ICD-10 implementation is Date of Service (DOS) specific:

• ICD-9 diagnosis and surgical procedure codes will be required on claims that contain DOS or dates of discharge (DOD) on or before September 30, 2015.
• ICD-10 diagnosis and surgical procedure codes are required on claims that contain DOS or DOD on or after October 1, 2015.

Claims submitted with both ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes will be rejected.
Medicaid billing manuals have been updated ICD-10 codes. Click here to access the manuals.
Appendix R – Provider Claim Report Denial/Error Codes Update for ICD-10. Click here to find this document under "Appendices"

Please contact the Department’s fiscal agent, Xerox State Healthcare at 800-237-0757 with billing questions. Please contact Sean Gagnon at Sean.Gagnon@state.co.us or 303-866-3467, or Shawna Tye at Shawna.Tye@state.co.us or 303-866-2347 with questions regarding the ICD-10 implementation project.

Check out the Colorado Children’s Healthcare Access Program’s full Practice Manager Newsletter for more information on:

• Preventative Screening Table – Update for ICD-10
• Young Minds Matter: Supporting Children's Mental Health Through Policy Change
• Tobacco Cessation Resource Group
• Reminder - Colorado PAR Program - New Vendor
• Medicaid Provider Relations Team
• Medicaid Provider Billing Workshops” [Source: CCHAP]

New Publications - Department of Health Care Policy and Financing

Click here to view the October Provider Bulletin. The bulletin covers topics of interest to providers and billing professionals.

Click here to view the September edition of At a Glance. This publication provides information on major initiatives including policy changes and program updates. [Source: HCPF]

ClinicNET Oral Health Webinar Oct. 6 noon-1pm, REGISTER TODAY!

ClinicNET is hosting a webinar on October 6, noon-1pm featuring Deb Foote, Executive Director of Oral Health Colorado, and Cherith Flowerday, Associate Program Officer at Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation. Join us on your lunch break to learn more about what to expect for the future of oral health in Colorado and discuss current and new oral health initiatives and opportunities for your clinic! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!

*Please note the date of this webinar has changed! It was previously scheduled for September 30.

Please contact JoJo Gelderman at johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with any questions.

ICD-10 Preparation and Provider Trainings Available!

"Top ICD-10 Diagnosis Code Webinar Series for Providers
We know providers are busy; however, they are key as we transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10. This series is quick and to-the-point and includes short (5-10 minutes each) webinars on “must know” elements for the most utilized diagnoses codes. AAFP CME credits are available. Cost: $90. Click here to register. *Registration closes Oct. 1, 2015.

Vital Clinical Documentation for Providers
Excellent clinical documentation is the core of effective and safe patient care. Yet coding continues to be one of the most challenging areas for providers and coders. This web-based curriculum offers a step-by-step curriculum during which participants will learn everything they need to know about key components of coding patient history, physical exam and medical decision-making. Using real life clinical examples, participants will see that it's not the quantity of documentation that matters--it's the quality.Cost: $255; 10% discount offered for registrations of 3 or more providers at-one-time. Click here to register.

Please contact Sarah Macrander, SMacrander@cchn.org, with questions." [Source: CCHN]

SIM Practice Request for Applications (RFA) is open

“The SIM Practice RFA has been released and practices may begin submitting applications to be included in the first cohort of the State Innovation Model (SIM). To view the RFA and apply: www.ucdenver.edu/practicetransformation

Important Dates:

• September 15, 2015 - Practice RFA opens
• October 26, 2015 - Practice RFA closes
• December 25, 2015 - Selected practices notified 
• February 1, 2016 - Cohort 1 practices kick-off

SIM Practice RFA Webinars: Attend a webinar to find out how your practice can benefit & how you can make a difference in Colorado health care. Click here to sign up for a webinar.

• October 7, 7:00am – 8:00am
• October 22, 12:15pm-1:15pm

For more information contact: simpracticeinfo@ucdenver.edu or 303.724.8968” [Source: Colorado SIM]

Kaiser Permanente of Colorado THRIVE Health Education Webinars

"Kaiser Permanente offers both live and recorded learning sessions (webinars) that are taught by health experts and coaches so you can learn more about the health topics you care about from healthy eating to tobacco cessation. Click here to view the live class schedule for October 2015 – January 2016, including topics:

• Healing Hearts
• “Heart and Sole” of Health
• Preventing Diabetes and Heart Disease
• Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health
• Weight Loss: What Works" [Source: Kaiser Permanente]
  

HCPF Reattributing Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) Members

“Beginning in October 2015, and ongoing on a quarterly basis, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will reattribute a subset of Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) members who already have been assigned to a Primary Care Medical Provider (PCMP). Most ACC members are attributed accurately to the PCMP who they see for most of their general health care; this change will re-assign ACC members who have changed their utilization patterns (because of a move or other life event) and whose recent claims data indicates that they are seeing a new provider for most of their primary care.

