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May 15 2020
  WVPCA Weekly Outlook Newsletter
    A Newsletter on Community Centered Healthcare





Doctors keep discovering new ways coronavirus attacks  the body
Read the entire article from The  Charleston Gazette Mail   here.

Dentists offices look into protective gear supply chain and see a cavity        
Read the entire article from  WVNews  here.

Read the entire article from WVNews   here.   
EmergencyManagement
CWV Air National Guard Honored Front Line Covid-19 Workers with Flyovers

Photo from Shenandoah Community Health Center.  
Healthcare workers around the state were saluted uniquely earlier this week.

Both West Virginia Air National Guard airlift wings, the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg and 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston, participated in  a flyover to salute and honor front line COVID-19 healthcare and first responders as part of the Department of the Air Force's Operation American Resolve.

The flyovers, part of a nation-wide salute to those supporting COVID-19 response efforts, is intended to lift morale due to the health and economic impacts of the pandemic. The flyovers served as training for  pilots and is conducted at no additional cost to taxpayers.

"Our aircrews must fly regularly to maintain proficiency," said Col. Marty Timko, 167th Airlift Wing commander. "It's a privilege for our pilots to train while also saluting those working hard to win the fight against COVID-19; we are humbled by their sacrifices."  

Aside from the salutes, these aircraft have been all over the world on missions including important ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) has created a special  web portal. Providers who have conducted COVID-19 testing or provided treatment for uninsured individuals with COVID-19 on or after February 4, 2020 can use it to file claims for reimbursement for testing and treating the uninsured.
 
How do I use it?
To participate, providers must attest to the following at registration:
  • You have checked for health care coverage eligibility and confirmed that the patient is uninsured. You have verified that the patient does not have coverage such as individual, employer-sponsored, Medicare or Medicaid coverage, and no other payer will reimburse you for COVID-19 testing and/or care for that patient.
  • You will accept defined program reimbursement as payment in full.
  • You agree not to balance bill the patient.
  • You agree to program terms and conditions and may be subject to post-reimbursement audit review.
  Is there more information?
More information on HRSA and the reimbursement portal can be found using the following resources:
Health Centers Across West Virginia Receive More than $9.8 Million to Expand COVID-19 Testing

The Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $9,833,557 to support 28 health centers in expanding their capacity for coronavirus testing. This funding is made as part of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act which was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump at the end of April.

"As states across America prepare to slowly reopen, we must work to expand COVID-19 testing capabilities across the country and in West Virginia to ensure we can safely open our businesses and communities," said Senator Manchin. "Our health centers are on the front lines of the pandemic and continue to provide rapid COVID-19 testing for many West Virginians across the Mountain State. I will continue fight for our healthcare providers to ensure that they have resources they need to expand rapid testing and care for their fellow West Virginians."

 "As we enter a new phase in our response to the coronavirus outbreak, continuing our work to increase testing capabilities remains a top priority," said Senator Capito. "Expanding the testing capabilities of our health centers will allow our state to be more responsive to our rural communities and better contain individual outbreaks. Additionally, this funding will help support our hard working and dedicated healthcare professionals by providing additional training, laboratory services, and the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE). West Virginia has been a leader for our country in responding to the coronavirus, and I could not be more proud of the efforts of our citizens. I am encouraged to see this funding coming into our state and the crucial support it will provide."  
Check These HRSA FAQ's Pages Daily

You might not be able to visit friends and family during this pandemic, but stay-at-home orders don't prevent you from visiting HRSA's FAQ sites for guidance on health center program requirements and other policy issues during COVID-19 as well as guidance on the H80, H8C, H8D and H8E funding your health center has received from HRSA. 

