December 15th, 2023


View as Webpage

Note: New Content Noted with Asterisks*** and Highlighted


Dear KHF Providers and Practice Administrators,


We have several updates to share regarding payor updates, programs and upcoming events. There is a lot of information, and we want to make sure we are keeping our membership informed. We recommend reading through this communication in its entirety and please reach out to us with any questions you may have!


Sending everyone warm wishes and happy holidays from our Kids Health First family to yours! Thank you for your continued support.


*Please note, we will not have a newsletter next week on the 22nd.

RSV, Flu & COVID Updates

December Vaccines for Children Program Updates***


December 4, 2023- GA DPH released the December issue of the VFC Program Updates.


Topics include:

  • Holiday Shipment Blackout Dates
  • Vaccine Transfers Must be Approved by VFC Staff
  • Expired or spoiled vaccine
  • Vaccine Order Shipment Information
  • December 4- 8 is National Influenza Week
  • VFC/AVP Flu Vaccine Pre-Book 2024-2025 is OPEN
  • VFC Annual Recertification


Click here to download a copy of the latest newsletter update.


New CDC Advisory Once Again Flags BA.2.86 COVID Variant***


November 29, 2023- According to Medscape," an emerging variant of COVID-19 called BA.2.86 that caused alarm earlier this summer has landed on the CDC's radar again."


Earlier this week, the CDC issued an alert regarding this variant. While it does not appear to be causing an increase in hospitalizations, this variant is the third leading source of COVID in the U.S. today. Click here to learn more. 

CDC Flu Campaign- From Wild to Mild***


This fall the CDC launched their flu vaccine campaign called Wild to Mild to share key information with the public about the importance of getting the flu vaccine. The campaign focuses on encouraging flu vaccination among higher risk groups, especially pregnant people and children. Click here to learn more.


The CDC encourages sharing on social media. Click here to view downloadable images that can be easily shared on social media platforms.

Missed it? Check out recent updates here:





Important Updates

HHS’ Office for Civil Rights Settles First Ever Phishing Cyber-Attack Investigation***


December 7, 2023- The HHS' Office for Civil Rights announced a settlement with Lafourche Medical Group. The settlement resolves an investigation following a phishing attack that affected the electronic protected health information of approximately 34,862 individuals. This marks the first settlement OCR has resolved involving a phishing attack under HIPAA rules.


Read more here.


Check out resources below for help on boosting your organization's cyber security:



CMS to crack down on Medicaid redetermination compliance***


December 5, 2023- CMS has laid out how it will sanction states that do not comply with Medicaid redetermination requirements. In an interim final rule issued Dec. 3, the agency said it will take several actions against states that do not comply with federal Medicaid eligibility rules or reporting requirements. The interim rule takes effect Dec. 6. Click here for more.


Click here to view an infographic on Medicaid renewals & terminations by month during Georgia's Medicaid unwinding.

HR Question of the Week***



Question: Are we required to update our I-9s when the documentation used for them expires?


Answer: You would only update a Form I-9 if the expired document pertains to a limited period of employment authorization. Click here to view the full answer from Vxtra

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.

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

Quality Programs

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

Community Education

Adams Keegan Live Webinar- December 20th***


Save your spot for the latest Adams Keegan webinar. A panel of experts will provide a review of all the notable webinar content of the past year. Additional topics include addressing your submitted questions and revisiting some common issues, ranging wage & hour, terminations, hiring practices, and more.


Presenters: Charles Rodriguez (VP of Human Capital Advisory), Amanda McCollum (VP of Human Resources), and Brandon Roland (Human Resources Advisor)


Date and Time: Wednesday, December 20 at 11:00 AM ESTClick here to register.


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. 

KHF Payor Updates

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.

In Case You Missed It

DEA Regulation on Pharmacy to Pharmacy Rx Transfer

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


Risk Management Q & A: Patient Dismissal

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


TCCN Webinar: New AAP Clinical Practice Guidelines for Obesity

Click here for the recording


TCCN OSHA Webinar Replay

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


TCCN Pediatric Coding Seminar Recording

Click for the recording and slides


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.

Communications


TCCN Roundup:


The TCCN Roundup is designed to be a twice weekly information hub for all things TCCN. 

  • Please to check out the latest issue
  • Please note that the link above only accounts for some TCCN updates. In order to view the full TCCN Newsletter with your contracted payor updates please check your TCCN inbox!

 

Resources

Practice Administrator Contact List


Kids Health First Who to Call List


Kids Health First Intranet Page