Update from the CEO: Members Receive $1.5 Million in Program Support

The Fourth of July is truly a time for celebration in our Country and I hope you all enjoyed some well-deserved time with your family and friends.

This is an exciting month with multiple noteworthy announcements.  First, please see the newly revised Colorado rural, urban, and frontier map.  As a resource that is frequently referenced by multiple state and private organizations, we are proud to present the updated version based on the new USDA rural definition.  Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce our 2012annual report which is highlighted in this month’s Special Delivery.  We’ve undergone multiple changes, but the accomplishments outlined in the report showcase the strength of the CRHC team and the dedication of our members. 

As many of you closed out your fiscal year in June, CRHC also finalized its work with organizations throughout rural Colorado by awarding over $1.5 million in program support last month to our members.  I’d like to dedicate this article to the amazing work these organizations are providing in rural Colorado healthcare.  The following is a tribute to the programs and people that received financial support from CRHC.

Emergency preparedness is planning for natural or man-made disasters--what you, your organization, and your community can and will do in case of an emergency. Within this program is the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), which enhances the ability of hospitals and other healthcare entities to prepare for and respond to all hazards and other public health emergencies.  During June, program participants across Colorado received over $1.4 million in support.

CREATE assists private and public organizations in improving and expanding the emergency medical and trauma system in Colorado. Applicants must have as their purpose the provision of emergency medical and trauma services in Colorado to be eligible. This grant is intended to provide funding for education and training for emergency medical and trauma services.  Last month, $64,000 was awarded to participants.

The overall goal of the Small Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) is to assist small rural hospitals in addressing delivery system challenges and barriers related to the focus areas: Value Based Purchasing, Accountable Care Organizations, and Payment Bundling.  This resulted in the payment out of $44,499 to participating members.

The CROP award is a loan repayment program for rural providers who may be ineligible for the Colorado Health Service Corps or National Health Service Corps programs.  After a one year commitment that ended in June, two rural providers were awarded their loan repayment CROP funds.

·         Mara Pacyga, Kremmling Memorial Hospital

·         Regina LeVerrier, Colorado West Mental Health, Grand Junction

The Marva Jean Jackson Rural Community Health Scholarships support rural “grow your own” efforts.  Evidence has shown that one of the factors that will influence a provider’s choice of practice location is their “roots.”  People from a rural area are more likely to practice in a rural area.  Programs that support healthcare training and education for people from rural areas have proven to be an effective tool in helping address the rural workforce shortage.

·         Penni Wilson, Eastern Plains Medical Clinic, Calhan, will receive funds for a wound educators course

The Seed grant is available for rural projects whose intent matches the mission of CRHC.  Funds are intended as “seed” money to develop a new program or service.

·         Valley Assisted Living, Silver Cliff, will receive funds to purchase a new wheelchair scale for their residents.

I’d like to congratulate all of our members who were recipients of awards in June, and to emphasize the vital work they are providing in rural healthcare throughout Colorado.  Thank you for your continued dedication to improving the health of your communities.  We look forward to continuing to serve rural Colorado.

Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center Recognized as a Rural Leader in Hospital Management by the Colorado Rural Health Center

Nestled on the north side of the Cucharas River on the high plains of Southeastern Colorado, the city of Walsenburg is home to just over 4,600 residents. Settled in the mid-1800’s, with a rich coal mining history the city grew steadily over the next century. Providing care to residents of Walsenburg and surrounding counties, Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center (SPRHC) located just three miles west of Walsenburg, has provided care to the area for over 20 years.  The SPRHC is operated by the Huerfano County Hospital District, which is under contract with the State of Colorado and directed by a five member Board of Directors.  As a level 3 Patient Centered Medical Home, SPRHC includes the Spanish Peaks Hospital, the Colorado State Veterans Home, the Spanish Peaks Family Clinic, Outreach Clinic and Specialty Clinic, in addition to the La Veta Clinic. SPRHC is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to a service area of nearly 12,000 people and growing.     

The hospital is licensed as a Critical Access Hospital with 25 acute care beds and operates a 24-hour level IV trauma emergency care center.   The SPRHC is highly engaged as a member of Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) through various initiatives and programs, including the Improving Communication and Readmission (iCARE) project, which aims to reduce readmissions, particularly for heart failure, pneumonia, and diabetes patients. They also participated in the Improving Performance in Practice (IPIP) initiative to meet measures and objectives that show quality patient treatments and outcomes. Courtnay Ryan, Project Coordinator in CRHC’s Programs Department said she has learned much from working with the staff at SPRHC, “They are highly engaged in quality improvement and proactive in their efforts to provide the highest level of care for their patients.”  In addition, the SPRHC was awarded funds in 2012 through the Colorado Rural Health Care Grant Program for continued renovation of the Spanish Peaks Outreach Clinic, which included the installation of new carpet, windows and heat. 

As a longstanding member of CRHC, it is with great pride that Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center is recognized as the July Member of the Month.  Earlier this year, CRHC began highlighting one member every month in order to spotlight the many achievements of its membership.  CRHC’s Director of Workforce and Outreach, Melissa Bosworth, stated that their members are the true success behind the programs CRHC manages, “We kept hearing inspiring stories about our members and we realized it is the dedicated administrators and front line staff at the hospital and clinics that work tirelessly everyday implementing the projects that makes them successful.”  Also recognized nationally for their high level of satisfaction the SPRHC State Veterans Home was recognized in 2012 with the Excellence in Action Award which recognizes nursing homes that achieve the highest levels of satisfaction excellence.  It is clear that SPRHC continues to blaze the path as a leader in rural health care and CRHC is excited to continue partnering to see that vision happen.  To learn more about SPRHC, visit http://www.sprhc.org/.

Primary-care physicians are in demand

This time of year, recent high school graduates are shopping for supplies, packing their bags and perusing brochures and course listings from their selected college or university.

Freshman orientation is just around the corner. It makes me wonder how many, like my younger self, are considering careers in primary-care medicine?

 

To be sure, the practice of medicine faces some interesting challenges, ranging from political to scientific to socioeconomic. Yet there has perhaps been no better time to consider a career in medicine.

 

It is yet unclear exactly what effect recent health-care reform efforts will have on the medical workforce. However, the combination of expanded Medicaid coverage in many states (including Colorado) and the requirement for most Americans to carry health insurance starting in 2014 will certainly increase demand on the health-care system.

 

Add to this the fact that the aging baby-boom generation is adding millions of new Medicare enrollees each year. As our population ages, the demand for medical care will continue to increase. Click here to read the full article published in the Durango Herald.