There are two separate and regularly updated FAQ pages that are important resources to ensure your health center is complying in this rapidly changing environment we find ourselves in. Because the information is highly important and the FAQs are updated frequently, we recommend you make checking these pages for updates part of your daily routine:
COVID-19/ NOVEL CORONAVIRUS Pandemic


As you know, information on coronavirus is changing daily.  The WVPCA is working with Federal, State, and local health officials in emergency preparedness activities as well as disseminating appropriate and current information to our Community Health Centers.  This includes up-to-date resources and policies to ensure the continued health and safety of the communities we serve.  

Guidance and resource information can be found on the WVPCA website here and coronavirus.gov.
WVPCA NewsWVPCA_news
WV CHC Greenway User Group: Virtual Office Hours


Please join the West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA) and GreenwayHealth for virtual office hours on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at 1PM.  During this one-hour webinar, Elizabeth Diable, Mid-Atlantic Account Executive, at GreenwayHealth will be addressing COVID-19, telehealth, PRAPARE, patient engagement, and sharing what's on the horizon at GreenwayHealth.  Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to discuss current system issues and future system considerations during the Q&A session.

Target Audience:  Administrative, Billing/Financial, Clinical, and Quality staff from CHCs who utilize Greenway.   

Registration Closes May 27, 2020 at 12:00pm


Thursday, May 28, 2020 | 1:00 pm ET
PCMHCorner
NCQA (PCMH) Regional Training

Save the Date:  July 13-17,2020 - Now Virtual
   
Facilitators:  Bill Tulloch, Director, Quality Solutions Group, NCQA & Christina Borden, Director, Recognition Program Policy Resources, NCQA
Where:  Virtual
Who Should Attend Any person implementing the PCMH model at their clinical practice, pursing PCMH 2017 recognition, and/or PCMH status through annual reporting.  
Training Cost:  FREE

For more information, please contact Shannon Parker, MBA, PCMH CCE at [email protected].

Calling All School-Based Health Centers and School Nurses


The West Virginia Primary Care Association in partnership with the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium, WV Bureau for Public Health - Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease, and the West Virginia Department of Education is holding a virtual Town Hall Meeting on May 19th, 2020 from Noon to 1:30 pm.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide the opportunity to hear firsthand from School-Based Health Center professionals and School Nurses regarding the care they deliver to students with diabetes. We want to encourage your participation in this event in order to learn more about the successes you are having, the challenges you are facing and what support is needed to help prevent diabetes and care for those who are diabetic.

The information gathered from this Town Hall will be used by the partners above to deliver future webinars that support the care that is being provided to those with diabetes as well as diabetes prevention efforts.

Invite your colleagues and participate in this opportunity as we all work together to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the care delivered.

Register here  for this 1.5 hours event will include break out rooms for SBHC staff and school nurses.
Join us, as together we address diabetes prevention and treatment.
State NewsStateNews
Become a CDC NDPP  Lifestyle Coach

Marshall University is hosting a FREE virtual Lifestyle Coach Training, led by Master Trainers from the Virginia Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education (VCDPE) of the University of Virginia.
 
What's included in the training?
  •   6-hours of live online training; divided over three 2-hour sessions
  •   6-hours of self-directed training; by videos, readings, and assessments
  •   Access to (VCDPE) online training platform and resources for one year
  •   Ongoing support and technical assistance from Marshall University
Dates:   June 4, 11, 18 (2 hours each: noon to 2 pm) all three online sessions are required
 
Registration deadline: May 15th 
(There is a very limited number of participants; please register immediately)

Prerequisites and Expectations:  There are no professional or educational requirements for becoming a Lifestyle Coach. Attendance at all three online sessions and the 6-hours of self-directed training is required for successful completion of the training and receipt of a Certificate of Completion and continuing education credits.

To Register: Email or call Shelia Plogger at [email protected] , 304-545-0424 with the following:
  Name
Organization
Role in Organization
Email
Phone
 
This is grant-funded through the CDC and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease.
GKVF Announcing Virtual Trainings


The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation is launching a Virtual Nonprofit Capacity Building series to assist partners to work remotely.  Below are several of the webinars they will be offering.  Registration is required and descriptions of the webinars can be found via the registration links.  For more information visit TGKVF's website.