This adjustment to the systematic attribution process will improve the accuracy of a provider’s ACC panel by an average of 17 percent. This change will not impact any clients who made an active choice of their PCMP by calling HealthColorado. Impacted clients will be notified of the change to their PCMP assignment by letter.” [Source: HCPF]

HCPF Accepting Applications for Virtual Advisory Council

“In addition to their in-person Person- and Family-Centeredness Advisory Council, the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is creating a virtual advisory council. The virtual advisory council will complement the work of the in-person advisory council by serving as an alternative way for clients, family members, and caretakers to provide input and work collaboratively with HCPF to identify and implement person- and family-centeredness practices; the advisory councils are not decision-making bodies. The virtual advisory council will have up to 20-30 Medicaid and CHP+ members, family members, and/or caretakers who will provide feedback to HCPF via email or through other online forums. In-person meetings are not required and incentives for participation are not available. Recruitment of virtual members will be on a rolling basis. For a list of qualifications, please see the Virtual Advisory Council Member position description. For more information and to apply for the virtual advisory council, click here.” [Source: HCPF]

Half price offer from ClearTriage for telephone triage protocols in an online format

“ClearTriage is a local company providing Dr. Barton Schmitt’s and Dr. David Thompson's nationally-recognized telephone triage protocols in an online format for practices and clinics. Previously offered just for pediatrics, ClearTriage is now available with protocols for adult patients as well.

ClearTriage is offering their service at a 50% discount to ClinicNET affiliate clinics. ClearTriage provides:

• Faster, standardized documentation in your EHR
• 154 protocols not in the books
• Protocol checklists that truly get used, improving triage safety and consistency
• Easy and fast search
• Works in a web browser with no installation on your computer or network

ClearTriage is available for a 30-day free trial with no obligation to make sure it works well for your site. Discounted pricing starts at just $24.50 / month. Learn more at www.cleartriage.com/clinicnet or contact Dave Schmitt at dave@cleartriage.com or 720-593-1001.” [Source: ClearTriage]

Connect for Health Colorado Assistance Network Sites Announced

“In 2013, Connect for Health Colorado created the Assistance Network with federal funding under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and funding from the Colorado Health Foundation. The Assistance Network funded Health Coverage Guides (HCGs) to provide marketplace related outreach, education, and enrollment assistance at Assistance Sites across the state. As of July 1, 2015, federal funding for state-based marketplace assistance programs ended. As a result, the Assistance Network’s funding was reduced to $3 million from $16.5 million.

The Assistance Network now comprises of 27 organizations and approximately 74 HCGs. In addition, 124 Certified Application Counselor (CACs) organizations with approximately 296 CACs throughout the state are also available to provide marketplace related enrollment assistance. To see how funding was distributed regionally and for a list of CAC organizations, click here. See a complete list of funded Assistance Sites here.

The CAC Program is an unfunded initiative that establishes designated organizations as Connect for Health Colorado certified partners that help clients with enrolling in subsidized private insurance through the marketplace. Organizations interested in becoming a CAC site should contact CACprogram@connectforhealthco.com.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

Colorado Health Literacy Conference, October 2

“The Colorado Health Literacy Coalition is hosting the Colorado Health Literacy Conference, October 2, Bruce Schroffel Auditorium, University of Colorado Hospital, Anschutz Medical Campus. The Colorado Health Literacy Coalition is a collaborative effort between Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Hospital Association, Health Sciences Library – Anschutz Medical Campus, National Library of Medicine, Saint Joseph Hospital, Spring Institute, University of Colorado – Colorado Springs, and University of Colorado health – University of Colorado Hospital.

