Hello, just a reminder you are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in the West Virginia Primary Care Association. Don't forget to add paula.beasley@wvpca.org to your address book, so you don't miss any issues of the WVPCA Weekly Outlook! |
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WVPCA Weekly Outlook
A Newsletter on Community Centered Healthcare
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Emergency Management News - WVPCA News - PCMH Corner
School Based Health - O/E - State News - National News
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Why is it taking so long to get election results?
Read the entire article from NBC News here.
Double Down: Election Anxiety on Top of Pandemic Stress
Read the entire article from UConn Today here.
West Virginia slowly approaching 3% cumulative positivity rate
Read the entire article from WVNews here.
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Cybersecurity Threat Alert Advisory from CISA |
Multiple agencies are raising awareness about a recent advisory from the FBI, HHS and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The agencies are warning U.S. hospitals and health care providers of an “imminent cybercrime threat” including ransomware. Notably – the agencies state they have “credible information” that the threat is growing and are warning providers to “take timely and reasonable precautions to protect their networks from these threats.”
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and FBI are investigating a malicious email circulating to healthcare facilities. Please refrain from opening or clicking on any emails that originate from aspen_info@hcquis.org with the subject: Important COVID-19 Reporting Information from CMS.
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NEW Uniform Data System COVID-19 Reporting Guidance |
Developed to provide additional information about Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting that may be impacted by COVID-19, this new guidance includes information about reporting visits and patients, staffing, clinical quality, and revenue. For additional information on other COVID-19-related reporting considerations, such as temporary sites, health center staffing (e.g., volunteers), and funding and revenue, see our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
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Recent CMS Releases Related to Telehealth and COVID-19 |
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a preliminary report providing Medicaid and CHIP data on telehealth use during the COVID-19 public health emergency through June 30. It provides a snapshot of services delivered via telehealth to Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries between March and June across various states and age groups, noting the significant increase in telehealth services compared to the same period last year.
CMS also released a supplement to its State Medicaid & CHIP Telehealth Toolkit to help states navigate telehealth service delivery and reimbursement. The supplement's updated FAQs include resources states may consider for FQHCs, specifically financing flexibilities in response to the pandemic.
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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: Forecasting & Strategic |
You’re a master of your craft, and we’re big fans! Please join BKD & The West Virginia Primary Care Association for the next installment of our Financial Management Training Series. Our healthcare pros will review data used for financial forecasting and discuss the effect of strategic planning on the financial health of a community health center (CHC)..
Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:
· Recognize and be familiar with the process for financial planning
· Describe required financial data needed for forecasting and strategic planning
· Analyze key performance indicators and how they affect decision making
· Identify components of a market demand assessment
Presenters: BKD Trusted Advisors
Target Audience: CFOs, COOs, Controllers, Accounting Managers, Financial Staff, and Grants Management Personnel.
CPE Information: Up to 1.5 CPE credits in the Specialized Knowledge field of study may be awarded upon verification of participant attendance, during live broadcast.
There is no cost for health centers for this training event.
Registration must be received by November 18 at Noon.
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NACHC Announces Year of the Nurse 2020 Campaign |
NACHC, in partnership with PCAs, HCCNs, and community health centers, will celebrate nurses' contributions by using the theme, "Nurses Leading with Care" and sharing stories of APRNs, RNs, and LPNs who provide care in health centers and communities.
Throughout 2020, in honor of the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, NACHC is highlighting individual nurses, groups of nurses or specific nursing roles in health centers and their communities. Nominate a nurse and receive buttons for your health center’s nurses.
The WVPCA encourages you to identify nurses in your health centers who you would like to highlight by completing a few questions. The nomination form asks that you complete your name and contact information, the name, role/title and contact information of the nurse you are recommending and a short description of the nurse's contribution to their community.
Thank you, in advance, for your nominations!
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Modifications to PCMH Annual Reporting Requirements |
NCQA updates Recognition publications periodically to clarify guidance, revise resources and refine criteria expectations. Updates are now available for the PCMH Annual Reporting publication.
Recognition Programs publications are available for download by going to the My Downloads section of My NCQA. Log in using your email address and password. Refer to the information below to access the publication download.
