KENTUCKY REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTER

Welcome to Summer Discount! Kentucky REC Annual Conference – Register Now

Welcome to Summer Discount! Kentucky REC Annual Conference – Register Now

The Campbell House, Lexington, Kentucky – Join Us in Person or Online

Happy Summer 2024! Register Today to get a discount on your ticket for our Annual Conference on October 24 in Lexington.

Join us as Kentucky REC and featured guest speakers we share on essential topics shaping modern healthcare. Our agenda includes in depth discussions of quality initiatives, HIPAA, Social Drivers of Health, and more.

Whether you’re a clinician, administrator, staff member, or a student, this event is tailored to equip you with the insights and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare.

Questions? Contact the Kentucky REC Annual Conference Team at Kentucky REC. 859-323-3090.

PILL PODCAST: Unlocking Mental Health Resources – Insights from Danny Cornett at New Vista

Unlocking Mental Health Resources – Insights from Danny Cornett at New Vista

Join us as we explore New Vista’s innovative approaches to client-centered care, destigmatizing mental health, and promoting awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month.

In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the critical topic of mental health awareness and the resources available in Kentucky. Danny Cornett, DrPH, the Corporate Director of Quality and Compliance at New Vista, shares valuable insights into the organization’s comprehensive mental health services, including substance use disorder treatment and crisis intervention.

Listen to our podcast on Buzzsprout, or Spotify and Apple Podcasts. All previous episodes are available.

If you need assistance with healthcare quality improvement, contact the Kentucky REC at 859-323-3090 or by email.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Empowering Patients to Prioritize Mental Health and Well-being

Encourage your clients to prioritize their mental health and well-being this Mental Health Awareness Month! As healthcare providers and staff, we recognize the significance of assisting our clients in fostering positive changes.

Let’s empower them to prioritize their mental health by addressing critical areas such as sleep hygiene, smoking cessation, stress management, and anxiety reduction. Our latest tip sheets provide valuable insights and practical strategies to support their path to improved mental health. CLICK HERE for tip sheets and resources that can help you and your patients. Together, let’s make this year one of transformation and well-being for our clients and their communities.

Be Healthy Bash

📅 Date: June 8, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📍 Location: Fayette County Extension Office, Lexington

 

This free festival offers activities and resources for your overall well-being, including health screenings, nutrition tips, cooking demonstrations, and more. Enjoy complimentary food, vaccinations, and fun games for all ages, including inflatables and a petting zoo.

Dr. Kristen Stakelin from the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center shares, “Our goal is to promote healthy living and accessibility to nutritious foods for everyone.”

Don’t miss this showcase of community wellness, supported by UK HealthCare, University of Kentucky, and other partners. Participation is open to all. Sign in at the registration table to receive Farmers’ Market vegetable vouchers.

CLICK HERE for more information and a list of partners.

Free QPR Certification Training: A Commitment to Community Mental Health

The QPR suicide prevention gatekeeper training offers essential knowledge and skills to recognize and support individuals in crisis. Here’s what the training entails:

  • Myth Busting: Debunking common misconceptions about suicide
  • Early Signs Recognition: Identifying signs of distress and potential suicide
  • Active Engagement: Learning effective communication to engage with those in crisis
  • Referral Guidance: Knowing where to refer someone for immediate help

The hour-long training provides accessible, self-paced learning. Passing a quiz qualifies participants as certified QPR Gatekeepers. This training empowers individuals to play a vital role in suicide prevention, fostering a compassionate community ready to intervene and support.

Access our FREE QPR training HERE and take the first step towards being a lifeline for those in need.

Emergency Support: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

In times of acute distress or when concerned about a friend or loved one, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a vital resource. This lifeline network operates 24/7 across the United States, providing immediate assistance. Simply dial, text or chat 988 to connect with professionals who can offer emotional support and guidance.

For more information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, click HERE.

Your dedication to mental health awareness and support is deeply appreciated. Together, we can create a resilient community that prioritizes the well-being of all its members.

Thank you for being an advocate for mental health.

PILL PODCAST: Unlocking Community Health – Insights from Dr. Rachel Hogg-Graham

Unlocking Community Health: Insights from Dr. Rachel Hogg-Graham

Join us for a compelling exploration into community health strategies with Dr. Rachel Hogg-Graham, Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health.

