Colorado Medical Home Community Forum Mar. 8: Supporting Integrated Care

“RSVP today for the next Colorado Medical Home Community Forum about Supporting Integrated Care on March 8th 4:30-6:30pm. Presenters include Nicole King (Colorado SIM Office), Ashlie Brown (Colorado Health Institute), Kyle Knierim, MD (University of Colorado) and Shannon Breitzman (CDPHE).

The event will be held at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, DOC Room, Building A, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. RSVP by clicking here. You can also attend the meeting via the webinar link and call-in 1-877-820-7831 - Participant passcode: 300218#. Contact Anne Jones at anne.jones@state.co.us with questions.” [Source: Colorado Medical Home Initiative]

Citrix ShareFile for Healthcare professionals – discount pricing for free and charitable clinics

“Citrix ShareFile for Healthcare professionals is essentially a HIPAA compliant drop box. It directly and securely integrates with your existing email and medical software, basically giving you a really easy way to send and receive any type of protected health information whether it’s a large file like an x-ray, full patient health record, etc. Click here to view a brief video introduction.

This is available to all clinics, however it is offered at a discounted pricing to free and charitable clinics through a partnership with the National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics. 

Citrix representatives are scheduling brief 15 minute demonstrations for individual clinics the 3rd week of March. Please email Cali Hussey at Sarah.hussey@citrix.com to set up a demonstration.” [Source: Citrix ShareFile]

Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative (TCPi) webinars

“TCPi Colorado Practice Transformation Network (PTN) presents an opportunity for 2,000 clinicians in Colorado to receive practice support as they prepare for new payment models. All physicians - primary care and specialists - are encouraged to stay up to date on Medicare payment reform and consider taking advantage of this federally-funded support to help their practice thrive in the evolving health care landscape.

Join TCPi for a weekly informational webinar on Wednesdays, Feb. 10 - March 30, to learn more about the Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative and the Colorado Practice Transformation Network. Click here to register and view all webinar dates. Click here to view TCPi flyer.

Questions? Email  Barbara.Martin@state.co.us or visit: http://www.practiceinnovationco.org/tcpi/.” [Source: TCPI]

Denver Human Services Offers Navigator Training

“Denver Human Services (DHS) offers a navigator training for community partners. The navigator training includes an overview of the programs DHS offers, including food assistance, basic eligibility for Medicaid and cash programs, energy assistance, child support, childcare assistance program, PEAK, and a brief overview of the ACA. For more information and to register, please contact Kathy Crusan-Ford, Agency Trainer for SNAP Into Health, at Kathleen.Crusan-Ford@denvergov.org. The upcoming trainings will be held:

• April 15, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 1200 Federal Blvd., Room 1019, Denver
• May 20, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 1200 Federal Blvd., Room 1019, Denver”  [Source: DHS]

Attention Providers: ECHO Colorado learning communities - Hepatitis C

“Attention primary care providers: ECHO Colorado is accepting registrations for their 2016 learning community on Hepatitis C. Join our learning community to gain a clearer understanding on Medicaid requirements, current diagnosis tools and best treatment options. Please forward this opporutnity to all providers!

• Review HCV testing recommendations
• Refresh on initial medical evaluation including fibrosis staging and assessment for extra-hepatic manifestations
• Receive information on latest HCV treatment options with new direct-acting antivirals
• Get direct access to HCV treatment experts in infectious diseases and hepatology

Learning curriculum will last for approximately six months and meet twice per month starting March 9. Sessions will be conducted via live video from your home or office during lunch hours. Registration is limited to twenty participants, so if you would like to participate, get your name on the list!  Register here: http://tinyurl.com/HepCECHO

ECHO Colorado is also still accepting participants for their Development Behavioral Pediatric Connections and Pediatric Epilepsy learning communities. We also are working with Build a Clinic on an ECHO Learning Community focused on Integrating Tobacco Cessation Services Into Primary Care starting March 15. To register or learn more, please go to: http://echocolorado.org/topics/clinical-practice-support” [Source: ECHO Colorado]

ClinicNET Affiliates: 2015 Data Request & 2016 Annual Contribution Reminder!

ClinicNET Affiliates will be receiving our 2015 Data Request in the mail soon. Please be sure to complete it and return it to us at 3033 S. Parker Road, Ste. 500, Aurora, CO 80014 or via fax to 720-863-7801.  If you prefer, you can fill out the electronic version and email it to johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org.  We greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this request so ClinicNET can most accurately advocate for you and represent your interests and concerns!

