October 14, 2022

INSPIRE WELLNESS

A Newsletter for Providers of Northeast Health Partners

In this issue:

  • Public Health Information
  • Flu Season is Here
  • Monkeypox Resources
  • Become a Monkeypox Vaccine Provider
  • COVID-19 Provider Strategies
  • COVID-19 Therapeutics Program for Health Care Providers
  • Stay Up To Date With the Public Health Emergency Declarations
  • Colorado COVID-19 Health Care Provider Vaccine Information Toolkit
  • Statewide COVID-19 Vaccine Information
  • Various New COVID-19 Updates and Information
  • Provider Resources and Information
  • Health Literacy Month
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
  • Northeast Health Partners Volunteer Board Member Opportunity
  • Mental Health Grant Program for Rural Colorado and Agricultural Communities
  • Care Forward Colorado--free training to become a health care worker
  • Colorado Cash Back Refund for Health First Colorado Members
  • Discounted Internet Service
  • Remind Members to Update their Contact Information
  • Updated Uniform Service Coding Standards Manual
  • Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program
  • Ensuring Full Continuum Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Benefits
  • Contexture-Digital Health Record System
  • Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Program
  • eConsult Platform-Electronic Consultation Platform
  • Health First Colorado Data Analytics Portal (DAP)
  • Prescriber Tool Pre-Alternative Payment Model (APM) Provider Toolkit
  • Online PCP Toolkit for Behavioral Healthcare Management
  • ICYMI: RAE Roundtable Behavioral Health Resources
  • Member Complaint and Appeal Information for Providers
  • Provider Handbooks
  • Upcoming Events and Webinars
  • Member Resources

Public Health Information

FLU SEASON IS HERE


Click here to be directed to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) webpage where they explain what this year's flu season looks like for Colorado.

MONKEYPOX RESOURCES

 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has a webpage with Monkeypox information, resources and vaccine information.

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) also has a webpage with local statistics and information as well as a social media tookit which is encouraged to be shared with the public.

BECOME A MONKEYPOX VACCINE PROVIDER


The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment has provided the resources below for providers who are interested in becoming a Monkeypox vaccine provider.



If you have any questions, email cdphe_covidvax@state.co.us.

COVID-19--PROVIDER STRATEGIES


Northeast Health Partners (NHP) would like to share the following resources with providers related to Test to Treat and COVID treatment strategies to help increase vaccine uptake and reduce hospitalizations as well as overcome disparities.



If you have any questions around this please contact NHP's Regional Care Coordination Manager, Ashley Clement ashley@nhpllc.org.

COVID-19 THERAPEUTICS PROGRAM FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS


In an ongoing effort to decrease hospitalizations for at-risk Coloradans by ensuring access to COVID-19 therapeutics, we are sharing information provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for health care providers. Included here is updated National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommendations, as well as provider eligibility and enrollment information for both the CDPHE Therapeutics program and Health and Human Services (HHS) Test to Treat program, Health care providers are encouraged to learn more about these lifesaving treatments and talk about them with patients who may be eligible to receive them.

STAY UPDATED WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS


Another extension started July 15, 2022, and if extended the full 90 days, runs through October 13, 2022.

Keep updated on the public health emergency declarations for COVID-19 by visiting this site.

COLORADO COVID-19 HEALTH CARE PROVIDER VACCINE INFORMATION TOOLKIT


In an effort to best organize and make readily available the wide array of health care provider vaccine resources, trainings and materials related to the COVID-19 vaccination program, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has created the online Colorado COVID-19 Health Care Provider Vaccine Information Toolkit. The toolkit has a variety of robust elements for providers to use.

STATEWIDE COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION


Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides extensive resources and up to date information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. 

VARIOUS NEW COVID-19 UPDATES AND INFORMATION FOR PROVIDERS AND MEMBERS


  • Omicron doses are here in Colorado! Coloradans can get updated vaccines that target the omicron variant at any of the state’s large community vaccine sites. Click this link for vaccination sites and to book an appointment. 


