Updated RSV Toolkit Available on Intranet***

The updated RSV toolkit is available on KHF intranet. Follow the links to find the latest version of the toolkit, as well as a KHF specific addendum which includes updated fee schedules, Q & A, and additional reimbursement information.

RSV Toolkit

KHF Addendum

Updated COVID Reimbursement Grid***

Please click here to view the updated KHF COVID vaccine reimbursement grid for commercial payors.

Missed it? Check out recent updates here:

• AAP Guidance on How to Use New CPT Codes for Administration of RSV Immunizations. Check out the KHF intranet to view the guidance as well as to view sample coding vignettes.
• November Vaccine for Children Program Updates
• AAP Nirsevimab Updated FAQ

25 states with 'failing' Medicaid redetermination grades***

November 20, 2023- Half of states are "failing" amid the Medicaid redeterminations process, according to a recent report from the NAACP. According to the report, twenty-four states received an incomplete rating. Click here for more.

MGMA Stat: Patient access remains a challenge as medical groups recover from staffing shortages***

November 16, 2023- Only about one in five medical groups managed to improve patient access in 2023, reflecting challenges from staffing shortages and surging patient demand. Click here to access a pdf version of the article.

HR Question of the Week***

Question: My employees regularly forget to log out during their breaks and meal periods. I've told them countless times, and they just forget to do it. What can I do?

Answer: There are a few steps you can take to help your employees remember to clock out for breaks and meal periods. Click here to view the full answer from Vxtra

KHF Question of the Day***

Question: What is the name of the vendor you use for oxygen tanks and refills?

Click here to view the results.

TCCN Pediatric Coding Seminar- Webinar Recording***

Thank you to everyone who joined us on November 16th for our annual annual pediatric coding seminar. 

If you couldn't attend the live webinar or would like a replay, please follow the links for the webinar recording and the updated presentation slides.

2024 Immunization Schedule Approved by the AAP

November 16, 2023- The AAP approved 2024 Immunization Schedule is now available to view on our intranet. Click here to access.

Now on KHF Intranet: Practice Administrator Contact List

We now have a contact list for member Practice Administrators. Please visit the intranet and see information on how to access this information. If any of the information needs to be updated or changed, please contact us at information@khfirst.com. 

Update on Mental Health Parity Act

The 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (federal) and the 2022 Mental Health Parity Act (state) require that health insurance plans not impose more restrictive benefit limitations on mental health and substance use disorder benefits than on medical and surgical benefits. 

The Georgia AAP recently noted that the Georgia Insurance Commissioner has received no complaints about this happening. Practices are encouraged to report instances in which you see a private insurance company not observing mental health parity in their coverages. 

You can do so via the Insurance Commissioner’s website at https://oci.georgia.gov/insurance-resources/complaints-fraud or send the information to Rick Ward at the Georgia AAP Chapter who can be reached at rward@gaaap.org. 

DCH’s mental health parity portal is at https://dch.georgia.gov/how-do-i/mental-health-parity-information. 

DEA Regulation on Pharmacy to Pharmacy Rx Transfer

We want practices to understand a new DEA regulation which allows patients to request a one-time transfer between pharmacies for controlled substances; Both pharmacies must be DEA registered.

Please click here for the DEA site as well as an article by Holland & Knight on this new rule.

TCCN Antibiotic Stewardship Webinar: Antibiotic Dosing***

Thank you to all who joined us for our 3-part virtual series 'Antibiotic Stewardship: Why it's Important for Your Practice and Patients'.

This lunchtime series presents the new Georgia Pediatric Antibiotic Stewardship website, gpas-online.org, designed to help you in your busy practices with guidelines and a new antibiogram visualization tool

Please follow the links below to view the recordings for all three webinars:

Webinar #1: How to Access and Use the Website

Webinar #2: Prescribing Guide

Webinar #3: Antibiotic Dosing: Maximize antibiotic adherence, limit wastage, and promote antibiotic stewardship

CME Opportunity for Kids Health First Providers

Click here to learn more and register for a free, online, Pediatric-specific course that satisfies the DEA requirement mandated by the MATE Act. 

New! Payor Issue Database on KHF Intranet

Our new Payor Issue Database, shares claim issues received from all KHF practices. This digital warehouse allows your billing staff to view current trends and issues seen in EOBs and payor payments. The database also includes timely updates and resolutions from payors.

The Payor Issue Database is available in the Members section of the KHF Intranet under the Financial menu.

*Disclaimer-This database does not replace sending a dispute or appeal to a payor. Please continue to follow payor-specific claims resolutions guidelines.

Check out the November issue for the latest updates!***

*If you did not receive the latest newsletter, please be sure to also check your spam folder.

Risk Management Q & A: Patient Dismissal

Click here to view a sample patient termination letter and guidance on patient termination

Risk Management: Responding to Medical Record Amendment Requests

HHS Update: Office for Civil Rights Settles Ransomware Cyber-Attack Investigation, releases best practices for cyber security

TCCN Webinar: New AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity

Click here for the recording

Oct 16th KHF PA Meeting Recording

Click for the recording and slides

TCCN OSHA Webinar Replay

Click here for the video presentation, slides and bloodborne pathogens test

U.S. Syphilis Cases in Newborns Continue to Increase: A 10-Times Increase Over a Decade

CDC recommends new vaccine during pregnancy to help protect babies against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness after birth.

CDC Health Alert Advisory: Increased Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Activity in Parts of the Southeastern United States

CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccine for Fall/Winter Virus Season

CDC Launches "Bridge to Access Program" for COVID-19 Vaccines

AAP Online Course Opportunity: Managing Acute and Chronic Pain and Substance Use Disorders in Pediatrics

Updated Resources on Screen Time and Social Media for Children

The "AAP's Bold Stance on the Value of Pediatrics" 

From Chip Hart: 2023 Telemedicine Requirement Grid

Developed by Jan Blanchard. Click on the link to download the pdf.

Kids Health First Who to Call List

Kids Health First Intranet Page