This conference focuses on how health literacy can improve health communication and patient/client outcomes. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of health literacy and specific strategies on how to improve written and spoken communication with clients in a variety of settings. Registration is $25 per person and is required by September 28. Click here to register.” [Source: Colorado Health Literacy Conference]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• “It’s less than two weeks out but you can still register for the Building Better Health Conference Sept. 28 and 29 at the Crown Plaza DIA (same location as last year). This is crucial for anyone working to help Coloradans get the right health insurance coverage and stay covered. We'll be presenting lots of material, including the new marketing collateral mentioned above.
• Our board policy committee meets Monday afternoon to talk about our approach to the public policy conversation and some related topics. For more information, including how to join, click here.
• The Outreach & Communications Advisory Group would like to invite new members to join. This Advisory Group provides feedback to C4HCO on marketing and outreach plans and strategies, and is a forum for discussing outreach and enrollment successes and challenges. The primary goal of this group is to ensure that C4HCO's marketing, outreach, and messaging activities are as robust as possible. If you'd like to join the group, please email outreach@Connectforhealthco.com with your contact information and affiliation.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

SIM Practice RFA Released!

"The SIM Practice RFA has been released and practices may begin submitting applications to be included in the first cohort of practices participating in SIM scheduled to start Feb. 1, 2016. The RFA will remain open until October 26. In order to provide interested practices with an opportunity to ask questions relating to the RFA there will be a series of webinars, the first of which is scheduled for September 23, 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM. Please click here to view a flyer with more information on how to signup for these webinars.

To view the RFA and submit an application, please visit the following page: www.ucdenver.edu/practicetransformation

For more information contact: simpracticeinfo@ucdenver.edu or call 303.724.8968." [Source: Colorado SIM]

RSVP TODAY for Corps Community Connection and Awards Ceremony, October 9

RSVP TODAY for Corps Community Connection and Awards Ceremony, October 9, 2015, 6:00-8:00pm, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel - Int'l. Airport. Click here for more information. Corps Community Day highlights primary medical, dental and behavioral health care for the underserved in Colorado. It is an opportunity for students, residents, providers and Colorado’s safety net health care facilities to network. Please share this invitation with folks at your clinic! Furthermore, the event celebrates accomplishments of National Health Service Corps and Colorado Health Service Corps providers.

Safety-net healthcare facilities in attendance include: federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, community safety net clinics and other sites meeting the primary care needs of Colorado’s underserved. In addition to the chance to connect with motivated, like-minded professionals, there will be plenty of food and drinks and special giveaways! Keynote speakers include Larry Wolk, MD, MSPH and Justin Wheeler, MD.

Sign up today for EvidenceNOW Southwest (AHRQ opportunity) - applications accepted on first come-first serve basis!

"EvidenceNOW Southwest  is one of seven regional cooperatives funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to provide quality improvement services to small primary care practices, with 10 or fewer providers. EvidenceNOW Southwest will serve up to 260 practices: 208 in Colorado and 52 in New Mexico. Applications will be reviewed weekly and practices will be notified within two weeks whether they have been accepted. Practices will be accepted on a first come-first served basis. *Note: this opportunity excludes pediatric-only clinics.

Participating practices will receive nine months of practice facilication to develop customized approaches that address:

• Workflow analysis
• Office efficiency
• EHR optimization and measures reporting
• Patient engagement, care management and coordination

ClinicNET is pleased to be a partner in the network of practice transformation providers through the Colorado Health Extension System (CHES) and to be considered as a resource to you if you determine this EvidenceNOW Southwest opportunity is right for you. We encourage you to reach out to Cathryn directly if you have any questions or need help filling out the application! *Please let Cathryn Benedict (cathryn.benedict@clinicnet.org) know if you checked ClinicNET as a practice transformation partner in the application. 

Click here for more information. To apply: http://iurl.no/i2i50. *Please note you have an option of start dates: Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, and Spring 2017.

If you have any questions regarding the study or application process please contact: Allyson Gottsman at AllysonGottsman@ucdenver.edu." [Source: Colorado Health Extension System]

Colorado Health Access Fund Request for Proposals

“The Denver Foundation has just released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Colorado Health Access Fund. This statewide Fund supports programs and activities that increase access to behavioral health treatment for people in Colorado with high health care needs.  Over the course of eight years (2015 – 2022), the Fund is committed to allocating resources among rural, urban, and suburban areas.

There are two types of funding opportunities through this Fund, each of which has a different proposal due date. Visit our webpage to learn about the support for programs, projects, capital improvements, and general operating to increase access to behavioral health treatment.” [Source: The Denver Foundation]

Next ClinicNET IT Cohort December 3!

