Caring for Medically Complex Children ECHO Learning Community – REGISTER TODAY

“ECHO Colorado still has room in the Caring for Medically Complex Children ECHO Learning Community that starts April 27th.  Providers will get information to better access and manage the care for children with medical complexity, create a shared care plan, engage with other types of providers involved in the care of a child with medical complexity and identify and share resources with peers. Registration is limited to twenty participants so register now! http://echocolorado.org/topics/clinical-practice-support/caring-for-medically-complex-children/.

ECHO Colorado is also hosting a learning community on HIV starting May 19th.  HIV prevention is important in every community. By providing testing, linking individuals to care, and providing support, you are providing them with the tools they need to protect themselves and minimizing the risk to others.

This free learning community will provide training and assistance that will prepare providers with patient talking points, assessment tools, treatment plans and the latest information on pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. Utilizing web-based, video-conferencing technology, you can use your smart phone, tablet or laptop with a camera to connect to each live session.  Sessions will consist of a presentation from a subject matter expert followed by participant presentation of cases with recommendations and discussion among the panel and participants. To learn more visit: www.ECHOColorado.org/HIV.” [Source: ECHO Colorado]

New Look to Medicaid Cards Coming in March

“Starting May 2016, Medicaid will be called “Health First Colorado.” Click here for more information on the name change. Beginning as early as March 20, 2016, cards printed from Colorado.gov/PEAK will have the Health First Colorado name and logo. In June 2016, all hard copy cards sent to newly enrolled members will reflect the Health First Colorado name and logo. Current cards are still valid; clients do not need to request new cards. As a reminder, clients are only required to show their photo ID at appointments. Health First Colorado cards are not required to receive services. Providers should verify a client’s identity and eligibility at each appointment.” [Source: HCPF]

New Federal Poverty Levels Go Into Effect April 1

“The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) updated the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) income guidelines based on new Federal Poverty Levels (FPLs) for 2016.” [Source: HCPF]

Colorado Health Institute’s Safety Net Advisory Committee (SNAC labs)

“The Colorado Health Institute team hosted a SNAC Lab on March 17 featuring 1) discussion of Oregon’s Medicaid Coordinated Care Organizations and 2) three health alliances presented how they are approaching the problem with specialty care referrals. CHI has posted slides and other materials from this meeting here as well as the latest Food for Thought: Updates from the Safety Net Advisory Committee (SNAC) publication from January’s SNAC Lab. They will post March’s Food for Thought soon.

Save the Dates! 2016 SNAC Labs will be held May 19, July 13, September 22, and November 17. We will continue to hold SNAC Labs from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at the Colorado Health Institute offices, unless announced otherwise.” [Source: The Colorado Health Institute]

Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Training Opportunity

“Screening and brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach to earlier intervention for risky alcohol or drug use. Patients are screened using universal validated questions to identify risk, then those at risk receive a brief motivational conversation that can be delivered by different members of an interdisciplinary health care team to help the patient quit or cut-back to decrease risk. Those with a more serious alcohol or drug problem receive a referral to treatment plus follow-up. Research shows that SBIRT helps prevent readmissions and can lead to decreased healthcare costs.

Learning objectives:

1. Describe screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) 
2. Explore the evidence for SBIRT and how it is being implemented in emergency and inpatient settings
3. Describe current no-cost training services available for Colorado Medicaid providers to prepare interdisciplinary healthcare teams to implement SBIRT into practice

REGISTER NOW for this no-cost training opportunity. Click here to view upcoming training dates. Registration is required for each participant. For further information or inquiries about hosting an on-site SBIRT training, please contact Kevin Hughes at 303-369-0039 ext 226 or khughes@peerassist.org.” [Source: Peer Assistance Services]

Medicaid Tobacco Cessation Benefits Webinar Recording

“On Jan. 28, 2016, the Colorado Medicaid Tobacco Cessation project team hosted a webinar about what tobacco cessation benefits are covered by Medicaid and who is using them. A recording of this webinar is now available. In addition, tobacco cessation tools are also available.” [Source: HCPF]

CKF’s Health Coverage for Immigrants in Colorado Infographic is Now Available in More Languages

“Colorado Covering Kids and Families’ (CKF) infographic, Health Coverage for Immigrants in Colorado, is now available in Nepali, Burmese, and Karen, in addition to eight other languages. The infographics can be found in the “Immigrant O&E” section of CKF’s Outreach and Enrollment (O&E) Toolkit. “ [Source: CKF]

New IRS 1095 Forms for 2015 and resources

“This year some taxpayers may receive two new health care-related tax forms – the 1095-B and 1095-C, in addition to the 1095-A which marketplaces issued last year. These tax forms are used to report whether a consumer had health insurance that met minimum coverage requirements. Generally, the 1095-B form is filed by government-sponsored health insurance programs such as Medicaid. Providers of health coverage (including employers that self-insure) will file either a 1095-B or 1095-C, depending on the size of the employer and other factors. More information about how these new forms may impact this tax season can be found in this Kaiser Health News article.” [Source: IRS]

