Free Online Training on Diabetic Eye Disease

"Free, online training on diabetic eye disease for community health workers presented by the National Eye Health Education Program.  Intended for health educators who want to help educate their communities about diabetic eye disease and the importance of eye health.  This training uses the Diabetes and Health Eyes Toolkit.  Access the training and toolkit here."  [Source:  ACU]

Public Comment Invited on Proposed Changes to NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Standards

"The National Committee for Quality Assurance seeks the public's input on proposed new standards and changes to its PCMH Recognition program, during a public comment period that runs to July 22, 2013.  The proposed fifth iteration of the PCMH recognition program emphasizes outcome measures, resource stewardship (e.g., avoiding unnecessary/duplicate testing and services) and a focused approach to targeting resources to patients based on need.  View complete article here."  [Source:  CCI Voice]

Social Determinants of Health Toolkit

"The Association of Academic Health Centers has a new, online toolkit to help leaders in health care recognize the health impact of factors such as education, income, and housing, and take action to address them.  The toolkit includes a self-assessment tool, opportunities for continuing education, resources and best practices.  Explore the toolkit online."  [Source:  ACU]

Connect for Health Colorado Updates

• "Connect for Health Colorado was awarded a $116.2 million Level 2 Establishment Grant this week by the Department of Health and Human Services.  ED/CEO Patty Fontneau provides an update.
• Connect for Health Colorado is offering an overview webinar about the Small Business Marketplace on Monday, July 22, at 4pm.  Learn more.
• The Individual Experience Advisory Group will meet Tuesday, July 23, at 10am.  They will be discussing the appeals process.  Learn more.
• Our new phone number 855-PLANS-4-YOU (855-752-6749) is available to Coloradans as a resource to get general information about the Marketplace.  Please let your community know about this resource.
• Check out the events calendar to see where we will be next in Colorado."  [Source:  Connect for Health Colorado]

The ICD-10 Deadline is October 1, 2014

"The compliance deadline for ICD-10 is October 1, 2014.  CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner has affirmed the ICD-10 deadline and encourages providers, payers, and vendors across the health care industry to prepare to use the new codes for services provided on or after October 1, 2014.

The CMS website offers a variety of resources targeted to payers, providers, vendors, and others to help you with your transition to ICD-10.  Timelines, checklists, fact sheets, and in-depth guides are all available to help your organization plan for a smooth transition.

Visit the CMS ICD-10 website for the latest news and resources to help you prepare for the October 1, 2014 deadline."  [Source:  www.cms.gov/ICD10]

New CO All Payer Claims Database Reports Now Available

"For the first time, counties across Colorado can evaluate their health care costs compared to 'expected costs' based on overall health status of the patients from their county.  Colorado's All Payer Claims Database (APCD) now includes severity of illness adjustments that measure patient health status, an important tool to understand variations in cost and utilization.  Additional reports also released this month include costs to provide care to asthma and diabetic patients, and a breakdown of health care spending categorized by overall patient health status."  [Source:  CIVHC]

View the full press release here:  Colorado Communities Have New Data to Provide Insights Into Health Care Costs.

Register here for a webinar on July 24th from 11:00-12:00 MT to learn more about the new reports available on the Colorado APCD.  [Source:  CIVHC]

The Latino Research and Policy Center Conference: Save the Date!

Save the Date for 'The Latino Research and Policy Center Conference' on October 18th, 2013 in Denver.  This conference is hosted by The Latino Research and Policy Center, the Colorado School of Public Health, and the University of Colorado Denver.  View the event flyer here.  For more conference information, contact Elisa Morales at Elisa.Morales@ucdenver.edu or 303-315-2515.