NARHC Newsletter | Fall 2023

In This Issue

NARHC DC Office Updates

I am an RHC advocate... and you can be one too!
RHC Opportunities in the Inflation Reduction Act
Application Open: Bill Finerfrock Health Policy Fellowship
Free COVID-19 Home Tests and Therapeutics Remain Available
Reminder: NARHC Office Hours

Making Headlines

Bipartisan Legislation Seeks to Update Rural Health Clinic Regulations – RHC Burden Reduction Act
Thompson, Kuster Introduce Legislation Promoting Rural Telehealth Services

Member Spotlight

Ron Nelson Award Winner: Shawn Pieczko
Member Benefit Highlights

Noteworthy News

RHC Emergency Preparedness 101 Webinar
Welcome: Newly Elected Board Members
Join Us at the 2024 Institutes!
Intro to RHCs - FREE for NARHC Members
Open Now: Wipfli Annual Rural Health Survey

Consultant's Corner

Rural Healthcare Quality Can Benefit from Chronic Care Management
Tennessee Medicaid Billing
Year-End Cost Report Prep Tips
3 Ways Rural Health Providers Can Increase Financial Stability
Meeting CMS Requirements: Is Your RHC “Primarily Engaged?

NARHC DC OFFICE UPDATES

I am an RHC advocate... and you can be one too!

As safety net providers, we have a huge responsibility on our shoulders to continue providing healthcare for all patients, regardless of their location. It is our responsibility to speak to our Representatives to let them know what we need and our importance in the healthcare system. After all, you will never get something you don’t ask for-so why not be the person asking?

RHC Opportunities in the Inflation Reduction Act

Have you considered buying an electric vehicle for your rural health clinic (RHC)? Do you have a sunny spot ripe for solar panels? If so, consider taking advantage of the benefits within the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). READ MORE

Bill Finerfrock Health Policy Fellowship Application Open Now Until January 5, 2024

The Bill Finerfrock Health Policy Fellowship Application is now open on NARHC.org! The Fellowship is designed for mid-career professions working in the RHC setting or a rural health care system, the selected BFHP Fellow will reside in Alexandria, Virginia for either a 4-week continuous timeframe, or two, 2-week periods in May, June, or July 2024. The Fellow will participate in NARHC advocacy efforts, including meetings with agency and Capitol Hill staff, while learning to be a true grassroots advocate and champion for rural health. READ MORE

Free COVID-19 Home Test Kits and Therapeutics Remain Available

All CMS-certified RHCs are still eligible to enroll and place weekly orders in the HRSA RHC COVID-19 Therapeutics Program. By enrolling in this program, RHCs gain direct access to free COVID-19 therapeutics, Paxlovid and Lagevrio (Molnupiravir).

MAKING HEADLINES

Bipartisan Legislation Seeks to Update Rural Health Clinic Regulations – Rural Health Clinic Burden Reduction Act

RHCs are currently under unique regulations, some of which have not been updated since the RHC program started in 1977, including requirements of onsite laboratory equipment. The legislation would remove a regulatory barrier that limits the RHCs ability to provide behavioral health services in areas with a shortage of such services and allow RHCs to be located in an area that is not an urban area of 50,000 or more. READ MORE

Thompson, Kuster Introduce Legislation Promoting Rural Telehealth Services

Representatives Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) and Ann Kuster (NH-02), introduced the bipartisan Helping Ensure Access to Local TeleHealth, or the HEALTH Act, as part of National Telehealth Awareness Week. This legislation secures Medicare reimbursement for telehealth services provided by community health centers and rural health clinics. It will continue to allow providers to utilize audio-only telehealth visits for patients who do not have access to broadband services. READ MORE

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

CONSULTANT'S CORNER

Rural Healthcare Quality Can Benefit from Chronic Care Management

Rural healthcare has existed outside the influence of many value-based programs. With low case rates and specialized reimbursements, rural care clinics have not been folded into the transition. However, new efforts are underway to develop appropriate performance measures for rural healthcare organizations. READ MORE

Tennessee Medicaid Billing

Receiving credentialing and contracting denials for your Medicaid claims even though your clinic is fully credentialed and contracted? Perhaps you are receiving denials for not being the patient’s assigned primary care provider? For RHCs, the combination of the Tennessee MCOs contract for your clinic and the place of service codes utilized on claims are the magic combination in getting your Medicaid claims paid accurately and putting a stop to those pesky denials. READ MORE

Year-End Cost Report Prep Tips

Are you ready for the holidays? First, Halloween…before we know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us. Then, we are ringing in the New Year. We look up and realize it’s time to do another cost report! But before we roll over a new year, there are a few things we need to ensure we have done to prepare for next year’s report. READ MORE

3 Ways Rural Health Providers Can Increase Financial Stability

Financial health isn’t easy for rural health providers, with low patient volumes and Medicare rates making it challenging to generate revenue. To have sustained financial health, your organization needs to ensure that all aspects of its revenue cycle are operating efficiently, allowing you to get the maximum rates and reimbursements for your services. And changing the way you invest in your people, view your processes and use technology can make it possible. READ MORE

Meeting CMS Requirements: Is Your RHC “Primarily Engaged?

Does your Rural Health Clinic (RHC) provide services beyond primary care? Although offering a more comprehensive range of services is a valuable asset to your rural community, it's critical that your clinic aligns with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) definition of being "Primarily Engaged" READ MORE

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