American Way of Birth, Costliest in the World

LACONIA, N.H. — Seven months pregnant, at a time when most expectant couples are stockpiling diapers and choosing car seats, Renée Martin was struggling with bigger purchases.
      

At a prenatal class in March, she was told about epidural anesthesia and was given the option of using a birthing tub during labor. To each offer, she had one gnawing question: “How much is that going to cost?”

      

Though Ms. Martin, 31, and her husband, Mark Willett, are both professionals with health insurance, her current policy does not cover maternity care. So the couple had to approach the nine months that led to the birth of their daughter in May like an extended shopping trip though the American health care bazaar, sorting through an array of maternity services that most often have no clear price and — with no insurer to haggle on their behalf — trying to negotiate discounts from hospitals and doctors.

 

When she became pregnant, Ms. Martin called her local hospital inquiring about the price of maternity care; the finance office at first said it did not know, and then gave her a range of $4,000 to $45,000. “It was unreal,” Ms. Martin said. “I was like, How could you not know this? You’re a hospital.”  Click here to read the full article by by ELISABETH ROSENTHAL, as published in the New York Times.  

Colorado insurance commissioner Riesberg stepping down

Colorado Insurance Commissioner Jim Riesberg, who led the state through arguably the biggest insurance reform in history, said Friday that he will step down from his post next month, confident his staff can push the final few changes to the state rules across the line before the end of the year.Both insurers and consumer advocates have lauded Riesberg, a former state legislator and former insurance company executive, for his fairness and for his open-door policy that allowed all groups to sit down with him and craft policies for the state to follow after Jan. 1, when federal law dictates that all Americans must purchase health insurance.

Gov. John Hickenlooper’s office and Barbara Kelly, executive director of the Department of Regulatory Agencies that oversees the insurance division, will begin a search for Riesberg’s replacement immediately, as his last day will be July 8. Public Utilities Commission Director Doug Dean, a former House speaker and Colorado insurance commissioner, will serve in Riesberg’s place until an appointment is made. Click here to read the full article as published in the Denver Business Journal.

Ed Sealover
Reporter- Denver Business Journal
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Mental health services in rural long-term care: challenges and opportunities for improvement

Mental Health Services in Rural Long-Term Care: Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement

Jean A. Talbot, PhD, MPH • Andrew F. Coburn, PhD
Overview
To facilitate quality improvment efforts, more research is needed on the current status of mental health services in rural long-term care. Also needed are new tools promoting the targeted use of provisions in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to address the mental health needs of rural long-term care (LTC) recipients. Over 10 million chronically disabled Americans require long-term services to assist them with activities of daily living.1 Mental health comorbidities are common in these long-term care populations. Inadequately treated, these conditions can become debilitating and costly. Yet our long-term care system often fails to deliver necessary mental health care to those it serves, especially in rural areas. In this brief, we explore novel practices that hold promise for enhancing mental health services in rural long-term care. We focus primarily on the needs of rural elders who reside either in nursing facilities or in their own homes in the community. Click here to read the full article by the Maine Rural Health Research Center.

Obamacare: Because Mom said so

All those groups trying to get the “young, invincible” 20-somethings to sign up for Obamacare health insurance have identified a secret weapon.

Mom.

Advocacy groups from “Moms Rising” to AARP are working to reach the healthy, young adults who don’t think they need insurance — and their mothers who think they do. The groups plan to use everything from paid advertising — to guilt.
“We’re going for the heartstrings,” said Nicole Duritz, vice president of health and family education and outreach at AARP, which will be stepping up messaging later this summer as the Oct. 1 sign-up date nears. Click here to read the full article by JOANNE KENEN with POLITICO.

White House delays ACA's employer-coverage mandate for one year

The Obama administration is delaying for one year the employer mandate requiring companies to offer their employees health insurance.

Assistant Treasury Secretary for Tax Policy Mark Mazur posted a blog late Tuesday confirming that the 2014 mandate on employers with more than 51 full-time workers to offer qualifying health insurance coverage to their employees or face a penalty was being delayed until 2015.

The delay was meant to give time to simplify reporting requirements and to adapt health coverage and reporting systems, he wrote. It means that one of the key provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which is unpopular among many business groups, will not take effect until after the 2014 congressional elections.

Bloomberg News reports that the White House plans to invite employer groups to discuss ways of easing administrative burdens created by the mandate. Click here to read the full article by By Rich Daly and Jonathan Block.

Promise of price cut on hospital bills is in limbo

Huge list prices charged by hospitals are drawing increased attention, but a federal law meant to limit what the most financially vulnerable patients can be billed doesn't seem to be making much difference.

A provision in President Barack Obama's healthcare overhaul says most hospitals must charge uninsured patients no more than what people with health insurance are billed.

The goal is to protect patients from medical bankruptcy, a problem that will not go away next year when Obama's law expands coverage for millions.  Click here to read the full article by Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar with the Associated Press.

Is health insurance an antidepressant?

New findings show that wider coverage has one clear effect on the population, and it’s not one that anyone is talking about.

For those who support President Obama’s health care law, which has already begun to expand the number of Americans with health insurance, the rationale is a no-brainer: Having medical coverage makes people healthier and enables them to get the care they need when they get sick or injured. And broader coverage could help control our national health care bill by encouraging regular doctor visits and preventive care that cuts down on expensive emergency treatment.
But over the past several years, a stream of new information has dealt blows to both those ideas. Data from a pioneering Medicaid program in Oregon suggest that expanding health coverage hasn’t saved the state any money—in fact, it increased annual health care spending by about 35 percent. Even more surprising is that, after two years, having Medicaid has done little to improve people’s physical health. Click here to read the full article written by By Leon Neyfakh with the Boston Globe.

Estes Park Medical Center budget action plan in the works

The Estes Park Medical Center's budget action plan is on target and in process, interim CEO Bobbi Swenson reported to the Park Hospital District board of directors at the June 19 meeting at the Timberline Conference Room. The meeting, properly noticed, occurred before its usual scheduled last Tuesday of the month date, because of time conflicts, and therefore occurred before the finance committee's scheduled meeting.

However, finance officer Sam Radke gave a preliminary overview of finances, and said financial statements will be ready for the board in the next three to four days. Expenses — salaries and benefits — are within $800 of the $2-million budget, and the revenues are $1.7 million below the gross revenues year-to-date last year. The number of surgeries are on track, but below budget by about 30 percent, and the family medical group is 9 percent above budget. Gross revenues are within $102,000 of budget, and the closest that they've been to budget, as they are only under by two percent, he said. Click here to read the full article by Juley Harvey as published in the Trail-Gazette.

