Congratulations Dr. Smith!!!

We join with the AMA in celebrating Dr. Robert Smith who received the AMA Medal of Valor this past Saturday, November 11. See Clarion Ledger article

Are you getting your best PPS Rates?   On November 8 th , the CFO Work Group met at the MPHCA offices to review, among other information, the process for a Change in Scope (CIS) by the Division of Medicaid.  A CIS affords health centers the opportunity to determine if they are receiving the best PPS rate available, based on the level and intensity of services provided at the time of application. Effective May 1, 2016, State Plan Amendment (SPA) 16-0013 Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Scope of Service was approved and also includes reimbursement provisions for telehealth services and additional after hours reimbursement.  Key in this SPA is the provision that health centers must submit a request for an adjustment to its PPS rate no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the close of the FQHC first full fiscal year of operation with the change in scope of services. If you’ve changed the level of services within the past 3 years, you will need to review. See full provisions here : Click Here Contact Joe N. Jackson, MS DOM for additional information at 601.359.4040 or joe.jackson@medicaid.ms.gov

In recent email notifications, HRSA shared the health professional shortage areas (HPSAs) that have been moved to Proposed for Withdrawal status indicating they no longer meet HPSA criteria as a result of HRSA's 2017 National Shortage Designation Update. These de-designations do not impact the auto-HPSAs used to designate Federally Qualified Health Centers and other safety-net facilities. Although there were no HPSA designations proposed for withdrawal in Mississippi, Rankin County was officially withdrawn in June, 2017.  If health centers are interested in having HPSA scores revised, please inform MPHCA. We will be meeting with the SORH on these on December 7, 2017.

Getting prepared for intense session on 340B Approaching quickly on November 30 th , the MPHCA members and others will participate in a face to face all day training on the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Thoughts for preparation for the event may include: Demonstrating how you use your 340B savings to benefit underserved patients Contact your PCA before responding to any requests re: 340B Being able to answer detailed questions about your contract pharmacy arrangements Responding promptly to inquiries from ACE consulting group, a contracted 340B validation service, re: duplicate discounts Using this training to validate to HRSA/OPA your investment should you be considered for an audit at any level. As part of its ongoing discussion on and investigation into the 340B program, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce sent information requests to a sampling of covered entities participating in the program across the country, including some FQHCs. To see an example of the letter sent by the committee to an FQHC, click here .  It is wise to get as much training and education on the 340B program as possible to ensure both compliance and that your health center is making the most of the program.

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A.T. Still University Leadership speaks at upcoming MPHCA HR Work Group

Strategies for Recruiting - Osteopathic HR Workgroup December 6, 2017, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm MSU Cavs Center, Canton, MS Presenter: Gary Cloud, ATSU The Health Center movement’s foundational problem is a shortage of healers. In addition, Health Centers must often invest significantly in the healers they hire, in order to develop compassionate interdisciplinary team players, who are adept at chronic care approaches and committed to improving the health of under-served communities. The pending national shortage of healers will exacerbate the problem. Contact Wayne Miley for more information: wmiley@mphca.com

Sliding Fee Policies Under the new HRSA Compliance Guidelines - Webinar December 13, 2017, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Presenter: Steven Weinman, Health Access - FQHC Systems The Health Center Compliance Manual, released by HRSA in August 2017, outlines requirements of both the program legislation and implementing regulations. While the majority of the material was taken from previously released HRSA materials, this document provides a one-stop shop for this crucial information. In addition, the Manual provides some needed clarification in a number of areas, including the Sliding Fee Discount program that is central to the Health Center Program. This webinar will outline these requirements, highlighting any changes from prior policy and practice. Register

Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Includes FQHC-Specific Provisions Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued its final rule on the Physician Fee Schedule.  Although most of the rule has limited impact on health centers, it does include three very important provisions for health centers, which will take effect Jan 1, 2018. Chronic Care Management. Health centers currently can bill for one single chronic care management code, but CMS has extended the codes to allow health centers to bill for more codes and increased the reimbursement rates. Collaborative Care Management. CMS is allowing health centers to provide and be reimbursed for providing care management services to treat patients with behavioral health, psychiatric conditions, including substance use disorder. These services must be done in consultation with a psychiatrist. ACO assignment. Implements the 21st Century Cures Act provision to allow FQHC services to count for ACO assignment for performance year 2019 and beyond.

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