Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29: What Hospitals Need to Know for Medicare PI
Connecting Care Through Interoperability: What Hospitals Need to Know for Medicare PI
Speaker: Kristina Stolitca, Kentucky REC
Kentucky REC Hospital team lead Kristina Stolitca will provide an overview of the Medicare Promoting Interoperability (PI) Program for Eligible Hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals and explore how interoperability requirements continue to shape care delivery across the healthcare community. This session will review 2026 program requirements, including reporting periods, objectives, and measures, while highlighting key updates from the FY 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) Final Rule. Attendees will gain practical insight into evolving compliance expectations and the growing role of interoperability, public health reporting, and data exchange in supporting coordinated care and healthcare connectivity.
About Kristina Stolitca
Kristina Stolitca is a Health Information Technology Advisor at the Kentucky Regional Extension Center (KY REC), where she has served for 15 years. In this role, she supports hospitals across Kentucky participating in the Medicare Promoting Interoperability (PI) Program, providing expert guidance on regulatory compliance, EHR reporting, and program attestation. Kristina partners with hospital leaders and staff to assess performance, identify compliance gaps, and promote successful program participation. She develops tools and resources to help organizations navigate evolving CMS requirements, translating complex federal mandates into clear, actionable guidance. Her long-standing work at KY REC reflects a deep commitment to supporting Kentucky hospitals and advancing health information technology across the Commonwealth.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
Webinar August 27 – CMS Proposes Significant Reforms to The Quality Payment Program
Don’t Miss Our Aug 27 Webinar:
2027 CMS NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE-MAKING: QPP and BEYOND
The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) issued the notice for proposed rule-making for the 2027 Physician Fee Schedule and Quality Payment Program (QPP) on Tuesday, August 14th, 2026.
CMS is proposing transformational changes to several programs within this rule, including:
- the sunset date for the MIPS track of the QPP
- a further increase in available MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs)
- significant APM incentive payment reforms
- expansion of the Medicare Shared Savings Program
- further clarification of the new Ambulatory Specialty Model
- the introduction of core measures and other substantial changes to QPP performance categories
Stay in the know with the Kentucky REC – Register today and be prepared for 2027 and beyond!
2027 CMS NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE-MAKING: QPP and BEYOND
THURSDAY AUG 27 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
CMS encourages providers, healthcare organizations, vendors, and professional organizations to submit comments on the proposed rule.
How to comment:
The proposed rule includes directions for submitting comments within the 60-day comment period. CMS must receive comments by Monday, September 14, 2026.
When commenting, refer to file code: CMS-1848-P.
CMS does NOT accept FAX transmissions.
Use 1 of the 3 following ways to officially submit your comments:
• Electronically: www.regulations.gov
• Regular mail: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-1848-P, P.O. Box 8016, Baltimore, MD 21244-8016.
• Express or overnight mail: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-1848-P, Mail Stop C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850.
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your CMS QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29: Maximizing the HIPAA Security Rule
Maximizing the HIPAA Security Rule for Practice Success
Speaker: Amy Daley, Kentucky REC
Significant revisions to the HIPAA Security Rule are expected to be finalized and announced next year. Applying the new revisions to everyday operations in your practice is the key to maximizing and strengthening your overall compliance program. Our advisors will provide an overview of everything that is changing about the rule as well as timelines for expected compliance.
About Amy Daley
Amy Daley, CHPS, has been a Health IT Advisor for Kentucky Regional Extension Center since 2014 and is the HIPAA Team Lead. She specializes in HIPAA Security guidance for healthcare organizations across the state of Kentucky. Amy obtained her B.S. in Computer Information Systems from the University of Louisville. Amy has been a guest speaker at various conferences in Kentucky presenting on topics related to HIPAA Security and Promoting Interoperability. Her background includes expertise in the areas of implementation, training and management of EHR systems.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
Webinar July 30: Understanding CMS’s Mandatory Ambulatory Specialty Model
Don’t Miss Our July 30 Webinar: Understanding CMS’s Mandatory Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM)
Does your practice treat 20 or more Medicare patients with heart failure or low back pain each year? If so, CMS’s new Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM) may directly impact your organization.
Unlike many value-based care initiatives, the ASM is a mandatory payment model for selected specialists billing under Medicare Part B who treat these conditions. Beginning in 2027, the model is designed to increase specialist accountability for chronic disease management, reduce low-value care, and strengthen coordination between specialists and primary care providers.
