KENTUCKY REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTER

Webinars

QPP YEAR 4 WEBINAR APRIL 30: MIPS ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT MODELS

Mar 25, 2020

One of the goals of the Quality Payment Program is for providers to move into what are called Advanced Alternative Payment Models. In Year 4 of the QPP, clinicians who meet the billing and/or patient thresholds in an Advanced APM are still eligible for the 5% lump sum payment. Over the course of this program, the requirements and flexibilities afforded to APM participants have evolved. Initially almost all participants in Advanced APM models met the billing and/or patient thresholds, making them eligible for the Qualified Participant status. However, as the thresholds (and the difficulty of meeting them) have increased, the likelihood of becoming a Qualified Participant or Partial QP status has declined. Because of this, many clinicians may find themselves evaluated on the MIPS APM scoring standard.

During our webinar, our quality experts will discuss the changes to the APM track and how the increases to the billing and/or patient thresholds may impact your  requirements and performance in the QPP.

*Webinar – QPP Year 4: MIPS Alternative Payment Models
Thursday, April 30, 2020 12:30 PM ET
CONTACT US

Coming Up:
*May 21 – QPP Categories Year 4: Cost
June 18 – QPP Year 4: Kentucky REC Can Help You Improve Your QPP Performance
*July 16 – QPP Categories Year 4: Promoting Interoperability & Improvement Activities

All QPP Webinars start at 12:30 PM ET

*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 Kentucky REC. We aim to be your trusted healthcare advisor!

Future dates subject to change

WEBINAR MARCH 26: HIPAA SECURITY – FIND VULNERABILITIES BEFORE ATTACKERS DO

Feb 5, 2020

Assessing the vulnerabilities of your network and IT assets is essential for understanding the risks facing your organization. The Center for Internet Security (CIS) ranks vulnerability assessment third in its 20 critical security controls for effective cyberdefense (CIS Controls).

“Organizations that do not scan for vulnerabilities and proactively address discovered flaws face a significant likelihood of having their computer systems compromised.” *

What is a vulnerability assessment?

A vulnerability assessment is broken down into two different phases:

  • Scanning & diagnosis
  • Results assessment

Scanning & Diagnosis: Our IT expert will use a network scanning device to identify potential points of exploitation on a network or computer and identify security holes within that system. The scanner’s repository of vulnerabilities is updated just before every scan to include any newly identified items, and is compatible with the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Index, which standardizes the names of vulnerabilities across diverse security products and vendors.

Results Assessment: Once these items are identified, a severity rating is assigned as follows: critical; severe; moderate; or clean. From the severity rating, a mitigation strategy is created to address the most critical items first, and then move down the list in severity level. This mitigation strategy will include information about specific software patches, downloadable fixes and reference content about security weaknesses.

To better facilitate HIPAA compliance in your organization, you should accompany your vulnerability scan with a full Security Risk Analysis and HIPAA Security Education for your staff.

Join our webinar to learn more about these important HIPAA Privacy and Security Topics.

Webinar – HIPAA Security: Find Vulnerabilities Before Attackers Do

Thursday, March 26, 2020 12:00 PM ET

REGISTER HERE

 

Call 859-323-3090 or email Kentucky REC HIPAA Privacy and Security experts with your questions, or if you want to talk to a security expert to schedule your vulnerability assessment.

Additional Resources:
Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls List
MITRE Corporation’s Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures

*https://www.cisecurity.org/controls/continuous-vulnerability-management/

WEBINAR MARCH 25 – KY MEDICAID PROMOTING INTEROPERABILITY (MU) 2020 STAGE 3 OVERVIEW

Feb 12, 2020

In order to successfully meet the objectives of Stage 3 Medicaid Promoting Interoperability, it is crucial for you to be looking at the 2020 requirements.

During the webinar we will review the Stage 3 objectives and the thresholds for each measure. We will provide detailed information regarding the newest measures and the importance of having a 2015 CEHRT.

Let Kentucky REC advisors help you be prepared and successful when tackling Stage 3. We will provide action lists that will guide you through the important next steps to meeting the thresholds for hard to reach measures.

Webinar: KY Medicaid Promoting Interoperability (MU) 2020 Stage 3 Overview for Eligible Professionals

Wednesday, March 25, 2020 12:00 pm ET

REGISTER HERE

 

Contact us at Kentucky REC with your questions about Promoting Interoperability. Our team of experts is here to help: 859-323-3090.

KHIE ANNOUNCES GRANT – PROVIDER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Jan 30, 2020

Our partners at the Kentucky Health Information Exchange are excited to announce the launch of their Provider Assistance Program mini-grant opportunity.

