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
đź“… Date: June 8, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
đź“Ť 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.
QPP Public Webinar: 2024 Quality & Cost – Release Date May 24
QPP Year 8: Quality & Cost
Release Date: Tuesday May 24, 2024 @ 12PM ET
Kentucky REC expert advisors will share important need-to-know information regarding regulatory updates to the Quality & Cost Performance Categories of CMS’s Quality Payment Program for 2024.
Quality and Cost are each worth 30 percent of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) final score in 2024, representing in total 60 percent. CMS automatically calculates cost measures based on claims data.
Register and view this on-demand analysis to stay in the know about the Quality and Cost Categories and how to be successful in Year 8 of the program.
Fill out this brief REGISTRATION FORM to be among the first to receive this webinar recording.
Contact YOUR experts at Kentucky REC with all your QPP, MIPS/MVP, and APM Track questions. We’re here to help: 859-323-3090.
Register Today! Oct 24 – Kentucky REC Annual Conference
The Campbell House, Lexington, Kentucky – Join Us in Person or Online
Join us for an engaging day where we share 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, 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.
Questions? Contact the Kentucky REC Annual Conference Team at Kentucky REC. 859-323-3090.
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.
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If you need assistance with healthcare quality improvement, contact the Kentucky REC at 859-323-3090 or by email.
2024 Kentucky Asthma Partnership Symposium May 8 – Register Today!
Get ready for the 2024 Kentucky Asthma Partnership (KAP) Symposium:
Next Gen: Partnering for the Future of Asthma Care on May 8, 2024, at The Olmsted in Louisville, KY.
Key Features:
Expert Insights
Interactive Workshops
Networking Opportunities
CME/CE Credits
Secure your spot now by clicking this link to register: 2024 Kentucky Asthma Partnership Symposium Registration
Symposium flyer is available HERE.
Registration ends Wednesday, April 24th.
Spread the word and join others in shaping the future of asthma care in Kentucky. Don’t miss out!
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 2024 Webinar April 16: Data Completeness & Validation Processes
QPP 2024 Webinar: DATA COMPLETENESS & VALIDATION PROCESSES FOR QUALITY MEASURE OPTIMIZATION*
Tuesday APRIL 16, 2024 @ 12PM ET
CMS finalized several significant changes in the 2024 PFS Final Rule affecting eligible clinicians and groups reporting to the Quality Payment Program. One of those updates was the increase of the data completeness threshold from 70% to 75% effective beginning with the 2024 performance year.
This change, coupled with the challenges to maximize performance across all four performance categories to avoid negative payment adjustments, reinforces the importance of ensuring your data is accurate, reliable, and complete. This webinar will help you understand how to verify that your data is being captured correctly, learn the principles behind and importance of data validation, and how optimizing your reporting is the foundation of quality improvement.
Interested in becoming a QPP client? 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 “Data Completeness & Validation Processes for Quality Measure Optimization” on Tuesday, April 16 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!
CMS Reopens QPP EUC Application for 2023
CMS Reopens Quality Payment Program EUC Application for Program Year 23 Due to Cyberattack
CMS recently announced the reopening of the Extreme and Uncontrollable Circumstances Exception Application due to a cyberattack impacting the revenue cycle & payment management platform, Change Healthcare Cyberattack, occurring in late February 2023.
This application reopening aligns with the previously announced extension of the PY23 QPP submission window. This EUC option will only be available to those ECs and groups experiencing impacts from the cyberattack that would prevent them from completing the PY23 QPP submission before the extended deadline.
The EUC application will be available through the QPP Portal until the submission window closes on April 15, 2024 at 8pm ET.
Sign in access to the QPP Portal is available here: https://qpp.cms.gov/login
Contact the KYREC today for questions or assistance in completing your PY23 QPP submission. Call us at 859-323-3090 or use the link below.
CMS Extends QPP Reporting Window for Program Year 2023
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, CMS announced an extension of the 2023 performance period data submission window for the Merit-based Incentive Payment Systems (MIPS) track of the Quality Payment Program (QPP).
The data submission period will now close two weeks later than previously announced. Performance data for groups and eligible clinicians may be submitted now until April 15th, 2024 at 8pm ET via the QPP Portal. Once the window closes for the 2023 performance year, ECs and groups will no longer be able to correct data entry or upload errors.
Sign in access to the QPP Portal is available here: https://qpp.cms.gov/login
At the KYREC, our expert advisors recommend that QPP Security Officials and/or personnel assigned in Staff User roles within an organization review all submitted MIPS data prior to the closure of this window to ensure the accuracy of attestation information. This includes conducting a review of any data submitted by a Third-Party Intermediary (TPI) reporting on behalf of the EC or group across all applicable performance categories. Reviewing the integrity of your data submission now may help avoid negative payment adjustments in the future.
Have questions on how to submit your PY23 MIPS performance data? Contact the KYREC today to talk with one of our experienced advisors before time runs out. Call us at 859-323-3090.
QPP 2024 Webinar March 12: Deep Dive into eCQM Quality Measure Optimization
QPP 2024 Webinar: DEEP DIVE INTO ECQM QUALITY MEASURE OPTIMIZATION*
Tuesday MARCH 12, 2024 @ 12PM ET
Join your trusted KY REC advisors to learn all about electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs). Many practices and eligible clinicians use eCQMs to submit for the quality performance category of the QPP, other payor programs and to monitor outcomes. We will walk you through how to find and use eCQM specifications, measure flow sheets, and discuss how to use these tools to develop a process improvement plan for the quality measures that are meaningful to you.
We will also review how to use your EHR vendor resources to ensure that you are accurately capturing patients that are included in your quality measures to maximize your performance.
Interested in becoming a QPP client? 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 “Deep Dive into eCQM Quality Measure Optimization” on Tuesday, March 12 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!
