This message contains confidential information and is intended only for KHCA/KCAL membership. Dissemination, distribution or copying the contents of this email beyond this group is strictly prohibited. |
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As a reminder, the renewal deadline for your KHCA/KCAL membership is March 31st. We strive to give you a highly-valued return on your dues investment, and we look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
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Cybersecurity Alert: Change Healthcare
Some SNF Billing and Claims Processing Activities May Be Impacted
On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, UnitedHealth Group Inc.’s technology subsidiary Change Healthcare announced that its systems were adversely affected by a security incident. Pharmacies across the United States and other downstream users of Change Healthcare’s electronic platform continue to await a resolution to restore their ability to process claims and submit billing information electronically to health payers.
To protect client data and the integrity of their software platforms, some post-acute and long term care health information technology and electronic medical record system vendors disconnected their products from integrations to Change Healthcare’s systems last week. Unfortunately, this could have an impact on SNF billing and claims processing activities that utilize the Change Healthcare platform until resolved, particularly for the upcoming February month-end.
While only a portion of the long term and post-acute care community may utilize Change Healthcare services to process claims submissions and billing activities, we wanted to make our members aware of this development and offer some recommended steps should you be impacted.
Key Insights
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Service Disruption: Change Healthcare's services are temporarily unavailable, including claims processing and accessing certain payer information. They have not specified when services will be back up and running, and current downtime is adversely impacting the submission of claims for care provided in a variety of provider settings relying on Change Healthcare resources to exchange information with varying payers.
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No Evidence of Patient Information Breach: There is no indication that any patient data, including Protected Health Information (PHI), was accessed or compromised during this attack.
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Future Service Restoration: Once Change Healthcare systems are back online, any claims submitted through their system before the attack and pending transactions will be processed or made available. However, Change Healthcare cannot predict exactly when processing activities will resume.
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Support from EMR/HIT Vendors: Other entities involved in health care transactions are stepping in to help manage claim processing during this downtime. We encourage you to collaborate with your EMR and IT vendors about alternative workflows that may be available to ensure that necessary payer files reach your facilities in a timely fashion and to understand the claims submission processes that are available.
Although it is not yet clear when all EMR/HIT providers will be able to safely re-integrate their platforms with Change Healthcare’s systems, we are continuing to gather information and will be in touch with you as soon as there are developments.
As this is an evolving situation affecting multiple sectors and organizations, we recommend long term and post-acute care providers stay alert for communications from your IT vendors, payers and other supports to access timely guidance and any available work around procedures for submitting claims that may be available.
Please contact Grant Beebe at AHCA/NCAL with any questions.
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Upcoming Webinar: Independent Contractors Final Rule and LTC Provider Impact
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KMAP Web Updates
The KMAP Public Portal has been updated with the following updates:
- Updated General Bulletin 23349 regarding an updated reminder of guidance for Electronic Visit Verification
- General Bulletin 24029 regarding a Preferred Drug List Update
- General Bulletin 24052 regarding a Change Healthcare Outage
A standard global message has been added to alert providers. A standard RA banner message will appear the weeks of February 26 and March 4.
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Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
On February 21, 2024, AHCA held its monthly State Affiliate Network Meeting. It was packed full of great information. First on the agenda was Amanda Hall explaining a new program created by Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). Amanda and Alice Bonner are working on what sounds like a great project to result in transformative change in healthcare with the mission of “ building a movement of care for older adults to ensure the care is “age friendly”. It is built on 3 premises: READ MORE
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Most US Clinicians Think Telehealth Can Play Key Role In Improving Management Of Chronic Conditions, Research Suggests
McKnight’s Senior Living (2/26, Dorman) reports "a substantial majority of American clinicians believe that telehealth options can play a crucial role in improving" health care "practices, especially in the management of chronic conditions, according to recent research." The survey, "conducted by telehealth platform SteadyMD," found that "87% of respondents said they supported federal regulations that would standardize telehealth practice." The findings were published in a press release.
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National Skilled Nursing Care Week® Resources & Exclusive Products Now Available
Celebrate 'Radiant Memories: A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio' May 12-18, 2024
The American Health Care Association (AHCA) is excited to announce that resources for this year’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week® (NSNCW), including the Planning Guide, marketing tools, and special products, are now available at NSNCW.org.
These materials are designed to assist you in planning, promoting, and celebrating NSNCW. Discover everything you need to make this week memorable for your residents, staff, and volunteers and to spread joy throughout the community.
Begin your NSNCW 2024 preparations today and help us create a week filled with unforgettable moments!
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Joint Provider Surveyor Training
Three Options to attend
March 19, 2024 (Topeka)
March 20, 2024 (Wichita)
March 20, 2024 (Virtual)
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Webinar: The Impact of the MDS: MDS Systems & Mechanisms for Care Plan Effectiveness
3/6/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Webinar: Deconstructing Immediate Jeopardy Mitigation: Navigating Top Risk Areas: Reducing Risks Related to Abuse and Neglect
3/12/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Webinar: Documentation in Depth: Supportive Documentation for Pain Management
3/19/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Joint Provider Surveyor Training
March 19 - Topeka, KS
March 20 - Wichita, KS
March 20 - Virtual
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Adult Care Home Operators Course
3/27 - 4/8/24
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Administrator in Training (AIT) Program
Looking for an AIT Program? Click here for more details on KHCA's Program.
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Kansas Health Care Association and the Kansas Center for Assisted Living
1100 SW Gage Blvd. | PO Box 4770 | Topeka, KS 66604
PH: 785-267-6003 FAX: 785-267-0833
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