Why a Health Insurance Penalty May Look Tempting

 OFTEN, when the government wants you to do something, it makes you pay if you don’t. That would seem to be the case with Obamacare, which penalizes companies for not providing health care. But in that penalty, there could be a paradoxical result: dropping health coverage could save companies a lot of money.

Once new health insurance exchanges are up and running in October, companies with 50 or more full-time employees will face a choice: Provide affordable care to all full-time employees, or pay a penalty. But that penalty is only $2,000 a person, excluding the first 30 employees. With an employer’s contribution to family health coverage now averaging $11,429 a year, taking that penalty would seem to yield big savings. Click here to read the full article from the New York Times.

Reevaluating "Made in America"—Two Cost-Containment Ideas from Abroad

The Issue...
In the United States, per capita spending on health care is more than double that in most other high-income, industrialized countries, including Australia, Germany, Japan, and Sweden. Yet performance on many health outcome measures in the U.S. lags these lower-spending nations. A New England Journal of Medicine Perspective examines two effective cost-containment strategies from abroad: Germany’s bundled payment system and Japan’s volume-driven pricing adjustment. Click here to read the full article from The Commonwealth Fund.

4 Essential Factors for Population Health, Accountable Care

Many hospitals and health systems across the country are beginning to take steps out of their old comfort zone — caring for patients within their own four walls — to start initiatives to provide accountable care and manage and improve the health of their populations.
Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster, Md., is one of those organizations. About 18 months ago, Carroll Hospital launched a strategic planning process to outline a new hospital-wide initiative to reach into the community and focus on improving the health of its population while reducing costs. Bob Edmondson, chief strategy officer of the 193-bed hospital, is leading the charge into population health management and building the base for Carroll Hospital Center to provide accountable care.
Here, Mr. Edmondson discusses four factors he has found to be essential when transitioning a hospital to focus on improving and managing population health. Click here to read the full article from Becker's Hospital Review.

Hospital CEO Bonuses Reward Volume And Growth

Like hospital leaders everywhere, the people running Valley Medical Center in Renton, Wash., talk frequently about the need to control soaring medical costs.

"We are working to reduce the overall cost of health care and to transform health care delivery," Lisa Jensen, chairwoman of the hospital's board of trustees, said last year.

Experts believe that's a good prescription for the entire U.S. health industry, which costs the economy far more than systems in other developed countries, delivers mediocre results and is widely seen as unsustainable at its current growth rate.

But even as Valley officials talk about change, they're paying hospital CEO Richard Roodman tens of thousands of dollars in bonuses for driving the kind of profits and expansion many say are no longer affordable for patients, employers and taxpayers.

Across the nation, boards at nonprofit hospitals...read more here.

"…To Care for HER Who Hath Borne the Battle… The Rural Woman Veteran"

Of the 22 million living Veterans in the United States today, just over 10% are women Veterans. 83% of women Veterans receive care outside of the VA, and only 170,000 enrolled women Veterans living in rural and highly rural areas of the country, it is easy for VA health care providers to not be aware of or prepared for their unique needs. However, as the population of women veterans increase, so will their need for medical care from the VA. The Office of Rural Health is preparing for that challenge by educating those who will be providing that care.

This presentation will discuss the following topics to address:

· A history of women in the military

· The juggling of multiple roles by women

· Barriers to care such as clinic operating hours, transportation, and childcare issues

· Disparities in care of problems such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, immunizations and vaccinations

· Issues including high risk pregnancies, homelessness in rural areas

· Diagnoses like musculoskeletal and chronic pain, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Target Audience:
Rural Health Professionals, Women’s Health Professionals, All VA Employees, Women Veterans

When: 7/25/2013 1:00 PM - 2:10 PM ET
Click here to Register

Most Recent H7N9 Flu Deadlier Than H1N1

The first estimates of the severity of the H7N9 influenza virus show that about one-third of people who were hospitalized with the infection died. And flu experts warn that the strain could reappear in the next flu season.

In February, Chinese health authorities first reported infections with the H7N9 influenza virus, a flu strain emerging from birds. While the virus did not seem to be as virulent as previous avian strains, public-health officials were concerned that it was the first time cases of H7N9 had been documented in humans.

According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) H7N9 report in early June, there have been 132 lab-confirmed cases of human H7N9 infection in China. The majority have been reported in middle-aged men, most of whom had some exposure to poultry, and by June, 37 people had died from the disease. Read more here.

AAMC Praises Bill to Create Primary Care Mentorship, Scholarship Programs

AAMC President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., sent a June 12 letter praising Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) for introducing a bill that would authorize a series of programs to strengthen the health care workforce.

The Building a Health Care Workforce for the Future Act (S. 1152) includes a number of provisions designed to address the top factors that graduating medical students consistently cite as affecting their specialty choice: the content of a specialty; lifestyle factors associated with a specialty; and the influence of a role model in a specialty.

The bill would establish under Title VII a program to increase longitudinal mentorship opportunities for entering medical students who express an interest in primary care, as well as a program to identify effective role models in primary care through a nationwide network of primary care mentors and resources.
To find out what the legislation also would authorize grants for click here.

Should Physician Pay Be Tied to Performance?

We need to rethink how we pay doctors. That's one thing almost everyone can agree on.

The question is, how?

Currently, most doctors get paid for every service they perform. But one of the big ideas behind President Obama's health-care overhaul is paying doctors based on how well they do their job.

This year, for instance, nearly $1 billion in federal Medicare payments will hinge in part on patient-satisfaction surveys. Doctors are also graded on how well they comply with procedures for patient care—such as immediately giving patients medication during a heart attack.

The idea of paying providers for their performance has found plenty of backers—and opponents—throughout the medical community. Read the full article by clicking here.

Eliminating Racism Might Increase Life Expectancy

Eliminating racism might help people live longer.

Medical studies increasingly show that racial bias, whether overt or subtle and unintentional, can lead to chronic stress problems among victims -- and stress can literally alter how our brains work and how we respond to germs, according to Paula Braveman, director of the Center on Social Disparities in Health at the University of California, San Francisco.

Americans and their doctors tend to focus on what individuals can do to be healthier, but there's evidence they should look at broader societal factors like racism, Braverman told listeners in remarks at a Washington meeting of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America on Wednesday. Read the full article by clicking here.

RWJF ‘Commission to Build a Healthier America’ Reconvenes to Focus on Early Childhood and Improving Community Health

What do the needs of children in early childhood and improving community health have to do with each other? Everything, according to a group of panelists who addressed the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Commission to Build a Healthier America at a public meeting in Washington, D.C. yesterday.

Early childhood education and other interventions early in life, particularly for low-income children, can set kids on a path to better jobs, increased income and less toxic stressors such as violence and food insecurity, according to testimony at the today’s meeting. And that in turn creates more stable and healthier communities. Those two issues are the focus of the Commission, which plans to release actionable recommendations in September. Read the full article here.

