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

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

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

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

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

Webinar: Improving Cardiac Health and Reducing Cardias Healthcare Disparities

“In support of American Heart Month join Million Hearts in Colorado for an Improving Cardiac Health and Reducing Cardiac Healthcare Disparities Webinar  on February 26 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm (MT). Topics include:

• NCC: National Alignment to Support the QIN-QIO Efforts to Improve Cardiac Health and Reduce Cardiac Health Disparities
• Million Hearts: Using Clinical Innovations to Prevent One Million Heart Attacks and Strokes (Speaker: Hilary Wall, MPH)
• AMA-JHM: Overview of the Improving Health Outcomes: Blood Pressure Program (Speakers: Peter Pronovost, MD, PhD, FCCM & Omar Hasan, MBBS, MPH, MS, FACP)
• American Heart Association: Community and Ambulatory Clinical Initiatives on Cardiac Health (Speakers: Kathleen Shoemaker, Pharm D, MBA & Juliana Crawford)

How to participate:

1. Prior to the webinar, review your BP control rate data. Come with questions on finding and addressing your opportunities for improvement.
2. Registration for this event can be accessed here.
3. Invite your team to participate with you.
4. Click here for more information on your region’s QIN-QIO.” [Source: COPrevent]

Webinar on Cholesterol Guidelines

“Please join the American Heart Association and Million Hearts for the Million Hearts and Cholesterol: 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults: Review of Case Studies on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 10:30 am – 11:30 pm MT.

This presentation is geared toward Million Hearts® Collaboration Partners and Stakeholders, State and Local health departments, Healthcare Professionals, National Organizations and The Guideline Advantage members and Primary Care Physicians.

Click here to register. You will receive meeting logistics on November 17, 2014.” [Source: COPrevent]

Webinar on Clinical Quality Measures and QIO Scope

“Join us for a webinar on the Million Hearts Clinical Quality Measures Dashboard and Important Changes in the QIO/QIN Scope of Work on November 12, 1-2:30pm MT. This webinar will cover two important topics. First, an explanation and demonstration of the Million Hearts Clinical Quality Measures Dashboard which is designed to display cardiovascular disease-related measures from quality reporting initiatives focused on the Million Hearts® ABCS. This will be followed by a review of the changes in the CMS Quality Improvement Organizations and Networks and their 11th Scope of Work. Space is limited- register now!” [Source: COPrevent]

New Local Video Resources for Pharmacists and Clinicians on Hypertension

“University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy recently produced three videos in partnership with the Million Hearts Initiative in Colorado. The videos are an easy reference for pharmacists and pharmacy partners on correct blood pressure measurement technique, secondary stroke prevention and understanding new and existing treatment guidelines. Check them out and share them with your partners.

• Blood Pressure Demonstration
• Secondary Stroke Prevention
• Hypertension Guidelines” [Source: COPrevent]

What Works in Colorado: The Center for African American Health’s Just Check It Program

“In Colorado, Just Check It is an evidence-based program that is designed to assist people who want to monitor and better control their blood pressure. Just Check It reaches out into the community at various events and through The Center for African American Health to connect with people who have high blood pressure and who want additional tools to help them control it. During a 2-hour orientation, The Center for African American Health staff discuss what hypertension is, how it affects the body and, most importantly, how to control it. In addition, the programs provide a tote bag full of information and materials to empower people to take control of their blood pressure and this includes a state-of-the-art blood pressure monitor, nutrition resources and other tools for getting healthy. For more information contact: Wendy Smittick at 303-500-2085 or visit our website at: www.caahealth.org.” [Source: COPrevent]

New Tools and Patient Resources on Hypertension

“The AHA has created these new tools to assist in the treatment and education of patients:

• Controlling Hypertension in Adults
• Understanding and Managing High Blood Pressure

These tools and a link to order free copies of the patient resource are available here.” [Source: COPrevent]

Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Resource Center Now Available

“Million Hearts® recently launched the Healthy Eating & Lifestyle Resource Center, an interactive website featuring recipes, meal plans, and articles related to heart healthy living. The Meal Plan includes 4 weeks of healthful meals, recipes, printable shopping lists, and customized calorie levels to meet weight goals. Additionally, all meals contain less than 1,500 mg of sodium. The Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Resource Center may be found here: http://recipes.millionhearts.hhs.gov/.”  [Source: COPrevent]

New Toolkit Available for High Blood Pressure Clinical Quality Improvement

“The Washington State Department of Health, in collaboration with CDC and the University of Washington Medical Center’s Hypertension Clinic, recently published a five-step implementation guide to improving high blood pressure control. The guide includes a package of evidence-based change concepts and supporting tools that can serve as a template for quality improvement work.

High blood pressure management is a key strategy of the Million Hearts Initiative, an effort to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over five years.  Colorado participates in this initiative and you can too. Be one in a million - make your commitment and pledge today.”  [Source: COPrevent]

Task Force Recommends Clinical Decision-Support Systems for CVD Prevention

“The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends clinical decision-support systems (CDSS) for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) based on sufficient evidence of effectiveness in improving screening for CVD risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol and practices for CVD-related preventive care services, clinical tests, and treatments. Read the full Task Force Finding and Rationale Statement for details including implementation issues, possible added benefits, potential harms, and evidence gaps.” [Source: COPrevent]

Webinar on New JNC8 High Blood Pressure Treatment Guidelines Available

“The JNC 8 committee was appointed in 2008 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and was charged with reviewing and synthesizing the most recent available scientific evidence, updating existing clinical recommendations and providing guidance for clinicians on the best approaches to manage and control high blood pressure. This guideline has been long-awaited and much anticipated with the last revision, the JNC 7 report, having been published in 2003. Join Colorado Foundation for Medical Care and speaker Mori Krantz, MD for a review of these new guidelines. View the recorded webinar here – registration is required.  Also view the presentation and handout.” [Source: COPrevent]

Million Hearts Colorado: New Provider App Helps Estimate Health Disease Risks

“The ASCVD Risk Estimator app is published jointly by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) to help health care providers and patients estimate 10-year and lifetime risks for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) using the Pooled Cohort Equations and lifetime risk prediction tools. This app is intended as a companion tool to the 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk and the 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults.

The ASCVD Risk Estimator provides easy access to recommendations specific to calculated risk estimates. Additionally, the app includes readily accessible guideline reference information for both providers and patients related to therapy, monitoring, and lifestyle.”  [Source: COPrevent]

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

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

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

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

Grant Opportunity to Encourage Latinas to Recognize Heart Attacks

"Funding is available for activities and events in support of the Spanish language awareness campaign, “Make The Call. Don’t Miss a Beat”. Building upon the national public awareness begun under this campaign in 2011, the outreach focus of the campaign in 2013 is to encourage Spanish speaking Latinas from across the country over age 50 to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and to call 911 promptly. Community-based partnerships and collaborations with Hispanic/Latino organizations and entities are strongly encouraged and funding priority will be given to applicants demonstrating these partnerships. Visit www.womenshealth.gov/heartattack for more information on the campaign..." [Source: COPrevent]