We are proud to be the entity that provides a collective voice and strengthens the statewide network of CSNCs. Our advocacy and policy work, support services, and educational offerings are increasingly robust in order to better meet affiliate clinic needs. We hope you will consider a meaningful contribution in support of our valuable work. Click here to learn more and to access our contribution form. You can also make your contribution online: www.coloradogives.org/ClinicNET.

Free Dental Screening and Exam Provided by Dental Students

“The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine senior students are currently looking for patients to participate in clinical board exams. All applicants will receive free dental x-rays and a screening exam. Patients who qualify may receive up to two free filings and/or a free cleaning, plus compensation for their time. Click here to learn more, including qualifying criteria and dates.” [Source: University of Colorado]

Meaningful Use in 2015 and Beyond: Changes to Stage 2 – CORHIO’s recorded webinar

Jennifer Boaz, CORHIO Transformation Support Services Manager, details the final published Meaningful Use rule, including changes for stage 2 of the program in this recorded webinar. Visit CORHIO’s website for more resources on Meaningful Use. [Source: CORHIO]

Poverty 101—Improving Your Poverty Competency, April 19

“Join colleagues for Poverty 101—Improving Your Poverty Competency, April 19, 9 to noon at Mile High United Way, 711 Park Avenue West, Denver. Click here for online registration.

Poverty 101 is understanding the complexities of poverty and how many different life experiences are labeled “poverty.” It is knowing that working-class poverty experiences are different from situational poverty experiences or generational poverty experiences. It is understanding that families in poverty are struggling in a war zone. It is about operating on the assumption that people are making the best decisions they can within the “shoes” they are wearing. It is fostering a climate of everyone belonging and having the opportunity to shine. It is creating relationships based on identification so people can see they are not so different.

Poverty 101 will provide you with take away tools for making a difference for those living in poverty in your community. Participants will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of poverty, it’s history, causes, and current national and local facts’
• Awareness of your own attitudes, beliefs, and values about poverty and those who endure it;
• Skill sets for communicating and relating more effectively across poverty barriers; and
• Tools for building strong internal and external partnerships to take a collective approach.” [Source: COPrevent]

Second Edition of the Health Literacy Toolkit

“The recently released AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, Second Edition can help primary care practices reduce the complexity of health care, increase patient understanding of health information and enhance support for patients of all health literacy levels. 

Only 12 percent of U.S. adults have the health literacy skills needed to manage the demands of our complex health care system, and anyone's ability to absorb and use health information can be compromised by stress or illness. Experts recommend assuming that everyone may have difficulty understanding in order to create an environment in which all patients can thrive. AHRQ's toolkit includes downloads like patient action plans, links to trainings and videos and guides for how to improve your practice.

Additional tools for improving health literacy can be found at Health Literacy Topics, AHRQ Pharmacy Health Literacy Center and at the Self-Management Support Video and Library.” [Source: AHRQ]

AHRQ’s Continuing Education Resources for Primary Care Practice

“Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality offers continuing education (CE) and continuing medical education (CME) videos and articles on a range of health care topics including patient safety and patient-centered outcomes research findings. The CE/CME activities summarize reviews of evidence on the effectiveness and safety of treatments and strategies for improving patient care. These resources provide health care providers with skills and information to support individual decision making and patient management. Click here to access these resources.” [Source: AHRQ]

Weitzman Institute’s Clinical Workforce Development Webinar Series

“Funded as a National Cooperative Agreement by HRSA, this project addresses the most fundamental need of clinics now and in the coming decades: a clinically expert, deeply committed staff trained to both clinical complexity and a high performance model of team-based care. Click here to view the complete webinar series calendar and to register.” [Source: HRSA]

Credentialing and Privileging Training, March 30

“The Colorado Community Health Network (CCHN) is hosting a credentialing and privileging (C&P) training that will focus on C&P basics, best practices and how to enroll providers with payers such as Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial health plans. It will be held March 30, 2016, at the American Mountaineering Center, Golden, CO. Cost: $55. Click here to register.” [Source: CCHN]

New Enrollment Resources and Reminder on Health Insurance Tax Filings

New Public Policy Toolkit for Enrollment Assisters Available: Families USA published a Public Policy Toolkit for Enrollment Assisters to provide assisters with the knowledge and tactics they may need to be effective advocates on issues affecting them and their clients.