The next ClinicNET affiliate IT Cohort is scheduled for December 3, 1:00-3:00pm at Rocky Mountain Youth Clinics, 9197 Grant Street, Suite 100, Thornton, CO 80229.  Please RSVP to Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Women's Health Webinar Sept. 23

“Join Colorado Consumer Health Initiative (CCHI) and NARAL on September 23rd from 12 to 1 pm for the k(NO)w Limits to Women’s Health: Overcoming Key Barriers to Access Webinar! Guest speakers include Karen Davenport from the National Women's Law Center, Renee Buteyn from Advocacy Denver, and Mirna Castro from Servicio de la Raza. In this webinar, participants will learn about the resources and tools necessary to talk to women about the co-pay free preventive services available to them through their health plans. The material focuses on the ACA’s key reforms for women and unique barriers specific populations face in accessing preventive services – namely those populations with intellectual and or developmental disabilities, adult dependents, and the Latina community. The webinar will dive into ways that women and the organizations that advocate for them can successfully navigate these obstacles. Please register here!” [Source: CCHI]

Promote Preventive Services For Your Medicaid Clients

“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering a set of engaging materials to help Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries understand and access preventive services available to them. Living Well is a set of outreach and education materials that connects preventive care in the clinical setting with everyday life. Click here to view the toolkit, posters, factsheets, social media graphics, and image library.” [Source: COPrevent]

Medicaid Smoking Cessation Resources

"Click here to view the comprehensive explanation of the Colorado Medicaid Tobacco Cessation Policy: the benefits, requirements, and prior authorization process.  All members in fee-for-service Medicaid are eligible for two 90-day treatment sessions each year. Please make this information available to any Medicaid member who is interested in quitting tobacco.  For questions about this information, please contact Chris Ukoha at (303) 866-358 or Angela.Ukoha@state.co.us." [Source: HCPF]

More rate increases coming for Medicaid providers – CCHAP Practice Administrator Newsletter

“Medicaid Provider Rate Increases: Medicaid provider rate increases were approved during the 2015-2016 legislative session and are effective for dates of service beginning July 1, 2015. HCPF has worked to obtain approval from CMS to implement the rates with an effective date of July 1, 2015. Some providers will be paid retroactively if there has been a delay in implementation, and other rate increases will be implemented when approved and loaded into the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

Please see the FY 15-16 Frequently Asked Questions on the HCPF Provider Implementations webpage. The fee schedule is located on the Provider Rates & Fee Schedule webpage and is being updated to reflect the approved 0.5% rate increase. Approved increases include eligible physician and clinic services, Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) services, and more. Read all the details here…

Medicaid Revalidation Requirement: Beginning September 15, 2015, all Colorado providers who want to continue, or begin, providing services to Medicaid and CHP+ members after March 31, 2016 will be required to enroll and revalidate their licensure and business information under new federal enrollment screening criteria. Providers who fail to revalidate and enroll by March 31, 2016 may have their claims suspended or denied.

Self-paced Online Enrollment Application Training for the new Colorado Online Provider Enrollment (OPE) tool is available for all providers. These are online, self-paced, eLearning modules. Please visit the Provider Resources page to register!

Check out the Colorado Children’s Healthcare Access Program’s full Practice Manager Newsletter for more information on:

• Enhanced Primary Care Medical Provider Initiative
• Back To School Immunizations
• Reattribution of Medicaid ACC Patients is Coming
• Colorado PAR Program - New Vendor
• ICD-10 Update from Medicaid
• Record Retention for Medicaid and CHP+ Patients
• Medicaid Provider Billing Workshops
• Medicaid Provider Relations Team” [Source: CCHAP]

A free, one day conference for not for profit dental leaders, Minneapolis, MN

“The Washington Dental Service Foundation is hosting a free conference on October 22, 2015 in Minneapolis, MN at the MSP Airport Conference Center. Travel cost reimbursement can be applied for. Gain new ideas and insights on financial sustainability, fundraising, productivity, partnership, board management and more, from other dental leaders.

This event builds on the free publication of case studies on 5 successful not for profit dental clinics from around the country. There is no fee to attend the event, however space is limited. Please RSVP to mks@marykatescott.com by September 15, and include your name, organization, position in the organization, if you are seeking travel reimbursement and your goal/interest for attending the event.” [Source: Washington Dental Service Foundation]

Thank you for a great Safety Net Clinic Week 2015!

Safety Net Clinic Week 2015 was a great success! Thank you everyone who participated by hosting a site-visits, open houses, requesting SNCW15 proclamations, and/or engaging with us via social media.

We want to extend a HUGE thank you to our Safety Net Clinic Week Coordinator Jess Worley for all her amazing work this summer! Jess graduated from Colorado College in May 2015 and will be backpacking around South America after her time at ClinicNET. We will miss her! Jess’s last day with us is Friday, September 11th. Please contact brooke.powers@clinicnet.org with any outstanding Safety Net Clinic Week questions.