Program - PCMH Annual Reporting (2021)
The modifications made to PCMH Annual Reporting 2021 clarify expectations to reduce the number of returned submissions. The goal of these modifications is to expedite both your submission and NCQA’s review process.
Changes include:
- Expanded the list of multiple-choice options and removing “other” as a multiple-choice option.
- Changed the AR-KM 2 “Denominator Definition” from a text answer to yes/no.
- Practices no longer need to enter the “Patients at the Practice—Definition” for AR-CM 1.
Modifications
Removed “other” as an option from the following multiple-choice questions:
- AR-TC 1
- AR-KM 1*
- AR-KM 2*
- AR-AC 1
- AR-AC 2
- AR-AC 3
- AR-CM 2
- AR-QI 4
*Additional answer choices added to provide a greater selection of options for practices
In addition, NCQA has added two new Annual Reporting 2021 resources, the Annual Reporting Preparation Guide for 2021 and a measure reporting tip sheet which is a new tab in the Quality Improvement Worksheet.
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Family Conflict Is Normal; It’s the Repair That Matters |
When will the challenges of 2020 let up? We are dealing with so many issues that are slowly wearing on us and is having an impact on just about every aspect of our life. One statement that we can all agree on is that it is a very stressful time. Too often stress is the cause of things that we may say or do, that we later regret. It shows up in our homes and conflict is a normal part of relationships, but what really matters is how do we resolve conflict or repair the relationships when this happens. It is all about the repair that matters. |
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Open Enrollment is here! Enroll in 2021 coverage today! |
How to start or update an application online
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If you’re new to HealthCare.gov, create an account.
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If you already have an account, just log in to start or update an application.
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If you have questions or need help with your application, you can connect with someone on the phone. Call Center Representatives are available most days (except certain holidays) to support your enrollment needs.
Important: If you miss the deadline, the only way you’ll be eligible to enroll in or change your health plan for 2021 is if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
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MARKETPLACE CALL CENTER LINE FOR ASSISTERS |
Similar to the previous Open Enrollment Periods, there will be a designated call center line for Assisters. We strongly encourage assisters to use the assister line when working with consumers not only to receive more efficient service, but also in order to enable the Call Center to better monitor and meet assisters’ needs.
The line has several features designed to help better streamline the call process. When calling the Assister line, please be ready to enter your access code. For CACs, your access code will be your Certified Designated Organization’s (CDO) main phone number listed on its CDO Program application.
- Assister Line for Certified Application Counselors (CACs): 1-855-879-2683
- The Assister Line code for West Virginia Primary Care Association is (304) 346-0032
You will be prompted to select the reason for the call:
- Request assistance with a HealthCare.gov account Password Reset
- Request an SEP not granted through the Marketplace Application
- Request Enrollment Assistance
Please note, utilizing the Assister line will only allow expedited service if assisters need help with password resets or accessing certain call center-initiated SEPs. This enhancement is designed to help minimize the time assisters have to spend on the phone trying to resolve certain consumer issues. For all other issues, the wait time will be the same as the regular call center line.
Contact your CAC Project Director, Ruby Piscopo, for more information on how to utilize the Assister Line. If CACs have any difficulty, please email the inbox at CACQuestions@cms.hhs.gov. CCIIO will verify that the code you are utilizing matches our records.
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Veteran's Mental Health Webinar - Free CEs |
Veteran's Mental Health in 2020 featuring Perry Blankenship, M.A., M.DIV., MBA, M.Ed., ALPS webinar will take place on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 10AM.
The impact of trauma related issues is on the rise in our nation. This webinar will explore the impact of the current pandemic, civil unrest, lack of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services on veterans and their families. Less than half of the returning veterans who need mental health and addiction treatment services receive treatment. The prevalence of psychological and addiction challenges in the veteran population is an increasingly significant issue. Mental health clinicians need to understand the unique experiences and needs of this population, whether they are treating the veterans themselves or working with their partners and families. We will discuss how the events of 2020 contribute to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) triggers and explore practical clinical approaches to supporting veterans and their families including virtual resources.
