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| President's Perspective
by Kristie Clark, MD, FAAP
As 2020 draws to a close, it's time to check our CME. With all the distractions we've endured, many of us, including myself, may have gotten behind.
Here's a handy checklist to help:
First, go the AAP's PediaLink at pedialink.aap.org to check your transcript and see how many credits you may need. Next, after checking your transcript, here are some ideas to get CME: - The Kansas Chapter recorded the Fall Progress in Pediatrics meeting. There are 10 recorded CME presentations for a total of 8.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits at a cost of only $50 for members and $75 for nonmembers. That's a bargain! Please visit kansasaap.org to register.
- Make sure that if you attended the AAP NCE that you record your credit. The NCE was virtual this year with a mix of live and recorded CME presentations for a possible total of 41.25 hours of CME credits. These credits from the NCE must be claimed by February 1, 2021. To claim your credit, go to PediaLink. From there click on My Transcript, and you should see a box for the 2020 Virtual National Conference & Exhibition with a button to Claim CME. Please contact the AAP customer care at mcc@aap.org if you have issues with your AAP transcript.
- If you subscribe to the AAP's PREP The Curriculum, then now is a good time to submit your Pediatrics in Review journal quizzes or complete the Self-Assessment, both of which are MOC eligible learning activities.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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| Executive Director Update
by Melissa Hudelson
Thanksgiving is approaching and like everything else in 2020, this holiday will look a little different. Many of us won't have generations of family gathered around the table for the traditional turkey feast, and it's sad to think about missing out on time to connect with siblings, in-laws, and cousins that we may only see once or twice a year. I am learning that lot of the changes that have come this year have also come with silver linings. While I will miss the time with extended family, it might be nice to have a small Thanksgiving with just the five of us. I am looking forward to some relaxing family time, not having to share my college kid during his limited time home, and I think I might try a new recipe that I wouldn't risk if I was serving a larger group.
I also found some silver linings in the changes 2020 brought to KAAP operations since March. I missed interacting with members in person at our spring and fall CME meetings, but have been pleased to see members participating in virtual CME events who have not been able to attend in person meetings in the past. I met several members that I didn't already know during committee meetings. The meetings themselves introduced new voices and educational webinars that reached more people due to the access virtual events allow. We have made stronger connections with key staff in county health departments across the state and at the state level at KDHE and KSDE that will last long after the pandemic is over. Continue Reading
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| KAAP Legislative Update
by Dena K. Hubbard MD, FAAP
The next KAAP Public Policy committee meeting will be at noon on Monday December 7th. All KAAP members are welcome to join this committee, contact Mel Hudelson if you are interested. We are currently working on strategic planning for the 2021 legislative session and will be updating our KAAP Blueprint with our priorities, expected to include promotion of immunizations, continued coverage of telemedicine, access to medical and mental/behavioral health pediatric care, optimizing child health and welfare including foster care, and delivering high-quality, physician-led care. Of course, the current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted disparities and inequities of health care access, coverage, education (broadband access, special education services, supports for children with IEP), and outcomes across Kansas. KAAP will continue to advocate for our patients, families, and pediatricians. We need your voices in 2021! Continue Reading
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
by Tyler K. Smith, MD, MPH
Fall greetings from the Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion! During the month of November, we celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month, El Día de Los Muertos, and Veteran's Day. The committee initially formed and organized as a task force during the Summer of 2020 with the first meetings to create action steps for goals, initiatives and programs about diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (KAAP). With tragic events over the past several months including the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and Walter Wallace Junior to name a few of unfortunately many, protests ignited throughout the country and world about racial and social injustice with the KAAP Executive Board understanding that there was no temporary solution for these ongoing concerns. In recognizing that it was imperative to address these and similar issues not only for chapter membership, but for the children and families we medically serve and advocate for, the KAAP Executive Board voted for the task force to become a standing, chapter committee with the first meeting held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Continue Reading
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| KAAP Launching Telehealth ECHO
We are excited to announce that KAAP will be a Project ECHO hub through a grant awarded by AAP. This will be a uniquely collaborative opportunity for members across Kansas. Our first ECHO program covering the timely topic of TeleMedicine will begin in January or February 2021. We are currently seeking participants for this initial program. Please contact Shanna at shanna.peters@kansasaap.org if you would like to be involved as we break new virtual ground.
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| Pediatric Payment Corner
The Pediatric Council has been working to ensure payment through code 99072 related to COVID-19. Please see the article below for more information on this payment code. The Council is also working with the State to ensure Medicare parity for some codes. Finally, start looking at the Coding and Billing changes that will come in 2021. The AAP has some great resources.
The Pediatric Council has an upcoming meeting with payers so please don't hesitate to reach out with any issues you would like us to discuss at pediatriccouncil@kansasaap.org.