ClinicNET Webinar on 'Privacy, Security and Confidentiality' RESCHEDULED for 3/31

Due to inclement weather, the 'Privacy, Security and Confidentiality' webinar has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 31st from noon - 1:00pm. If you have already registered, you do not need to register again. Join us to learn the latest updates, ask questions and have a conversation with David Ginsberg, ClinicNET's Senior HIT Advisor and co-founder of PrivaPlan Associates. PrivaPlan is the authority in HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule Compliance offering a wide array of products and services including guidance on: HIPAA Privacy and HIPAA Security, HIPAA Training, Meaningful Use Consultation, Security Risk Assessments and much more.

Community Safety Net Clinics have expressed an interest in learning more about the following topics and we look forward to having you join the webinar on March 31st! Click here to register!

• HIPAA privacy and security gaps and risks
• Protecting patient privacy and health data
• Confidentiality and security best practices
• EHR Meaningful Use Program

Contact JoJo Gelderman at johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with questions.

Primary Care Fund Application

“Dates to Remember:

• Thursday, March 31, 2016 - The State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2016-17 Primary Care Fund Application will be posted to the Primary Care Fund Page of the Department's website.
• Monday, April 18, 2016 - Intent to Apply Notification due from Applicant Agencies to the Department.
• Monday, April 25, 2016 - Written questions due from Applicant Agencies to the Department. Please direct questions to Primary.Care@hcpf.state.co.us.
• Tuesday, May 3, 2016, 2:00-4:00 PM - Stakeholder Conference for Applicant Agencies will be held at the following address: 303 E 17th Ave, Room 11AB, Denver, CO 80203 
• Thursday, May 26, 2016 - Application Responses due by close of business to Primary.Care@hcpf.state.co.us. Faxes will not be accepted.
• Monday, June 27, 2016 - Tentative award notification, as determined by the Department.

Please note there have been a few technical changes to the SFY 2016-17 Primary Care Fund Application.

Outside Data Validation: Beginning in December 2015, an outside entity, Leif Associates, was hired by the Department to validate calendar year (CY) 2014 patient counts provided to the Department by Primary Care Fund grantees as a basis for SFY 2015-16 funding. Currently, Leif Associates has successfully completed two data validations, and is in the process of completing four additional data validations; the goal is to finish ten total data validations by the end of June 2016.

All inquiries should be directed to the Primary Care Fund email inbox, Primary.Care@hcpf.state.co.us, and will be responded to within two (2) business days.” [Source: HCPF]

Denver Health GI Screening Services open for referrals

For the past 2 years the Division of Digestive and Liver Health at Denver Health has been opening up their facility to referrals from outside the Denver Health system for GI and Hepatology consultations as well as for direct referral endoscopy for both symptomatic patients (e.g. GI bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain) and routine colorectal cancer screening for Medicaid patients.  This includes referrals from metro Denver AND outside cities; even rural Colorado. Below are some basic parameters about establishing a relationship with Denver Health and Dr. Levine (head of GI Services at Denver Health) and team, with the directive that all relationship building and inquiries should be directly facilitated with Dr. Levine.

General Guidelines:

• The agreement is that the referring clinic take responsibility for the patients they are referring (e.g they will be navigated), which could include education about the procedure, the importance of attending their appointments and taking their prep for their procedure, having a means of transportation to and from appointment with a responsible person.
• Denver Health is willing to accept single referrals on a as needed basis or preferably in volume.
• Before referrals are made, Dr. Levine would like to speak with the medical leadership at the referring clinic to ensure the entire spectrum of care and expectations of both Denver Health and the clinic are established with agreed upon guidelines before patients are referred.  Details of the referral process to assure the minimum effort on the part the primary care site, while also assuring the conduct of the highest quality consultation or procedure for the patient will be the goal of these discussions.
• Dr. Levine will be the point of contact for any inquiries and is willing to be reached via email  joel.levine@dhha.org or paged at 303-201-5431.

Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative (TCPi) is currently accepting applications

“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.

TCPi is currently accepting applications: click here for more information and to apply.

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]

Accountable Care Collaborative Phase II Update

“Behavioral Health Reimbursement Framework: The Department has developed a high-level model further defining the February 2016 program decision regarding the reimbursement of behavioral health services in ACC Phase II. The Department will retain a capitation payment to support the full continuum of behavioral health services from outpatient therapy to alternative community services to crisis response and hospitalization. One significant change from the current capitation will be limiting the use of the covered diagnosis requirements, where possible, in order to improve access to care.

In addition to the capitation, the Department will be reimbursing more behavioral health services delivered within primary care settings for low acuity and brief episodic conditions. To support integrated care, the Department will define a new set of services for behavioral health providers who work as members of primary care teams.

