Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 23: Advancing Kentucky Together – Trudi Matthews
ADVANCING KENTUCKY TOGETHER
Speaker: Trudi Matthews, UK HEalthcare
For more than two decades, the University of Kentucky and its hospital, UK HealthCare, has established and worked with affiliates — hospitals, clinics and providers — across the state to open greater access to specialty care, such as cancer, heart disease and stroke.
During the October 2024 UK Board of Trustees retreat, the Board directed President Capilouto to build on our momentum and take the next critical steps in our mission to advance the wellbeing of our Commonwealth. We are focusing the institution’s capacity and strategic efforts on becoming the university that — along with partners — does more than anyone in the country to improve the health of the state it serves.
The Advancing Kentucky Together Network takes that affiliate model a step further. The Advancing Kentucky Together Network is the next evolution of our partnership model and expands our efforts to address dramatically growing health, education and workforce needs across the state.
About Trudi Matthews
Trudi Matthews serves as Chief of Value Based Programs, Public Policy and Community Initiatives in the Office of the Executive Vice President for Health Affairs at UK HealthCare, the health system of the University of Kentucky (UK). In this role, Trudi works with UK HealthCare’s executive team and ambulatory leadership to ensure success in value-based programs for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurers. Trudi also serves as government affairs and policy lead for UK HealthCare overseeing a team responsible for reviewing and analyzing state and federal government policy initiatives.
Trudi is also Executive Director of the Kentucky Regional Extension Center (REC) at UK. Trudi oversees this state-wide center charged with assisting health care leaders, practices, and hospitals across Kentucky with using technology, connectivity, process improvement and value-based care models to improve the quality and value of health care. From 2015-2019, she was Managing Director of the Kentucky REC, leading and supporting multiple externally sponsored projects such as Kentucky’s Practice Transformation Network Grant, Medicaid Meaningful Use/Promoting Interoperability Support, and several CDC-funded projects with the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
Questions? Contact us at Kentucky REC or call us at 859-323-3090.
KHIE Launching New Technology Platform in 2025
KHIE Transitioning All Participating Organizations to New Technology Platform in 2025
As part of its ongoing mission to build a healthier Kentucky, the Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHIE) is transitioning all participating organizations to a new technology platform in 2025. This move is made possible through a partnership with CRISP Shared Services (CSS)—a nationally recognized leader in health information technology and data exchange.
This transition is a strategic step to ensure long-term sustainability while continuing to offer innovative tools and services at no cost to KHIE participants. By leveraging CSS’s advanced infrastructure and shared services model, KHIE will be able to enhance functionality, improve efficiency, and scale to meet the growing needs of healthcare providers across the Commonwealth.
WHAT TO EXPECT
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- The platform transition, which began in spring 2025, will continue through the end of the year
- No disruption to services or data access is anticipated during this period
- Participants will receive hands-on support throughout the transition, at no cost
KHIE is committed to keeping participants informed every step of the way. They are engaging directly with healthcare organizations to provide personalized guidance. If you have questions about the onboarding process, timelines, or technical details, contact your designated KHIE outreach coordinator.
Stay tuned for more updates as KHIE moves forward with this exciting advancement—keeping Kentucky’s healthcare connected, innovative, and prepared for the future. Together with KHIE, the Kentucky Regional Extension Center is here to ensure a smooth and successful transition for all providers across the state.
Kentucky REC is here for you. To speak with the team on how we can best support you, feel free to contact us HERE or call us at 859-323-3090.
QPP 2025 Webinar July 22: Accountable Care Series Part 3
QPP 2025 Accountable Care Series Part 3: Choosing the Right Path for Your Practice*
Webinar Date: July 22, 2025 @12pm
Join your Kentucky REC expert advisors as we provide a comprehensive overview of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs), equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your participation in value-based care initiatives.
As CMS looks to sunset Traditional MIPS reporting, Kentucky REC advisors will share the critical decision of selecting the most suitable pathway for your practice within the Quality Payment Program (QPP).
While pending finalization in further rule-making, CMS has indicated that MIPS ECs and groups may be required to participate in MIPS Value Pathway (MVPs) or the APM Performance Pathway (APP) to fulfill reporting requirements.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• MVPs vs. APP Deep Dive: Understand the key differences between the MVP & APP tracks, including eligibility criteria, performance categories, and potential risks and rewards of each pathway
• Optimizing MIPS Participation through MVPs: Learn how to effectively register and form MVPs around the care services provided or the population served; Understand how to select the most advantageous clinical quality measures for your specific practice needs
•Navigating the APP Reporting Pathway: Gain insights into the reporting requirements and considerations for practices participating in Alternative Payment Models
This webinar is essential for healthcare providers and leaders seeking to understand the evolving landscape of value-based care and make informed decisions about their participation in ACOs and APMs.
