KENTUCKY REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTER

Events

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Detailed Agenda 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

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

SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED! FREE DINNER WORKSHOP: OPIOID USE DISORDER – PIKEVILLE MAY 13

Kentucky REC is excited to announce expert presenters for our FREE DINNER WORKSHOP in Pikeville on May 13th!
Dr. Devin Oller – Presentation Title: Evidence-Based Interventions for Opioid Use Disorder Dr. Oller is an assistant professor in the UK Department of Medicine and staff physician at the UK Addiction Consultation and Education Service (ACES), the UK First Bridge Clinic, and practices primary care at the Internal Medicine Group. He has presented at national conferences on substance use disorder education and the integration of peer support specialists into addiction care.
Tyler Jennings – Presentation Title: FindHelpNowKY.org: A Valuable Tool in the Fight Against Addiction Mr. Jennings is a data management specialist at the UK Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC). The Center hosts FindHelpNowKY.org, a tool for real time crisis intervention. Tyler and his team have worked together to create this innovative project to have a positive impact on the health of Kentucky by increasing research knowledge and understanding, along with saving lives.
Patricia Tucci, RN – Presentation Title: GIVE HOPE: Providing Optimal Care for Individuals with OUD. Pat is the Director of Specialty Substance Use Programs at Bluegrass.org, and has implemented MAT with an emphasis on behavioral health centric models at the longest running substance use program in Kentucky. Bluegrass.org brings together all the treatment options into one program (which is accredited by the Joint Commission), including: individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, case management, drug testing and treatment with MAT.
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

Questions? Email Kentucky REC or call 859-323-3090. We’re here to help!

WEBINAR MAY 2ND – QPP YEAR 3: UNDERSTANDING FLEXIBILITY

Year 3 of the Quality Payment Program has ‘upped the ante’ for what will be required of eligible clinicians (ECs) in order to avoid penalties. In order to score the minimum 30 points, EC’s will not only have to receive full credit in Improvement Activities, but will also have to score at least 15 points from one of the other categories.

CMS understands that this can make it difficult on some practices, so they have built flexibilities into the program for practices. These flexibilities allow ECs many different pathways to avoid a penalty and excel in this program. While the added flexibilities are a great way to shape your approach to year 3, not everyone knows what flexibilities are available, and how they be used.

With 7% at stake, it is important that ECs learn all the ways they can improve performance on measures, and submit with the confidence that they tailored their approach to maximize their score. During our webinar we will examine the different opportunities offered to ECs that increase the flexibility of the QPP, but can also increase the complexity of the program. Understanding how these options can be used during the 2019 program year will allow ECs and Groups to determine the best path for this year and help shape 2020 and beyond.

Webinar – QPP Year 3: Understanding Flexibility
Thursday May 2, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. ET

Questions? Call us at 859-323-3090 or email at Kentucky REC.

Webinar Jan 10th: QPP Program Year 3 Requirements

The New Year is often anticipated and celebrated with music and parties. When it comes to the upcoming Year 3 in the Quality Payment Program for 2019, many of us are anxious instead. Your Kentucky Regional Extension Center Team is eager to present an overview of the Year 3 requirements to help you make sense of all the changes. An expert panel will discuss some of the most important aspects of the QPP Year 3 rules and how they will impact your practice.

This webinar will depart from our traditional presentation style, and feature the panel in a more informal conversation about some of the more significant changes to the QPP for the upcoming year. We will share each expert’s perspective on important considerations and pitfalls to be avoided. Some of the topics to be discussed include the new clinician types, the 4 MIPS categories, and Alternative Payment Models.

Our experts will also be answering questions on topics such as hardships, special considerations, facility-based scoring, specialty measure sets, CEHRT requirements, boosting your Promoting Interoperability performance, the new cost measures, and APM Qualified Providers.

Join us January 10th for our first webinar of the New Year!

Webinar: QPP Program Year 3 Requirements
Thursday
January 10  12:30 – 1:30 p.m. ET

 

 

 

Webinar Jan 10th: QPP Program Year 3 Requirements

The New Year is often anticipated and celebrated with music and parties. When it comes to the upcoming Year 3 in the Quality Payment Program for 2019, many of us are anxious instead. Your Kentucky Regional Extension Center Team is eager to present an overview of the Year 3 requirements to help you make sense of all the changes. An expert panel will discuss some of the most important aspects of the QPP Year 3 rules and how they will impact your practice.

This webinar will depart from our traditional presentation style, and feature the panel in a more informal conversation about some of the more significant changes to the QPP for the upcoming year. We will share each expert’s perspective on important considerations and pitfalls to be avoided. Some of the topics to be discussed include the new clinician types, the 4 MIPS categories, and Alternative Payment Models.

Our experts will also be answering questions on topics such as hardships, special considerations, facility-based scoring, specialty measure sets, CEHRT requirements, boosting your Promoting Interoperability performance, the new cost measures, and APM Qualified Providers.

Join us January 10th for our first webinar of the New Year!

Webinar: QPP Program Year 3 Requirements
Thursday
January 10  12:30 – 1:30 p.m. ET