Additional details on these reimbursement strategies will be made available as they are finalized through the draft Request for Proposal for ACC Phase II. Read more about the behavioral health reimbursement framework here.

February 9 Webinar: FAQs Now Available: On February 9, Medicaid Director Gretchen Hammer and Deputy Medicaid Director Laurel Karabatsos hosted a call and webinar with stakeholders to discuss the ACC Phase II procurement timeline and behavioral health reimbursement program decision. FAQs are available online now.

Questions & Feedback: The Department welcomes input on the future of the ACC. Please submit your questions regarding the ACC Phase II development using this form.” [Source: HCPF]

Patient Navigator Training Collaborative spring courses announced

“Mental Health First Aid - Denver, CO: Mental Health First Aid Colorado is a statewide, public education program committed to empowering individuals to identify, understand and respond to those in mental health and substance abuse crises. Mental Health First Aid training is for everybody, especially patient navigators! Next course: April 12.

Level 1: Patient Navigator Fundamentals: Topics in this comprehensive "Level 1" training include patient communication, health promotion, professional conduct and motivational interviewing. Next courses: April 11-13: Castle Rock, May 10-12: Denver, and May 25-27: Glenwood Springs.

Advanced Health Behavior Change - Aurora, CO: This course focuses on behavior change around chronic disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease prevention and control. Next courses: April 15 and June 3.

Advanced Care Coordination - Denver, CO: Coordinated care contributes to patient-centered, high-quality care. This Level 2 course prepares patient navigators to coordinate care for their clients. Next course: April 22.

Advanced Motivational Interviewing for Patient Navigators - Aurora, CO: In this course you will expand your skills related to the strategic use of questions and reflections to build upon and deepen client change talk. Next course: May 13.

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

Crisis Text – support for mental health, substance abuse or emotional help

“Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners, in partnership with Colorado Crisis Services, now offers Crisis Text for Coloradans needing mental health, substance use, or emotional help. The new text services are available 24/7/365 and allows Coloradans to access a master's level clinician within minutes through text messaging on their phone. This service is free and confidential (text messaging and data rates may apply; see terms here). Crisis Text is part of a growing number of services offered through Colorado Crisis Services and is aimed towards ensuring that that all Coloradans have access to mental health services when they need them.” [Source: Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners]

Funding Opportunity: 2016 Community Partnership Award Competition – applications due April 1

“The aim of the annual award from Mutual of America Foundation is to recognize the important contributions that nonprofit organizations, in partnership with public, private and other social sector organizations, make to society. Each of the award recipients must demonstrate the difference the partnership has made, show the ability of the partnership to be replicated and to stimulate new ideas in addressing social issues, as well as illustrate the partnership's commitment to advancing the mission and principles of the organization. Mutual of America presents a number of grants, and $50,000 is awarded to the winning organization each year. In addition, a video of the national award winning program will be produced, featuring the principals involved and explaining the program in detail.

Click here to view 2016 Award Guidelines. Click here to download an application. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2016.” [Source: Mutual of America Foundation]

RWJF Clinical Scholars Call for Applications due 4/19

“The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) has launched the Advancing Change Leaders national initiative to achieve a Culture of Health. The RWJF Clinical Scholars Program is open to clinicians with five or more years experience. Interested clinicians apply in interdisciplinary teams of 2-5 clinicians (MD, DO, PhD, DNS, DMD, MSW, PharmD, DPT, DVM, DDS, AuD, RD, OTD) with 5 or more years of experience in active practice. Scholar support includes $35,000 per clinician per year for 3 years. Selected candidates remain in their current communities and travel twice a year to participate in interdisciplinary leadership training. Below are details for a local reception and webinar for potential applicants.

The following link provides a brief overview of the RWJF Clinical Scholars Program and the other three Advancing Change Leaders programs and links to each program’s Call for Applications http://www.rwjf.org/changeleaders. Program applications are due 4/19.” [Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation]

Articles and Publications

Assessing the Economic and Budgetary Impact of Medicaid Expansion in Colorado

March 10, 2016 – The Colorado Health Foundation

Outreach and Enrollment Strategies for Reaching the Medicaid Eligible but Uninsured Population

March 2, 2016 - Kaiser Family Foundation

Assessing ACA Marketplace Enrollment
March 2016 - Kaiser Family Foundation

CDC Prevention Status Reports - Colorado

March 2016 – US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2016 Colorado Health Report Card

February 2016 – The Colorado Health Foundation

Health Care Coverage and Access for Children in Low-Income Families: Stakeholder Perspectives from California, Colorado, and Texas

February 26, 2016 – Mathematica Policy Research

Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility, Enrollment, Renewal, and Cost-Sharing Policies as of January 2016: Findings from a 50-State Survey

January 21, 2016 – Kaiser Family Foundation

Opportunities for States to Coordinate Medicaid and SNAP Renewals

February 5, 2016 – Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

For more Articles and Publications, visit the ClinicNET website.