Competition is Rx to slow health costs

Three years into the Affordable Care Act, America’s employers are still looking for the affordable part.

Despite a recent slowdown, health care inflation remains two to three times the rate of general inflation. Health insurance is expected to cost a family $16,000 this year, double what it cost a decade ago.

No one understands better than employers that this is bad for business. The rising cost of health care is sapping U.S. competitiveness, taking money out of employees’ pockets and commanding too much of our nation’s economic output.

This is why Congress must focus on cost containment, the unfinished business of health reform, as it works to tame entitlement spending and the deficit. Congress can tackle the cost issue head-on by making both public and private-sector payment for care dependent on delivering the high-quality care every hardworking American deserves. Read the full article here.

Ten Frequently Asked Questions: Colorado’s State Innovation Model (SIM) Grant

1. What is SIM?

The federal Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) is encouraging states to develop and test state-based models to transform health care payment and delivery systems. The program is called the State Innovation Models Initiative, or SIM. CMMI hopes that the best ideas make a real difference in the health of a state’s residents and that the ideas eventually can be shared and brought to scale nationally.

2. What is Colorado’s SIM project?

CMMI has awarded Colorado $2 million to strengthen a plan that we submitted in September 2012. Our revised and updated plan will describe Colorado’s overall strategy to achieve the Triple Aim of better health, better patient experiences and lower costs. It will also detail Colorado’s proposed health care innovation model, which focuses on integrating behavioral and physical health in primary care medical homes.

In short, the state innovation plan – which we are calling the Colorado Health Care Innovation Plan - will be our strategic roadmap to transforming our health care system.
SIM's ten frequently asked questions

The Rural H1N1 Experience: Lessons Learned for Future Pandemics

Data have been collected and methods have been developed to estimate the impact of H1N1 prevalence and trends nationally. However, there has been little study of this pandemic for rural communities, where fewer resources for vaccination and care may exist. Caring for rural people impacted by H1N1 influenza in outpatient and hospital settings can further tax already burdened rural health care organizations. Rural needs relative to prevention of H1N1 disease (and in particular vaccination distribution) may not be considered during decision making at the state level. The results of this study can be used to guide policy recommendations for prevention in rural populations during future pandemics. The full article can be found here.

Increasing Mental Health Literacy in Rural America New Mental Health First Aid Rural Guide Released

One in five Americans has a mental illness yet only about 4 in 10 of these people receive treatment. In rural America — where 20 percent of the country’s population lives — the challenges of getting mental health treatment are exacerbated by the fear of being misunderstood, lack of awareness about services and chronic shortage of behavioral health providers.

Mental Health First Aid delivery in rural communities helps to increase mental health literacy in rural America and connect people to care. A new guide focused on the delivery of Mental Health First Aid in rural communities was developed with support from the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions run by the National Council for Behavioral Health (National Council).

“Rural communities have a long history of taking responsibility and coming up with innovative solutions to disparities their populations face. Mental Health First Aid is an excellent tool to grow awareness in these communities. It is a low-cost, high-impact program that emphasizes the concept of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Linda Rosenberg, President and CEO of the National Council. 

Mental Health First Aid helps to build community capacity to identify mental health and substance abuse issues early. Mental Health First Aid training in rural areas is offered through an in-person training that presents an overview of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems. Participants learn a 5-step action plan to help individuals in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. Studies have found that people trained in Mental Health First Aid have greater confidence in helping others, a greater likelihood of advising people to seek professional help, improved concordance with health professionals about treatments and decreased stigmatizing attitudes. 

Brought to the U.S. from Australia in 2008, the pioneering Mental Health First Aid program has already been delivered to more 100,000 Americans through a network of nearly 3,000 instructors. The training is intended for people from all walks of life, including non-clinical healthcare workers; school staff, counselors, and nurses; social and human services agency staff; law enforcement and corrections officers; nursing home staff; outreach workers; volunteers; clergy and members of faith communities; young people; families; and the general public. 

Alaska Island Community Services (AICS) is testament to how Mental Health First Aid can make a difference in a rural community. A HRSA funded community health center in isolated Wrangell, Alaska, AICS has used federal grant funds to train local school system personnel, staff in integrated primary and behavioral health care clinics, respite providers and EMT first responders in Mental Health First Aid. The training has helped to reduce discrimination, make healthcare more user-friendly and accessible and has increased referrals as well as the likelihood of clients following up on referrals for behavioral health services.

Instructors already trained to teach the adult Mental Health First Aid program in their communities may add a rural certification by attending a brief online orientation and delivering a specified number of courses in designated rural areas annually (to learn more log in to the instructor web portal) Those new to Mental Health First Aid and interested in bringing the program to a rural community may review the Quick Start Guide. To find an instructor near you who can teach the course in your community, visit the Mental Health First Aid website and be sure to check for the blue “rural” icon.

Update on the Federal Budget, Health Insurance Marketplaces and ICD-10 Conversion

Federal Budget

Bill Finerfrock, NOSORH Legislative Liaison, reports that the starting budget number for 2014 that the Senate is operating from will be different than what the House is working from. The House adopted a budget with less money than the Senate put in their budget; working from different topline numbers will be difficult, Finerfrock said. It could be late this year when we find out what will happen and it is possible another continuing resolution will come on October 1st. Regardless, appropriations will probably be reduced, he said. 

Health Insurance Marketplaces

Marketplaces are in the process of being set up. In most rural areas, there will only be a statewide plan available. Finerfrock suggests that SORHs keep an eye on exchanges and market plans in their states, and not get caught in total number but look at availability in rural areas. CMS is trying to take care of consumer information so they are focusing on providers who would benefit. In addition, CMS is creating toolkits for consumers and providers. 

ICD10 Conversion

On October 1, 2014, the ICD-9 code sets used to report medical diagnoses and inpatient procedures will be replaced by ICD-10 code sets. The transition to ICD-10 is required for all providers covered by the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act. According to Finerfrock, who also serves as president of National Association of Rural Health Clinics, it has been estimated that that the conversion to ICD10 will add five minutes to each visit. The longer it takes, the more the provider will see a financial reduction. Finerfrock says that small providers are going to be experiencing problems because of software and staffing issues, but there are organizations that can provide some training to help providers get ready.