And of course, thank you to COPIC and Kaiser Permanente for their generous support. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for pictures from SNCW15 and Sharon Adams's latest ClinicNET Conversations blog post in celebration of SNCW15.

ICD-10 Preparation and Provider Trainings Available!

Thanks to the Colorado Community Health Network, ClinicNET affiliate clinics have access to the following ICD-10 trainings:

ICD-10-CM Coding Campout - Sept. 15, 2015, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
This, instructor led, ‘live’ webinar allows coders to join in on a practice ICD-10-CM coding session with their peers and will provide an informal, open forum between students and current ICD-10 approved trainers. Cost: $55. Click here to register. Registration closes September 11th.

Top ICD-10 Diagnosis Code Webinar Series for Providers
This training was developed to prepare the busy provider for the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10. The series includes short (5-10 minutes each) webinars on “must know” elements for the most utilized diagnoses codes. AAFP CME credits are available. Cost: $90. Click here to register.

Evaluation & Management Documentation for Providers
Roughly 80% of all encounters billed include E/M codes, yet evaluation and management coding continues to be the most challenging areas for providers and coders. This web-based curriculum offers a step-by-step curriculum during which participants will learn everything they need to know about key components of history, physical exam and medical decision-making. Using real life clinical examples, participants will see that it's not the quantity of documentation that matters--it's the quality. Cost: $255; 10% discount offered for registrations of 3 or more providers at-one-time. Click here to register.

Please contact Sarah Macrander, SMacrander@cchn.org, with questions. [Source: CCHN]

Patient Navigator Resources ECHO Learning Community, Sept. 16

“This summer the Patient Navigator Training Collaborative launched Project ECHO with Patient Navigation. Join them on September 16, 8-9am for the final Patient Resources installment to see what it’s all about! You can participate in the live video via ZOOM, by phone (Dial: 1-415-726-9988 or 1-646-568-7788; Meeting ID: 112 358 541), or in-person (Building 406 2nd floor, Center for Public Health Practice, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12477 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045). A new series will relaunch in October with the topic focus of Health Promotion.

The ECHO for Patient Navigators focused on increasing patient navigator’s knowledge and skills in topics of interest. During ECHO sessions, topic experts present brief trainings on current best practice strategies and patient navigators present cases on the application of those strategies in their practice using bi-directional video. ECHO Colorado topic experts and other participants discuss cases and recommendations are made regarding next steps. Patient navigators may bring the same cases back for ongoing decision making support.

If you would like to present your experience please send a completed case form to Andi Dwyer andrea.dwyer@ucdenver.edu. The purpose of case presentations are to review and discuss cases and provide a guided peer discussion and recommendations.” [Source: Patient Navigator Training Collaborative]

Free ICD-10 training and resources

“The North Carolina Health and Human Services Department has developed a comprehensive ICD-10 training. The training modules are self-paced, previously recorded webinars and are available at no cost. Women’s Wellness Connection suggests starting with the ICD-10 Basic videos. There are four modules within ICD-10 Basics. Please allow approximately 2.5 hours to complete all four modules. There is no charge for any of the trainings and PDF versions are also available for download. Additional ICD-10 educational resources can also be found on this website.” [Source: Women’s Wellness Connection]

TCHF New Funding Opportunity: Healthy Living Advocacy – Leadership Development

“The Colorado Health Foundation is excited to announce the opening of a new funding opportunity within our Healthy Living outcome area.

Funding Opportunity: Healthy Living Advocacy: Leadership Development
As part of the Colorado Health Foundation's strategies to create healthy communities and healthy early childhood settings and schools, the goal of this funding opportunity is to build advocates for healthy living policies. Specifically, the Foundation will support advocacy leadership development programs that promote and preserve policies that increase healthy eating and active living or address one of the social determinants of health that present barriers to healthy eating and active living.

The advocacy leadership development funding opportunity is designed for: Community members, Professionals, Youth. To be considered for funding, applicants must meet specific criteria. Open deadlines: October 15, 2015; February 15, 2016; June 15, 2016; October 15, 2016; February 15, 2017; June 15, 2017.

Get more information about this funding opportunity by contacting the assigned program officer, Brenda Sears at bsears@coloradohealth.org.” [Source: TCHF]

Register Now! Cultural Competency AND Achieving Equity in Health Care for LGBT People Webinars

“The Colorado Community Health Network, in partnership with CHAMPS and support from Kaiser Permanente of Colorado, is pleased to promote the “2015 Lunchtime Learning” Professional Skill Development Distance Learning Series! These one-hour leadership and skill development webcasts are open to all Colorado Rural Health Centers, Community Safety Net Clinics and Community Mental Health Centers.