CMS has released the preliminary list of participating providers, with an update coming later this year. You can check your status by clicking this link.
With financial risk increasing through 2033, now is the time to understand the model and begin preparing your practice.
Join us for our webinar on Thursday, July 30, where we will provide a practical overview of:
• Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) selection methodology
• Participant eligibility requirements
• Cohort-specific quality measures
• Financial implications and risk timelines
• Recommended steps to prepare your organization
Whether you are a practice administrator, physician leader, or quality improvement professional, this session will equip you with the insights and action steps needed to prepare for one of the most significant mandatory specialty payment models introduced by CMS.
Register today and get ahead of the changes!
UNDERSTANDING CMS’S MANDATORY AMBULATORY SPECIALTY MODEL
THURSDAY JULY 30 12:00 – 1:00 PM ET
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your CMS QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
May is Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
May is Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
Over 27.8 million adults and 4.8 million children in the U.S. are living with asthma.
The Kentucky REC, in partnership with KDPH’s Kentucky Asthma Management Program (KAMP) are raising awareness about the importance of asthma control, helping patients, caregiver, and healthcare professionals build knowledge and skills needed for effective daily management.
Many learning opportunities are available this month to support individuals and families in living well with asthma.
The American Lung Association (ALA) and the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) are providing FREE RESOURCES to help your healthcare organization increase awareness and access to resources within your communities.
AAFA: CLICK HERE for Pediatric Asthma Social Media Toolkit
ALA: CLICK HERE for Asthma Awareness Month | American Lung Association Resources
KAMP: CLICK HERE for Asthma Management Program – Cabinet for Health and Family Services Resources
Patient and Clinical Education Opportunities:
May 5: Webinar: 2026 Clean Air School Symposium, 11am – 2:30pm ESTÂ REGISTER HERE
May 8: Webinar: Building Clinical Linkages with Asthma Care Partners, 12 – 1pm EST REGISTER HERE
May 15: Webinar: Asthma Medication in Schools: Back to the Basics,12 – 1pm EST REGISTER HERE
May 22: Webinar: Treating Persistent Asthma: Putting your Patient on the Right Therapy Using the Stepwise Charts, 12 – 1pm EST REGISTER HERE
May 29: Webinar: Asthma Action Plans, 12- 1pm EST REGISTER HERE
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29 – Keynote Speaker Cameron Mills
Hybrid Event with Special Guest Speakers – In Person and Online
Oct. 29 2026, Lexington Kentucky, The Campbell House
This year’s conference will feature timely sessions on quality initiatives, HIPAA and security updates, hospital promoting interoperability, AI in healthcare, and emerging topics shaping healthcare.
Keynote Speaker: CAMERON MILLS, LHC Group, CAMERON MILLS MINISTRIES
The Most Rarely Discussed Job in Health Care
Kentucky native Cameron Mills lived out a childhood dream by following in his father’s footsteps to play basketball at the University of Kentucky during one of the programs most successful eras. From 1994-1998, he helped lead the Wildcats to three NCAA Final Fours and three NCAA National Championship appearances. The team won two Championships, defeating Syracuse in 1996 and Utah in 1998.
Following his time at UK, Cameron founded Cameron Mills Ministries. He is a sought after speaker at conferences and events, sharing insights on the power of influence. His message focuses on everyday opportunities we have to impact others through actions, not just words.
At the same time, Cameron has also built a career in the health care industry. He has been with LHC Group since 2004, a national leader in home health and hospice services, which serves patients in 38 states. In 2019, he became Vice President and Chief Culture Officer. In this role, he encourages and supports frontline caregivers, individuals he considers heroes long before the Covid-19 pandemic brought them into the spotlight.
Cameron lives in Lexington, KY with his wife, Susan, and their son Alex. Susan is a children’s book author and illustrator. She is known for her series about a world of dinosaurs with special needs.
Keynote Speaker: CAMERON MILLS, LHC Group, CAMERON MILLS MINISTRIES
TEAMWORK – You can’t do it alone
Kentucky native Cameron Mills lived out a childhood dream by following in his father’s footsteps to play basketball at the University of Kentucky during one of the programs most successful eras. From 1994-1998, he helped lead the Wildcats to three NCAA Final Fours and three NCAA National Championship appearances. The team won two Championships, defeating Syracuse in 1996 and Utah in 1998.