  • A Statewide COVID Vaccination Collaborative will be meeting monthly to discuss Long Term COVID vaccination strategies, successes, and opportunities. Collaborative meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month from 1pm-2:20pm (MST) Join with Google Meet: meet.google.com/yuk-mcda-hrc; Join by Phone (US) +1 858 771-4942 PIN: 511150215




  • Providers who are unable to facilitate vaccinations/boosters at their clinics/facilities, can request rapid response vaccination services through CPDHE by clicking here . Please allow for 2 weeks to process and plan all requests.



Provider Resources and Information

HEALTH LITERACY MONTH


A large portion of the members we serve are underprivileged and medically underserved. The health care system is large and can be complex; medical language can be confusing, language barriers can impact understanding, and paperwork can be complicated and lengthy. Providers and health care providers are in a unique position to assist members with the navigation of their care. Culturally competent professionals and those who speak the same language as members, can support members with making informed health care choices. With the proper training, health care professionals can identify members’ specific health literacy levels and make simple communication adjustments. For more information and resources, please utilize the links below.


BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH


Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Finding breast cancer early and getting state-of-the-art cancer treatment are the most important strategies to prevent deaths from breast cancer. Breast cancer that’s found early, when it’s small and has not spread, is easier to treat successfully. Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early. Below are resources and websites for you to utilize.


OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DEPRESSION AND MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING MONTH


This observance brings awareness to the need for depression and mental health screenings. A number of different factors can often come into play with depression that can include a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, and biological /biochemical components. Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, but it can affect anyone at any time. So, it is important to take that next step and seek out professional help and be screened if someone feels they may be depressed. Depression is a highly treatable condition with many different options available, but a professional should be sought out to help determine the best course of action for every individual that is suffering from it. Mental health screenings allow for early identification and intervention and help bridge the gap. Early identification and treatment leads to better outcomes. Early treatment may also lessen long-term disability and prevent years of suffering. Below are facts sheets and resources that are at hand.


NORTHEAST HEALTH PARTNERS VOLUNTEER BOARD MEMBER OPPORTUNITY


Northeast Health Partners is seeking volunteer leaders to join it's Board of Managers. More information can be found here.

MENTAL HEALTH GRANT PROGRAM FOR RURAL COLORADO AND AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITIES


Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has a new grant program to support mental health services to rural Colorado and agricultural communities. The grant objectives are to increase awareness of mental health services, provide or help facilitate mental health services, and continue efforts to destigmatize mental health. The proposal should be between $25,000-$100,000 and funds need to be expended before June 30th, 2023. The application process opened on October 3rd and the application is posted on CDA's website. Applicants can learn more about this grant opportunity at ag.colorado.gov/rural-mental-health and questions can be sent to Kristen Boysen at kristen.boysen@state.co.us

CARE FORWARD COLORADO--FREE TRAINING TO BECOME A HEALTH CARE WORKER


Care Forward Colorado helps Coloradans qualify for job openings in the health care field: certified nursing assistants, emergency medical techs, medical assistants, dental assistants, phlebotomy techs and pharm techs. These zero-cost, short-term training programs through community and technical colleges can be life-changing, especially for our members. Please consider how you and your organization can communicate this incredible opportunity to help our members and other Coloradans thrive by starting on a new career trajectory in health care. 

COLORADO CASH BACK REFUND FOR HEALTH FIRST COLORADO MEMBERS


Please help us get out the message to Health First Colorado members that it’s not too late to file your taxes and get your Colorado Cash Back refund. Coloradans can file taxes up to Oct. 17, 2022, to get their tax rebate of $750 for individuals and $1,500 for joint filers, in addition to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit for eligible Coloradans. On Oct. 8, Coloradans ages 18 and older who were full-year residents in 2021 can go to one of nine Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites across the state and get free, in-person help with their taxes. Please share information about filing taxes on Get Ahead Colorado’s website

DISCOUNTED INTERNET SERVICE


The Affordability Connectivity Program offers people who qualify up to $30/month discount on internet service, up to $75/month discount on internet service for households on qualifying Tribal lands, and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.

REMIND MEMBERS TO UPDATE THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION


Please assist members in getting important updates about their health coverage by making sure their mailing address, phone numbers and email addresses are up to date. This is especially important in preparing for the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Members can update their information in any of the following ways:


Please share this flyer (English and Spanish) with your Health First Colorado members. More information to include messaging toolkits can be found here.

