Please note: This is an internal Advocate Aurora Health newsletter and safe to open.
March 11, 2021
In this issue

  • COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Annual Meeting Registration
  • CI Program e-Appeals
  • MA Stars
COVID-19 Updates
Click the "read more" button below to read the full details on these timely updates

  • On-demand vaccine webinar: Get a Johnson & Johnson vaccine overview and more
  • SafeCheck update: This COVID-19 symptom screening option has expanded to patients/visitors through LiveWell
  • New guidance: The CDC has shared new guidance outlining what those who are fully vaccinated can do safely in a non-health care setting. This guidance does not apply to Advocate Aurora settigs
  • A look back: We’re reflecting on the critical work completed during this incredibly challenging year in a new infographic
  • More info: Visit the COVID-19 Information Center
Message from the President & CEO
Watch this video on vaccinations and benefits, plus a conversation with team members Melanie Gordon, MD and Liz LaSelva, RN, as we reflect on the one-year anniversary of the pandemic.
Clinical Integration Program
2020 CI e-Appeals: What you need to know

Appeals are currently open on APP Pro and will close at the end of day on March 18. View important reminders, including:

  • Use your 2020 snapshot and HEDIS dashboard to identify appeals opportunities
  • Measures must meet the following criteria to warrant an appeal:
  • Measure did not achieve full points. Do not appeal measures that were already met at top tier
  • Measure did not receive a low n-size adjustment
  • Patient-level appeals must meet the valid appeal reasons defined on pages 12 – 14 of the 2020 e-Appeals User Guide.
  • Appeals must include a minimum number of patients which, if approved, would qualify the provider to meet a higher target level. For example, if you missed the controlling high blood pressure measure lower tier by five patients but you only have supporting rationale for four patients, please do not submit an appeal for these patients as this will not impact the overall measure outcome
  • Full CI Appeals policy available on the APP Pro Registry and Scorecard Support page
  • It is recommended to use Chrome to access the e-appeals system
  • Appeal all desired registry measures for a patient on the same form rather than on separate forms. Multiple measures on a registry can be selected and multiple attachments related to those measures can be attached and comments added if needed
  • Include Microsoft Word or PDF attachments to support your appeal and/or provide required attribution appeal details listed on page 2 of the 2020 Appeals Quick Reference Guide
  • Appeal confirmation emails will be sent within 24 hours of e-Appeal form submission

Additional reminders

  • Review this week's update 
Register by selecting your date of choice in the drop-down menu
Driving Success
Medicare Advantage Stars

Achieving high performance on MA Stars is critical for the care of our patients as well as being financially rewarded for higher quality by CMS. There are several MA Stars like colorectal screening, HbA1c management and eye exams on which we struggle to perform well. Learn more on APP Pro. Steps you can take to drive MA Stars success:

  • Keep care in network
  • Implement Transitional Care Management (TCM) billing. See our resources on the TCM Program and how it supports you
  • Encourage FIT tests as an option for colon cancer screening
  • Schedule diabetic patients for a diabetes focused visit at least twice annually
  • Schedule Medicare patients for an Annual Wellness Visit to identify and help address care needs. View Quick Reference Guide
Epic Transformation
EpicCare Link updates

  • The issue with increased pending referrals has been resolved. As we continue our work to prevent additional downstream impacts to our providers and patients, please contact your APP Referral Specialist through ECL In basket messaging with questions.

  • Access claims submitted for managed care patients by using our new look up tool. Only claims for dates of service in 2021 and going forward are viewable. Have the following information on hand to obtain information:
  • Provider NPI
  • Claim #
  • Total Billed Amount of the claim
  • Earliest date of service on the claim 

Epic upgrade
 
Learn more about the Epic Upgrade on Mar. 28. Note: This impacts Epic hyperspace at Advocate Aurora hospitals and sites. This does not impact EpicCare Link.
Supporting Your Practice
Click the "read more" button below to view full details on these important updates
 
  • Encourage colorectal screenings: March is national colon cancer awareness month. We have a campaign in market to support you in encouraging your patients to get their colon cancer screening
  • MyAdvocateAurora transitions to LiveWell: Coinciding with the Epic upgrade on March 28, we are renaming the MyAdvocateAurora desktop portal to LiveWell with Advocate Aurora Health to support a consistent consumer experience across our platforms and reinforce the unique benefits Advocate Aurora offers patients
  • Legislative engagement opportunity: The Illinois General Assembly passed House Bill 3360, which will have dramatic financial impacts on hospitals, physicians and other health care providers. Please consider clicking here to contact your state legislators to request a veto
  • Pharmacy and Therapeutics: Review the summary and decisions made at the February Ambulatory and System Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee meetings
  • Violent patient behavior advisory: A Best Practice Alert (BPA) has been activated in Epic within inpatient hospital settings to notify team members of patients who have a history of violent behavior during a care event
  • Patient outreach: We continually conduct patient outreach on your behalf to support quality outcomes and close care gaps. See what’s coming soon
Elevating Our Expertise
Outpatient center opens in Naperville
Introducing Advocate Outpatient Center in Naperville, offering convenient access to high-quality primary care for adults and kids, cardiology services, walk-in immediate care, plus on-site lab and x-ray. Experience care in-person or virtually with our Safe Care Promise to keep you safe in our new facility or in the convenience of your own home or office.

Learn more about this new facility’s services to help your family or your patients live well.
Chicago’s top doctors: More than 100 Advocate Aurora Health physicians have been named to Chicago magazine’s top doctors for kids and moms list. The list, featured in the magazine’s February 2021 issue, recognizes physicians across Chicagoland who were nominated by their peers. See which physicians were listed. Congratulations to all who were highlighted.
 
2021 Health Care Heroes list: We are pleased that Crain’s Chicago Business has selected eight notable Advocate Aurora team members, physicians and clinical teams for inclusion on their list. Read who they are and why they were selected.

Your research is changing lives: Read this month’s Advocate Aurora Research Institute enewsletter which includes the latest clinical studies conducted throughout our system.
In the news
What three pediatricians do for their own kids. Jason A. Canner, MD, pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Advocate Christ Medical Center, is one of the pediatricians offering guidance. Read more.
llinois man who survived severe COVID case gets vaccine from doctor who helped save him. Halleh Akbarnia, MD, was part of Michael Catania’s ICU care team for 2 weeks at Advocate Condell Medical Center. Read this story
Continuing Medical Education
APP Pro
COVID-19 Info Center
CME Website: Webinars & Recordings
Contracting