Dispensary Organization Makes No-Cost Meds Available to Low-Income Patients

The Dispensary of Hope (DoH), a 501(c)3 charity, is looking for networking partners and is reaching out to rural advocacy organizations to help get the word out about the availability of prescription medications provided at no cost to the poor and insured. DoH is a licensed medication distributor that recovers donated surplus medication from physician offices, hospital pharmacies, manufacturers and other licensed healthcare providers. It inventories and tracks the medications in its Nashville-based center before distributing them through a national network of licensed nonprofit clinics and outpatient charitable pharmacies. The medications are offered to patients who are uninsured and are under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Annually, DoH moves about $18 million worth of medications. DoH is operated by Saint Thomas Health, an affiliate of Ascension Health, the nation’s largest nonprofit and largest Catholic Health System.

Currently, DoH is Board of Pharmacy-approved to send medication to clinics and pharmacies in 32 states. (For a current list of DoH dispensary states/sites, click here).

DoH is funded by foundations and grants, and through subscription fees from members of its network. The in-network subscription fee for unlimited amounts of medications is $7,500 a year. In 2012, in-network clinics received an average of $102,000 worth of medications, according to Anita Stanford, Director of DoH Site Network Development. In addition, DoH offers a free, non-subscription program for reduced-price diabetic supplies including meters, strips, and other control solutions. Stanford is available to speak at conferences, and can supply articles and materials on DoH to any interested organizations. For more information, she can be reached at 888-428-HOPE or anita.stanford@dispensaryofhope.org.

Workshop Will Focus on Needs Assessment, Economic Impact and Mapping Tools

The National Center for Rural Health Works (RHW) will hold a Regional Workshop on August 15, 2013, in Denver, Colo. The RHW Workshop, hosted by the Colorado SORH, will provide training in the following areas: determining the financial feasibility of or assessing the need for a new or expanded Rural Health Service; Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) Toolkit; Economic Impact; and Mapping Tools. Registration is limited. For more information, visit the RHW Workshops page, click here for the workshop flyer, or contact Cheryl St. Clair at cheryl@okstate.edu.

ACA & PCMH-Recent Impacts on Health Center HR and Workforce, Part 1: The Emerging Health Center Workforce Environment

Wednesday, July 17, 2013, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM (MDT). This presentation will provide health HR professionals with information about the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA), identifying workforce-specific provisions of the Act that impact the health center workforce. (CHAMPS live webcasts are FREE for health centers and Primary Care Associations in Region VIII--CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY, including computer link and CE credit. Fees apply for other participants.) Click here to register or for more information.

USDA Seeking Applications to Fund Broadband in Remote Areas

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that applications are being accepted for grants to finance broadband deployment in remote, rural areas. Through this notice, USDA Rural Development may award up to $21 million in grants through the Community Connect Grant program. The purpose of the grant is to serve rural communities where broadband service is not available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for citizens. For more information, see page 34979 of the June 11, 2013 Federal Register, or click here. The deadline for submitting applications is July 11.

In addition, the USDA recently announced new rules to better target Community Connect broadband grants to areas where they are needed the most. Since its inception, the Community Connect program has funded 229 projects with USDA investments of $122 million. In 2012, USDA assistance led to improved broadband service nationwide for nearly 65,000 rural households, businesses and community institutions. To view the rules, click here.

Building Playgrounds in Rural Colorado

KaBOOM! is excited to announce that we have active funding opportunities to build new community playgrounds in rural Colorado as early as late-summer 2013! We are currently accepting applications through June 24th, 2013 from non-profit child-serving organizations, community groups, and schools that would benefit from and embrace the process of a community-built playspace partnership. If you are interested, but need more time, we would be happy to grant extensions as needed and consider applications for future opportunities as well.

Benefits of Becoming a KaBOOM! Community Partner

Receive a new custom-designed playground!

Engage community members to work toward a common goal.

Participate in a planning process that will help you fundraise, strengthen your community, build relationships, and develop media relations skills that can be used for future community projects.

Establish an ongoing relationship with KaBOOM! through our alumni program and a playground sponsor who wants to have an impact on your community.

***Please note that KaBOOM! will give preference to high-need/low-income communities in rural Colorado that have limited access to play opportunities. Geographic location, access to the general public, ability to move quickly through the application process and religious affiliation may be considered in addition to the standard criteria.***

The initial application and eligibility requirements are attached to this email. You can also submit the application online at application.kaboom.org. Click here for tips on how to make your application stand out from the crowd and for a sneak peek of a KaBOOM! playground build! 

Please feel free to contact Ayla Bailey at ABailey@kaboom.org or at 202-464-6416 for more information.

Upcoming USDA Telemedicine Grant

Grant funding will soon be available through the USDA for distance learning and telemedicine efforts aimed at serving rural America. The Notice of Funding Availability for the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program (DLT) is expected to be released sometime this month. The DLT grant program is designed to assist community facilities serving rural areas acquire distance learning and telemedical technologies to link with other professionals to improve the services delivered to rural Americans. Each award will be between $50,000 and $500,000, with an expected total of $17 million in grant funding available.

Applicants must be 1) a legally incorporated organization operating a rural community facility directly or serving an organization that operates a rural community facility and 2) must currently deliver or propose to deliver distance learning or telemedicine services through and beyond the three-year grant period. Sign up here to receive an email when the NOFA is released. Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparing applications today and to reach out to their State USDA Rural Development Office for support. If you do plan to apply, please e-mail Sam Morgan at sam.morgan@wdc.usda.gov so USDA staff can know how many applications to expect. In addition, you can e-mail dltinfo@wdc.usda.gov with questions about the program.

HHS, HRSA and ORHP Resources on the Affordable Care Act

Health Insurance Marketplace

The new Health Insurance Marketplace (HIM) will open for enrollment on October 1, 2013. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has updated HealthCare.gov to make it easy for consumers to sign up for coverage. For Spanish-speaking consumers, CuidadoDeSalud.gov also will be updated to match HealthCare.gov’s new consumer focus.

In addition, there is a new toll-free Health Insurance Marketplace call center (800-318-2596) open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, where consumers can obtain information on their state’s HIM. (Press “0” to reach a trained customer service representative).

Additional ACA Resources

• The new HHS.gov/HealthCare has all the fact sheets, blogs, and news about the Affordable Care Act that used to be on HealthCare.gov.

• The latest official materials about the Marketplace can be found at the new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Insurance Marketplace web site.

•The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has created an Affordable Care Act and HRSA Programs web site, which has information specific to its safety net providers.

• The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy will have weekly office hours for questions and answers on the ACA and ACA updates on Thursdays, from 3-4pm (EDT), beginning July 11th. Contact Depti Loharikar at 301-443-1324 or daranake@hrsa.gov for more information. In addition, ORHP welcomes ACA questions at its new ORHPACAQuestions@hrsa.gov email address.