In collaboration with the Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHIE) is offering Pharmacies, Eligible Providers (EPs), Eligible Hospitals (EHs) and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant to offset the vendor fees associated with connecting to KHIE.

The Provider Assistance Program was created to help Pharmacies, EPs, EHs and CAHs in rural areas of the state to mitigate the challenges associated with interoperability. The objective is to relieve some of the financial burden a healthcare facility experiences which hinders engagement in Public Health and Clinical Data Registry reporting as well as Health Information Exchange.

Applicants are required to be:

  • located in the state of Kentucky
  • considered an EP, EH or CAH (as defined by CMS)
  • or a licensed pharmacy

If approved, EHs and CAHs may be awarded up to $15,000 and Pharmacies and EPs may be awarded up to $8,000.

Grants will be awarded on a first come first serve basis until all grant funds are depleted. Incomplete applications will not be considered and only one grant will be awarded per business entity.

If interested, please complete the Provider Assistance Program Application in its entirety and e-mail to Brett Brown (brett.brown@ky.gov) with the subject line: Application for the Provider Assistance Program.

Applications can also be found on the KHIE Website.

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020.

WEBINAR MARCH 5: USING PCMH/PCSP TO TRANSFORM YOUR PRACTICE

Jan 6, 2020

Do you have questions about the benefits of PCMH/PCSP?

Are you wondering how to sustain your recognition?

Join us for an in-depth conversation about recent PCMH and PCSP updates, along with ways to sustain a patient-centered care model through Recognition and Annual Reporting.

Topics include:

  • recognition sustainability
  • quality improvement
  • financial benefits
  • increase staff engagement
  • improve patient satisfaction

Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and Patient-Centered Specialty Practice (PCSP) are excellent practice transformation models for organizations committed to improving access, communication, and care coordination. NCQA recognized practices succeed in cutting costs, increasing both quality outcomes and patient satisfaction. Now is the perfect time to pursue recognition since your organization can also receive full points in the Improvement Activities category of the Quality Payment Program (QPP) Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA).

Webinar: USING PCMH/PCSP TO TRANSFORM YOUR PRACTICE
Thursday March 5, 12-1 p.m. ET

REGISTER HERE

Contact us at Kentucky REC with your questions about PCMH and PCSP. Our team of experts is here to help: 859-323-3090.

WEBINAR FEB 20 – QPP YEAR 4: FINAL RULE IMPACT

Jan 9, 2020

With the start of 2020, we have a new set of rules and guidelines to implement for the Quality Payment Program Year 4! At the same time, we are now in the submission period for 2019.

Kentucky REC experts will present the biggest impacts of the Final Rule for the Merit Based Incentive Payment System’s (MIPS) four performance categories, highlighting what could affect you and your practice the most. We will also explore the changes to the Alternative Payment Model (APMs) track of the QPP, and what you can expect to see with the future of the program.

MIPS is becoming progressively more difficult to achieve a positive payment incentive as thresholds increase, and as more clinicians aim to better their own performance to avoid the penalties associated with the program. Don’t fall behind in your performance!

Webinar – QPP Year 4: FINAL RULE HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday, February 20, 2020 12:30 PM ET

REGISTER HERE

 

Contact the experts at Kentucky REC for all your QPP, MIPS, and APM questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

KET TO AIR DIABETES EPIDEMIC DOCUMENTARY FEB 24 – UNDIAGNOSED

Feb 21, 2020

Nearly half of Kentucky adults have either diabetes or prediabetes.
But far too many don’t know it.

In a new documentary, KET shines a light on the alarming number of people with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes and show how Kentuckians are working to reduce those rates. There is good news to share – with lifestyle changes and proper care and support, diabetes can be managed and in many cases, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

Make plans now to watch KET on Monday, February 24 at 9PM EST. You might see some familiar Kentucky faces, as well as Dr. Ann Albright, Director for the Division of Diabetes Translation at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This program is funded in part by a grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

Additional Airing Times:
Sunday February 23, 2020 2:00 am EST
Sunday February 23, 2020 10:30 am EST
Sunday February 23, 2020 7:00 pm EST
Wednesday February 26, 2020 12:00 am EST
Wednesday February 26, 2020 2:00 am EST
Wednesday February 26, 2020 8:30 am EST
Wednesday February 26, 2020 5:00 pm EST

You can read an in-depth interview with Dr. Albright here.

Kentucky REC advisors work with the Kentucky Department of Public Health on initiatives to address chronic disease issues in Kentucky. You can read about some of our work here.