Reminder on Health Insurance and Tax Filing: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that most individuals have minimum essential coverage (MEC) or pay an individual shared responsibility penalty when filing their federal taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The impact of the ACA on the tax filing process depends on how and if an individual had MEC in 2015. For more information on the below forms, see this guidance from the IRS, visit the IRS ACA Tax Provisions webpage, or find a free tax preparation assistance site.

• Connect for Health Colorado customers should have received Form 1095-A outlining their MEC status and other important information required for tax filing purposes and the reconciliation of Advanced Premium Tax Credits if necessary. For more information, see Connect for Health Colorado’s 2015 Tax Information page.  
• Medicaid and CHP+ members should have received Form 1095-B as proof of MEC status for the months they were enrolled in Medicaid and/or CHP+. The form is not required for tax filing purposes, but should be retained for reference. For more information, click here and refer to the “IRS Form 1095-B: Health Coverage” section.
• Individuals who received employer-sponsored coverage will receive Form 1095-B or Form 1095-C as proof of MEC. The forms are not required for tax filing purposes, but should be retained for reference.
• Individuals who remained uninsured may need to pay the penalty or qualify for an exemption. To learn more about who is required to have MEC see this infographic from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). To estimate the amount of the penalty, see this Tax Penalty Calculator.

ClinicNET Affiliate Practice Administrators & IT Cohorts meet Monday!

This coming Mon. Feb. 22, the ClinicNET Affiliate Practice Administrators Cohort will meet 11:00am-1:00pm and the Information Technology Cohort will meet 1:00pm-3:00pm at Carin' Clinic, 5150 Allison Street in Arvada.  Refreshments will be served! We will meet in the main conf. rm in the Jefferson County Head Start Center (red brick bldg); NOT the pink & purple Carin' Clinic modular bldg behind the center, however, we will tour Carin Clinic!

Please RSVP to Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org. New participants always welcome!

ClinicNET Conversations: Stand with Primary Care Access!

Check out the latest ClinicNET Conversations blog post, “Stand with Primary Care Access!" by Brooke Powers, ClinicNET Program and Policy Manager.

“Most of you (hopefully all!) have heard about the proposed cuts in Medicaid reimbursement rates for primary care services across Colorado. In response to this, ClinicNET and more than 20 other concerned organizations have come together to form the Colorado Primary Care Alliance to raise awareness with the public and lawmakers about the negative impacts of these proposed cuts. Medicaid primary care providers are positioned to take a disproportionate share of this year’s proposed budget cuts.” Continue reading here and click here for more information on the Colorado Primary Care Alliance.

2016 State Legislative Session

ClinicNET is committed to advancing health care access, health equity and innovative models of care delivery. We offer a centralized voice to advocate for legislation and policies that strengthen the health care safety net system and recognize that diversity in care delivery models enables optimal health care outcomes in each community. Furthermore, we advocate for expanded access to and provision of high quality care for low income, newly insured, uninsured and underinsured Coloradans on behalf of Community Safety Net Clinics.

ClinicNET's Policy Committee recommends bill positions to ClinicNET's Board of Directors. To date we've taken positions on the following bills:

Support:

• HB16-1047: Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
• SB16-069: Community Paramedicine Regulation
• Hospital Provider Fee Designation as an Enterprise

Actively Oppose:

• 16/17 State Budget - Medicaid Primary Care Rate Cuts (check out the Colorado Primary Care Alliance's fact sheet!)

Click here to view ClinicNET's 2016 Legislative and Policy Priorities. Click here to view ClinicNET’s 2016 Bill tracker. If you have any questions or concerns please contact brooke.powers@clinicnet.org.

Opportunity for ClinicNET affiliates to join the HCPF Medicaid eConsult Test Group for Rheumatology

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is starting a new eConsult program test group that is designed to use an online electronic consultation system built into CORHIO’s health information exchange. The system enables primary care providers and physician specialists to easily discuss care for Medicaid clients and securely share health information (medical records, lab results, imagery, etc). HCPF is establishing a small test group with Rheumatologists from UCHealth and Denver Health as well as about 10 PCMP practices/clinics to evaluate the system.

This test group would help with rheumatology access for some clients and also help the evaluate the eConsult system. The Department will be paying PCMPs $10 for each eConsult and the only requirement is that the practice must already be registered with CORHIO. The flexibility of this program allows it to fit into the current workflows of any providers, referral coordinators and/or staff that would be involved. The eConsult test is an available resource to be used whenever it’s helpful; no big commitment required from participants.

