June 1, 2020
PROVIDER COMMUNICATION RESPONSE TO COVID-19 TELEHEALTH PCMH PAYMENT
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The New York State (NYS) Medicaid Statewide Advanced Primary Care (APC) and Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Incentive Payment Programs provide financial incentives to primary care practices that have achieved National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) PCMH or APC recognition.  This notification pertains only to PCMH or APC-recognized office-based practitioners and the Fee-For-Service (FFS) incentive payment.

In response to COVID-19 State of Emergency, the NYS Department of Health has announced NYS Medicaid broadly expanded the ability of Medicaid providers to use a wide variety of communication methods to deliver services remotely where face-to-face visits may not be recommended, and it is appropriate for the member.  The following revision has been made to allow PCMH/APC-recognized office-based practitioners billing FFS Medicaid for telehealth professional claims to be able to receive the PCMH/APC incentive for those primary care services that would have otherwise been rendered to the member face-to-face, in the office.
  • A change has been implemented into the eMedNY claiming system that now allows for the PCMH/APC FFS incentive payment to be made for claims submitted with a POS-02.
NOTE: POS 02 is used where health services and health-related services are provided through telemedicine, store-and-forward, and remote patient monitoring. For these services, providers must bill with place of service code "02" and bill modifier "95", "GT" or "GQ".

Practitioners billing for telephonic communication services via Lanes 1 and 2 of the Comprehensive Guidance Regarding Use of Telehealth including Telephonic Services During the COVID-19 State of Emergency should reflect the POS location where the service would have been rendered to the member face-to-face (e.g., office POS 11.)

All other PCMH/APC policy and billing guidelines remain unchanged. Please refer to the November 2018 Medicaid Update for additional information.

For questions related to Medicaid FFS incentive payments, including but not limited to missing incentive payments, claim add-on incentive payment amounts, and/or practice/provider recognition dates contact: Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC a/k/a CSRA) at 1-800-343-9000 or via email at [email protected] or visit eMedNY's website for additional information.
IMPLEMENTING BEST PRACTICES AND IMPROVING COLLABORATION FOR CRISIS CARE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION


With COVID-19 striking our crisis and public health systems, providers have been having increasing difficulty addressing the level of mental health needs caused by this life-changing virus. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) Technical Assistance (TA) Center welcomes you to join a webinar focused on the core elements of the SMVF Crisis Intercept Map. 

The process of intercept mapping helps community stakeholders to visualize gaps, recognize opportunities, and strengthen coordination across local agencies and organizations. Screening for SMVF status and suicide risk early can change the trajectory of overload on our emergency response systems by increasing access to upstream support and diverting hospital emergency department visits to alternate care.

SAMHSA's Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families Technical Assistance Center Presents: Implementing Best Practices and Improving Collaboration for Crisis Care and Suicide Prevention among High-Risk SMVF

Date: June 10, 2020
Time: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Learning Objectives
  • Identify responses to suicidality by identifying SMVF risk factors, signs, and symptoms amidst a COVID-19 public health crisis
  • Describe the SMVF intercepts and how they present opportunities for asking the questions, identifying Veteran status, and screening for suicide risk
  • Address challenges linked with meeting the demands of COVID-19 and opportunities for SMVF suicide prevention approaches
  • Discuss best practices, resources, and tools available for implementing crisis mapping recommended next steps
  • Share specific prevention, postvention, and self-care for resources and protocols
Target Audience

Healthcare providers, first responders, crisis care providers, peers, Veterans' organizations, caregivers, and military and Veteran families with specific substance use disorder and mental health needs.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.  If you have any questions about your registration, please contact Philip Paty at (518) 439-7415, ext. 5272, or by email at [email protected].
FAMILY SERVICE LEAGUE RECEIVES $4 MILLION GRANT TO HELP COMBAT MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION CRISIS
Reproduced from Family Service League Announcement

As individuals, families, and communities struggle with life changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are facing the additional trauma of a mental health or addiction crisis. Family Service League (FSL) was awarded a $4 million federal grant to help Suffolk County residents in need of support and treatment!

The circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 virus have made a profound emotional impact on our lives. Feelings of tension, anxiety, and fear are understandable issues. This health emergency has drastically expanded the need for quality mental health support and addiction treatment. In response to this critical event and as part of the CARES Act, FSL was awarded a $4 million Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) Expansion Grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). FSL will receive $2 million each year, for two years, to implement this unique clinic model designed to help those most vulnerable. 
 
The CCBHC model emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive mental health and addictive disorder treatment for children and adults. This includes the availability of 24-hour crisis care, evidenced-based practices, case management and coordination with providers, and the integration of physical healthcare. FSL will work with Northwell Health to offer physical healthcare services to clients. 
 
The clinic will help reach out to those with mental illness, emotional disturbance, chronic addiction disorders, and those with complex health profiles. FSL will provide care regardless of the ability to pay. This includes care for all populations: those who are under-served, low income, insured, uninsured, on Medicaid, and those who are active military or veterans.

"The FSL Clinic in Riverhead will be the site for this important initiative. In August, we will integrate this model to work in tandem with our other 60 vital human services programs," stated Karen Boorshtein, FSL President & CEO. "This is critical funding. It will enhance the array of care options and help bridge the gap of any previously unmet behavioral health needs. We are dedicated to overcoming the challenges of this unprecedented situation and working toward a stronger future for all Long Islanders."
COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR PROVIDERS  

New York State provides up-to-date information about the COVID-19 outbreak for NYS healthcare providers, including:
  • Weekly health care provider updates
  • COVID-19 webinars, health advisories, printable materials and guidance
  • COVID-19 Testing Information
  • Joining the NYS health care provider reserve workforce
  • Creating a Health Commerce Account
  • Weekly Healthcare Provider Update Compilation


The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance has been updated.  Click here for  CDC Healthcare Provider Guidance about Coronavirus.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY ON COVID-19

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW) has increased the capacity of its Mental Health Helpline in response to the overwhelming need resulting from the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

The Helpline, which can be accessed by phone at 631-471-7242 ext. 2, is open for calls Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or via email at [email protected].  Emails can be sent 24/7 and will be responded to the same day or next day.  Additional COVID-19-related resources can be found on the Mental Health Helpline webpage .
 
In addition to the Mental Health Helpline, MHAW has expanded the hours for its Peer Support Line and online Peer Support Groups.  

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The American Lung Association has updated guidance on how to protect yourself and your family from becoming infected. Click here to learn more.

The Lung HelpLine is staffed by medical professionals ready to answer questions about COVID-19 and other lung-related concerns. This service is available for free in more than 250 languages. Contact the Lung HelpLine by calling 1-800-LUNGUSA or submitting a question online.  

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website provides various resources and can be found by clicking on the below links.   

World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak

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The American Heart Association advises caution and preparation for heart patients and stroke survivors because they are at higher risk of complications from the coronavirus COVID-19.  Visit their website for helpful tips and information from leading experts on the below topics:
  • Precautions for patients and others facing higher risks  
  • What heart patients should know about coronavirus
  • What people with diabetes need to know about COVID-19
  • Understanding the risky combination of diabetes and the coronavirus
  • Keeping a lid on blood pressure during the coronavirus crisis
Videos are also available on these topics:
  • Some may die because people aren't calling 911
  • Coronavirus: What heart and stroke patients need to know
ASSOCIATION FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS TRAINING WEBINARS


Impact of Abuse and Violence on Youth
June 19, 2020 -  10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Learning objectives:
  • Participants will be able to describe youth risks and pathways to violence.
  • Participants will be able to identify the impact of violence on youth.
  • Participants will be able to indicate best practice strategies for youth violence prevention and intervention.

Treating Adolescent Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI): Psychosocial Interventions to Guide Clinical Practice
June 30, 2020 -  9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Learning objectives:
  • Participants will be able to adequately and efficiently identify the various forms of NSSI behavior.
  • Participants will learn about the current evidence-based practices that are available to treat adolescents who struggle with NSSI and both those who have co-occurring Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and those who do not.
  • Participants will gain an understanding of the psychosocial treatment and interventions for NSSI for adolescents through a comprehensive, systematic review of the empirical literature.
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GOING VIRTUAL



In the constantly evolving behavioral health field, provider organizations across the country are facing challenges in adapting to a virtual environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, the National Council for Behavioral Health is committed to giving you new opportunities to stay on top of - and navigate - emerging practices in the field. They are launching a new online series next month, Going Virtual, designed to orient members on the ins and outs of virtual meetings, facilitation and online learning.