Guidance for Nonprofits during a Recession presented by 
Global Partners President Patrick Patterson 
 May 26th from 10:30-11:45am
 
Outputs, Outcomes, and Demographics: An In-depth look at what you are collecting and why presented by CJ Johnson of Midwest Evaluation and Research 
 June 9th at 2:00pm

Strategies for Writing Grants when your Organization is Understaffed presented by Global Partners President Patrick Patterson 
 July 9th from 10:30-11:45am
 
Tech Tools for Nonprofits presented by our own Grants Manager Candace 
Krell; these include short, 15-minute tutorials on a variety of tools.  
You can find the first one here.
Diabetes Prevention Program T2 Leader Training

WV Health Connection will be hosting a free, virtual National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) leader training!  They are providing this training with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant funding as well as support from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health, Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease.
 
In 2010, the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) was created as a way to address prediabetes and type 2 diabetes across the country. This program is a CDC recognized lifestyle-change program focused on healthy eating and physical activity.  Research has shown that people with prediabetes who take part in a lifestyle change program like the National DPP can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58% (71% for people over 60 years old).  Head to the CDC's National DPP website to learn more.

Click here if you would like to participate in this virtual training and become certified to lead the National DPP, there are two training dates to choose from: one training in May and one in June.  
Remote Working IT Challenges: Lessons Learned / Solutions Identified

Businesses in West Virginia and around the world have had to move operations out of the office and into a remote working environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Government mandated "stay-at-home" orders are testing the resiliency of businesses' information technology infrastructure and creating a steep learning curve for many owners and employees in managing new technology to maintain business productivity and effectiveness.
 
Alpha Technologies, a Hurricane, WV based information technology (IT) firm, in partnership with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, will host a webinar on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 from 2-3pm to discuss the primary IT challenges small businesses are facing in moving their employees and operations remote, and highlight solutions to address them.
 
Topics to be discussed include:
* What we have learned about remote work?
* How can IT Solutions help with remote work environments?
* What is next? Developing a plan for remote work solutions.
 
Alpha Technologies CEO Doug Tate, a 20+ year IT expert and entrepreneur, will lead the forum. He will be joined by Debra Martin, the State Director of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center.
 
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE: Business owners/managers or staff members that manage their company's information technology architecture will benefit from the content shared in this webinar.
 
There is no cost to participate in the webinar. To register, click here.
 
For additional information visit http://www.alpha-tech.us/, or call (304) 201-7485.
Ending the HIV Epidemic: Boot Camp for Community Health Centers Wednesday Webinar Series


The West Virginia Primary Care Association, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers, and the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center have created this six-part webinar series for Community Health Centers who have an integral role in Ending the HIV Epidemic. Participants will hear from fellow Community Health Centers and clinic leaders for a strategy-gathering information exchange to learn more about HIV Routine Testing, Implementation of Routine Testing, Importance of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and how to access funding for PrEP. The webinars will be an hour in length and will include Q&A as well as audience interaction via polling.
Wednesday June 3, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Vital Role of Community Health Centers in Ending the HIV Epidemic

Wednesday June 10, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
HIV Routine Testing: Why It's Important

Wednesday June 17, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Implementation of HIV Routine Testing in your Community Health Center

Wednesday June 24, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Importance of PrEP in Primary Care - A Rural Clinic's Perspective

Wednesday July 8, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Importance of PrEP in Primary Care - An Urban Clinic's Perspective

Wednesday July 15, 2020, 12:00-1:00pm ET
Accessing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Billing and Coding

Register here.   Please refer to the event's registration page for credit information.
National NewsNationalNews
COVID-19 Dental Clinic Reopening Listening Sessions

As many states lift stay-at-home orders for COVID-19, dental clinics are preparing to reopen and resume non-emergency dental services. 