You can still participate! If you are interested in participating, please contact JD Belshe at JD.Belshe@state.co.us or 303.866.2184, or Matt Vedal at Matt.Vedal@state.co.us.” [Source: HCPF]

ECHO Colorado learning communities: Hepatitis C and Tobacco Cessation

“Attention primary care providers: ECHO Colorado is accepting pre-registrations for their 2016 learning community on Hepatitis C. Join our learning community to gain a clearer understanding on Medicaid requirements, current diagnosis tools and best treatment options.

• Review HCV testing recommendations
• Refresh on initial medical evaluation including fibrosis staging and assessment for extra-hepatic manifestations
• Receive information on latest HCV treatment options with new direct-acting antivirals
• Get direct access to HCV treatment experts in infectious diseases and hepatology

Learning curriculum will last for approximately six months and meet twice per month starting March 9. Sessions will be conducted via live video from your home or office during lunch hours. Registration is limited to twenty participants, so if you would like to participate, get your name on the list!  Register here: http://tinyurl.com/HepCECHO

ECHO Colorado is also still accepting participants for their Development Behavioral Pediatric Connections and Pediatric Epilepsy learning communities. We also are working with Build a Clinic on an ECHO Learning Community focused on Integrating Tobacco Cessation Services Into Primary Care starting March 15. To register or learn more, please go to: http://echocolorado.org/topics/clinical-practice-support” [Source: ECHO Colorado]

Colorado Medicaid and CHP+ Provider Revalidation & Enrollment - available tools

"New federal regulations established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require enhanced screening and revalidation for all Medicare, Medicaid, and CHP+ providers. All Colorado providers who want to continue, or begin, providing services to Medicaid and CHP+ members after March 31, 2016, are required to be validated and enrolled under new federal enrollment screening criteria. To meet these new requirements, as well as to ensure enrollment in the new claims processing system, Colorado providers must revalidate using the new Online Provider Enrollment (OPE) tool. Colorado Medicaid asks that providers complete your revalidation during your assigned revalidation and enrollment wave. The enrollment application is the same whether you are newly enrolling or revalidating.

• Click here for application instructions.
• Click here for an introduction to the application process" [Source: HCPF]

Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM) Updates: Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative (TCPi) informational webinars

“The Colorado Health Foundation Awards $3 Million to Advance the Integration of Physical and Behavioral Health: The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing and the Colorado State Innovation Model Office are partnering with The Colorado Health Foundation to advance the integration of behavioral health care in primary care practices across the state. The Colorado Health Foundation has awarded the Department a $3 million grant, which will be distributed via a competitive mini-grant process to SIM-participating primary care practices that serve Medicaid and Medicare clients. SIM practices that are actively engaged in practice transformation activities can use the mini-grants to implement innovative strategies that advance integration. Click here to view the full press release.

Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative (TCPi) Informational Webinars: TCPi Colorado Practice Transformation Network (PTN) presents an opportunity for 2,000 clinicians in Colorado to receive practice support as they prepare for new payment models. All physicians -- primary care and specialists --  are encouraged to stay up to date on Medicare payment reform and consider taking advantage of this federally-funded support to help their practice thrive in the evolving health care landscape.

Join TCPi for a weekly informational webinar on Wednesdays, Feb. 10 - March 2, to learn more about the Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative and the Colorado Practice Transformation Network. Click here to register and view all webinar dates.  Click here to view TCPi flyer. Questions? Email Barbara.Martin@state.co.us or visit: www.colorado.gov/healthinnovation/tcpi.” [Source: Colorado SIM]

ClinicNET Affiliates: 2015 Data Request & 2016 Annual Contribution Reminder!

ClinicNET Affiliates will be receiving our 2015 Data Request in the mail soon. Please be sure to complete it and return it to us at 3033 S. Parker Road, Ste. 500, Aurora, CO 80014 or via fax to 720-863-7801.  If you prefer, you can fill out the electronic version and email it to johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org.  We greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this request so ClinicNET can most accurately advocate for you and represent your interests and concerns!

We are proud to be the entity that provides a collective voice and strengthens the statewide network of CSNCs. Our advocacy and policy work, support services, and educational offerings are increasingly robust in order to better meet affiliate clinic needs. We hope you will consider a meaningful contribution in support of our valuable work. Click here to learn more and to access our contribution form. You can also make your contribution online: www.coloradogives.org/ClinicNET.