ClinicNET Webinar 3/23: Privacy, Security and Confidentiality featuring PrivaPlan

You are invited to join us for a webinar on Wednesday, March 23rd from noon - 1:00pm to learn the latest updates, ask questions and have a conversation with David Ginsberg, ClinicNET's Senior HIT Advisor and co-founder of PrivaPlan Associates. PrivaPlan is the authority in HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule Compliance offering a wide array of products and services including guidance on: HIPAA Privacy and HIPAA Security, HIPAA Training, Meaningful Use Consultation, Security Risk Assessments and much more.

Community Safety Net Clinics have expressed an interest in learning more about the following topics and we look forward to having you join the webinar on March 23rd! Click here to register!

• HIPAA privacy and security gaps and risks
• Protecting patient privacy and health data
• Confidentiality and security best practices
• EHR Meaningful Use Program

Contact JoJo Gelderman at johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with questions.

ClinicNET Bill Position Update

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.

To date we've taken positions on the following bills and budget items in the State Legislature:

Support:

• HB16-1047: Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
• HB16-1097: PUC Permit For Medicaid Transportation Providers 
• HB16-1103: License Pathways For Mental Health Workforce 
• HB16-1142: Rural & Frontier Health Care Preceptor Tax Credit 
• SB16-027: Medicaid Option For Prescribed Drugs By Mail 
• SB16-069: Community Paramedicine Regulation
• SB16-147: Suicide Prevention Through Zero Suicide Model 
• Hospital Provider Fee Designation as an Enterprise
• LARC line-item in CDPHE budget

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.

Now Available: 2015 Health Equity Learning Series Highlights Report and additional resources

“We are pleased to provide our newest publication, summarizing learnings from the three Health Equity Learning Series (HELS) events held last year. Written for The Trust by Carie Sherman, Creating Paths to Opportunity: Advancing Health Equity by Understanding Structures and Organizing for Power is intended to augment the recorded presentations and accompanying materials, all of which are available on our website.

The report examines topics covered by our four presenters in 2015, including how structures, policies and systems can unintentionally marginalize vulnerable communities; how race impacts health; and how organizations have effectively used resources to give community members a voice, and improved the health of their own communities.

Additionally, all of the 2015 presentations are now available for viewing with Spanish translation. Click any of the links below to view the presentations in either English or Spanish:

• “Opportunity, Community, and Health Equity” – john a. powell, Sept. 17, 2015
• “Health Equity in Rural Communities” – Denise Gonzales and Susan Wilger, July 23, 2015
• “Health Equity and Community Engagement” – Doran Schrantz, Feb. 5, 2015

The Trust will commence its next round of the Health Equity Learning Series this summer; more details will be provided soon, including how to apply to be a grantee and help share these presentations and materials in your own community. If you’d like further information in the interim, please don’t hesitate to contact us.” [Source: The Colorado Trust]

IMPORTANT: Deadline for Medicaid Provider Revalidation

“Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has extended its deadline for states to complete provider revalidation, it is important that Colorado providers complete revalidation and/or enrollment as soon as possible. By completing the revalidation and enrollment process as soon as possible through the Online Provider Enrollment (OPE) tool providers will not experience any delay in payment. The Department is launching its new claims management system, the Colorado interChange, on November 1, 2016. Starting on that date, claims and encounters submitted by providers who have not enrolled and/or revalidated will be denied. For more information, contact Provider.Questions@state.co.us.

Providers must utilize the Online Provider Enrollment (OPE) tool to complete their applications. Provider resources, including training, an enrollment reference guide, and several FAQs, are available online on the Medicaid Provider Resources page. Providers are urged to review these resources prior to beginning the revalidation process! [Source: HCPF]

Webinar: Colorado Medicaid's Tobacco Cessation Counseling Benefit and the Colorado QuitLine

“This webinar, on March 31 12:00-1:00pm, will provide an overview of the Colorado Medicaid tobacco cessation counseling benefit, including how to bill for these services. There will be discussion on how to effectively inform and motivate Medicaid clients for successful cessation. This webinar will also present on the Colorado QuitLine processes and resources specific to Medicaid, and how to use the QuitLine benefits in addition to Medicaid benefits. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Participant Learning Objectives - by the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least two covered Medicaid tobacco cessation counseling benefits
• Describe at least two approaches to informing and motivating Medicaid clients about cessation
• Describe how to bill Medicaid for tobacco cessation counseling
• Identify how Medicaid providers can refer patients to the QuitLine and what coaching services are offered through the QuitLine
• Identify how Medicaid benefits can be used concurrently with QuitLine benefits

Audience: Medicaid providers including physicians, RNs, prenatal care providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, behavioral health providers, patient navigators, community health workers, clinic office staff, clinic management.” [Source: HCPF]

REMINDER ClinicNET Affiliates: 2015 Data Request & 2016 Annual Contribution

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.

