Your CHCANYS: 05-19-16

CMS Releases Guidance re: FQHC Payment Methodologies under Medicaid Managed Care 
CMS recently released two documents which will strengthen health centers’ ability to protect their payment rights under Medicaid managed care. They are: a letter to state health officials, addressing “delegated” wrap and managed care contracting requirements; and the final rule updating regulations governing Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO). Key policies around PPS reimbursement announced via these documents include: starting in July 2017, states may “delegate wrap” to MCOs only for those FQHCs that have agreed to this approach; starting in July 2017, every Medicaid and CHIP MCO will be required to contract with at least one FQHC in each service area; incentive payments made by Medicaid MCOs may not be counted against PPS payment; and value-based payment (VBP) arrangements must adhere to the statutory requirements for PPS.

DOH to Launch VBP Regional Bootcamp Learning Series
Beginning in June 2016, the NYS Dept. of Health (DOH) will launch a Value-Based Payment (VBP) Regional Bootcamp Learning Series in an effort to ensure a successful transition to VBP implementation. Geared toward all parties planning to implement Medicaid payment reform but designed specifically for those with little to no experience in executing value-based contracts, the bootcamp series is open to the public free of charge and will take the form of three all-day sessions in each region. Scheduling information, training agendas and additional details are available on DOH’s new VBP Bootcamps web page.

An In-Depth Look at FTCA
Date: June 7- 8, 2016
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Join Feldesman Tucket Leifer & Fidell’s experienced Federal Tort Claim Aact (FTCA) team of  Marty Bree, Molly Evans and Matthew Freedus as they lead this hands-on workshop on health centers need to know to maintain their FTCA coverage. Topics to be covered include deeming and redeeming applications, site visits, principles of coverage, the FTCA claims process, gap insurance, and FTCA case law. For more information and to register, click here.

Assistance Needed: National Health Center Capital Needs Assessment
Our colleagues at Capital Link are updating their national health center capital needs assessment, with support from HRSA. By answering just five easy and quick questions, you will help inform the development of new capital financing programs and technical assistance services for health centers nationwide. Click here to get started. Even if you don’t have plans for facility expansion in the near future, your participation is still important!

Don’t Miss the Final Learning Lab: Coding and Documentation in a Transitioning VBP World
Date: June 1, 2016
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location:  SUNY Buffalo State; 1300 Elmwood Avenue,  Bulger Communications Center 102
Appropriate documentation and accurate coding are essential components of effective charge capture and compliant billing practices. CHCANYS has retained Coding & Compliance Initiatives, Inc. (CCI) to provide a face- to-face training on coding guidelines and documentation improvement. This hands-on training workshop is designed to provide physicians, non-physician practitioners and coders with a better understanding of coding E/M services related to the severity of a patient's condition and work performed. Topics such as pros and risks of Electronic Medical Record Documentation will be discussed, and participants will receive hands-on training with actual notes to discuss the level of complexity and work, along with the type of history and exam documented versus what may have actually been performed. To register, click here. 

CHCANYS Offers New Access Point Supports
On April 19, 2016, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced that approximately $50 million will be made available in FY 2017 for 75 awards to new and existing health centers nationwide for operational support of new primary care service delivery sites. Applications are due in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 17 and in HRSA’s Electronic Handbook (EHB) by 5:00 p.m. ET on July 15. Applicants must meet both deadlines. To access the application and supplemental materials from HRSA, click here.  To view the supports available through CHCANYS, click here. 

CPG: Helping FQHCs to Save Money and Improve Efficiency 
CHCANYS partners with the CommonWealth Purchasing Group (CPG) as a value-added service to FQHCs in New York State. With a portfolio of over 60 nationally recognized vendors and dedication to a high level of service, CPG can help you save money on day-to-day purchases to one-time major expenses related to expanded facilities. For additional details, click here. 

Registration Open for CHCANYS16 in Tarrytown 
The theme of CHCANYS’ 2016 Statewide Conference & Clinical Forum, to take place on October 30 – November 1 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, is Building Healthy Communities: Access, Value and Transformation.  Dr. Jeffrey Brenner, MD, founder and Executive Director of the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers, will deliver this year’s keynote address. Secure your hotel room and register today to participate in thought-provoking policy, workforce, clinical/QI, and finance workshops, network with peers, and meet with vendors to learn how their products and services can fulfill your business needs. Click here  to get started.

