Resource Search Results

Relevance of the Medicare Access and Chip Reauthorization Act (MACRA) to Health Information Exchange (HIE): An Issue Brief (2018). Resource Type: Publication. Description: This document provides an overview of Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), how HIE links to MACRA, and how health centers might be impacted. In this brief, we describe the relationship between new federal legislation regarding physician payment and the exchange of health information among organizations. For many years, Medicare has paid physicians on the basis of a resource-based relative value scale. This approach has led to increases in resource utilization and inappropriate care rather than rewarding physicians on the basis of quality of care and patient outcomes. It has resulted in steadily increasing physician fees, which the government attempted to control by implementing the Medicare sustainable growth rate (SGR). SGR slowed the increase and could even result in decreases in physician reimbursement. There has been a need to address these issues and to provide incentives which might lead to greater value to patients and fairer physician Medicare reimbursement. Download the brief below. More Details...

A Closer Look At Health Center-Based MLPs: Where They Are, How They Work, and How They are Funded (2018). Resource Type: Publication. Description: This issue brief from the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership describes how and where these partnerships operate, and how state primary care associations are supporting these programs. It also discusses how health-center based medical-legal partnerships are financed, with a spotlight on four states that integrate financing for legal services in Medicaid payment arrangements. More Details...

Enabling Services Data Collection Implementation Packet: Enabling Services Accountability Project (2017). Resource Type: Toolkit. Description: This toolkit includes tools and recommendations for how health centers can better capture data on enabling services (ES). This will help health centers provide a better understanding of the role of ES in health care access, utilization and outcomes for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AA&NHPIs), and useful information to appropriately address these needs. More Details...

EHR Implementation Timeline for Health Centers: A Planning Tool for Health Centers Implementing New EHRs (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: To ensure successful and smooth implementation or migration of electronic health record (EHR) systems, it is critical for health center staff to carefully plan the process. This timeline document highlights key events and milestones that should take place in the months before, and immediately following, the EHR go-live date. To ensure successful and smooth implementation or migration of electronic health record (EHR) systems, it is critical for health center staff to carefully plan the process. This timeline document highlights key events and milestones that should take place in the months before, and immediately following, the EHR go-live date.   This provides a simplified timeline to aid health centers in planning EHR implementation or migration. Download the tool below.  More Details...

Improving Diabetes Outcomes: Curated Expert Guidance, Tools, and Resources (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: According to 2016 UDS data, an estimated 14.3% of Federally Qualified Health Center patients nationwide have diabetes. Of these 2 million plus patients living with diabetes, approximately 32% have uncontrolled diabetes, with HbA1c equal to or above 9% or have had no test in the prior year. These statistics bring forth the need for improvement in the care of diabetes; several resources and research outcomes are profiled here with specific takeaways for health centers. As of CDC's 2017 National Diabetes Statistics Report, 30.3 million people, or 9.4% of the total U.S. population, have diabetes. Of these 30.3 million, only 23.1 million are diagnosed - while the other estimated 7.2 million are undiagnosed. Additionally, more than 1 in 3 adults or 84.1 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes. Among adults age 65 and older, nearly half have prediabetes. More Details...

Staff Orientation to the use of Health Information Technology (HIT) to achieve the Triple Aim - Part I: Part 1 of 3: Effectively Using Data to Improve the Patient Experience (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: A custom, health-center focused eLearning module for onboarding and orienting clinical and administrative health center staff to the Triple Aim and their important role in collecting accurate and timely information to support informed decision-making.  The first aim – Patient Experience – is addressed in this module with a focus on the many staff a patient interacts with during a visit who impact the patient’s care.  ** Please note that viewing issues have been identified when using the Internet Explorer 11 browser. The series is best viewed in either Chrome, Firefox, or IE Edge browsers. The series is best viewed in either Chrome, Firefox, or IE Edge browsers. More Details...

Staff Orientation to the use of Health Information Technology (HIT) to achieve the Triple Aim - Part II: Part 2 of 3: Effectively Using Data to Impact Population Health (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: A custom, health-center focused eLearning module for onboarding and orienting clinical and administrative health center staff to the Triple Aim and their important role in collecting accurate and timely information to support informed decision-making.   The second aim – Population Health – is addressed in this module with a focus on the use of data to improve the health of a population or sub-group of patients.  ** Please note that viewing issues have been identified when using the Internet Explorer 11 browser. The series is best viewed in either Chrome, Firefox, or IE Edge browsers.The series is best viewed in either Chrome, Firefox, or IE Edge browsers. More Details...