RESCHEDULED: Denver Region Colorado Health Foundation Listening Tour Sessions

“What does being healthy mean to you and your community? Share your story and join new Foundation President and CEO, Karen McNeil-Miller, as she embarks across Colorado to hear from grantees, community residents and leaders about their perspectives on health. Register to attend an event near you.

• Denver - Wednesday, Mar. 2, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wellshire Event Center, 3333 S Colorado Blvd, Denver 80222
• Brighton - Wednesday, Mar. 2, 5:30–7 p.m. at Bella Sera Events Center, 45 Strong Street, Brighton 80601
• Denver - Thursday, Mar. 3, 8:30–10 a.m. at History Colorado, 1200 Broadway, Denver 80203
• Denver - Monday, Mar. 7, 8:30–10 a.m. at History Colorado, 1200 Broadway, Denver 80203

If you registered for a previously scheduled event you may update your registration. Please visit the registration page and select “view or change your existing registration.” If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Andrea Swan at 303.623.1540 x 160 or cotour@coloradohealth.org.“ [Source: TCHF]

Upcoming Patient Navigator Training Courses

“Level 2: Advanced Health Behavior Change: March 18, 2016, 9 am -5 pm (Rescheduled date) at CU Denver South (Wildlife Experience), 10035 Peoria Street, Parker, CO. This course focuses on chronic disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention and control. It is hybrid course which includes an online component and a one day skills practice workshop designed for patient navigators, care coordinators, clinical and non-clinical practice staff. Register here.

Level 1: Patient Navigator Fundamentals (Fort Collins): March 8-10, 2016, 8:30 am -5 pm at Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO (Details will be sent to registrants). Patient Navigator Fundamentals is a three-day in-person course with an online course component designed to improve your patient navigation skills. This Level 1 course is filling up fast! Register today.

Please visit our event calendar and news section for the most up-to-date information on workshops and trainings.” [Source: Patient Navigator Training Collaborative]

CORHIO Newsletter: Important Information for Dually Eligible: R&A Site Update

From CORHIO’s February 17 Newsletter
Colorado Medicaid Registration and Attestation Site: The modifications to the program necessitate system updates to the Colorado Registration & Attestation (R&A) site. Due to the number of changes that need to be made, the site is currently closed for all registrations, AIU and attestations.

The R&A is currently scheduled to open Spring 2016 for EPs and Fall 2016 for EHs for the 2015 program year. Once the site officially opens, providers will have 60 days to attest. Additionally, due to the program changes, the 2015 program year eligibility workbooks required updating. The 2015 program year workbooks will be published on the CORHIO website as soon as they are available. Please refer to the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program newsletter or the CORHIO website
http://www.corhio.org/expertise/meaningful-use for up-to-date information.

Are you an EP or Dentist that sees both Medicare and Medicaid patients and didn’t meet Medicaid patient volume requirements for program year 2015?: If you are an EP or Dentist who sees both Medicare and CO Medicaid patients, you must demonstrate Meaningful Use in either the Medicare EHR Incentive Program or the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program to avoid payment adjustments on Medicare charges. EPs or Dentists that are only eligible to participate in the Medicaid incentive program are not subject to these payment adjustments. Since many states’ systems will not be open before the Medicare attestation deadline, dually eligible providers that do not meet the patient volume requirements, 30% for providers and 20% for pediatricians will have the option, for program year 2015 only, to use an alternate attestation method through the CMS Attestation Site by the March 11th deadline to avoid Medicare payment adjustments.” [Source: CORHIO]

Denver Health’s Integrated Behavioral Health Academy

“Experts throughout Denver Health are eager to help others in the community develop and maintain their own thriving integrated behavioral health programs. Denver Health is a successful model for how to integrate behavioral health services. They use evidence-based practices, as well as practice-based wisdom, developed over a decade of service to patients. The integrated behavioral health department is financially sustained through billing with no grants or organizational write-off. There is a robust standardized program across all of the primary care locations and several outpatient specialty clinics.

To learn more and participate in either the Clinicians Tools School or Practice Coaching contact Samantha Monson at smanatha.monson@dhha.org.” [Source: Denver Health]

ClinicNET Affiliates: 2015 Data Request & 2016 Annual Contribution Reminder!

ClinicNET Affiliates will be receiving our 2015 Data Request in the mail soon. Please be sure to complete it and return it to us at 3033 S. Parker Road, Ste. 500, Aurora, CO 80014 or via fax to 720-863-7801.  If you prefer, you can fill out the electronic version and email it to johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org.  We greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this request so ClinicNET can most accurately advocate for you and represent your interests and concerns!