UPDATED UNIFORM SERVICE CODING STANDARDS MANUAL


Please utilize the following link for the updated Uniform Service Coding Standards Manual as of October 2022.

COLORADO PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM


The Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) is a powerful tool for prescribers and dispensers to help reduce prescription drug misuse, abuse, and diversion: helping them to make more informed decisions when considering prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance to a patient.

Click here to be taken to the webpage with more information.

ENSURING FULL CONTINUUM SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER (SUD) BENEFITS


The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (the Department) is committed to better health outcomes for the whole person by offering a full range of healthcare services for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members. Health First Colorado members get physical health and dental services and are also eligible for behavioral health services, which include substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Behavioral health services including SUD treatment are available to all members without the need for a referral or copay. Click here to be taken to the Department's webpage with more information on this topic.

CONTEXTURE-DIGITAL HEALTH RECORD SYSTEM


Colorado Health Information Exchange, formally COHRIO, is now Contexture. Contexture helps "connect the digital health record systems" for healthcare providers so that regardless of where a patient goes for care, their medical history is accessible to the physicians and healthcare professionals who need it". For more information, please visit this webpage or join the webinar below!


Consider attending the First Colorado HIE Summit on Oct. 25, 2022. Colorado’s health information exchange (HIE) is dedicated to serving all of Colorado's health care stakeholders by empowering providers and communities with data to improve the health of the populations they serve. If you’re currently a CORHIO participant or stakeholder, you won’t want to miss this event!

 

The summit will include:

  • An exciting keynote speaker
  • Presentations on a range of topics including updates on the Colorado HIE and state initiatives affecting the health care community
  • Sessions and panels from industry experts on interoperability, quality reporting, health information exchange utilization, and more
  • Networking reception

 

To learn more about the event and to register, please visit this website.

SCREENING, BRIEF INTERVENTION, AND REFERRAL TO TREATMENT (SBIRT) PROGRAM


Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment is designed to prevent members from developing a substance use disorder, for early detection of a suspected substance use disorder, or to refer members for treatment. These services are not intended to treat members already diagnosed with a substance use disorder or those members already receiving substance use disorder treatment services. The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing has provided a webpage with extensive information regarding this program.

ECONSULT PLATFORM-ELECTRONIC CONSULTATION PLATFORM


The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is implementing a statewide Medicaid electronic consultation platform called the eConsult Platform. This platform will promote the Department's mission to improve healthcare equity, access and outcomes for the people we serve. For more information, please visit this webpage.

HEALTH FIRST COLORADO DATA ANALYTICS PORTAL (DAP)


For Primary Care Medical Providers (PCMP)-


To support the Accountable Care Collaborative's (ACC's) goal of improving member health and reducing costs, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) along with IBM Watson Health have created this data analytics tool for PCMPs and Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs) for population and performance information. For more information, click here to be directed to the webpage.

PRESCRIBER TOOL PRE-ALTERNATIVE PAYMENT MODEL (APM) PROVIDER TOOLKIT


The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing has designed this toolkit to help guide practices through steps to participate in the Pre-APM phase of the Prescriber Tool APM. This Tool refers to a collection of capabilities that healthcare providers can access through their Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, including prescription benefit information, electronic prior authorization, and access to an opioid risk module for Health First Colorado members. Click here for more information, FAQs and additional links.

ONLINE PCP TOOLKIT FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT

 

Primary care settings are increasingly the first line of identification for behavioral health (BH) issues. As your members primary medical practitioner, you already know the large number of member who present with both physical and behavioral health disorders. Beacon Heath Options (Beacon) supports PCPs as the locus of treatment for a wide variety of BH diagnoses. To that end, Beacon offers PCPs this toolkit to help with identification and next steps in treatment of BH conditions. Click here to access the PCP toolkit online resource.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: RAE ROUNDTABLE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES


Here is a link to information that was offered in previous Beacon RAE Roundtables, including the September call information on IDD waivers and supports, the prescriber tool and suicide awareness.