Staff Orientation to the use of Health Information Technology (HIT) to achieve the Triple Aim - Part III: Part 3 of 3: Effectively Using Data to Increase Healthcare Value (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: A custom, health-center focused eLearning module for onboarding and orienting clinical and administrative health center staff to the Triple Aim and their important role in collecting accurate and timely information to support informed decision-making.  The third aim – Value – is addressed in this module with a focus on using data to achieve the best outcomes for patients while decreasing costs.  ** Please note that viewing issues have been identified when using the Internet Explorer 11 browser. The series is best viewed in either Chrome, Firefox, or IE Edge browsers.The series is best viewed in either Chrome, Firefox, or IE Edge browsers. More Details...

Quality Report Inventory: Organizing your quality team with a schedule and map of quality report distribution (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: This Report Inventory tool is a means to make public all available reports, the schedule for publishing to the organization, and their distribution.  A Report Inventory is a means to make public all available reports, the schedule for publishing to the organization, and their distribution. It provides a point of reference for all potential report requestors who are looking for data on any metric. The Report Inventory may also include reference to EHR alerts, mappings, and schedules and any supporting EHR or Population Health Management tools that are available to support improvement of each metric. Making this tool available on a shared drive or company intranet provides a point of reference for analysts to direct report requestors prior to acting on any new report request. The Report Inventory is organized by metric, including the denominator and numerator definitions, exclusions, and references to the metric steward which may be internal to the organization or external (e.g. UDS, NQF, etc.). The Report Inventory should be curated by your data analysts in collaboration with the responsible metric stewards within an organization. Download the Excel tool below to see a full example and additional instructions.  Also, see the companion Data Dictionary tool here. More Details...

EHR Optimization Series: Part Two of Three: Including slides, Workflow tool, and Provider Scorecard (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: The second of a three-part EHR Optimization series focused on establishing goals and expectations for optimizing EHR utilization and sharing proven strategy/tools for optimizing EHR utilization, including slides and related tools. The second of a three-part EHR Optimization series focused on establishing goals and expectations for optimizing EHR utilization and sharing proven strategy/tools for optimizing EHR utilization, including slides and related tools.  EHR Optimization Session 2 Slides From the second May 2017 Learning Session Provider Scorecard: Assessing accurate EHR documentation This resource provides a process and method that can be used to evaluate the degree to which an individual provider or care team member consistently documents required information in the appropriate place in the EHR. Blank and Sample completed, filled-in versions are available for download below. EHR Workflow Worksheet: EHR Optimization tool to map the workflow to enhance performance on a particular clinical measure This tool provides a structured way to review how data is captured and input in the EHR for a particular clinical measure across the clinical team including registration, pre-visit planning, nursing, and provider visit. The sample uses the BMI Percentile Children CMS 155 v5 as an example, and a blank version is also provided. Using the workflow tool will help answer questions on which components of the data are entered by whom, and facilitate soliciting feedback from staff on ways to improve efficient and accurate data capture. Blank and Sample completed, filled-in versions are available for download below. Visit the Guide for Improving Care Processes and Outcomes in Health Centers for additional tools and support for workflow assessment and improvement. Download each of these resources below, in the Documents to Download section. More Details...

EHR Optimization Series: Part Three of Three: Including slides, Data Dictionary, and Quality Report Inventory (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: The third of a three-part EHR Optimization series focused on establishing goals and expectations for optimizing EHR utilization and sharing proven strategy/tools for optimizing EHR utilization, including slides and related tools.  The third of a three-part EHR Optimization series focused on establishing goals and expectations for optimizing EHR utilization and sharing proven strategy/tools for optimizing EHR utilization, including slides and related tools.  EHR Optimization Session 1 Slides From May 2017 Learning Session; objectives include: Understand the role reporting has in EMR optimization Be able to list at least 3 considerations when developing reports to improve EMR utilization and meet the goals of the intended audience Identify at least 2 HITEQ resources for improving reporting effectiveness in facilitating decision-making Be able to discuss the interplay between reporting and data validation Slides are in the Documents to Download section; Recording is available below in the Links section.  ​Data Dictionary: Organizational tool to catalog your EHR and analytics platform data indicators A Data Dictionary provides a single point of reference for data mapping and interpretation for all of the indicators in your quality reports. Organization of the data definitions in this tool provides a reference for the team of the definitions which impact reports and alerts in the analytics application. That application may be the EHR or an analytics platform that is tied to the EHR. Anyone with questions about where data is being pulled from for any indicator can reference the Data Dictionary without analyst security privileges or expertise within the analytics tools. The Data Dictionary should be curated by analysts and made available on a shared drive or company intranet. Quality Report Inventory: Organizing your quality team with a schedule and map of quality report distribution A Report Inventory is a means to make public all available reports, the schedule for publishing to the organization, and their distribution. It provides a point of reference for all potential report requestors who are looking for data on any metric. The Report Inventory may also include reference to EHR alerts, mappings, and schedules and any supporting EHR or Population Health Management tools that are available to support improvement of each metric. Making this tool available on a shared drive or company intranet provides a point of reference for analysts to direct report requestors prior to acting on any new report request. The Report Inventory is organized by metric, including the denominator and numerator definitions, exclusions, and references to the metric steward which may be internal to the organization or external e.g. UDS, NQF, etc.. The Report Inventory should be curated by your data analysts in collaboration with the responsible metric stewards within an organization. Download each of these resources below, in the Documents to Download section. More Details...

