January 16, 2026

Dear Kids Health First (KHF) Providers and Practice Administrators,

We have some important updates about payor updates, new programs, and upcoming events. There's a lot of information, and we want to keep you informed. Please read through this email carefully and let us know if you have any questions.

Important Updates

Confident Coding Webinar Recording and PowerPoint

Thank you to all who attended the Confident Coding Webinar on December 2nd with Dr. Richard Lander.

Watch the recording of the webinar here.

View the slide deck from the presentation here.

Discrepancies in Vaccine Guidance: Insight from Sterling Seacrest Pritchard

Insight from Sterling Seacrest Pritchard is available regarding recent discrepancies in national vaccine recommendations, including considerations for pediatric practices during this evolving period. View the article.

Start the Year Strong: Complete Your HIPAA Security Risk Assessment

As we head into the new year, it’s an important time to revisit core compliance requirements that help protect your practice, your staff, and your patients. Below, Brian Tuttle shares a timely reminder and key considerations related to completing your HIPAA Security Risk Assessment—an essential step for staying compliant and prepared.

Start your new year off right…protect your practice by ensuring you’ve completed your HIPAA Security Risk Assessment. This is not a “I probably should do this” option. If/When you have a breach, this assessment will be asked for by the government.

As a reminder from the October PA meeting, here are the key takeaways of what you are responsible for:

Regulations are changing very soon regarding the HIPAA Security Rule due to unprecedented breaches in the healthcare sector
HIPAA Security Risk Assessment must be done covering all 18 Standards and 44 Implementation Specifications of the HIPAA Security Rule (not just IT)
Policies must be implemented covering all 18 Standards and 44 Implementation Specifications of the regulations (even ones that don't directly apply according to upcoming changes)
PHI at rest and in transit must be encrypted
Multi-factor authentication must be enabled

Our speaker, Brian Tuttle, offers a special rate for Kids Health First practices for assisting you with completing this assessment.

His contact information:

Brian L Tuttle, CPHIT, CHP, CHA, CBRA, CISSP, CCNA

Sr Compliance Consultant

www.hipaa-consulting.com

Mobile Office Direct #770-402-9912

Federal Court Orders Temporary Reinstatement of AAP Grant Funding

A federal judge has ordered the temporary reinstatement of nearly $12 million in American Academy of Pediatrics grant funding while a legal case proceeds. The funding supports multiple child health programs, including developmental screening, rural pediatric care, adolescent mental health, and newborn services. Read the full article for additional details and context.

HR Guidance: Tracking Hours for Exempt Employees

Practices often ask whether it is appropriate to track hours worked by exempt employees. In a brief Q&A written by the HR experts at Vxtra, this topic is addressed with practical guidance for employers navigating compliance and workforce expectations.

The article outlines when tracking exempt employee hours may be appropriate—such as for grant compliance, client billing, or FMLA tracking—and highlights important cautions to avoid jeopardizing an employee’s exempt status.

Read the full HR guidance from Vxtra: Can I Track Hours Worked by Exempt Employees.

A Message from DeeDee Johnson, Practice Administrator, Cobb Pediatrics

After many years of dedicated service to children, families, and the pediatric community, DeeDee Johnson, Practice Administrator at Cobb Pediatrics, will be retiring this February. DeeDee has shared a personal message reflecting on her time in pediatrics and the meaningful relationships built along the way. We’re honored to share her note with our KHF community as she begins this next chapter.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I wanted to personally share that I will be retiring in February, closing a chapter that has meant more to me than I can easily put into words.

For the past 14 years at Cobb Pediatrics, I have been incredibly blessed to work alongside compassionate, dedicated professionals who truly care about children and families. This job has been the joy of my career, and this professional community has been a meaningful part of my journey. I am deeply grateful for the support and shared experiences that have made my work so fulfilling.

While I am excited about this next chapter, I will genuinely miss the people and the purpose that came with this work. Looking ahead, I’m excited to spend my time living in the North Carolina mountains and having the freedom to travel with my husband (Wayne) and our two dogs (Dixie & Gilbert) as we begin this new adventure.

I wish you all the very best!

Warm regards,

DeeDee Johnson

Practice Administrator

Cobb Pediatrics