Apply to participate in HealthTeamWork’s BC3 - Pediatric Community Learning Track

“HealthTeamWorks invites your practice to participate in the second year of the BC3 Program (Better Care, Better Costs, Better Colorado). As a participating practice, you will be part of a Community Learning Track, an innovative delivery model that provides practice transformation support to practices through virtual coaching support, peer learning networks, action groups, workforce development training, and learning collaboratives. HealthTeamWorks will be partnering with Anita Rich of CCHAP to co-facilitate a Pediatric Community Learning Track. This is an opportunity for pediatric practices across the state to learn from each other on pediatric-focused topics. *This opportunity intentionally aligns with all of the exciting transformation initiatives in Colorado.

Your practice can participate in the program if:

• You have previous practice transformation experience
• Your practice has a QI Team established and meet 2x/month
• You are able to identify a practice Champion & Co-Champion and dedicate time to transformation activities
• The ability to report Quality Measures in the HealthTeamWorks Measures Database monthly
• Time to complete program evaluation surveys and brief monthly progress reports

Your practice will be provided with:

• Participation in monthly community learning calls, sharing successes and learning from other practices
• The opportunity to participate in Learning Collaboratives(2x/year)
• Skills-based Workforce Development Trainings (2x/year)
• Monthly 1:1 phone calls with a HealthTeamWorks Practice Facilitator, who will provide guidance and content expertise to support your practice
• Countless tools to improve your practices performance and transformation
• Pending approval, CME credits (up to 20 credit hours) available, depending on level of participation in initiative activities
• Board Maintenance of Certification Part IV

Complete a Practice Information Application here. Direct questions to Heather Walker (hwalker@healthteamworks.org). All forms must be received by 5:00 pm on March 25, 2016 to be considered for the program. Practices will be notified if they have been selected to participate in the BC3 Program by April 1, 2016.” [Source: HealthTeamWorks]

Call for Applications: Culture of Health Leaders

"CommonHealth ACTION announced that the call for applications are now open for Culture of Health Leaders. This is a new leadership development and funding opportunity for leaders from various sectors that influence health—including education, transportation, technology, public health, government, faith/spiritual, business, health care, social service, economic development, urban planning, and others. The goal of this program is to engage a diverse array of professionals to take their leadership and influence to the next level; collaborate in new ways to create a healthier, more equitable future for all people; and to develop advanced leadership skills to build a Culture of Health that will enable everyone to live longer, healthier lives now and for generations to come.

For more information on the program, who is eligible, and how to apply, please see the fact sheet or visit www.cultureofhealth-leaders.org. We will host an introductory webinar on March 24 from 2-3 pm EST; email changeleaders@rwjf.org to sign up. I hope you will share this with others in your network who may be interested in this opportunity.

Culture of Health Leaders is a national, three-year program co-led by the National Collaborative for Health Equity and CommonHealth ACTION. It is one of four national change leadership programs, designed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to extend the influence and impact of leaders working to build a Culture of Health. Please visit www.rwjf.org/changeleaders for an overview of all the programs.

Applications are open now through April 19 for programs beginning this fall. Each year the program will select up to 50 participants from a wide range of health and non-health fields to drive important change in every sector. Participants receive an annual stipend of $20,000 per person and financial support for the team to complete a bold project." [Source: CommonHealth ACTION]

Tools For Engaging Nontraditional Voices

“How do I recruit nontraditional voices to a shared table? What does it mean to authentically engage? What kinds of measures indicate successful engagement? Nontraditional voices offer the perspectives and experience needed to successfully identify and implement solutions to complex problems. These voices, however, have traditionally been left out of the decision-making process, resulting in policies and processes that often do not achieve their goals.

Including these voices will naturally generate more culturally responsive policies and practices, and policies will inevitably be more aligned to meet the needs of the service population. The purpose of this toolkit is to help stakeholders intentionally plan for and sustain the engagement of nontraditional partners in boards and committees. Creating authentic engagement is more than offering a seat at the table. It takes enthusiasm, leadership, and sustained relationship-building to see the work through. Check out Denver-based Spark Policy Institute's Tools for Engaging Nontraditional Voices Toolkit.” [Source: COPrevent]

Learn about mental health first aid

“Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has been cited throughout the development and launch of Colorado SIM as a way to put upstream, public health prevention strategies for behavioral health in action. Hundreds of local public health agencies, community mental health centers, primary care practices, hospitals, schools, law enforcement agencies and more are now using this evidence-based training to help address behavioral health needs in their communities. The program's popularity is impressive, but its supporters see the growth so far as just the beginning. So, if you're not one of the 25,000 certified Mental Health First Aiders in Colorado, what exactly is it all about?