Upcoming ACA webinars

HHS will host The Health Care Law - Health Insurance Marketplace 101 webinars, which will include information on how consumers can access care in their communities. The webinars will be held on the following dates:

• July 11, 2013 at 2:00pm EDT (Click here to register)

• August 7, 2013 at 3:00pm EDT (Click here to register)

ACA webinars

 HHS will host The Health Care Law - Health Insurance Marketplace 101 webinars, which will include information on how consumers can access care in their communities. The webinars will be held on the following dates:

• August 7, 2013 at 3:00pm EDT (Click here to register)

Patient Safety Primer Offers Strategies to Prevent Medication Errors

A growing evidence base supports specific strategies to prevent adverse drug events (ADEs), according to a new patient safety primer on Medication Errors, posted online on the AHRQ Patient Safety Network (PSNet). The primer outlines strategies providers can use at each stage of the medication use pathway—prescribing, transcribing, dispensing, and administration—to prevent ADEs. These strategies range from computerized provider order entry and clinical decision support, to minimizing nurse disruption and providing better patient education and medication labeling. The primer also identifies known risk factors for ADEs, including health literacy, patient characteristics, high alert medications and transitions in care. Click here to view the primer.

Quick Health Data Online

Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Women’s Health announces the availability of Quick Health Data Online, an interactive tool that provides state and county-level data, by gender and race/ethnicity while looking at a variety of health status indicators. The tool is available at: http://www.healthstatus2020.com/owh/ (click on the Start System link on the left column. This brings up a new screen that lets users pick variables such as state and county, and then generates a report).

Domestic Violence Toolkit

With funding from the Administration for Children and Families, Futures Without Violence’s National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence has developed a toolkit that will help providers in the screening of domestic violence. The toolkit can be found at www.healthcaresaboutipv.org.

Rural Implications of the Primary Care Incentive Payment Program

This brief reports on eligibility among rural primary care providers for the Primary Care Incentive Payments established in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Using the National Provider Identifier files and the lists of providers eligible to receive the payments, we found that the number and proportion of providers eligible increased during 2011–2013 and that for most practice types, rural providers were more likely to be eligible than urban counterparts. However, rural family practice physicians were less likely to be eligible for Primary Care Incentive Payments than their urban counterparts. Read more here.

Announcements from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

The USDA is making up to $17.5 million in grant funding available to support distance learning and telemedicine efforts serving rural America. The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program was published in the Federal Register on June 28, 2013. Applications for this program must be received by Monday, August 12, 2013. The DLT Grant Program is designed to assist community facilities serving rural areas acquire distance learning and telemedicine technologies to link with other professionals to improve the services delivered to rural Americans. Each award will be between $50,000 and $500,000. Applicants must be 1) a legally incorporated organization operating a rural community facility directly or serving an organization that operates a rural community facility and 2) must currently deliver or propose to deliver distance learning or telemedicine services through and beyond the three-year grant period. Applications will be scored based on the community’s rurality and economic need, as well as efficiency and innovativeness of the use of funds, and must show that the applicant can supply at least a 15 percent funding match.

For further information, please contact Norberto Esteves by email at: norberto.esteves@wdc.usda.gov or phone: (202) 720-0665.

Announcements from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

1. HRSA and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality will be hosting a webinar on Friday, July 12th at 2:00pm EST. Announcing an exciting new HRSA website that provides HRSA grantees and safety net providers, such as health center providers, rural health providers, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other safety net health professionals with free, clinically relevant modules to support continuing education and workforce training.

Register at: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/52862r4pd59x&eom

Access the HRSA website for “Free Continuing Education Resources for Safety Net Health Professionals from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality”: http://www.hrsa.gov/quality/portal/index.html

2. On Tuesday, July 16th from 1:00-2:00pm CDT the AgriSafe Network will be hosting a webinar that will focus on common farm accidents among young farm workers – identifying prevention strategies, and reviewing how to increase the culture of safety.

Register at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/586755406

3. Healthy People 2020 will be hosting three webinars in July.

July 18, 2013 – Maternal Infant and Child Health

Register at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/567155762?source=govdelivery

July 24, 2013 – Measuring Policy and Environmental Change in Obesity Prevention

Register at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/926753778?source=govdelivery

July 30, 2013 – The Burden of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases in the U.S. and Abroad

Register at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/643595914?source=govdelivery

RHPI MyVeHU ON Demand Rural Health Remote Learning Opportunities

Since early spring 2012, the VHA Office of Rural Health has been producing live, interactive, remote learning broadcasts on MyVeHU Campus through the Rural Health Professions Institute. These sessions are all focused on the issues facing rural health professionals every day, whether they work inside the VA or work outside the VA caring for rural Veterans. All of these events are available as on demand sessions on MyVeHU Campus. There is no cost to enroll or take any session. All sessions are accredited and all can be watched on nearly any internet capable device at work, at home, or anywhere you get an internet connection. What a great, no cost way to get the remaining CME hours you need for the year while learning to better interact with and care for rural Veterans. So if you are not already a part of MyVeHU Campus, enroll now by going to www.myvehucampus.com. We encourage you to share this and future RHPI broadcast announcements with your friends, co-workers, and others within your organizations. If you are already a member of MyVeHU Campus, take a look at the event titles below, select one you like, hit Control and Click, and join an ever growing number of rural health professionals who use MyVeHU Campus and the ORH Rural Health Professions Institute as their source for relevant, up to date, accredited, rural health learning.

And be sure to watch for the three upcoming RHPI live broadcasts later this fiscal year. We will have some great subject matter experts speaking about rural women Veterans in July, rural caregiver resources in August, and rural pain management practices in September.

For more information on VA eHealth University, visit our website at www.vehu.va.gov or www.myvehucampus.com

Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs for Eligible Professionals: In-depth Overview of Clinical Quality Measures for Reporting Beginning in 2014 — Register Now

Tuesday, July 23; 1:30-3pm ET
To Register: Visit MLN Connects Upcoming Calls. Space may be limited, register early.

Target Audience: Professionals eligible for the Medicare and/or Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs. For more details: Eligibility Requirements for Professionals.

This call will give eligible professionals an in-depth overview of clinical quality measures (CQMs) included in the final rule for Stage 2 of Meaningful Use for the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records (EHR) Incentive Program. Details on the measures, the recommended core set for reporting purposes, and the 2014 electronic specifications for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program will be provided. Participants will be given an opportunity to engage CMS subject matter experts with questions on CQMs.
Agenda:
Review background information on the EHR Incentive Program: Meaningful Use
Present Stage 2 requirements, focusing on clinical quality measures
Explain components of eMeasures in Stage 2
Provide additional resources for more information
Question and answer session

Continuing education credit may be awarded for participation in certain MLN Connects Calls. Visit the Continuing Education Credit Information web page to learn more.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 of Meaningful Use for the EHR Incentive Programs — Registration Now Open

Wednesday, July 24; 1:30-3pm ET
To Register: Visit MLN Connects Upcoming Calls. Space may be limited, register early.