Cost: LIVE events will be charged $50/link after the event. We encourage multiple people to participate per purchased link. Scholarships and discounts are available should financial barriers be present. Contact CCHN for more information.

Sept. 16 — Cerise Hunt, Cultural Competency: The Foundation for an Inclusive Environment: The goal of the webcast is to make clear that cultural competence requires active development and is an ongoing process that one attempts to aspire to rather than achieve.  Participants will gain skills and techniques in the following:  To be active in the process of becoming aware of personnel assumptions about human behavior, values, biases, and preconceived notions. As professionals we must shift from being culturally unaware to being culturally aware in order to create a more culturally inclusive clinic environment for patients.

Sept. 30 – Kevin Ard, Achieving Equity in Health Care for LGBT People: The goal of the webcast is to make clear that cultural competence requires active development and is an ongoing process that one attempts to aspire to rather than achieve.  Participants will gain skills and techniques in the following:  To be active in the process of becoming aware of personnel assumptions about human behavior, values, biases, and preconceived notions. As professionals we must shift from being culturally unaware to being culturally aware in order to create a more culturally inclusive clinic environment for patients.” [Source: CCHN]

       

New HIT and PCMH training opportunities

“The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the University of Colorado Department Family Medicine are launching two new e-learning training modules for primary care practices. These modules are available for primary care practices in Colorado to use at no cost, and they provide valuable learning opportunities and Continuing Medical Education credits:

• HIT e-learning Modules: Includes four modules, each taking about 30 minutes to complete. You will receive AAFP CME credits for completing all four modules. 
• PCMH e-Learning Modules: Includes 12 modules, each taking about one hour to complete. You will receive 12 AAFP CME credits for completing all 12 modules.

To access the e-learning modules, please visit http://hit.pcmhelearning.com. Click on the “Sign Up” link, and then enter a valid email address and zip code. Once these are validated, you will receive an email inviting you to register for the website. Please check your SPAM folder if you do not receive this email. For more information, please contact Brooke Bodart at CDPHE at brooke.bodart@state.co.us.” [Source: COPrevent]

Colorado Opioid Epidemic Symposium, Sept. 24-25

“The North Colorado Health Alliance, the Colorado Consortium on Prescription Drug Abuse, and other partners are hosting a Colorado Opioid Epidemic Symposium at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs on September 24th and 25th. Click here for more information and to register.

The Colorado Opioid Epidemic Symposium provides a timely opportunity for medical, behavioral, legal, pharmacy, and case management professionals in the southern part of the state to 1) develop and adopt a set of concrete best practices for the management of opioids for the treatment of chronic pain, and 2) develop avenues for sharing critical information about patients at risk for serious adverse outcomes related to their abuse or misuse of opioids. This Symposium will present a unique opportunity to alter the course of this epidemic, save lives, and improve patient and provider satisfaction.” [Source: North Colorado Health Alliance]

New Publications - Department of Health Care Policy and Financing

Click here to view the August CICP Communications.

Click here to view the September Provider Bulletin. The bulletin covers topics of interest to providers and billing professionals.

Click here to view the August edition of At a Glance. This publication provides information on major initiatives including policy changes and program updates. [Source: HCPF]

Colorado PEAK Updates

"New PEAK Outreach Materials Available: PEAK brochures, client business cards, and posters have been updated and are now available! To request materials for your organization, please visit www.peakoutreach.com/outreach-materials.

PEAK Enhancements - Register for Training:

• September Enhancements: We will be hosting a webinar on September 18 at 10:30am for the September enhancements. This webinar will be brief, as it includes just a few of the PEAK updates planned for the fall season.
• October Enhancements: In October, PEAK will be updated with the additional enhancements planned for Fall. We will hold live webinars as well as regional training sessions where you will have the opportunity to learn about these PEAK enhancements. Registration for the October webinars is open; however, we are currently finalizing the locations for regional training.

The schedule for the regional training sessions and more information on the October enhancements is yet to come, so please watch for an announcement or check for updates on News & Events page of our website at www.peakoutreach.com/peaknews.

2015 Building Better Health Event: As a reminder, the statewide health coverage open enrollment event, Building Better Health: Enroll 2015, is quickly approaching. In addition to training on the health coverage application process and Marketplace plan selection, attendees will have access to the latest uninsured data and coverage resources, with lots of time to network with other health coverage guides, assistance site navigators, certified application assistants, brokers, community-based organizations and advocates. Register now to join your colleagues and prepare for the 2016 open enrollment period.

