Livewire: PDMP RFA, nitrile glove order opportunity, Medicare change, and more

October 2020

PDMP integration grant funding

On Oct. 15, 2020, the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) announced a Request for Applications (RFA) from physician practices and health organizations interested in integrating the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) into workflows through Health Information Exchange (HIE), Electronic Health Record (EHR), or other software. Physician practices are encouraged to assess their PDMP integration needs and then apply for the RFA that will help DORA award grants at three levels: $5,000, $15,000 and $30,000. The grant can be used to reimburse practices or health organizations for IT-related expenses for PDMP integration.

The Colorado Medical Society encourages you to review this information, share it with your colleagues and apply for the RFA. The RFA is posted on the Colorado Vendor Self Service (VSS) website, under RFA # RFP SJAA 2021-92: PDMP Workflow Integration RFA. The RFA will be open for applications until Nov. 25, 2020, at 12 p.m. MST. All applicants must register with the VSS to apply.

What if an employee tests positive for COVID-19? A guide

Do we close our office? Call the CDC? Get tested? No one expects hospitals to be germ-free. But for private practices, this may often be the worst-case scenario. Patients expect antiseptic care. If they discover an employee tested positive, the risk of exposure on social media is very real. Proper containment is the only option. PPE ordering partner ActionPPE.org studied best practices and published "The Official Guide: When An Employee Tests Positive."

Plus: Order your next round of medical-grade PPE supplies through actionppe.org/3/cms/. Use discount code cms-save5 for 5 percent off all orders. Available products are KN95 or disposable tri-fold masks, disposable gowns and face shields. NEW are nitrile gloves in three sizes and a four-gallon hand sanitizer gel. Place your order today.

Sponsors

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*Comparison applies to standard card organization fees only, not to include monthly equipment or software fees. Merchants must provide their monthly merchant processing statements. ©2018 Total System Services, Inc.

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New webinar on E/M coding changes: What will happen to the physician note?

A webinar sponsored by the American Medical Association and Nordic, will feature panelists Dr. Barbara Levy, a member of AMA’s CPT® Editorial Panel, and Dr. Craig Joseph, Nordic’s Chief Medical Officer, to discuss how physician organizations can maximize physician satisfaction and improve clinical documentation while adhering to the E/M rules effective in 2021. The panelists will also cover the high-level 2021 E/M modifications, specific changes to ambulatory note templates and ideas to improve the documentation process. The webinar will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, 9:30-10:30 a.m. MDT. Register here.

Colorado Medical Society primer on paid leave laws

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a number of changes at both the federal and state levels related to paid leave for employees. To help Colorado physicians and practice leaders navigate the changes, the Colorado Medical Society produced a primer that provides a general overview of the new paid sick leave landscape for Colorado health care workers. Access the primer here.

HHS announces new round of provider relief funds

Physicians who have already received Provider Relief Fund payments may apply for additional funding that considers financial losses and changes in operating expenses caused by the coronavirus. Physicians will have from Oct. 5, 2020 through Nov. 6, 2020 to apply for Phase 3 General Distribution funding. More information here.

Sponsors

Favorite Healthcare Staffing, our new Member Benefit Partner, provides discounted staffing and placement services to CMS members. Visit Favorite's CMS member site or call 720-210-9409.

Transcription Outsourcing, LLC is the leading U.S. provider of medical transcription services. We provide physicians with the ability to be more productive and more profitable. To learn more, call 720-287-3710, visit www.transcriptionoutsourcing.net or email bwalker@transcriptionoutsourcing.net.

Colorado QPP Coalition: October 2020 Fast Facts

The Colorado Quality Payment Program Coalition has released the October 2020 QPP Fast Facts, providing great information you need in a condensed format that allows for quick reading.

In this month's edition:

Test Your QPP Website Access Before Network Security Update
Review Your 2019 MIPS Performance Feedback and Final Score
2019 MIPS targeted review
Federal CMS announces relief for clinicians participating in the Quality Payment Program in 2020
Security Risk Assessment Tool
Upcoming Deadlines
Upcoming Events
CMS QPP Resources

Access a PDF of Fast Facts here.

MAT study recruiting 100 primary care practices

HOMER -- a study to fill a gap in the evidence around effectively treating opioid use disorder with medication-assisted treatment in primary care -- is recruiting 100 practices in Colorado and across the country to analyze whether patients do better with MAT inductions in the office, observed over telehealth, or at home, and help determine if certain patients are better candidates for one induction method over others based on individual characteristics and circumstances.

This study is a response to primary care providers’ questions and concerns about MAT induction. Participating practices will get programmatic support and payment for their engagement. Patient compensation is also available. This national study is being conducted by SNOCAP (University of Colorado Practice Based Research Networks) and the American Academy of Family Physician’s National Research Network. Patients’ experience during induction can impact long-term maintenance. Be a part of the community that helps provide the science around MAT care in primary care. Reach out to linda.zittleman@cuanschutz.edu, donald.nease@cuanschutz.edu, or kyle.knierim@cuanschutz.edu if you or others you know are interested!