HRSA Funding Available to Support PCMH  
HRSA recently announced the availability of  supplemental funding to support health centers in achieving, expanding, and/or optimizing PCMH recognition in FY2016. Applications are due in HRSA’s Electronic Handbook (EHB) by May 31, 2016 at 5 p.m. EST. For more information, including eligibility requirements, click here.

Meaningful Use Pre-Validation Tool  
Eligible professionals (EPs) may now submit their Medicaid Patient Volume data prior to attesting for preliminary review. Pre-validation could potentially expedite review once the Meipass attestation website opens back up for 2015 Meaningful Use attestations. To submit a pre-validation request, please complete either the individual  or group template and email it to hit@health.ny.gov.

Funding Still Available to Support Medicaid Providers with Health Information Exchange Adoption 
The Data Exchange Incentive Program (DEIP) was established by the NYS Dept. of Health with support from CMS to help increase Health Information Exchange adoption of Medicaid providers. The program was designed to help defray the cost to provider organizations of connecting to the SHIN-NY via a RHIO (now known as a Qualified Entity, or QE). The ability to participate in electronic health information exchange is important to improving patient care and supports the achievement of Meaningful Use, PCMH and participation in DSRIP projects. Funds are still available for additional participants, and CHCANYS continues to collaborate with the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC) to roll out the incentive program to FQHCs. 

PCEPN Healthcare Coalition Webinar 
Date: May 23, 2016 
Time: 2:00 p.m.
During an emergency, primary care centers may have to rely on other partner organizations for assistance. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has clearly delineated expectations for health centers around collaborations and linkages in Policy Information Notice (PIN) 2007-15. Upon completion this webinar, attendees will be able to identify the basic structure and unique characteristics of NYC borough coalitions and recognize how the primary care community can build connections and partnerships by engaging in healthcare coalitions. Attendees will also have an opportunity to pose questions to Borough Coalition representatives.  To register, click here. 

2016 Health Commerce System Communications Drill
The CHCANYS Emergency Management Team, in partnership with the NYS Dept. of Health (NYSDOH), will coordinate a communications drill in late May using the NYSDOH Health Commerce System (HCS).  This drill will assess the response rates among community health centers when prompted to confirm receipt of a notification by e-mail and by phone. To prepare for this drill, please log into the HCS and verify your HCS contact roles. 

PCEPN Respiratory Protection Program Fit Testing Workshop 
Date: May 25, 2016 
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 
Location: 26 Federal Plaza, NYC
This hands-on workshop will provide a step-by-step analysis of the fit testing process and offer participants an opportunity to both participate in the testing themselves and learn how to assist others. In addition to the free training, up to 20 participating organizations will be provided with a fit testing kit that can be used for up to150 staff members.. To register, click here. 

PCEPN Tabletop Exercise 
Date: May 19, 2016
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
Location:  Baruch College, 151 East 25th Street, NYC
Hosted by PCEPN, this discussion-based tabletop exercise will .include a simulated biological threat scenario with related injects that will promote participants' understanding of emergency management concepts and protocols within a primary care setting, as well as within a larger public health community. To register, click here.

Do Ask, Do Tell! Collecting Data on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Health Centers 
Sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) are now to be reported on Table 3A, 3B of the annual UDS report, to be submitted by health centers in February 2017. Designed to support health centers in collecting the required SO/GI data elements, Do Ask, Do Tell! Collecting Data on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Health Centers reviews barriers to care that many LGBT people face, describes the inequity in health outcomes for LGBT people, and details both how and why to collect SO/GI data in electronic health records.  

Webinar: Emergency Contraception 101
Date: June, 22 2016
Time: 9:00 am  
There are four types of Emergency Contraception (EC) from which to choose, and they all work up for to 5 days (or 120 hours) after unprotected sex. Not all EC options will work for everyone, however. Hosted by CHCANYS’ Family Planning Subcommittee, this 20-minute webinar will highlight the various EC alternatives now available and review how to use EC to “Quickstart” patients on ongoing contraceptive methods.