CDC and CDPHE Resources Help Doctors Talk to Their Patients About Quitting Smoking

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Talk to your Doctor" national media campaign is hopefully driving smokers to health care providers across Colorado right now. Health care providers can make sure they are ready for having a crucial conversation with their patients about the health impacts of tobacco and how to quit by visiting the CDC Health Care Provider Resources page and downloading the tips, success stories, waiting room posters and videos there.

They can also listen to Dr. Daniel Kortsch, a physician at Denver Health who treats many income, sexual and ethnic minorities. In the video, Dr. Kortsch talks with CDPHE about the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, the critical conversations about tobacco use, and how he helps his patients who are ready to quit smoking."  [Source:  COPrevent]

Colorado ICD-10 Task Force - Summer Classes Near You

The ICD-10 Road Shows will be taught by Colorado's own AHIMA-Approved ICD-10 Trainers.  These cost-effective seminars will allow you to get started on your ICD-10 education while learning from some of the industry's best coding professionals.  Cost includes 1-1/2 day seminar presented by ICD-10-CM/PCS experts, seminar materials, breakfast on both days, and lunch on Friday.

For more information on dates and times, please click here.  [Source:  CRHC Blog]

Cigna Foundation Invites Applications for Health Promotion Projects

"The Cigna Foundation, the charitable arm of the Cigna Corporation and its subsidiaries, supports organizations that share its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna employees live and work.

The foundation focuses its funding in four areas:  promoting wellness by building awareness, helping people manage their health challenges, and making health services available and affordable for all; expanding opportunities by reaching across barriers to tap the talents of every person; developing leaders by supporting the type of community service that gives talented individuals the experience to become future leaders; and embracing communities by connecting neighbors to create networks to address complex social and environmental challenges.

There is no maximum or minimum grant.  However, a typical first-time grant is $5,000.  All organizations requesting funding must be recognized as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

See the Cigna website for a FAQ page as well as eligibility and application guidelines."  [Source:  NAFC Newsletter]

New NASHP Fact Sheet: Engaging Safety Net Providers in Expanded Coverage

Download - Engaging Safety Net Providers in Expanded Coverage:  Tips on Enhancing Billing Capacities

"Safety net providers can play a role in providing access for the 20 million individuals that will newly gain insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  However, many of these providers will need to initiate, expand, or strengthen their abilities to interact with third-party payers to continue to provide care in a new health coverage environment.  This new NASHP fact sheet discusses key steps that payers, including state Medicaid staff, can assist with or that safety net providers can take to prepare for third-party reimbursement.  Click here for more information about NASHP's safety net work."  [Source:  NASHP]

ACA Implementation Newsletter

Click here for the latest ACA Implementation Newsletter.  This issue contains a number of resources to help keep you informed about the state's implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including information regarding the Department's June launch of enhancements to PEAK.

SAFETY NET CLINIC WEEK "TOOL KIT"

In an effort to raise awareness of Colorado's health care safety net providers, we encourage your clinic to participate in the fourth annual Safety Net Clinic Week, August 19-23, 2013. Sponsored by ClinicNET and the Colorado Rural Health Center, the week is devoted to educating the public and policy makers about these vitally important health care clinics - Community Safety Net Clinics (CSNCs) and federally certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs.) We have created a “toolkit” to help clinics participate in Safety Net Clinic Week 2013. Included in the “toolkit” are many easily customizable pieces, click on each to open:

• Short Overview of Safety Net Clinic Week (use as content for your website, blogs, social media, newsletters, email signatures...)
• Safety Net Clinic Week 2013 Logo 
• Sample Letter to the Editor (for submission to your local media
• Governmental Proclamation or Resolution (request a proclamation from your city and/or county)
• Safety Net Clinic Week Invitation (consider inviting your city and/or county public officials, and local business and community leaders to visit your clinic during Safety Net Clinic Week. *see helpful links below)
• Open House Invitation Template 
• Safety Net Clinic Week Fact Sheet (include with any invitation extended and use, in addition to specific information about your clinic, as speaking points during Safety Net Clinic Week)
• Safety Net Clinic Week Press Release (submit to your local media.) 
• Social Media Templates

This "toolkit" can also be accessed via clinicnet.org, under the events calendar. The calendar is also a great place to access updates on Safety Net Clinic Week 2013.

ClinicNET and the Colorado Rural Health Center have requested a Proclamation of Safety Net Clinic Week 2013 from the Governor and we will be disseminating a press release statewide announcing Safety Net Clinic Week. Additionally, we will be extending invitations to the Governor, our Congressional Delegation, and all State Legislators to visit safety net clinics in their district during Safety Net Clinic Week. We will contact you directly if they are interested in visiting your clinic!

Our Safety Net Clinic Week Project Coordinator, Amber Burkhart, is available to help you with Safety Net Clinic Week 2013 activities. Please let her know if you utilize any part of the toolkit above or if you need help in doing so! She can be reached at 720-863-7805 and amber.burkhart@clinicnet.org

*Links to identify your local Elected Officials:

• Identify your County Commissioners

• Identify your members of local government municipalities

Webinars on the Health Care Law

The HHS Partnership Center continues to host a series of webinars for faith and community leaders.  All webinars are open to the public and include a question and answer session.  To participate in one of the webinars, please select the topic below and submit the necessary information.  After registering you will receive an e-mail confirmation containing information about joining the webinar.  Please contact us at ACA101@hhs.gov if you have problems registering or if you have any questions about the health care law.  All webinars are one hour.

Please note that the first 1,000 people who join each webinar at the start time are able to attend.  If there is significant interest in a webinar, we will do our best to schedule another session for the following month.  If possible, please use your computer speakers to listen to the audio portion of the webinar.

The Health Care Law - Health Insurance Marketplace 101
A presentation on the main provisions in the health care law (the Affordable Care Act) and how to access care in your community.  Topics include the Health Insurance Marketplace, how to enroll in health insurance, and how to receive updates on implementation of the law. A brief question and answer session will provide answers on commonly asked questions.

• July 11 at 2:00pm ET https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/324888711
  
• August 7 at 3:00pm ET  https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/119796735  [Source:  NAFC]