MEMBER COMPLAINT AND APPEAL INFORMATION FOR PROVIDERS 

 

Health First Colorado members have the right to file a complaint at any time and also have the right to file an appeal. Please familiarize yourself with the following document in the event a member has questions. You will then be able to direct them appropriately. This can also be found on the Northeast Health Partners website.

PROVIDER HANDBOOKS

 

As a reminder, you can access both the primary care provider and behavioral health provider handbooks on Northeast Health Partners' website under the Provider Handbooks & Policies section. Please utilize these resources to answer questions in regards to member services, provider information, key performance indicators, etc.

Upcoming Events and Webinars

NEW!!!  RAE ROUNDTABLE ---2nd Fri of every month at 11am


All behavioral health and primary care medical providers are encouraged to attend! Please join the Beacon Colorado Provider Relations team every month for important updates, relevant trainings, resources, and discussion.


Click here to join the webinar. 

Or By Telephone:1-669-900-6833---Webinar ID: 995 7438 8100---Passcode: 173943

Visit the NHP website for details on previous calls.

ADULT UROLOGY IN PRIMARY CARE OFFICE HOURS

Hosted by ECHO Colorado in partnership with University of Colorado School of Medicine Division of Urology

 

This is a new, monthly, free, drop-in opportunity designed for Colorado-based primary care providers (MD, DO, NP, PA, APP) to discuss urology topics of their choice and receive feedback from a urology specialist. This ongoing series will allow participants to share de-identified cases, including de-identified patient imaging, and ask questions for peer-to-peer and specialist consultation to support one another in patient diagnosis and management. 

Sessions are held virtually every second Friday of the month from 12pm-1pm (MST) starting September 9th. CLICK HERE for more information and to sign up.

CLAIM SUBMISSION GUIDELINES--WEBINAR

Hosted by Beacon Health Options


This live training provides an overview of billing and claims information and how to submit claims to Beacon Health Options along with reviewing best practices and avoiding claim denials.


  • Wednesday, October 19, 2022  12pm (MST)
  • Click here to register.

RECOVERY SUPPORT SERVICES ORGANIZATION (RSSO) PROVIDER FORUM


The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) invite you to a provider forum for organizations pursuing licensure as a Recovery Support Services Organization as well as any other entities currently providing peer services.


PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING--WEBINAR


Person Centered Planning is an ongoing problem-solving process used to help people with disabilities or serious mental illnesses plan for their future. In this 1.5-hour training, attendees will learn the principles behind Person-Centered Care Planning and understand how to effectively assess individuals and develop Person-Centered treatment plans including S.M.A.R.T. goals. This is an introductory level topic training. There is no CE credit or certification associated with this training.


  • Wednesday, October 19, 2022   1pm (MST)
  • Click here to register.

SBIRT: AN EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO SUBSTANCE USE INTERVENTIONS--WEBINAR

Hosted by Beacon Health Options


SBIRT stands for Screening - Brief Intervention - Referral to Treatment. SBIRT is a widely used evidence-based approach to substance use intervention. This 2 hour webinar will provide an introductory level training on the approach including the purpose and importance of SBIRT, how to use screening tools to identify risk level, and strategies for implementing a brief intervention and/or referral to treatment. There is no CE credit or certification associated with this training.


  • Thursday, October 20, 2022  1pm (MST)
  • Click here to register.

PROVIDERCONNECT OVERVIEW--WEBINAR

Hosted by Beacon Health Options


This webinar is intended for providers and office staff becoming familiar with ProviderConnect, Beacon's provider portal, for the first time.


  • Wednesday, October 26, 2022  12pm (MST)
  • Click here to register.

INTERQUAL FOR PROVIDERS--WEBINAR

Hosted by Beacon Health Options


An overview of how to view and access Beacon’s Medical Necessity Criteria via InterQual. 


  • Thursday, October 27, 2022   11am (MST)
  • Click here to register.

Member Resources

HEALTH FIRST COLORADO: WHERE TO START--WEBINAR


Northeast Health Partners and Beacon will assist with questions new members have regarding Medicaid benefits.


  • First Thursday of each month   11:00am - 11:30am (MST)
  • Click here for the flyer and how to join.

October 14, 2022

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