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| Payment Code for COVID-19 Expenses
You should be aware of a new payment code, 99072 that can be added on to every visit to compensate for the increased costs of providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new code is designed to capture practice expenses including time over what is included in the primary service of clinical staff time (registered nurse [RN]/ licensed practical nurse [LPN]/ medical technical assistant [MTA]) to:
- conduct a pre-visit phone call to screen the patient (symptom check)
- provide instructions on social distancing during the visit
- check patients for symptoms upon arrival
- apply and remove PPE
- perform additional cleaning of the examination/procedure/imaging rooms, equipment, and supplies
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| KPF Update
Throughout 2020, the Kansas Pediatric Foundation (KPF) has continued to support pediatricians throughout the state. KPF awarded the second round of the Kansas Kids Fund - Pediatricians in Action Grant, offered CME webinars to KAAP members at no charge, and has continued to fund the Turn a Page. Touch a Mind.® (TAP-TAM) program.
Learn more about the 2020 Kansas Kids Fund - Pediatricians in Action grant project led by KAAP member Kari Harris, MD, FAAP in the article below. Applications for the 2021 grants will be available in January. If you have ideas for ways to promote child health in your community, be sure to apply.
The Kansas Kids Fund (KKF) made it possible for KAAP to provide free CME to KAAP members for the Progress in Pediatrics - Spring 2020 meeting. The KKF is offering additional free CME webinars over the next few months on topics including COVID-19 Barriers to Return to School for Students on November 20 and Identity and Its Role in the Workplace on December 9. Registration links can be found here.
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"Pediatricians in Action" Grant
The lead nurse in one of the participating school districts shared this note with Dr. Harris, "I know this year is so rough on all of us. But I wanted to thank you again for doing the handwashing program. It is a great idea, and especially in this pandemic very helpful!! Just wanted you to know your efforts were not in vain. Thanks!!"
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New Maternal Depression Screening Tool Kit and KAAP Webinar
KAAP member Pam Shaw, MD, FAAP worked with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to develop a new toolkit titled "Clinical Guidelines for Implementing Universal Postpartum Depression Screening in Well Child Checks" now available here.
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| You Can Still Access CME Webinars From Progress in Pediatrics Fall 2020!
KAAP members can register below for access to all 10 recorded CME presentations until January 31, 2021 for one $50 registration fee. (Non-member fee is $75.)
The Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics is accredited by the Kansas Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
he Kansas Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics designates this live activity for a maximum of 8.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM . Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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Mask Exemptions for School Aged Children
COVID-19 cases in the state keep rising and we want kids to be able to stay in school when possible. Schools must take important safety precautions like students and faculty wearing masks to have the best chance of staying open. The Kansas COVID Workgroup for Kids (KCWK) wrote a letter urging primary care physicians and medical professionals in Kansas to support and promote masking for adults and children. Rather than writing mask exemptions, please advise youth and their parents on how to increase comfort on wearing masks.
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| Kansas Pediatric Foundation Year-End Appeal: Goodbye 2020
This year has been a little different, and our year end appeal is different too. We understand that it has been a difficult time, and year-end giving will not be the same. So, our ask is simple. If you can, please consider donating two twenties ($40) to help us say "goodbye" to 2020. If you can give more, great! If there is something that we can do to support you during this difficult time, please reach out to us at info@kansasaap.org and we will help anyway we can.
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| Order Your T-shirt for KPF!
Promote reading or hand-washing or both with these exclusive, high-quality shirts. They are $25 each (includes tax and shipping) with all proceeds benefiting the Kansas Pediatric Foundation.
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| Get Ready for Advocacy Day 2021
KAAP will be joining forces with the Kansas Medical Society and other physician organizations next year for Advocacy Day in Topeka on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.
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Flu and HPV Training Modules
The IKC Training Modules Preventing Flu and Shutting the Door on HPV Cancers were developed for health provider audiences with the goal of increasing HPV and Influenza immunization rates. Learn why HPV and Flu vaccines are important, how to give effective vaccination recommendations, and practice answering patient questions accurately and succinctly. Free CME is now available. Click here for more information.
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Committee Opportunity with KDHE
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Bureau of Family Health has established a new Education & Outreach Advisory Committee with the Screening and Surveillance Unit. The Screening & Surveillance Unit includes programs essential for identifying infants with congenital disorders and birth defects in Kansas. This new committee is currently recruiting members to represent Kansas' medical professional who work with newborns - pediatricians and family practitioners in particular. The committee's purpose is to assist the Screening & Surveillance Unit with the development of an education and outreach plan; review materials for families and professionals; and assess the extent to which program process and operations respect the needs of individuals, their families, and professionals and are effective in meeting their needs. If you have an interest serving on this important committee, please reach out to Kinsey Anderson, NBS Blood Spot Program Manager, at Kinsey.Anderson@ks.gov.
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ABOUT US
Officers
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Kristie Clark, MD, FAAP
President
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Mel Hudelson
Executive Director
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Gretchen Homan, MD, FAAP
President-Elect
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Shanna Peters
Associate Director
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Grace Brouillette, DO, FAAP
Treasurer
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Martha Atkinson
Staff Accountant
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Lisa Gilmer, MD, FAAP
Past President
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Amy Trollinger
Marketing Communications Manager
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