The National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA), a HRSA-funded NCA, is hosting listening sessions to give health center dental programs the opportunity to have an open discussion with colleagues.  Participants can listen and share plans and strategies on reopening dental clinics with their peers.

They encourage you to register for the listening session in your region. 
However, you're welcome to join a different session if you cannot attend your region's session.

HRSA Regions 8, 9, & 10   (MT, ND, SD, WY, CO, UT, NV, CA, AZ, HI, WA, OR, ID, AK)
Wednesday, May 20 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
Register here

HRSA Regions 1, 2, 3, & 5 
(ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, PA MD, DE, VA, WV, MN, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH)
Thursday, May 21 | Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Register here

HRSA Regions 4, 6, & 7  (KY, TN, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, NM, TX, OK, AR, LA, NE, KS, IA, MO)
Friday, May 22 | Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
Register here
Manufacturer Notices to 340B Covered Entities  

For your awareness, HRSA has posted new notices on the Office of Pharmacy Affairs Website: Manufacturer Notices to Covered Entities.    Please review and apply to your covered entity accordingly.
Deadline Extensions

Applications for medical malpractice coverage under the FTCA  are open in EHBs. We've extended the completion deadline to Monday, July 13.

HRSA guidance for both new applications (deeming) and renewal of existing coverage (redeeming) for health center staff is available in Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2020-02

Details about coverage for health center volunteer health professionals are available in PAL 2020-03. The HRSA website has more details about the application process, including a recorded TA webinar.
______________________________


Apply Now to the National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program

Medical and dental school students, do you want to provide care where you're needed most? We will support you by paying your tuition, fees, and other educational costs and by providing you a living stipend. 

In exchange, you agree to serve at least two years at National Health Service Corps-approved sites in underserved rural, urban, and tribal communities.  Applications are now due Friday, May 15. Learn more .

Upcoming Training OpportunitiesUpcomingNationalTraining


Lauren Canary, Director with the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable will introduce the webinar by providing the national perspective on how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting those seeking services for viral hepatitis and resources for organizations responding to the crisis. Adam Fussaro, Director of the Center of Excellence with Public Health Management Corporation will discuss how Philadelphia health centers are providing care to patients currently in need of medication-assisted treatment and response to the crisis.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET
_____________________________

Many upcoming 
trainings and events 
have been canceled 
or postponed due 
to the COVID-19 emergency.
  It  is best  to  call 
ahead or check 
with the organizer's 
websites and 
contacts  to 
verify the status 
of ALL events 
and trainings
_________________






How do you manage hypertension virtually? Please join NACHC to hear from national experts in self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring from the American Medical Association and health centers who have implemented SMBP successfully. Speakers will describe approaches to continue high quality management of hypertension patients virtually, including implementation of and reimbursement for SMBP, resources to get started with SMBP, and information on choosing a validated home blood pressure monitor.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020 |2:00 PM ET

Improving Diabetes Care Quality in Rural Communities

Rural residents experience both a higher rate of risk factors for diabetes and more limited access to health services compared with urban areas. This webinar will focus on the role of telehealth delivery to overcome geographic and financial barriers to providing diabetes monitoring and patient lifestyle education. 

Thursday, May 21, 2020 | 2:00 PM ET
Register here
_______________________________

Using the Health Center Dental Dashboard for Tracking, Measuring and Improvement

Join this webinar to learn about The Health Center Dashboard. The Health Center Dental Dashboard serves as a resource for what to measure to monitor performance in a dental setting, and includes 15 measures to drive operational, financial and clinical improvements over a period of time. One (1) Continuing Dental Education (CDE) credit will be offered.  

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 | 1:00PM ET
FinancialAnchorFinancial and Funding Resources
Clarification on Unobligated Balance Carryover under Expanded Authority 
 
Starting with the submission of fiscal year 2019 Federal Financial Reports (FFR), health centers have "Expanded Authority" to carry over unobligated balances (UOB) that are 25% or less of the amount awarded for the budget period, within the project period, without prior approval from HRSA. Carryover may include UOB resulting from both base operational funding and any additional supplemental awards. When submitting the FFR in EHB, there are several choices related to unobligated balances.
   