We are proud to be the entity that provides a collective voice and strengthens the statewide network of CSNCs. Our advocacy and policy work, support services, and educational offerings are increasingly robust in order to better meet affiliate clinic needs. We hope you will consider a meaningful contribution in support of our valuable work. Click here to learn more and to access our contribution form. You can also make your contribution online: www.coloradogives.org/ClinicNET.

ClinicNET Affiliate Practice Administrators & IT Cohorts February 22; Leadership Cohort March 3

On Monday February 22, the ClinicNET Affiliate Practice Administrators Cohort will meet 11:00am-1:00pm and the Information Technology Cohort will meet 1:00pm-3:00pm at Carin' Clinic, 5150 Allison Street in Arvada. Refreshments will be served.

The Leadership Cohort will meet Thursday, March 3, 2:00-4:00pm at Doctors Care, 609 W. Littleton Blvd, in Littleton.

Please RSVP to Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org. New participants always welcome!

ECHO Colorado learning communities: Hepatitis C and Tobacco Cessation

“Attention primary care providers: ECHO Colorado is accepting pre-registrations for their 2016 learning community on Hepatitis C. Join our learning community to gain a clearer understanding on Medicaid requirements, current diagnosis tools and best treatment options.

• Review HCV testing recommendations
• Refresh on initial medical evaluation including fibrosis staging and assessment for extra-hepatic manifestations
• Receive information on latest HCV treatment options with new direct-acting antivirals
• Get direct access to HCV treatment experts in infectious diseases and hepatology

Learning curriculum will last for approximately six months and meet twice per month starting March 9. Sessions will be conducted via live video from your home or office during lunch hours. Registration is limited to twenty participants, so if you would like to participate, get your name on the list!  Register here: http://tinyurl.com/HepCECHO

ECHO Colorado is also still accepting participants for their Development Behavioral Pediatric Connections and Pediatric Epilepsy learning communities. We also are working with Build a Clinic on an ECHO Learning Community focused on Integrating Tobacco Cessation Services Into Primary Care starting March 15. Applications need to be filled out online by February 15th. Space is limited, so register today! To register or learn more, please go to: http://echocolorado.org/topics/clinical-practice-support” [Source: ECHO Colorado]

RFP open for The Denver Foundation’s Colorado Health Access Fund

“The Denver Foundation 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 and strives to improve behavioral health outcomes for people in Colorado with identified high health care needs. Between 2015 and 2022, the Fund is committed to allocating resources among rural, urban, and suburban areas.

Organizations interested in applying for funding can identify the behavioral health need that they want to address in their community. Funding is available for projects, programs, capital improvements, collaboratives, and general operating support. Applications are due on March 11th; grants will be awarded in late July 2016. Multi-year funding is available, and grant awards range from $25,000 to $250,000 per year. There is an opportunity for interested organizations to participate in a Q&A session prior to the due date, and details can be found at http://www.denverfoundation.org/Community/Special-Projects-Funds/Colorado-Health-Access-Fund.

Please contact the Philanthropy Operations Manager, Kristi Keolakai (CHA@denverfoundation.org) with any questions.” [Source: The Denver Foundation]

Accountable Care Collaborative Phase II updates

“In response to feedback from the community and evolving guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department has decided to adjust the procurement timeline for Phase II of the ACC and begin the next phase on July 1, 2018.

Behavioral Health Services Payment Methodology: The Department has revised its proposal for reimbursing behavioral health services as outlined in the ACC Phase II Concept Paper. A modified capitation payment methodology will be retained for core behavioral health services. The capitation will be directed to the Regional Accountable Entities who will be responsible for managing the health needs of Medicaid enrollees in their region. For more information about this proposal change, check out our ACC Phase II Program Decision: Reimbursement for Behavioral Health Services fact sheet.” [Source: HCPF]

Referral information for the Healthy Babies, Strong Families Program

“The Healthy Babies, Strong Families Program is funded through the national Healthy Start program to address underlying causes of infant mortality such as poverty, psychosocial issues, and maternal health. Research has shown that in Aurora and Denver, the infant mortality rate is 3-4 times higher for African American women than non-Hispanic White women. Infant mortality can happen to any family regardless of income level, social status, and physical appearance including weight, age and fitness level. Click here to view the form to refer African American pregnant and parenting women to the program. There is NO income restriction. Open to all self-identified African American women in Denver and Aurora and metro area.