Not a current KY REC client? For access to webinars in this series, contact the KY REC to learn more about our services. Interested in learning more about QPP, attend upcoming series, 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.
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!
Interested in PCMH? Funding Available!
HRSA’s Health Center Individualized Technical Assistance Program
Want to be PCMH recognized but don’t have the resources? HRSA is now funding supported health centers through their Health Center Individualized Technical Assistance Program. Enrolled health centers can receive 1:1 support to achieve PCMH recognition.
According to NCQA, Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition research shows this program improves quality and patient experience, and increases staff satisfaction, while reducing health care costs. It can also prepare your organization for building the foundation for Value-Based Care. The NCQA PCMH program is the most widely adopted program in the United States and has more than 10,000 recognized practices.
HRSA funds the Health Center Individualized Technical Assistance Program to supply 1:1 support for Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition to HRSA supported health centers that are not currently recognized with PCMH but wish to achieve PCMH recognition and would like additional resources to do so.
Support for this program is provided by NCQA PCMH Certified Content Experts (CCEs) to help the organization attain recognition. HRSA covers the NCQA survey tool and review fees for initial, renewal, and add-on recognition surveys of health centers. This includes 1:1 PCMH CCE support.
If your health center chooses to participate, and is approved, then you may select a PCMH CCE of your choice to assist during the recognition process.
The PCMH CCE Will Provide These Support Services:
• Partner with health center & provide PCMH requirements
• NCQA PCMH Recognition Self-Assessment & Gap Analysis
• PCMH Requirements’ Action Plan
• NCQA PCMH Recognition Program Enrollment Assistance
• Help meet Interim & Final Timeliness requirements
• Assist with earning PCMH recognition
• PCMH Recognition policies & procedures, and NCQA’s web-based tools & systems
Questions? For more information on how to begin this process, or further details, contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
QPP Webinar Series: Accountable Care
Our REC team of experts recently kicked off our highly anticipated ACO comprehensive 4-part webinar series on May 13, 2025. The first webinar discusses how healthcare providers and leaders can equip themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in the evolving world of value-based accountable care.
HERE is a link to the first session recording.
The remaining three webinars in our series are for our MIPS Individual Assistance clients only and will dive into the foundations of success in accountable care as you prepare for CMS’s intended sunsetting of Traditional MIPS reporting. Below is a brief list and description of each remaining session:
QPP 2025 Accountable Care Series Part 2: Decoding ACOs & Alternative Payment Models 6.10.25 @ 12 pm ET
Grow your knowledge base to gain insight into the formation of ACOs and linkages to CMS payment models in this comprehensive overview
QPP 2025 Accountable Care Series Part 3: Choosing the Right Path for Your Practice 7.8.25 @ 12 pm ET
As CMS intends to sunset Traditional MIPS reporting, explore your options for QPP participation in MIPS Value Pathways (MVPs) or the APM Performance Pathway (APP)
QPP 2025 Accountable Care Series Part 4: A Closer Look at MIPS APMs and Advanced Alternative Payment Models 10.14.25 @ 12 pm ET
Essential for healthcare providers seeking to navigate the complexities of alternative payment model participation, learn the intricacies of the Medicare Shared Savings Program and the pathway to full risk and full reward models
These webinars are a must-attend for all healthcare providers and leaders seeking to embrace a patient-centered approach to care with a desire to succeed in the evolving value-based care environment.
Not a current KY REC client? For access to remaining webinars in this series, contact the KY REC to learn more about our services.
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
QPP Year 9 Webinar June 10: Accountable Care Series Part 2
QPP 2025 Accountable Care Series Part 2: Decoding ACOs & Alternative Payment Models*
Webinar Date: June 10, 2025 @12pm
Join your KYREC expert advisors as we provide a comprehensive overview of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs), equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your participation in value-based care initiatives.
Key Takeaways:
• Understanding ACOs & APMs: Gain a clear understanding of the principles and objectives of ACOs and various APM framework options available.
• Exploring Shared Savings & Shared Risk: Explore the benefits and risks of participation in value-based payment arrangements.
• Choosing the Right ACO: Explore key factors to consider when selecting an ACO that best aligns with your practice’s goals and objectives.
• ACO Entity Formation vs. Joining an Existing ACO: Weigh the pros and cons of forming your own ACO entity versus joining an established ACO network.
This webinar is essential for healthcare providers and leaders seeking to understand the evolving landscape of value-based care and make informed decisions about their participation in ACOs and APMs.
Not a current KY REC client? For access to remaining webinars in this series, contact the KY REC to learn more about our services.nterested in learning more about QPP, attend upcoming series, 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.
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!
HIPAA Security Rule Gets an Update – Watch on YouTube
Public Webinar Available Now: HIPAA Security Rule Gets a Makeover – Let’s Break it Down
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information (NPRM) on Jan 6, 2025. This will be the first major update to the HIPAA Security Rule since the HIPAA Omnibus Rule in 2013.