Offered by: Marshall University School Health TA Center, Community Health Division in partnership with Youth Health Services and McDowell County Schools with funding from the WV Bureau for Behavioral Health
Continuing education approved for:
2 hours in Veteran's Mental Health by the WV Board of Examiners in Counseling WVBEC Provider #529
2 hours Addictions approved by WVCBAPP
2 hours approved WV Board of Social Work Provider #490102
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"The Providers" documentary is
back for a special 2020 screening!
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They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Where the award-winning documentary "The Providers" is concerned, its value is immeasurable!
Set against the backdrop of the physician shortage and opioid epidemic in rural America, The Providers follows three health care providers and their patients, and shows the awe-inspiring courage, commitment, and, tenacity that we know to be the real Power of Rural.
"The Providers" will be available for viewing November 1-21, 2020. Watch anytime during the viewing period.
Don't forget to download the discussion guide. This comprehensive guide serves as an exceptional tool for engaging in meaningful conversations about the film's central themes.
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It's not too late to submit your application! |
Applicants may qualify for up to $120,000 in loan repayment for their medical, nursing and dental school student loans. Eligible health professional students in their final year of school receive the award in exchange for a three-year service commitment in a high-need rural, tribal, or urban community. Read the 2021 Application and Program Guidance carefully before you start your application.
- Students must be U.S. citizens or nationals and enrolled or accepted in an eligible medical (MD or DO), dental (DDS or DMD), NP or CNM degree program at a U.S. accredited school.
- Installments are paid to students annually in a tax-free lump sum.
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NHSC S2S LRP award recipients are eligible to continue service through the NHSC Loan Repayment Program.
Need Additional Help?
For other issues, contact the Customer Care Center at 1-800-221-9393, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET (excluding federal holidays).
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If ACA Falls, So Could Coverage for Millions of Young People |
Next month, the Supreme Court will consider whether to strike down the Affordable Care Act (ACA)--and with it, preexisting-condition protections. The Commonwealth Fund examines the potential impact on young people, who have made the largest insurance coverage gains of any age group since the ACA was passed.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the authors estimate 2.3 million people ages 20 to 39 who didn't have prior underlying health conditions have tested positive for COVID-19. "Uncertainty about long-term health effects may be sufficient for health insurers to designate COVID-19 infection as a preexisting condition," the authors write. "Some may go further and designate anyone who is tested regularly for COVID-19 as having a preexisting condition."
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Upcoming National Training Opportunities |
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COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Safety Overview |
Attend this session to learn about general vaccine update and discuss distribution basics from Nancy Messonnier. Tom Shimabukuro will provide the deep dive into Vx safety.
Monday, November 9, 2020
3:00 PM EST
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Physical Activity &
Diabetes Prevention
in the COVID-19
Landscape
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Though the connection between physical exercise and diabetes prevention is well established, individuals experiencing homelessness or unstable housing often do not have access to safe locations for physical activity.
These challenges have become especially pronounced in the era of COVID-19, which make public facilities, parks, and venues of activity even less accessible.
This national webinar will explore approaches to fostering physical activity for improving physical health of individuals unstably housed.
Housing providers and health centers who serve this population will benefit from a conversation led by experienced guest speakers on strategies to best connect clients to community resources that are safe, healthy, and appropriate in the COVID-19 landscape.
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2020
1:00 PM EST
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Today with Macrae: Health Center Program Updates |
Mark your calendar to join Jim for updates on COVID-19, funding and other topics. |
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
2:00-3:00 PM EST
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Diabetes Continuum of Care: Raising the Pillars for Community Engagement |
This is the third of four webinars in our Fall 2020 Diabetes in Special & Vulnerable Populations: A National Learning Series.
After this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Demonstrate key components of successful community engagement to address diabetes amongst special and vulnerable populations
2. Identify ways to adapt and strengthen community engagement strategies to address diabetes during public health emergencies (i.e. COVID-19)
3. Highlight tools and resources to assess readiness for fostering community engagement
NTTAP Collaborating Partners:
- Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO)
- Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN)
- National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC)
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM ET
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Integrating Smoking Cessation Services in Community-Based
Primary Care
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Join the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium for a one-hour webinar about promising practices in smoking cessation for health center patients, including special considerations for care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sue Flocke, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, will share her research and perspective on the Teachable Moment Communication Process for smoking cessation, including replicable success stories based on emerging best practices.