The Mental Health First Aid Colorado (MHFACO) team has put together a short, introductory video explaining why it is important and how to get involved. Click here to watch the video and learn how you can become a lifeline for yourself, a colleague, client, friend or family member in need of support. MHFACO looks forward to partnering with SIM and other interested organizations and individuals to continue to spread MHFA across the state of Colorado. You can also learn more at www.mhfaco.org.” [Source: Mental Health First Aid Colorado]

ClinicNET Webinar 3/23: Privacy, Security and Confidentiality featuring PrivaPlan

You are invited to join us for a webinar on Wednesday, March 23rd from noon - 1:00pm to learn the latest updates, ask questions and have a conversation with David Ginsberg, ClinicNET's Senior HIT Advisor and co-founder of PrivaPlan Associates. PrivaPlan is the authority in HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule Compliance offering a wide array of products and services including guidance on: HIPAA Privacy and HIPAA Security, HIPAA Training, Meaningful Use Consultation, Security Risk Assessments and much more.

Community Safety Net Clinics have expressed an interest in learning more about the following topics and we look forward to having you join the webinar on March 23rd! Click here to register!

• HIPAA privacy and security gaps and risks
• Protecting patient privacy and health data
• Confidentiality and security best practices
• EHR Meaningful Use Program

Contact JoJo Gelderman at johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with questions.

IMPORTANT: Deadline for Medicaid Provider Revalidation

“Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has extended its deadline for states to complete provider revalidation, it is important that Colorado providers complete revalidation and/or enrollment as soon as possible. By completing the revalidation and enrollment process as soon as possible through the Online Provider Enrollment (OPE) tool providers will not experience any delay in payment. The Department is launching its new claims management system, the Colorado interChange, on November 1, 2016. Starting on that date, claims and encounters submitted by providers who have not enrolled and/or revalidated will be denied. For more information, contact Provider.Questions@state.co.us

Providers must utilize the Online Provider Enrollment (OPE) tool to complete their applications. Provider resources, including training, an enrollment reference guide, and several FAQs, are available online on the Medicaid Provider Resources page. Providers are urged to review these resources prior to beginning the revalidation process! [Source: HCPF]

Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) Clinical Services and Care Coordination applications due March 14

“The Women’s Wellness Connection (WWC) program is currently accepting applications for both clinical services and care coordination funds. If you already receive funding, you do not need to apply. The intention is to increase the number of women screened for breast and cervical cancer in the state of Colorado. For more information about the two funding opportunities, please see below:

WWC Clinical Services: This program provides financial support to clinical services organizations to provide breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services for uninsured and under insured women who meet WWC’s age, income, and lawful presence criteria as outline in the WWC Provider Toolkit.

Care Coordination: This program provides financial support to clinical services organizations to increase care coordination related to breast and cervical cancer screening for insured women who otherwise meet WWC’s age, income, and lawful presence criteria as outlined in the WWC Provider Toolkit.

Applications are due by March 14, 2016. Application documents and information can be found at www.colorado.gov/cdphe/wwc-funding. If you have any questions, please email them to the WWC program staff at cdphe_wwc@state.co.us.” [Source: CDPHE]

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 opportunities:

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)
• Facing the Care Coordination Challenge - Begins March 15, 2016
• Build Joy in Work and Prevent Burnout - Begins March 29, 2016
• Patient Reported Measures - Begins April 6, 2016
• Advancing Safer Maternal and Newborn Care - Begins April 14, 2016
• Improving Community Health: Population Management in the Safety Net - Begins April 14, 2016.
• Is Your Organization Conversation Ready - Begins April 19, 2016
• Preventing Clostridium difficile (C. diff) Infections - Begins May 11, 2016

In-person Trainings & Conferences

• Breakthrough Series College - March 29-31, 2016 - Cambridge, MA
• Population Management Executive Development Program - April 27-29, 2016 - Orlando, FL
• 28th National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care - December 4-7, 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]

    

Colorado SIM chooses first cohort of primary care practices

“The Colorado State Innovation Model (SIM) Office announces the first cohort of primary care practices selected to participate in practice transformation activities through the SIM initiative. First cohort practices will play an integral role in achieving Colorado SIM's goal of providing access to integrated physical and behavioral health care services in coordinated systems, with value-based payment structures, for 80 percent of Colorado residents by 2019. By participating in SIM, practices will be provided with a comprehensive practice transformation support package as well as the opportunity to participate in alternative payment models, the goals of which are to simultaneously improve patient outcomes while promoting greater return on investment.

Over the next two years, primary care practices in the first cohort will work toward adopting practice milestones that relate to the Colorado Framework for Whole Person Care.  Additionally, practices have committed to reporting their progress toward a common set of clinical quality measures and will be provided with a Clinical Health Information Technology Advisor to assist in building practice data capacity. The University of Colorado is providing leadership and oversight for practice transformation activities undertaken by the SIM practices and will offer opportunities for provider education, convene bi-annual collaborative learning sessions, and provide technical assistance to help support practice progress.