Interested in participating?  Mark your calendars for these webinars, each webinar will begin at 1 p.m., June through July, 2020.  To register, click on the individual topics below.

Part 4: Keeping the Momentum Going - Tuesday, July 14

This initiative is just one more way National Council is investing in you, your community and the lives of those you support. If you have questions, contact Dana Lange at [email protected]
DIGITAL TOOLKIT FOR PROMOTING MENTAL WELLNESS

As a partner of the National Council for Behavioral Health, myStrength is excited to share their digital toolkit, offering expert mental wellness tips and evidence-based strategies to manage heightened stress, parenting challenges, social isolation, emotional wellness and more.   To help spread mental health awareness and break down stigma among your organization and covered population, you're welcome to use, share and distribute this toolkit to anyone who may benefit.  This valuable resource is available at no cost through the end of June 2020.
JUNE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OBSERVANCES

June provides an opportunity to promote health and wellness awareness. Listed below are resources to help community leaders and healthcare providers start planning ways to communicate, educate and involve the community they serve.  If you would like to promote special events in recognition of any of these observances on our Community Bulletin Board, submit them here .

MEN'S HEALTH MONTH
The purpose of Men's Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.  This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.  For useful resources to get involved by promoting Men's Health Month, click here.  The Men's Health Month Media Toolkit 2020 can be found here.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Opportunities for community engagement throughout Suffolk County

FAMILY SERVICE LEAGUE RESOURCES
Family Service League (FSL) considers the health and safety of our clients, staff and community members of utmost importance.  As this recent health crisis continues, most FSL counseling and support programs are operating via secure digital telehealth methods such as video conferencing, email and phone.  FREE Counseling is also being provided to healthcare and essential workers!  The DASH Crisis Care Center is open 24 hours. Call anytime 631-952-3333 to speak with a therapist or schedule a visit.   Click here for the full list of current services.

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OF SUFFOLK COUNTY
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Family Health & Wellness educators have a wealth of resources online.  Most importantly, "How to talk to your kids about COVID-19" helps families navigate this sensitive topic.  Visit their website for the latest updates.  

VETERANS PEER SUPPORT GROUPS ONLINE
During the COVID-19 public health crisis, Online Support Groups sessions are scheduled to help Veterans stay connected. The groups are hosted on Zoom and can be joined online or by phone. Visit the website for more information,

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness Peer Support Line is also available 7 days per week:   Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm;  Saturday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm; Sunday: 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm  --   631-471-7242 ext 1217

Also available to assist is the Veterans Crisis Line at 1 (800) 272-8255 & Press 1
or Response Crisis Hotline of Suffolk County at (631) 751-7500

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
Visit SCC's Community Engagement page for on-going neighborhood programs here.  Partners can request to have their community events posted on the bulletin board, including job opportunities, which will be posted free of charge for 30 days.  To request to post on our bulletin board, click  here .  





Please visit our Community Engagement page  for our calendar of events and  resources.
NYS DOH ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
NYS MEDICAID GUIDANCE FOR COVID-19 TESTING AT PHARMACIES AND SPECIMEN COLLECTION
NYS DOH has issued the following policy and billing guidance documents regarding testing of the COVID-19 virus:
These documents will also be available on the COVID-19 Guidance for Medicaid Providers webpage, which is updated regularly with guidance and information.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR ADULT SOCIAL DAY CARE TELEPHONIC SERVICES
Questions and Answers Related to COVID-19 Guidance for Providing Adult Social Day Care (SDC) Services Telephonically, which has been released by the NYS DOH as a follow-up to COVID-19 guidance issued April 7, 2020, can be found here.  This guidance is posted on the COVID-19 Guidance for Medicaid Providers webpage, which is updated regularly with guidance and information. 
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