In this helpful podcast, Dr. Hogg-Graham delves into the integration of health and social services. She highlights the pivotal role of community partnerships in addressing unmet social needs and improving population health outcomes.

From discussing policies incentivizing social drivers of health (SDOH) strategies, to navigating challenges in connecting patients to resources, Dr. Hogg-Graham offers insights and practical considerations for healthcare providers and organizations.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on building effective community collaborations and unlocking the potential of social needs screening to transform healthcare delivery.

Listen to our podcast on Buzzsprout, or Spotify and Apple Podcasts. All previous episodes are available.

If you need assistance with healthcare quality improvement, contact the Kentucky REC at 859-323-3090 or by email.

Is Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Right for Your Practice?

Is Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition Right for Your Practice?

The pursuit of patient-centered care is increasingly crucial in healthcare today. Practices are continually seeking ways to enhance the patient experience, improve outcomes, and streamline care delivery. One avenue gaining prominence in this quest is Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition. But is it the right fit for your practice? Let’s explore what PCMH recognition entails and the considerations to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH)

At its core, PCMH is a model of care delivery that emphasizes comprehensive, coordinated, and patient-centered care. Recognized by organizations such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), PCMH recognition signifies a commitment to excellence in primary care.

The key principles of PCMH include:
• Team Based Care
• Whole Person Care
• Accessible Services
• Care Coordination
• Patient Engagement

Is PCMH Recognition Right for Your Practice?

While PCMH offers numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for every practice. It takes a significant commitment to successfully pursue recognition.

Consider these factors when evaluating whether PCMH recognition aligns with your practice’s goals and capabilities:

Commitment to Transformation PCMH requires commitment to transforming your culture and operations. It involves ongoing improvement efforts, staff training, and patient engagement initiatives.
Patient Population Consider whether your patient population would benefit from the comprehensive, coordinated care approach offered by PCMH. Patients with complex medical needs, chronic conditions, or frequent interactions with your organization may derive significant value from PCMH practices.
Financial Considerations Assess the potential financial implications of pursuing PCMH recognition, including initial investment costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and potential reimbursement incentives from payers.
Alignment with Strategic Goals Evaluate how PCMH recognition aligns with your practice’s strategic goals, mission, and vision. Analyze if it will support your objectives to improve patient satisfaction, enhance care quality, and achieve better health outcomes.

Making an Informed Decision

The decision to pursue PCMH recognition should be based on a thorough assessment of your practice’s readiness, resources, and alignment with patient-centered care principles. A good next step in the process is to engage key stakeholders within your organization (including providers, staff, and patients), in discussions about the potential benefits and challenges of PCMH implementation.

Complete this Brief One Minute Survey to see if PCMH is right for you.

Contact YOUR Experts at the Kentucky REC with your questions and for further information. Call us at 859-323-3090.

QPP Year 8 Webinar February 13: QPP Reporting Options

QPP Year 8: ALL ABOUT QPP REPORTING OPTIONS*
Tuesday February 13, 2024 @ 12PM ET

CMS’s Quality Payment Program continues to evolve each program year. In the current landscape, there are more avenues than ever available for reporting your Eligible Clinician’s data. All these choices can be overwhelming, and make it challenging to determine the best reporting method for your practice.

Join our team of experienced advisors as we dive into the intricacies of QPP reporting options for both Program Year 2023 (PY23) & Program Year 2024 (PY24).

We will guide you through the diverse options of data collection and submission methods for each Performance Category, and review the different levels of submission for MIPS. This will give you the facts to make informed decisions that align with your practice’s goals, and shed light on essential considerations for the various MVP reporting levels.

Already a QPP client or interested in becoming one? As a client, you receive exclusive access to our analysis of all aspects of the Quality Payment Program. To speak with the team on how we can best support you, feel free to contact us HERE.

Open to the public webinars will be available in 2024, highlighting major updates and implications for eligible clinicians and practices.

Mark your calendars for “All About QPP Reporting Options” on Tuesday, February 13 at 12pm EST.

Contact YOUR Experts at the Kentucky REC for all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We are here to help. Call us at 859-323-3090.

*This webinar is for Kentucky REC contracted QPP clients only. If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn more about becoming a client, please contact us at (859) 323-3090 or email us at KYRec@uky.edu. We aim to be your trusted healthcare advisor!