Following his time at UK, Cameron founded Cameron Mills Ministries. He is a sought after speaker at conferences and events, sharing insights on the power of influence. His message focuses on everyday opportunities we have to impact others through actions, not just words.
At the same time, Cameron has also built a career in the health care industry. He has been with LHC Group since 2004, a national leader in home health and hospice services, which serves patients in 38 states. In 2019, he became Vice President and Chief Culture Officer. In this role, he encourages and supports frontline caregivers, individuals he considers heroes long before the Covid-19 pandemic brought them into the spotlight.
Cameron lives in Lexington, KY with his wife, Susan, and their son Alex. Susan is a children’s book author and illustrator. She is known for her series about a world of dinosaurs with special needs.
Save the Date! Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 29!
Details and Registration Coming Soon!
During our day together we’ll discuss Quality Initiatives, HIPAA, Artificial Intelligence, and more to ensure that clinicians, hospital and ambulatory administrators, and clinic staff are well prepared for the challenges of modern healthcare.
Lexington, Kentucky – Join Us in Person or Online
QPP Webinar Dec 16: CMS 2026 Final Rule
QPP 2026 PFS & QPP Final Rule*
Webinar Date: December 16, 2025 @12pm
CMS released the highly anticipated 2026 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule on Nov 3rd — and the changes are significant.
From new Quality Payment Program (QPP) requirements to critical updates impacting MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs), eligible clinicians will see meaningful shifts in reporting, participation, and performance expectations.
One of the most notable updates is the introduction of the new Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM)—inclusion of specialists in outpatient and ambulatory care settings. ASM is designed to expand value-based care opportunities, improve quality measurement alignment for specialists, and offer new pathways to succeed in advanced payment arrangements.
OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS WILL WALK YOU THROUGH:
• Key QPP updates every organization must understand
• What’s changing within MVPs and APM participation
• How the Ambulatory Specialty Model will affect specialists and reporting options
• Action steps to prepare for 2026
Interested in learning more about QPP, attend upcoming webinars, or learn how our advisors can assist your practice in maximizing performance in the QPP or other value-based care programs? 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.
*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!
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 23 2025: Dr Tama Th̩ РThe Promise of AI for Kentucky Healthcare
Hybrid Event with Special Guest Speakers – In Person and Online
Oct. 23 2025, Lexington Kentucky, The Campbell House
Dreams of Data—The Promise of AI for Kentucky Healthcare
Speaker: Dr Tama Thé, MD, Assistant Professor – Department of Emergency Medicine, UK HealthCareÂ
Artificial intelligence is transforming medicine around the world. How can we make sure that Kentucky doesn’t get left behind? This presentation explores how we can harness AI to build a smarter, more connected healthcare system. We’ll look at how AI can improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce documentation burdens, and help address the physician shortage. We will highlight some of the innovative projects underway at UK HealthCare and get a peek of the broader vision driving the next wave of healthcare transformation.
Dr Tama Thé, MD
Tama Thé specializes in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and is an AI Research fellow with the National Board of Medical Examiners. He is leading AI initiatives both in healthcare at UKHC and across the state, as well as on the main campus at UK, and is the founder of the AI Incubator at the UK College of Medicine.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 23: HIE-Speed Ahead – Connecting Care Smarter
HIE-Speed Ahead: Connecting Care Smarter
Speaker: Andrew Bledsoe, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family ServicesÂ
Get ready to accelerate into the future of health information technology! Andrew Bledsoe of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services introduces KHIE’s new HIE system and its enhanced capabilities, designed to make data exchange faster, smarter, and more seamless than ever. We’ll explore how these upgrades improve care coordination, strengthen connections, and empower providers with the right information at the right time.
About Andrew Bledsoe, Deputy Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
The intersection of health information technology with quality care delivery has provided Andrew Bledsoe with a unique perspective over his two plus decades in healthcare. Starting his career in a regional hospital, he quickly learned the challenges in healthcare, especially rural medicine, and began investing in the concept of leveraging health information technology to improve outcomes for patients.
His current appointment as the Deputy Inspector General for the Office of the Inspector General within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services primarily focuses on implementing the KHIE Strategic and Operational Plan, promoting the statewide exchange of patient health information, spearheading a number of new services designed to improve care coordination, and offer new avenues to reduce reporting burdens and foster inter-agency collaboration.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
