Events

Dive into the importance of the transition to value basics for rural health care providers, establishing and strengthening the foundation of their business.

Define what virtual primary care is and what a visit looks like for a patient. Recall data and evidence related to the effectiveness of virtual primary care. Identify the opportunities and challenges of virtual primary care for rural health providers. Describe how COVID is affecting and may affect virtual primary care as a service line.

Gain knowledge regarding new models of health care payment and delivery. Understand updates to these models and the changes that have occurred from the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how Flex Programs can help support new models of payment and delivery.

During this presentation, Dr. Clint MacKinney will discuss the state of rural value-based care and payment, and recommend four strategies to inform value-based contract decision-making to help prepare rural healthcare organizations for value-based care.

Understand changes and updates to CAHMPAS including the return of CAH Financial Indicator Reports (CAHFIR) Reports. Hear how other Flex Coordinators utilize CAHMPAS including methods for pulling data, generating reports, and determining what data to look at.

Recall the usual elements of telehealth reimbursement policy. Recognize pre-COVID telehealth policy. Explain how the public health emergency (PHE) has affected telehealth policy. Describe other federal developments around telehealth policy. Summarize effects of PHE-related telehealth changes on rural health care organizations.

Describe the financial and quality impacts of rural hospital and clinic telehealth use. Express market protection concerns for rural hospitals from non-traditional competitors with broad increased use and acceptance of telehealth. Recognize enhanced access to health care for rural patients. Recognize the benefits of telehealth use in value-based payment models.
Recall peer Flex Program experiences with telehealth initiatives

Participate in group sharing of ideas regarding the Quality Improvement project for this year’s Flex NCC. Hear updates regarding CMS Hospital Star Ratings and electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs). Hear general MBQIP updates.

This session will explore the many potential benefits (financial and otherwise) that can be achieved under value-based reimbursement models. In addition, we will explore how to build organizational support for these programs and how to financially prepare for these opportunities. 

View a summary from the National Rural HIT Coalition meeting with state and federal updates. Discussion topics included HIT updates related to telehealth, COVID-19, infrastructure and broadband, and industry-based telehealth and the impact on rural health.

This SHIP Technical Assistance (TA) explored SHIP activities surrounding telehealth and mobile health hardware/software. Speakers from the Iowa, Kentucky, Oregon, and Washington SHIP Programs will discuss their telehealth investments and implementation experiences.

Learn basic telehealth concepts. Understand telehealth regulatory changes and waivers during and after COVID. Identify ways that Flex programs can support the telehealth needs of CAHs and RHCs in their state. Understand how increased telehealth use could impact finances, quality improvement measures, and movement to value-based care and population health.

View a summary from the National Rural HIT Coalition meeting with state and federal updates. Discussion topics included HIT updates related to telehealth, COVID-19, infrastructure/ broadband, information integration efforts in rural, and rural tele-mental health initiatives.

Learn about FORHP’s plans to help states increase the Flex focus on quality improvement efforts during budget year 3. Discuss how FORHP’s plans align with previously discussed MBQIP refresh efforts. Hear general MBQIP updates from FORHP and RQITA.

Understand the basics of health equity and the impact of President Biden's Health Equity Executive Order. Identify national health equity initiatives. Learn health equity activities relevant for state Flex Programs and CAHs.

Understand the HHS carryover process and necessary steps required. Hear from Flex programs that have utilized carryover Flex funds. Hear examples of Flex programs shifting activities to avoid the carryover process.

Discover staff engagement and wellness best practices for building Flex Program longevity. Identify employee satisfaction opportunities within different organization types (state government, non-profit, and university). Share innovative ways to celebrate Flex program successes.

View a summary from the National Rural HIT Coalition meeting with state and federal updates. Discussion topics included HIT updates related to telehealth, COVID-19, infrastructure/broadband, and ensuring quality in telehealth.

Explore the updated MBQIP Data Reports and understand how to make use of them. Review available resources to support MBQIP at the state and hospital level in the context of the results of the Annual RQITA Assessment. Discuss additional MBQIP resource and support needs and requests.

Discuss the benefits of integration of primary care and rural hospitals, particularly regarding population health, value payment, and care coordination work. Explain how rural health networks enhance patient care, integrate services, and support the health of the people in their service areas.