Contact our experts at Kentucky REC for all your quality improvement questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.

PILL PODCAST EPISODE 6: DR. JAMES KECK – PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND UNDERSTANDING PREDIABETES

Nov 25, 2019

In our new episode of the PILL podcast, Trudi speaks with Dr. James Keck, a Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine board certified physician who cares for patients in the University of Kentucky Family Medicine Clinic. He supervises, trains, and educates medical students and Family and Preventive Medicine Residents at the UK clinic and UK hospital. Recently, Dr. Keck and colleagues implemented several strategies to promote Diabetes Prevention Program referrals from primary care colleagues to the UK Diabetes Prevention Program. He discusses the diagnosis of “prediabetes”, including who should be screened, how it is diagnosed, and next steps to avoid diabetes.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) is a partnership of public and private organizations working to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Partners make it easier for people at risk for type 2 diabetes to participate in evidence-based lifestyle change programs to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes. Kentucky has 55 recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program organizations serving 80 counties with in person classes. We also have online or distance learning locations covering all 120 counties. To find out more go to CHFS.KY.gov and search for Diabetes prevention programs.

Listen to our podcast at our new home, Buzzsprout, or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. All previous episodes are now available.

If you need assistance with quality improvement and/or the QPP, contact the Kentucky REC at 859-323-3090 or by email. For specific Quality Payment Program assistance for small practices, visit the online resource center.

WEBINAR MAY 23 – QPP YEAR 3: PUBLIC REPORTING – PHYSICIAN COMPARE

Apr 19, 2019

In Spring 2019, for the first time ever, MIPS data will be available to the public. What information will be published on the CMS Physician Compare Website? We all know about Hospital Compare, which provides metrics and ratings for our local hospitals. You have the ability to select multiple hospitals and see their numbers side by side so that you can make better decisions about where you receive care. The CMS Physician Compare website is going to operate similarly, and your MIPS performance is going to factor into how you will be compared with other physicians. There is already a version of the website drawn from PQRS data. You can see the year the physician graduated, whether or not they use an EHR, and if they submitted quality metrics.

During our webinar we’ll share what we expect to see added by this summer. By being aware of what will be posted about clinicians, we can ensure that performance and quality is represented appropriately in the public space. This new change is expected to have a strong impact in the Quality Payment Program. Join us to learn more.

Webinar – QPP Year 3: Public Reporting – Physician Compare

Thursday May 23, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. ET

REGISTER HERE

Contact us at Kentucky REC with your questions about the Quality Payment Program. Our team of experts is here to help: 859-323-3090

FREE WORKSHOP SERIES: DIABETES MANAGEMENT AND OPIOID USE DISORDER

Mar 26, 2019

JOIN Kentucky REC and UnitedHealthcare for our FREE DINNER WORKSHOP series!
These activities have been approved for 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits.

ALIGNING CARE AND COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES

Speaker:
Dr. Laura Hieronymous, Associate Director, Education & Quality Service at the Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center at UK HealthCare
Presentation Title: The Efficacy of Education in the Diabetes Treatment Plan

  • Diabetic Self-Management Education & Support
  • Medical Nutrition
  • National Diabetes Prevention Program
May 14   5:00 – 8:00 PM in Hazard at The UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health

Detailed Agenda Here

REGISTER HERE
June 19  5:00 – 8:00 PM in Bowling Green at The Knicely Center WKU

Detailed Agenda Here

REGISTER HERE

 

ALIGNING CARE AND COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER

May 13  5:00 – 8:00 PM in Pikeville at The Hilton Garden Inn

Detailed Agenda Here
Speakers:
Devin Oller, MD – Assistant Professor of Medicine at UK Healthcare
Tyler Jennings, FindHelpNowKY.org, and Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center
Pat Tucci, RN Director of Specialty Substance Use Programs – bluegrass.org

Workshop Focus Areas:

      • The use of MAT in primary care practice-setting
      • Non-pharmacological treatment interventions
      • De-stigmatizing behavioral health resources
REGISTER HERE

The Kentucky Regional Extension Center is partnering with United Healthcare to host a series of FREE DINNER WORKSHOPS on some of the most pressing healthcare topics impacting patient populations across the Commonwealth.

We are assembling state and nationally recognized authorities to share their expertise in both Diabetes Prevention & Management and Opioid Use Disorder with local healthcare providers and practices. This FREE dinner event will be hosted within Kentucky communities, bringing together local resources and leading experts to unite and support optimal care delivery to transform patient outcomes. Sign up now to reserve your spot!

Questions? Contact Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090

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