AAP Guidance on How to Use New CPT Codes for Administration of RSV Immunizations***

November 13, 2023- The AAP released guidance on how to properly use the new CPT codes for RSV immunizations. Check out the KHF intranet to view the guidance as well as to view sample coding vignettes.

AstraZeneca Prioritizes US for RSV Drug Amid Surge in Cases***

November 13, 2023- On Friday, November 10, 2023, AstraZeneca reported that the U.S. is to receive more doses of its RSV drug, Beyfortus due to an increase in cases across the U.S. Current cases are greater than the current supply. Click here to learn more.  

Vaccine for Children Program Updates***

November 15, 2023- Georgia DPH released November updates for the Vaccines for Children Program. Click here to view the latest updates.

Nirsevimab Updated FAQ

The AAP updated their FAQ site with updated information and recommendations shared within the past month. Check out the latest FAQ page here.

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.

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

November 7, 2023- According to CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H., the “congenital syphilis crisis in the United States has skyrocketed at a heartbreaking rate.” She asks that all healthcare providers, public health systems, and communities take the necessary steps to connect mothers and babies with the care they need during pregnancy.

Click here to learn more about the increase in newborn syphilis.

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.

November Issue of Quality Steps Available

Click here to view the latest issue!

TCCN Antibiotic Stewardship Webinar: Antibiotic Dosing

Join us on November 29 at 12:30 pm as we continue our 3-part virtual series 'Antibiotic Stewardship: Why it's Important for Your Practice and Patients'.

Webinar #3: November 29, 12:30-1:30

• 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 October 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

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