Visit the HRSA website for FAQs and related resources and contact your Grants Management Specialist with any specific questions.
Additional CMS Changes for Telehealth 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced through a  press release  and updated COVID-19 Waivers Summary Document and provider-specific factsheets  additional expansions in telehealth policy to address needs related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. CCHP has updated its Federal Telehealth Policy and FQHC/RHC factsheets to reflect these new policies. One of the five stated goals of the changes is to increase access to telehealth for Medicare patients so that they can access care safely from their homes.

More information can be found here.

USDA Announces Second Application Window for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Funding

The USDA Rural Development announced a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program due to the current public health emergency. This program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Eligible applicants include most entities that provide education or health care through telecommunications. Apply by Monday, July 13.
CommunityHealthCenterResourceCommunity Health Center Resources
 
Jackson Kelly attorneys provide limited consultation to all members of the WVPCA at no charge, as part of the WVPCA contract. There is no limit to the number of calls which any member may make. All inquiries within the scope of professional competence of firm attorneys will be addressed. Inquiries which require expertise not available through the firm will be promptly identified and, when requested, Jackson Kelly will assist in referring the matter to accounting firms, insurance agents, or others as circumstances warrant.

All inquiries, responses and consultation services provided by the firm lawyers will be provided without additional charge beyond the retainer amount, except for matters which require formal opinions, representation of record in litigation, transactional work, e.g. the purchase or sale of real property, or matters which require continued representation, research or consultation beyond a single inquiry or document review.

Justin M. Harrison is a labor & employment lawyer with Jackson Kelly PLLC. He is available for consultation through a special retainer relationship with the WVPCA.  Justin can be reached at 304.340.1358 and via email at [email protected].
Risk Management Manual for Health Centers Now Available!
 
The Risk Management Manual for Health Centers is now available on the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website! Designed to support a proactive approach to risk management at health centers and free clinics, the Manual provides background, tips, and how-tos in a manageable format.

Specific areas that are covered include:

Risk Management Programs & Plans
Claims and Lawsuits
Role of the Risk Manager
Patient Grievances and Complaints
Communication with Patients
Credentialing and Privileging
Communication among Providers, Staff, and Community Partners
Tracking Systems for Diagnostic Tests, Referrals, and Hospitalizations

View an archived webinar that provides a guided tour of the Manual and key features. For access to the ECRI Institute Clinical Risk Management Program website or any other questions, email [email protected].
COVID-19 Resources for Health Centers
ECRI Institute 
 
Federally qualified health centers and free clinics are on the front line in testing and treating patients who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Use these resources to keep your staff and patients safe:
In addition, ECRI's COVID-19 Resource Center includes free resources addressing the provision of clinical care and managing the supply chain. Updated several times per week, highlights include:
Additional guidance is available directly from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), including:
WVPCA Staff

Sherri Ferrell, MBA | Chief Executive Officer
Debra Boyd | Chief Financial/Chief Operations Officer
Staci Arnold, MBA | Data Service & Integration Specialist
Jennifer Boyd, PA-C, PCMH-CCE | Clinical Consultant
John Kennedy, MA | School-Based Health/Behavioral Health Coordinator
Pam Moore | Member Relations Coordinator
Shannon Parker, MBA, PCMH-CCE | Director of Health Center Operations
Amanda West | Staff Accountant
Emma White, RN | Clinical Quality Improvement Coordinator 
Paula Beasley | Education and Communications Coordinator 
To sign up to receive the WVPCA Weekly Newsletter, click HERE
West Virginia Primary Care Association
  1700 MacCorkle Ave. Charleston, WV 25314| (304) 346-0032 | WWW.WVPCA.ORG
STAY CONNECTED:
This project is/was supported partially/fully by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U58CS06834 State and Regional Primary Care Associations. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.