Now Available: PEAKHealth Mobile App for Medicaid & CHP+ Clients: The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has launched the new PEAKHealth mobile app.  PEAKHealth can be downloaded at the Apple iTunes Store or Android/Google Play App Store for free. For more information on the PEAKHealth mobile app, check out the PEAKHealth stakeholder resource page at CO.gov/HCPF/PEAKHealth-Stakeholders." [Source: Colorado PEAK]

The Colorado Commission on Affordable Health Care Needs to Hear from You! - feedback requested by Sept. 9!

The Colorado Commission on Affordable Health Care (CCAHC) is looking to gather input from you in order to help inform them on the various aspects you think are affecting cost within the health care system. Help start a larger dialogue about health care delivery by providing commissioners with responses to the following questions; responses will be posted on the CCAHC website.

1. What do you think are the fundamental cost drivers and why?
2. What are the barriers to reducing cost?
3. Can you list up to three things that you are doing to address cost that are unique?
4. Is there any supporting data that demonstrates a reduction in cost?
5. Where do you see waste in the system?
6. What are the principal barriers to transparency?
7. What would you change to make things better related to cost?

In order to help facilitate a coordinated response, ClinicNET has created an online survey for our affiliates. We will consolidate the responses and respond to the Cost Commission’s request on your behalf. If you have input on any (or all!) of the questions above, please complete the following survey (or any part of the survey) by Wednesday, September 9: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JGVRDM2. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated so we can accurately represent Colorado's Community Safety Net Clinics! In your responses, we encourage you to keep in mind (and share) your innovative care delivery systems, the importance of community connections, and how essential it is to address social determinants of health.

You are welcome to submit your own separate independent comments to the Cost Commission by going to the CCAHC website.

Interested in the possibility of free medication donations? Complete this survey by Sept. 4!

“The nonprofit organization SIRUM is interested in knowing the prescription drug needs among Colorado’s Community Safety Net Clinics via this very brief survey by Friday, September 4th: link.sirum.org/clinicNET. SIRUM’s program allows clinic to create and share a formulary of medications needed. They connect clinics with a network of institutional medicine donors that have unused expired medications, coordinating shipment directly from the donor to clinic.

ClinicNET affiliate TLC Pharmacy in Colorado Springs and SIRUM have partnered to help other ClinicNET affiliate clinics gain easy access to the cost-saving benefits of donated medicine. Would your clinic be interested in receiving pre-packaged shipments of donated medications? Complete this very brief survey: link.sirum.org/clinicNET by Friday, September 4th. Contact Amy Chen, manager at SIRUM, at amy@sirum.org or 650.488.7434 for more info
rmation.

Additionally, there is a one-time opportunity to receive the following drugs in bulk from SIRUM: Buproprion 75mg, 100mg (expiring 2/2016) and Venlafaxine 25mg, 37.5mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg (expiring between 1-4/2016). SIRUM recently obtained grant funding to cover the processing costs of delivering these drugs in 30-count pre-packaged vials. If you are interested in receiving this donation, email Amy (amy@sirum.org) with your requested drug names, strengths, and quantities. Orders are filled on a first come, first serve basis.” [Source: SIRUM]

LAST CALL! 2015 Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) offerings!

Through a generous grant from Kaiser Permanente's Community Benefit Program, ClinicNET is pleased to be able to offer to contributing ClinicNET affiliates access to Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) registration scholarships and travel support funding! Click here to see current 2015 offerings including many virtual learning opportunities, including the IHI Open School, and the 27th Annual National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care December 6-9, 2015! Contact Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org or 720-863-7803 by September 14 if you are interested in these opportunities!  [Source: IHI]

Health Care Funding Opportunities – The Colorado Health Foundation

“The Colorado Health Foundation is excited to announce the opening of new funding opportunities within our Health Care outcome area.  In Health Care, our focus is to ensure all Coloradans achieve health with support from a network of primary health care and community services.

Funding Opportunity: Advance Care Planning
As part of the Colorado Health Foundation's strategy to empower individuals and families to manage their own health, the Advance Care Planning funding opportunity will award grants of up to two years and up to approximately $300,000 for implementation of effective advance care planning initiatives in Colorado.

Advance care planning is important for health engagement, person-centered care, shared decision-making and achievement of Triple Aim objectives and helps ensure that health care wishes at end of life or in the event of incapability are honored.