Target Audience: Hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), and professionals eligible for the Medicare and/or Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs. For more details: Eligibility Requirements for Professionals and Eligibility Requirements for Hospitals.

CMS will host an MLN Connects National Provider Call about the Stage 2 Final Rule and how it affects Stage 1 and Stage 2 of meaningful use and other requirements of the EHR Incentive Programs. This call aims to help providers successfully participate in the EHR Incentive Programs and receive an incentive payment.

Agenda:
The extension of Stage 1
Changes to Stage 1 meaningful use criteria
New and updated Medicaid policies
An overview of Stage 2 meaningful use
Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs) beginning in 2014
Information on Medicare payment adjustments and exceptions
A question and answer session to address meaningful use topics 

Continuing education credit may be awarded for participation in certain MLN Connects Calls. Visit the Continuing Education Credit Information web page to learn more.

CMS Proposals for PQRS and Physician Value-Based Payment Modifier under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 2014 Proposed Rule — Register Now

Thursday, July 25; 1:30-3pm ET
To Register: Visit MLN Connects Upcoming Calls. Space may be limited, register early.

Target Audience: Physicians, physician group practices, practice managers, medical and specialty societies, payers, insurers.

This MLN Connects Call will provide an overview of the 2014 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Proposed Rule. This presentation will cover potential program updates to the Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS).The topics covered will include changes to reporting mechanisms, individual measures, and measures groups for inclusion in 2014, criteria for satisfactorily reporting for incentive, criteria for avoiding future payment adjustments, requirements for Medicare incentive program alignment and satisfactory participation under the qualified clinical data registry option, which will be established in the PQRS as a result of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.

The presentation will also provide an overview of the proposals for the value-based payment modifier including how CMS proposes to continue to phase in and expand application of the value-based payment modifier in 2016 based on performance in 2014. The presentation will also describe how the value-based payment modifier is aligned with the reporting requirements under the PQRS.

Lastly, this presentation will provide information on the 2014 PFS Proposed Rule comment period, which allows the public to post comments and suggestions to proposed program requirements.

Agenda:
Introduction
Review of the proposed PQRS policies under the 2014 PFS Proposed Rule
Review of the proposed value-based payment modifier policies under the 2014 PFS Proposed Rule
Question and answer session

Continuing education credit may be awarded for participation in certain MLN Connects Calls. Visit the Continuing Education Credit Information web page to learn more.

Payment Adjustments and Hardship Exceptions for the Medicare EHR Incentive Program — Save the Date

Thursday, August 15; 1:30-3

Beginning in 2015, Medicare eligible professionals, eligible hospitals, and critical access hospitals who do not successfully demonstrate meaningful use will be subject to a payment adjustment. The payment reduction starts at 1% and increases each year up to 5% if the provider does not demonstrate meaningful use of EHR technology. Join the CMS experts on an MLN Connects call to learn who will be affected, how to apply for an exception if you are eligible, and how the payment adjustment will be applied. Note: Providers which are not eligible for the Medicare EHR incentive program, or who successfully attest to the Medicaid EHR incentive program, will not be subject to payment adjustments.

Don't miss these other calls in the series for Medicare and Medicaid Eligible Professionals, Eligible Hospitals, and Critical Access Hospitals:

• Register for the July 23 call on Clinical Quality Measures

• Register for the July 24 call on Stage 2 of Meaningful Use

Save the Date: Corps Community Connection and Awards Ceremony

Celebrating healthier patients and strong communities!

The event is Friday evening, October 11, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in Stapleton. For more information click here and to RSVP please go to the following link: www.missiondrivencareers.org/event.

Administration and Treasury Announce Delay of Employer Mandate

The Affordable Care Act’s Employer Mandate requires employers that employ more than 50 full-time equivalent employees to offer full-time employees health insurance coverage or face penalties. To enforce the penalty assessment, the Act imposes new Information Return reporting requirements on employers under Code Section 6056. The Act also imposes reporting requirements on insurers and self-funded employer plans of their insurance products/coverage's and their claims data.

Insurers and employers have expressed concerns about the complexity of the requirements and the need for more time to implement them. The Obama Administration and the Treasury announced Tuesday, July 2, 2013, that there will be a one-year delay in the reporting requirements until 2015, and thus a one year delay in imposition of the Play or Pay penalties under the law. The IRS plans to focus on simplifying the reporting process and says the delay will provide insurers time to adapt health coverage to meet the requirements of the law and, most importantly, give employers the time to implement reporting systems and structure their health coverage and their work force to avoid the Play or Pay penalties.

Employers have expressed concern that the ACA created an administrative burden for them as they tried to update technology to meet the new reporting requirements and as they planned to design their health insurance coverage for their employees without knowing how much the coverage would cost. Although there will be no penalties imposed for 2014, the government is encouraging employers to voluntarily begin reporting in 2014 to test their reporting systems so they are ready for accurate reporting for 2015. Click here to read more.

CRHC Internal Grants: MJJ and Seed

MJJ Grant:

The purpose of the MJJ grant is to help pay for the training and/or education of a local healthcare provider are available for rural facilities or community groups. CRHC will match, two-to-one, the support provided, up to $1,000 a year. Examples of funded trainings/education:

• A long term care facility might pay for an LPN to acquire an RN license
• A hospital would help pay for a Medical Assistant training to become a Lab Technician
• A small community would support a local student in becoming a Physician Assistant. 

Awards are made for one year, but applicants may be awarded up to three times. The scholarship recipient must be either currently enrolled in classes or start training within three months of the application date. Learn more about the MJJ Grant and application process here.

Seed Grant:

The Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) sets aside a portion of its discretionary revenues for the Colorado Rural Health Seed Grant program. Seed Grant money is available for rural projects whose intent matches the mission of CRHC. Rural organizational members can apply for these grants in amounts up to $1,200. Examples of funded projects:

• Pays for a portion of startup cost for a new service or program
• Pays for a FAX machine and the agency covers the phone line costs
• Purchases a single piece of equipment for a new clinic or ambulance

 Learn more about the Seed Grant and application process here.

Medicaid Audit Announcement

PLEASE NOTE: Many of our members who attested for Medicaid Meaningful Use have received a letter by email that seems like you are being audited!

This letter is not an audit!!!