These proposed changes bring about new requirements, including:
- Vulnerability scanning
- Penetration testing
- Patch management
- Network segmentation
- Data backup testing
- Multi-factor authentication
- Security incident planning and testing
- HIPAA compliance audits
- Business associate delegation
- Guidelines for ongoing maintenance
This webinar provides an overview of the proposed changes and expected timelines for regulated entities to meet compliance with the new rule. The proposed rule seeks to strengthen cybersecurity by updating the Security Rule’s standards to better address ever-increasing cybersecurity threats to the health care sector. While the Department is undertaking this rulemaking, the current Security Rule remains in effect.
For more information about the proposed rule for HIPAA Security, please follow the links below:
Fact Sheet: “HIPAA Security Rule Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Electronic Protected Health Information”
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) – “HIPAA Security Rule To Strengthen the Cybersecurity of Electronic Protected Health Information”
Contact the experts at Kentucky REC with all your HIPAA Privacy and Security questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
Registration Open! Kentucky REC Annual Conference Oct 23
The Campbell House, Lexington, Kentucky – Join Us in Person or Online
Join us for an engaging day where we share essential topics shaping healthcare today and into the future. Our agenda includes in depth discussions of Quality Initiatives, HIPAA, Hospital Promoting Interoperability, and more.
Whether you’re a clinician, administrator, or a member of healthcare staff, this event is tailored to equip you with the insights and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare.
Guest speakers will join us to present on relevant topics. Details and Agenda coming soon!
Questions? Contact the Kentucky REC Annual Conference Team at Kentucky REC. 859-323-3090.
Register Today! QPP Public Webinar May 13 – Accountable Care Series Kick-Off
QPP Year 9: QPP 2025 Accountable Care Series Part 1: A Journey to Whole Person, Patient-Centered Care
Live Webinar: Tuesday May 13, 2025 12 Noon ET
This open to the public live webinar marks the launch of our comprehensive four-part series designed to equip healthcare providers & leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of value-based accountable care.
CMS intends to align the QPP with agency goals as outlined in the Healthy People 2030 Initiative to provide comprehensive primary and specialty care services to all Traditional Medicare beneficiaries via accountable care relationships focused on improving quality and total cost of care.
In this inaugural session, we will explore the foundations of success in accountable care.
Topics Include:
• Cost and Quality Connection: Understand the critical link between cost-effective care and improved patient outcomes for value-based care
• Identifying Controllable Costs: Learn strategies to identify and manage costs within your control for better population health management
• Leveraging Population Health Strategies: Explore the significant impact of Chronic Care Management, Transitional Care Management and addressing socio-economic disparities in your patient population health and discover innovative approaches to address these critical factors
• Performance Alignment with CMS and Other Payers Through QI: Gain insights into establishing a framework of high-reliability and a culture of continuous quality improvement to remain relevant in the accountable care space
This webinar is a must-attend for all healthcare providers and leaders seeking to embrace a patient-centered approach to care and succeed in the evolving value-based care environment. Not a current KY REC client? For access to remaining webinars in this series, contact the KY REC to learn more about our services.
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
QPP Webinar April 8 – Expert Insight Series: Promoting Interoperability – Mastering HIE
QPP Webinar – 2025 Expert Insight Series Part 3: Promoting Interoperability (PI) Category – Mastering the Health Information Exchange (HIE) Objective*
Tuesday April 8, 2025 @ 12PM ET
In the last segment of our Expert Insight Series, this webinar provides a deep dive into the critical Health Information Exchange (HIE) objective within the Promoting Interoperability (PI) Performance Category of the Quality Payment Program (QPP).
Key takeaways include:
• 3 Pathways to Success: Explore the three distinct methods for meeting the HIE objective and determine the best approach for your practice
• HIE Operations De-mystified: Gain a clear understanding of how Health Information Exchanges function, including data sharing processes and key considerations
• Maximizing Your Score: Learn strategies to optimize your HIE performance and maximize your QPP score
This webinar is essential for all providers seeking to successfully navigate the HIE objective and maximize their QPP performance. Access to this webinar series is reserved for clients of the Kentucky Regional Extension Center.
Join the Kentucky Regional Extension Center (Kentucky REC) on Tuesday, April 8th, at 12:00 pm for our client-only QPP 2025 Expert Insights Series: Mastering the Health Information Exchange (HIE) objective within the Promoting Interoperability (PI) Performance Category for the 2025 Quality Payment Program.
Interested in learning more about QPP, attend upcoming series, 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.
Mark your calendars for “Promoting Interoperability (PI) Category – Mastering the Health Information Exchange (HIE) Objective*” on Tuesday, APRIL 8th 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!