HBSF will address infant mortality by providing direct support to families on three levels:

1. Individual Family Level: Family Advocates use a strengths-based approach with families, along with the Partners for Healthy Baby curriculum and connect families to FFRC services such as fatherhood support groups, parenting education, and other partner resources (medical, social, employment etc.) to help strengthen families.
2. Group Level: Clients choose courses from a course catalog that include parenting, birthing, and social connections such as breastfeeding workshops, mom-to-mom mentoring and fatherhood groups.
3. Community Level: An Infant Mortality Collective Impact Network coordinates community-level systems-change to support healthy babies and strong families.” [Source: Families Forward Resource Center]

Important Announcement For Meaningful Use Program Year 2015 Only

“Are you an EP or Dentist that sees both Medicare and Medicaid patients and didn’t meet Medicaid patient volume requirements for program year 2015? Here’s important information about a February 29th deadline for your attestation. Learn more.

If you have questions contact the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program Coordinator, by email at MedicaidEHR@corhio.org or by phone at 720.285.3232.” [Source: CORHIO]

University of Colorado’s Motivational Interviewing Trainings

“Introduction to Motivational Interviewing: This in-person training will help participants develop and practice motivational interviewing techniques to support client health behavior changes. Feb. 26, 2016 at Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO. Cost $250. Click here to register.

 Advanced Motivational Interviewing: Master advanced techniques through practice exercises and experiential learning, to support client health behavior changes. March 18, 2016 at Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO. Cost is $225 (by Feb. 15th). Click here to register.” [Source: University of Colorado]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• “Our third Open Enrollment Period is over and your work in helping us enroll a record number of Coloradans did not go unnoticed. Our Tuesday press release on the 153,583 total covered lives (by midnight Sunday) was widely reported in social and traditional media.
• Enrollments continue for folks who started the application process during open enrollment but were unable to get a financial eligibility determination by midnight Sunday. Those customers should complete their enrollment even though open enrollment has ended. A financial eligibility determination may take several days to a week to complete. Rest assured we will work with our customers to ensure they have health insurance coverage starting March 1. The same is true for customers who had a ticket opened by the Service Center that was unresolved by midnight Sunday (Jan. 31).
• And don’t forget the Special Enrollment Period available to individuals and families whose health insurance company is no longer offering health plans in their area – or because they had a policy last year that no longer meets the minimum legal requirements. They will be permitted to enroll in new coverage through Feb. 29.” [Source: Connect for Health Colorado]

CMS Coding and Clinical Documentation Resources

“As with ICD-9, CMS offers ample resources to assist both coders and clinicians with coding and clinical documentation for ICD-10.

• Official Government Coding Guidelines: Diagnosis Coding
• Official Government Coding Guidelines: Inpatient Procedure Coding
• Click here to access additional coding and clinical documentation resources.” [Source: CMS]

ClinicNET Affiliates: 2015 Data Request & 2016 Annual Contribution Reminder!

ClinicNET Affiliates will be receiving our 2015 Data Request in the mail soon. Please be sure to complete it and return it to us at 3033 S. Parker Road, Ste. 500, Aurora, CO 80014 or via fax to 720-863-7801.  If you prefer, you can fill out the electronic version and email it to johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org.  We greatly appreciate you taking the time to complete this request so ClinicNET can most accurately advocate for you and represent your interests and concerns!

We are proud to be the entity that provides a collective voice and strengthens the statewide network of CSNCs. Our advocacy and policy work, support services, and educational offerings are increasingly robust in order to better meet affiliate clinic needs. We hope you will consider a meaningful contribution in support of our valuable work. Click here to learn more and to access our contribution form. You can also make your contribution online: www.coloradogives.org/ClinicNET.

2016 Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) offerings for ClinicNET affiliates

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! Upcoming 2016 in-person  and web-based training opporunities:

Web-based Trainings

• IHI Open School: offers online courses in quality improvement, patient safety, and leadership. Earn a Certificate of Completion or Continuing Education Credits. (1 year scholarships available)
• Expedition: Kick-Start the Triple Aim - Begins February 24th, 2016
• Expedition: Improving Communication to Enhance Cultural Competency - Begins March 10, 2016
• Reliably Reducing Sepsis Mortality - Begins March 16, 2016
• Improving Community Health: Population Mnagement in the Safety Net - Begins April 14, 2016. 