Colorado HCPF sent out letters to all Eligible Professionals and Eligible Hospitals that attested last year to introduce the auditing company and give everyone an idea of what will be expected if you are selected for audit. The letters also state that Eligible Professionals and Eligible Hospitals will be contacted directly by the audit company if they’ve been selected and will be given a list of audit items.

You can find the official letter here.
If you are selected for an audit please contact the team who helped you attest to Medicaid Meaningful Use.


For any questions -- email CRHC’s HIT Senior Advisor: David Ginsberg, at dg@coruralhealth.org

Suicide Prevention Strategies and Resources to Improve Services for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families

Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m. (EDT)

The presenters of this webinar will provide an overview of the risk factors associated with SMVF suicide. Resources and strategies that can be used to help SMVF who are in crisis will be discussed. The webinar will also include a review of a comprehensive suicide prevention plan and examples of what states, communities, and organizations are doing to reduce SMVF suicides. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentations.

Objectives:
Discuss risk and protective factors for suicide, as well as preventative measures to undertake
Present a comprehensive model of suicide prevention
Explore state examples of suicide prevention strategies for SMVF
Identify and learn to apply best practice tools and resources for helping reduce suicidal behaviors among SMVF

Target Audience:
Representatives from state, territory, and tribal behavioral health systems serving SMVF, providers, representatives from military family coalitions, and SMVF advocates

Register in Advance of the Event: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/514603154
If you have any questions about your registration, please contact Lisa Guerin, Administrative Assistant, at 518-439-7415 ext. 5242 or by email at lguerin@prainc.com.

Celebrate the 4th Annual Safety Net Clinic Week!

In an effort to raise awareness of Colorado's healthcare safety net providers, the Colorado Rural Health Center encourages your clinic to participate in the fourth annual Safety Net Clinic Week (SNCW), August 19th – 23rd. Sponsored by CRHC and ClinicNET, the week is devoted to educating the public and policy makers about these vitally important healthcare clinics – federally certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Community Safety Net Clinics (CSNCs).

Why is it important to celebrate Safety Net Clinic Week? Because while safety net clinics have some similarities, they also look very different from one another and it is important to know where, why and how healthcare is currently being delivered. When it comes time for the federal, state, or even local government to make decisions regarding provider reimbursements, tobacco tax funds, Medicare or Medicaid payments, public coverage program eligibility, electronic health records (EHR) incentives, and other important policy options, the people making those decisions need to understand how they affect safety net clinics like yours.

The 2013 Safety Net Clinic Week toolkit is available on our event page to help clinics participate and raise awareness in a variety of ways. Included in the toolkit are many easily customizable materials. In addition to the toolkit, check out the event page for an update on activities, a schedule of activities and to connect with our SNCW project coordinator, Amber Burkhart. Please let Amber know if you want to host an event or if you need help using the toolkit. We’d also love to know if you utilize any part of the toolkit. That helps inform our work in order to continue to improve this important advocacy week. You may email Amber here, or she can be reached at 720-863-7805.

NEW Member Benefit! Share your News!

All current members are welcome to submit information to be included in CRHC's Member News & Updates section of our monthly e-newsletter.  Send information to Bridgette at bo@coruralhealth.org.  We cannot guarantee all submissions will be published, but will make every effort to make sure your news is released in some format (e-newsletter, member only emails, social media, etc.).  This can include press releases, success stories, general information, CEO or other staffing updates, etc.

 

"Like" Burlington Family Dentistry on Facebook!

Burlington Family Dentistry is giving away an iPad to one lucky winner who "Likes" them on Facebook!  The drawing will take place October 1st! 

And while your at it...make sure to "Like" Colorado Rural Health Center.  We're not giving away an iPad, but we are a great source of information for news and updates on Healthcare Reform, Rural Health, Funding Opportunities, Member Information and much more!

Attention Members! Group Rates Offered for Annual Rural Health Conference!

CRHC members can register at additional discounted rates for this year's Annual Rural Health Conference. Click here for further details and a registration form. Group rates are only available for CRHC members. Those wishing to register should use the form above, as these discounts are not available online. Questions? Contact Bridgette Olson at bo@coruralhealth.org.

New CRHC Members!

Last month Ryon Medical and Associates, Inc. and North Fork Medical Clinic joined CRHC's Membership - Welcome!! 

 

Ryon Medical is a family focused medical and mental health care practice. They specialize in the care of children, adolescents, adults, and seniors - treating the entire family. Located in La Junta, Colorado and sporting a great Facebook page - check them out to learn more!

North Fork Medical Clinic located in Paonia, Colorado recently joined CRHC's membership.  Located on the Western Slope this gem offers not only a spectacular view but an engaging community.  Check out the local chamber website for more information on the North Fork Vision 2020.  CRHC is already working with North Fork Medical Clinic to recruit a Family Nurse Practitioner, check out Colorado Provider Recruitment's website for more information.   

A Word From Our Classic Sponsor: RxRemoteSolutions

RxRemoteSolutions

In August of 2009, Comprehensive Pharmacy Services (CPS) the nation’s leading pharmacy services provider, purchased a regional call-center based Remote Order Entry company located outside of Chicago, Illinois. The new division was rebranded as RxRemoteSolutions and the division now includes Remote Order Entry and Pre-Admission Medication Therapy Review services.

RemoteSolutions’ Remote Order Entry service provides 24/7 solutions that maintain continuity of pharmacy services and patient safety after department hours, during periods of peak demand or in other times of need. 

The RemoteSolution

• Fully Licensed pharmacy staff
• Strict compliance with regulatory standards
• Screening for potential medication errors; maintaining quality and patient safety
• Available 24-hours to meet all clinical needs
• All orders entered by fully- licensed pharmacists
• Improved patient safety through decreased nursing over-rides resulting in improved regulatory and compliance safety
• Decreased workload for on-site staff enabling them to perfom additional clinical responsibilities
• Affordable and reliable alternative

The Remote Order Entry Process

1. Connect: RemoteSolutions pharmacists are in a secure, licensed pharmacy, connected via HIPPA compliant links directly to your hospital pharmacy system. No interfaces needed.
2. Receive & Review: A licensed Pharmacist receives and reviews the order, intervenes where appropriate, and communicates with the medical staff before the order is processed to ensure high quality medication use.  
3. Process, Enter & Verify: RemoteSolutions’ highly trained pharmacists process the incoming orders and enter/verify directly in the hospital pharmacy’s information system

Enhancing Clinical

Service: RemoteSolutions’ pharmacists are an extension of your pharmacy service, adhering to your organization’s policies, procedures and values. . Pharmacy records are updated and current allowing your facility’s on-site pharmacy staff to focus on the daily responsibilities of providing high quality patient care.

For more information about RemoteSolutions, please visit rxremotesolutions.com or call 1-877-662-4779