The state's major health plans have agreed to provide selected SIM-participating primary care practices in their networks with enhanced, value-based payments. Each practice in the first cohort will be supported by at least one payer through alternative payment models that align with categories of the Health Care Payment and Learning Action Network (HCPLAN) Alternative Payment Model Framework. This shift away from fee-for-service to value-based payment models will support practices as they transition towards integrated care delivery models and ensure that the transformation activities begun under SIM are sustainable beyond the term of the award. Furthermore, practices will be eligible to receive participation payments of up to $5,000 as well as competitive small grants disbursed through the SIM Practice Transformation Fund, consisting of approximately $3 million of SIM funds and a generous $3 million grant from The Colorado Health Foundation, to help offset the initial costs of integrating care.” [Source: Colorado SIM]

Save the Date: LARC Symposium June 6th & 7th

“The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Family Planning Program is pleased to invite you to the 2016 Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) Symposium. Colorado has gained national and international accolades for increasing meaningful access to the most effective methods of contraception. You can play a role in helping Colorado set a new standard!

This two-day, intensive training opportunity is open to any advanced practice clinician or physician serving reproductive-aged females. Special focus is on FQHCs, pediatricians, family practice and primary care providers wanting to expand their patient visits to include meaningful access to LARC. Sessions will range from basic IUD and contraceptive implant counseling and insertion to trouble shooting difficult cases and managing side effects. In addition to clinical providers, this symposium seeks to recruit clinic administrative staff to learn more about LARC related clinic efficiencies, coding, reimbursement and product stocking.

The cost is free to providers and clinic administrators. Continuing education credits will be offered. Registration coming soon! Click here for more information.” [Source: CDPHE]

Doctors Speak translation technology offering free 3-month trial

“Doctors Speak is a new translation technology aimed at improving patient health literacy. Using a tablet, patients can use this technology in clinic waiting rooms to translate ‘doctor speak’ to common language (three different levels of translation). Doctors Speak is currently focusing on cardiology – the content covers a broad spectrum of conditions, diagnostic tests, treatments, and consequences of patient participation in their health. A goal is to influence patients’ health beliefs and improve outcomes such as medication compliance, and 30-day hospital readmission rates.

Doctors Speak is offering clinics the product free of charge for a 3-month trial period in exchange for feedback on usability, patient engagement, and health literacy specific to our content. The product is used by patients in the waiting room and they are able to save their translation sessions and access them online at home. Tablets are available on a rental or loan basis for clinics.

Contact Michelle Archuleta, Founder & CEO, marchu0399@gmail.com for more information.” [Source: Doctors Speak]

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]

Webinar: Colorado Medicaid's Tobacco Cessation Counseling Benefit and the Colorado QuitLine

“This webinar, on March 31 12:00-1:00pm, will provide an overview of the Colorado Medicaid tobacco cessation counseling benefit, including how to bill for these services. There will be discussion on how to effectively inform and motivate Medicaid clients for successful cessation. This webinar will also present on the Colorado QuitLine processes and resources specific to Medicaid, and how to use the QuitLine benefits in addition to Medicaid benefits. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Participant Learning Objectives - by the end of the training, participants will be able to:

• Identify at least two covered Medicaid tobacco cessation counseling benefits
• Describe at least two approaches to informing and motivating Medicaid clients about cessation
• Describe how to bill Medicaid for tobacco cessation counseling
• Identify how Medicaid providers can refer patients to the QuitLine and what coaching services are offered through the QuitLine
• Identify how Medicaid benefits can be used concurrently with QuitLine benefits

Audience: Medicaid providers including physicians, RNs, prenatal care providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, behavioral health providers, patient navigators, community health workers, clinic office staff, clinic management.” [Source: HCPF]

Webinar: Practical Strategies to Providing a Multi-Generational Approach to Integrated Care

“The SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions (CIHS) is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, March 29, 1:00-2:30pm MST, on Practical Strategies to Providing a Multi-Generational Approach to Integrated Care. Register for free at: https://goto.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1095756.

Does your organization look beyond providing services just to the individual, by recognizing the interrelationship of the extended network of the family? Applying this multi-generational approach to care in integrated care settings provides the opportunity to expand the reach of services to support overall health of individuals and their families. Join this webinar to hear from a panel of expert providers regarding the necessary tools and resources to operationalize multi-generational approaches to care and learn about specific approaches to implementation in your integrated care settings.

After this webinar, participants will:

• Recognize the outcomes associated with a multi-generational approach
• Identify practical strategies for operationalizing multi-generational approaches to care
• Identify the potential for different members of your clinical and administrative workforce in assuring a successful multigenerational approach
• Gain the resources and tools necessary to embed a multi-generational approach within your organization” [Source: SAMHSA]

Colorado PEAK Updates

“Register to attend a webinar to learn about the March 2016 Enhancements: To register for a webinar, click on the link of the date you would like to attend: Thursday, March 17 at 1:00pm or Monday, March 21 at 9:00am.