In-person Trainings & Conferences

• 2016 IHI Change Conference: Lead Well at Every Turn – March 10-11, 2016 – Dallas, TX
• 17th Annual Summit on Improving Patient Care in the Office Practice and Community – March 20-22, 2016 – Orlando, FL

Interested in participating in a training or conference? Click here to complete an online application! Contact Brooke Powers at brooke.powers@clinicnet.org or 720-863-7803 with any questions.  [Source:IHI]

    

Practical Tools for Addressing Pediatric Mental Health Series

“The Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Empower Centers of Excellence in Family Behavioral Health are partnering to offer 6 training workshops in psychiatry for pediatricians. The series will provide practical lessons in psychiatry for busy pediatricians.  The first workshop is focused on Treatment Resistant/Complex ADHD, and will be on Thursday February 18th at 7am at the Empower offices near Yosemite/I-25.

This series was designed by pediatricians and psychiatrists to address some of the most the most common psychiatric complaints faced by clinicians.  We intend this to be interactive, evidence based and offer practical guidelines for pediatricians to help in their management of common behavioral conditions.

The series will be split between morning workshops with coffee/bagels and evening workshops with wine tasting and hot tapas.  The cost of these seminars is $5.00 for morning sessions and $25.00 for evening sessions.  Click here for more information on location, times, and dates for the series which will extend through December 2016.  You may register for 1 or all of the 6 workshops.  The times of these seminars is intended to be before or after office hours during your busy clinic days. For more information and to register, click here.” [Source: Empower Centers of Excellence in Family Behavioral Health]

Chronic Pain Disease Management Program enrollment is open

“The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACC) invites you to participate in the second cohort of the well-received Chronic Pain Disease Management Program (Program) modeled after Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes.) The first cohort engaged providers from 42 practice sites from every region across the state. The Chronic Pain Management Program leverages cutting edge telehealth technologies to connect providers to specialists. Providers consult directly with specialists regarding client cases and learn best practices for treating clients with a variety of chronic pain conditions.

The Department will sponsor approximately 40 practice sites to serve as telehealth pioneers for Colorado. Participation in the program is easy and the benefits for providers and their clients are significant:

• Gain expertise for treating clients with a variety of chronic pain conditions. The Program is designed to assist with your current clients and there is no expectation for you to take additional pain management clients.
• Keep your clients in your practice and in their communities.
• No cost for participation in the Chronic Disease Management Program.
• Easy attendance from anywhere through an online video conference system.
• Earn CME credit for attending the ECHO® pain management sessions.

Click here for more information on the programs and how to get involved.” [Source: HCPF]

2015 Program Year Meaningful Use Hardship Application Released

“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released hardship applications which eligible professionals (EP) and eligible hospitals (EH) can use to avoid a penalty under Meaningful Use for the 2015 Program Year. The streamlined hardship applications reduce the amount of information that eligible professionals (EPs), eligible hospitals, and CAHs must submit to apply for an exception. The new applications and instructions for a hardship exception from the Medicare Electronic Health Records Incentive Program 2017 payment adjustment are available here. EPs, eligible hospitals, and CAHs that wish to use the streamlined application must submit their application according to the timeline established in PAMPA: Eligible Professionals: March 15, 2016.” [Source: CMS]

Colorado Medical Home Community Forum Mar. 8: Supporting Integrated Care

“RSVP today for the next Colorado Medical Home Community Forum about Supporting Integrated Care on March 8th 4:30-6:30pm. Presenters include Nicole King (Colorado SIM Office), Ashlie Brown (Colorado Health Institute), Kyle Knierim, MD (University of Colorado) and Shannon Breitzman (CDPHE).

The event will be held at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, DOC Room, Building A, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246. RSVP by clicking here. You can also attend the meeting via the webinar link and call-in 1-877-820-7831 - Participant passcode: 300218#. Contact Anne Jones at anne.jones@state.co.us with questions.” [Source: Colorado Medical Home Initiative]

New Publications - Department of Health Care Policy and Financing

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

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

Colorado Culture of Health Conference April 27

"The 9th Annual Colorado Culture of Health Conference is on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at the Colorado Convention Center in beautiful Downtown Denver. This annual event offers an opportunity for employers, health professionals, health plans, pharmaceutical companies, and engaged individuals to learn more about wellness programs and network with other individuals who are also active in the benefits and health and wellness fields.

Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from national and Colorado leaders offering fresh perspectives on how cultures are formed and the opportunities for employers looking to engage and motivate their employees. In addition to these great presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to attend a variety of breakout sessions that will highlight initiatives and offer examples of healthy worksites in the state of Colorado. Click here to register and for more information.” [Source: Colorado Culture of Health]