EHR Optimization Series: Part One of Three: Including Performance Measure Crosswalk and Data Definition Worksheet (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: The first of a three-part EHR Optimization series focused on establishing goals and expectations for optimizing EHR utilization and sharing proven strategy/tools for optimizing EHR utilization, including slides and related tools.  The first of a three-part EHR Optimization series focused on establishing goals and expectations for optimizing EHR utilization and sharing proven strategy/tools for optimizing EHR utilization, including slides and related tools.  EHR Optimization Session 1 Slides From May 2017 Learning Session; agenda includes: Introductions EHR Optimization Defined Identifying “Waste” Data Life Cycle Strategies for EHR Optimization Closing/ Discussions/ Sharing eCQM Crosswalk for UDS, MIPS, PCMH, etc.: Quality Measure reference tool to understand relationship between eCQM, PCMH, Meaningful Use and UDS data measures The CMS eCQI Resource Center is the definitive eCQM resource. This tool provides a quick crosswalk to the eCQM measure definitions and guidance to which of the eCQM measures are reported for UDS 2019, MIPS, CPC+, and NCQA PCMH. *Updated in January of 2019* Performance Measure Data Definition Worksheet: Organizational tool to confirm eCQM measure specifications match EHR vendor logic ONC EHR Certification criteria means that vendors use eCQMs’ electronic Clinical Quality Measures’ specifications to define measures. Therefore, reported data for a measure should be consistent regardless of vendor. In practice, however, it is important to confirm the vendor’s logic is consistent with the health center’s definition and workflows. This tool supports alignment of the health center’s data definition with the vendor’s reporting logic. Download each of these resources below, in the Documents to Download section. Access part two and three of this series as well! More Details...

HITEQ Health App Decision Tree: A tool developed In collaboration with the Children's Health Fund to help choose appropriate Health Apps (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: There are thousands of consumer health applications health apps, which run on smartphones, watches, tablets, and other mobile devices. These Health Apps are available for download for general consumers, patients, and healthcare professionals. Currently, there is no governmental agency that provides certification or guidance on health apps, although there are several projects from organizations such as HL7, the FDA, ONC, and OCR that are working to provide guidance. User discrepancy in terms of the validity and safety of the health apps they choose to use are primarily based on ratings or recommendations. This guide seeks to provide a health app decision tree that can assist medical professionals and consumers in making wise choices when using health apps. There are thousands of consumer health applications health apps, which run on smartphones, watches, tablets, and other mobile devices. These health apps are available for download for general consumers, patients, and healthcare professionals. Currently, there is no governmental agency that provides certification or guidance on health apps, although there are several projects from organizations such as HL7, the FDA, ONC, and OCR that are working to provide guidance. User discrepancy in terms of the validity and safety of the health apps they choose to use are primarily based on ratings or recommendations. This guide seeks to provide a health app decision tree that can assist medical professionals and consumers in making wise choices when using health apps. The Children's Health Fund was made aware of a use case in which a health app that was targeted for use by adults was used for a child and consequently caused a detrimental health issue. Currently there are no certifying bodies for consumer-oriented health apps and consequently many doctors must navigate this domain themselves. This guide seeks to provide a health app decision tree that can assist medical professionals and consumers in making wise choices when using health apps. Download the decision tree below. More Details...