Dr. Flocke will be joined by Sean McCormick, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Tobacco Control and Prevention Services at Health Promotion Council, who will outline the importance of offering smoking cessation services and pragmatic takeaways for clinical implementation.
Thursday, November 19, 2020
3:00 PM EST
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The Importance of Social Connection for Older Adults during COVID-19
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Physical distancing and loss of social supports during the COVID-19 pandemic may result in situations where vulnerable older adults experience emotional distress and poorer health outcomes. This webinar will help participants to understand the importance of early identification of ways to identify and support socially isolated and lonely older adults.
Participants will be able to:
· Explain the physical and mental health effects associated with social isolation and loneliness in older populations.
· Identify possible indicators of institutional ageism in messages that devalue the lives of older adults and heighten isolation and loneliness
· Develop approaches to assessing patient risk factors and coordinating outreach efforts in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
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Community Health Center Resources |
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Jackson Kelly attorneys provide limited consultation to all members of the WVPCA at no charge, as part of the WVPCA contract. There is no limit to the number of calls which any member may make. All inquiries within the scope of professional competence of firm attorneys will be addressed. Inquiries which require expertise not available through the firm will be promptly identified and, when requested, Jackson Kelly will assist in referring the matter to accounting firms, insurance agents, or others as circumstances warrant.
All inquiries, responses and consultation services provided by the firm lawyers will be provided without additional charge beyond the retainer amount, except for matters which require formal opinions, representation of record in litigation, transactional work, e.g. the purchase or sale of real property, or matters which require continued representation, research or consultation beyond a single inquiry or document review.
Justin M. Harrison is a labor & employment lawyer with Jackson Kelly PLLC. He is available for consultation through a special retainer relationship with the WVPCA. Justin can be reached at 304.340.1358 and via email at justin.harrison@jacksonkelly.com.
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Jackson Kelly attorneys provide limited consultation to all members of the WVPCA at no charge, as part of the WVPCA contract. There is no limit to the number of calls which any member may make. All inquiries within the scope of professional competence of firm attorneys will be addressed. Inquiries which require expertise not available through the firm will be promptly identified and, when requested, Jackson Kelly will assist in referring the matter to accounting firms, insurance agents, or others as circumstances warrant.
All inquiries, responses and consultation services provided by the firm lawyers will be provided without additional charge beyond the retainer amount, except for matters which require formal opinions, representation of record in litigation, transactional work, e.g. the purchase or sale of real property, or matters which require continued representation, research or consultation beyond a single inquiry or document review.
Justin M. Harrison is a labor & employment lawyer with Jackson Kelly PLLC. He is available for consultation through a special retainer relationship with the WVPCA. Justin can be reached at 304.340.1358 and via email at justin.harrison@jacksonkelly.com.
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Risk Management Manual for Health Centers Now Available! |
The Risk Management Manual for Health Centers is now available on the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website! Designed to support a proactive approach to risk management at health centers and free clinics, the Manual provides background, tips, and how-tos in a manageable format.
Specific areas that are covered include:
Risk Management Programs & Plans
Claims and Lawsuits
Role of the Risk Manager
Patient Grievances and Complaints
Communication with Patients
Credentialing and Privileging
Communication among Providers, Staff, and Community Partners
Tracking Systems for Diagnostic Tests, Referrals, and Hospitalizations
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COVID-19 Resources for Health Centers |
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Federally qualified health centers and free clinics are on the front line in testing and treating patients who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Use these resources to keep your staff and patients safe:
In addition, ECRI's COVID-19 Resource Center includes free resources addressing the provision of clinical care and managing the supply chain. Updated several times per week, highlights include:
Additional guidance is available directly from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including:
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Debra Boyd | Chief Financial/Chief Operations Officer
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To sign up to receive the WVPCA Weekly Newsletter: |
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1700 MacCorkle Avenue, SE
Charleston, WV 25314
Phone: 304.346.0032
Toll Free: 1.877.WVA HLTH
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This project is/was supported partially/fully by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U58CS06834 State and Regional Primary Care Associations. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. |
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