This funding opportunity is designed to accelerate existing advance care planning efforts in Colorado where feasible and to support innovative demonstration projects that have the goal of increasing individual and family health engagement. Open Grant Deadlines: Oct. 15, 2015, Feb. 15, 2016, June 15, 2016. Get more information about this funding opportunity by contacting the assigned program officer.

Open for Applications: Strengthening the Safety Net: Capital Support
In 2009, the Colorado Health Foundation launched "Strengthening the Safety Net," which was intended to help Colorado's safety net clinics prepare for health reform. Since then, the Foundation has supported a wide array of clinics throughout the state including Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural health clinics, mental health centers and other community clinics for capital, operating and project grants. As primary care providers to underserved Coloradans, these clinics are important partners supporting our work to ensure all Coloradans achieve health with support from a network of primary health care and community services.

This capital funding opportunity is a continuation of the Strengthening the Safety Net initiative, and will support the expansion, construction or renovation of clinics to increase their capacity to provide team-based and patient-centered primary care to underserved Coloradans. Open Grant Deadlines: October 15, 2015, Feb. 15, 2016. Get more information about this funding opportunity by accessing the funding opportunity page or contacting the assigned program officer." [Source: TCHF]

ClinicNET Affiliate Practice Administrators Cohort September 21

The next ClinicNET affiliate Practice Administrator Cohort is scheduled for September 21, 1:30-3:30pm, at SET Family Medical Clinics, 2864 South Circle Drive, Suite 450 in Colorado Springs. If you have not done so already, please RSVP to Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org.

Kaiser Permanente Colorado - Request for Proposals to decrease food insecurity

“Kaiser Permanente is excited to announce the release of a request for proposals (RFP) to decrease food insecurity. Kaiser Permanente is investing up to $1,000,000 over two (2) years with awards up to $100,000 per organization. Food insecurity refers to the degree to which food intake is reduced or normal eating patterns disrupted because of lack of money and other resources.  Intent to Apply Due: September 30, 2015. Applications Due: October 31, 2015. Grant Period: March 1, 2016-March 1, 2018.

The outcomes of this funding opportunity are:

• Increase enrollment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
• Increase participation in the Summer Food Service Program

Organizations may submit proposals that focus on one or both of these outcomes by implementing best practices.

Eligible organizations must be a 501(c)(3) with an annual operating budget of $1.5 million or less or a Colorado health care Safety Net organization with an operating budget of any size. To be considered for funding, organizations must also meet specific eligibility criteria outlined in the RFP.

Organizations interested in applying for funding should review our frequently asked questions and read the RFP in its entirety. The funding opportunity is currently released on the open funding opportunities page of our website. Kaiser Permanente will hold a webinar for interested applicants on September 15, 2015, 11:00 a.m. MT. Instructions on how to register for the webinar are included in the RFP.” [Source: Kaiser Permanente]

Free ICD-10 Training from CMS: Documentation Excellence - ICD-10 from a Physician’s Perspective

"The Colorado Medical Society and Colorado Access present "Documentation Excellence: ICD-10 from a Physician's Perspective," with James M. Taylor, MD, Senior Medical Director of Clinical Analytics/Performance Improvement at Colorado Access. This 90-minute program is accredited for 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ and will be presented at locations along the Front Range.

The primary audience is intended to be physicians. Practice managers are welcome to attend with one of their practice's physicians. Programs are being scheduled at various locations. Click the links below for registration information. Check this website on CMS.org for more information as additional locations are added. Plan to attend one of these free programs! Those unable to attend live will be able to access a recorded webinar on CMS.org.

• Northern Colorado (Loveland): Sept. 9, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Colorado Springs: Sept. 10, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• Wheat Ridge (Lutheran): Sept. 14, 6 - 7:30 p.m." [Source: CMS]

Million Hearts Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Model - apply by Sept. 10!

"The Million Hearts Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Model (MH Model) is currently accepting applications through September 10, 2015. The MH Model uses a randomized-controlled design to identify and test scalable models of care delivery that reduce Cardiovascular Risk. The MH Model offers financial incentives to providers who participate.

We want to expand the types of practices taking part in the study to include a diverse set of populations. Enroll today to secure your spot in this important study! Act now – space is limited! Learn more about the MH Model by visiting our website, listening to an informational webinar, or reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions. You can also call us at 703-894-4399 or email us at mhmodel@cms.hhs.gov email to get your questions answered.

We value your participation in this unique opportunity and want to remind you that:

• The application process is relatively quick and easy to complete
• Participation in this important model represents no new reporting burden
• This model of care can help you engage with your patients to improve health outcomes
• The model offers financial incentives to participate" [Source: CMS]