Measuring Population Health Management Return on Investment: A methodology to calculate ROI (Return on Investment) using a Matrix Tool (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: There is a great deal of interest among health centers, Primary Care Associations PCAs, and Health Center Controlled Networks HCCNs in the advantages associated with investing in Population Health Management electronic platforms. Measuring specific and quantifiable returns clarifies the benefits and supports consistent understanding among stakeholders of the value of PHM. There is a great deal of interest among health centers, Primary Care Associations PCAs, and Health Center Controlled Networks HCCNs in the advantages associated with investing in Population Health Management PHM electronic platforms.  Measuring specific and quantifiable returns clarifies the benefits and supports consistent understanding among stakeholders of the value of PHM. Available below, the PDF document titled Measuring Population Health Management Return on Investment outlines a conceptual process for measurement of ROI of a population health management system offered at the network level. What is presented here could also be used a starting point for developing an ROI analysis at the organizational level. The companion tool, an Excel file titled PHM ROI Matrix Tool, provides recommendations for measurement for different stages of PHM implementation and an ROI calculator. Download both of these resources below. These resources were created in partnership with Michigan Primary Care Association and Mark S. Rivera of Managed Care Consulting Inc./MCC Analytics, and HITEQ thanks both for their time, insight, and energy. More Details...

Demonstrating Value: Measuring the Impact of the Health Care for the Homeless Grantees (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: This publication provides clear examples of the uniqueness of the population experiencing homelessness and the invaluable work Health Care for the Homeless grantees providing direct services give to our communities. Additionally, first-hand accounts are provided in linked audio files, attesting the value of HCH grantees. More Details...

Data Dictionary Tool and Template: Organizational tool for your EHR and analytics platform data indicators (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: This Data Dictionary provides a single point of reference for data mapping and interpretation for all of the indicators in your quality reports. Organization of the data definitions in this tool provides a reference for the team of all such definitions that impact reports and alerts in the analytics application. This Data Dictionary provides a single point of reference for data mapping and interpretation for all of the indicators in your quality reports. Organization of the data definitions in this tool provides a reference for the team of all such definitions that impact reports and alerts in the analytics application. For example, it provides a format to document all items in a given report, and related EHR data. That application may be the EHR or an analytics platform that is tied to the EHR. Anyone with questions about where data is being pulled from for any indicator can reference the Data Dictionary without analyst security privileges or expertise within the analytics tools. The Data Dictionary should be curated by analysts and made available on a shared drive or company intranet. Download the Excel tool below to see a full example and additional instructions.  Also, see the companion Quality Report Inventory tool here. More Details...

Using Data to Manage Population Health Under Risk-Based Contracts: A background on what you need and how to use it (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: This resource will equip health center stakeholders with the understanding of what data-related capacity is needed to succeed under risk-based payment models.   This brief walks health centers through three key questions related to using data to succeed under risk-based contracts: 1 What data do I need and how do I get it?  2  How should I analyze the data? and 3 How should I use the data to manage quality and cost? Understanding the answers to these questions assists health centers in understanding the data-related capacities needed to participate successfully in risk-bearing payment models. Download the brief below! More Details...

ICD-10 Z-Codes for Social Determinants of Health: A quick reference guide for providers and health care leaders (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: This resource will equip health center stakeholders with the understanding of how standardized social determinants of health (SDoH) data can be used and which ICD10 z-codes are pertinent as a standardized SDoH data set. This resource describes ways standardized social determinant of health (SDoH) data can be used and provides a quick reference guide to which ICD-10 codes can help document standardized SDoH data.  Download here or below. More Details...

Financing Medical Respite Care: A Practical Discussion to Ensure Sustainability (2017). Resource Type: Archived Webinar. Description: As communities aim to reduce health care costs and improve patient outcomes, medical respite care programs are filling a critical need for people who are experiencing homelessness. Whether providing hospitals with a safe and legal discharge option, or creating a bridge between hospital and supportive housing programs, medical respite care is a key piece of the local continuum of health care. This webinar provides an overview of the most common ways to fund medical respite and give practical advice for how to start or grow a program in your area. More Details...

CLAS Standards and Enabling Services in Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Serving Health Centers (2017). Resource Type: Publication. Description: This report describes the culturally and linguistically appropriate standards (CLAS) and enabling services (ES) provided by staff at Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA&NHPI)-serving health centers. It details the ES staffing required to provide these services and how they impact health outcomes. The provision of enabling services ensures that medically underserved patients receive care that meets and exceeds the criteria set forth by the National Standard for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care. More Details...