PEAK User Guides: Direct links to the updated user guides are below and can be accessed on our outreach and training site at PEAKOutreach.com/Training.

Community Partner Support Call: Support calls are scheduled to follow PEAK updates to discuss system performance and known issues. The next support call is Thursday, March 24, 3:00 - 3:45 pm. Phone: 877-820-7831, Access code: 349141#.

Brochures, client business cards, and posters are available! Request materials printed in English/Spanish at peakoutreach.com/outreach-materials.

Request training for your organization and access existing user guides, presentations, and webinars at peakoutreach.com/training.” [Source: Colorado PEAK]

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 opportunities:

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)
• Improving Communication to Enhance Cultural Competency - Begins March 10, 2016
• Facing the Care Coordination Challenge - Begins March 15, 2016
• Build Joy in Work and Prevent Burnout - Begins March 29, 2016
• Patient Reported Measures - Begins April 6, 2016
• Advancing Safer Maternal and Newborn Care - Begins April 14, 2016
• Improving Community Health: Population Management in the Safety Net - Begins April 14, 2016.
• Is Your Organization Conversation Ready - Begins April 19, 2016
• Preventing Clostridium difficile (C. diff) Infections - Begins May 11, 2016

In-person Trainings & Conferences

• 17th Annual Summit on Improving Patient Care in the Office Practice and Community – March 20-22, 2016 – Orlando, FL
• Breakthrough Series College - March 29-31, 2016 - Cambridge, MA
• Population Management Executive Development Program - April 27-29, 2016 - Orlando, FL
• 28th National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care - December 4-7, 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]

    

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.

New Publications - Department of Health Care Policy and Financing

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

Click here to view the February edition of At a Glance. This publication provides information on major initiatives including policy changes and program updates.

Click here to view the February edition of the CICP newsletter. The information contained in the newsletter is to provide clarification on CICP policies and procedures, and updates on Departmental news. [Source: HCPF]

Register today for ECHO Learning Communities: (1) Hepatitis C and (2) Caring for Medically Complex Children

"Attention providers! We want your participation in ECHO Colorado’s two new learning communities on Hep C and complex care pediatrics. Get free and direct feedback on your most complex cases without having to leave your office.

Hep C ECHO Colorado Learning Community starts March 25th.
Join our Hep C learning community to gain a clearer understanding of 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 25th. 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

Caring for Medically Complex Children ECHO Learning Community starts April 27th. 
Treating children with medical complexity involves challenges around treating specific problems, working with a variety of care systems and dealing with different settings and procedures regarding care. This ECHO Learning Community will speak to issues from birth to adulthood and provide expert support for your multifaceted cases.

This learning community is also limited to twenty participants. To register and for more information:
http://www.echocolorado.org/topics/clinic-practice-supoort/caring-for-medically-complex-children." [Source: ECHO Colorado]

New Funding Opportunity Announcement from CDPHE

“The Cancer, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease (CCPD) Grants Program is pleased to release a new, competitive Request for Applications (RFA). The intent of this funding during FY 17-18 (October 1, 2016-June 30, 2018) is to expand the reach and impact of the CCPD Grants Program by funding organizations/agencies across Colorado that will focus on further reducing chronic diseases in Colorado, specifically in populations most burdened by cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

The deadline for application submissions is April 8, 2016. Details of the funding opportunity and application materials are now available at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/ccpd-funding. Please contact cdphe_a35grantreviewcommittees@state.co.us with any questions you may have on this process. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.” [Source: CDPHE]

Funding Opportunity for Safety Net Oral Health Providers

“The new National Safety Net Advancement Center (supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) is proud to issue a call for proposals (CFP) to facilitate safety net organizations in overcoming challenges posed by payment and care delivery reform. The goal of the CFP is to contribute to the growing evidence base on how to successfully implement payment and care delivery reforms in safety net organizations. Proposal submission deadline is April 1, 2016 – click here to view the prospective applicant webinar recording.

Eligibility: 1) Federally Qualified Health Centers, 2) Community Mental Health Centers, 3) Public County Hospitals, 4) Tribal Health Centers, 5) Critical Access Hospitals, and 6) Safety Net Oral Heath Providers.

The CFP solicits proposals for two components of SNAC’s initiatives: 1) grant awards and 2) virtual learning collaboratives – applicants may choose to apply for either. Examples of potential funded grant projects are: clinical care team transformation strategies; clinical integration across settings; network structure, governance, and operations; risk management and adjustment strategies; financial planning, implementation, and control; and patient attribution and activation. View the CFP for more information.” [Source: National Safety Net Advancement Center]