The application period for the National Rural ACO is now open

LOI Reminder message:

The application period for the National Rural ACO is now open. If you are considering participating in the 2015 program year, please send the NRACO a non-binding Letter of Intent as soon as possible (deadline extended to April 18th). 

To access the NRACO’s webinars, pro forma, benefits, and pricing information, please visit their webpage for administrators. They recently released this inspiring 3-minute videoshowing the work that they’re doing with current members in Indiana.

Lynn Barr, founder of the NRACO, would be happy to host a private call or webinar with your administrative leadership, board of directors, and/or physicians. She also may be able to visit your community to answer questions in-person.

Please contact Lynn Barr (lbarr@ruralACO.com) and Georgia Green (ggreen@ruralACO.com) with any questions or to schedule a meeting. 

Georgia Green, MS
National Rural ACO
www.ruralACO.com
916.500.4777 (o)
916.914.2092 (f)

A rural healthcare organization located in the northernmost part of Maine turned to EMTS for help in finding a company that would allow for the continuation of the Point of Care program utilizing new and updated glucometers for blood glucose levels.

EMTS (www.emtsolutions.biz), a national partner of NCHN (National Cooperative of Health Networks), first met the hospital’s CFO at an introductory meeting with representatives from Synernet in late October 2013. Synernet is an outsourced provider of healthcare services primarily to hospitals, physician practices and surgical centers. They are owned by a number of Maine hospitals including this facility. Synernet met EMTS in April of 2013 at the NCHN Meeting in New Orleans. NCHN (National Cooperative of Healthcare Networks) has a master agreement with EMTS for their Capital Equipment Services in which Synernet was eligible to participate. EMTS signed an agreement with Synernet in 2013 geared to help their members and owners save money on capital equipment acquisition and related service.

In early November the hospital reached out to EMTS because the glucometer equipment that was currently being used at the hospital was being removed from the marketplace on 12/31/2013 and the hospital needed some help exploring alternatives. This was the first project being submitted to EMTS utilizing the recently signed Synernet/NCHN Agreement.

EMTS coordinated a conference call with the CFO and DON to discuss this project. During the call it was learned that a proposal had been submitted by a new national supplier in late September and it was determined based on the discussion that the hospital would like to look at alternatives available in the market. Through their extensive market knowledge and historical purchase database, EMTS determined that there were 3 primary companies in this marketplace, and initiated contact with each potential vendor.

It soon became evident that due to the large manufacturer pulling out of the business at years end, the remaining companies did not want to commit or have the resources to get this project completed prior to 12/31/2013. This was compounded by the fact that this hospital was “extremely rural” and access to the site was difficult. Overall, this project was a challenge from the start, with many moving parts and complications, but EMTS was successfully able to work through the process over several weeks and phone meetings.

Ultimately, EMTS was able to provide multiple options for the new glucometers that were integrated with the hospital’s existing information system. These options included capital purchase and reagent amortization with savings ranging from 10% to 36% over the original project that was submitted. The hospital ended up electing the reagent rental option and in doing so received the latest technology, title to the equipment after the term and direct cost savings in excess of $10,000.00. Most importantly, the Point of Care program was implemented prior to the 12/31/2013 and the continuum of care never suffered.

For More information on this case study, or to discuss in detail how EMTS can help your organization maximize your current capital budget, please contact:

EMTS - Larry Cantarano, VP Strategic Sourcing, Ph. 720-420-7966, lcantarano@emtsolutions.biz

Synernet - Mike Hutchins, Director of Clinical Engineering, Ph. 207-771-3420, mhutchins@synernet.net

Yesterday, I read an article my monthly Prevention magazine (January 2014, always running a bit behind on personal reading!) and I thought, how much does this sound like Network Leaders?  “You feel like you’re running in 90 directions at once – but never the right one.”  How does this sound like you?  I certainly related to the comment!  This time of year is a busy time for NCHN.  We are nearing the end of our fiscal year, so that brings on some additional tasks – like budget development for 2014; updating membership dues assessment form, reviewing our work plan and seeing where we have fallen short of goals and celebrating where we may have exceeded goals.  And then of course the Annual Educational Conference, at least we have a breather on this event, as it has been moved to June, but we are still very busy with all those conference details and planning.  We had planned to include the conference announcement in today’s issue, but still have a few final details to confirm, so look for a special conference email announcement later this week.  I can share with you the theme, “2014 NCHN Educational Conference – Your Gateway to Innovation, Leadership and Collaboration” and I can assure you the event will have a lot of exciting presentations, networking opportunities, sharing of ideas and fun!  So, save the date now, June 17-20, 2014 and plan to join us in St. Louis. 

 

So, back to the Prevention article – Dr. Pam Peeke offered following advice on the challenge we all face of trying to do too much!  She recommended “Adapt & Adjust.”  To do this, sit still for 10-15 minutes a day. (I know, got to find those 10-15 minutes). Call it your “quiet time” – sit quickly and check in with your breathing, focus on your breathing, and calm your mind. “Don’t ‘think’ your thoughts – let them drift away as you concentrate on deep, slow, rhythmic breathing.”

 

According to Dr. Peeke, these “quiet time” sessions, practiced once or twice a day, will strengthen your prefrontal cortex, the executive center of your brain. This helps you make the right decisions more easily, filter out time-wasting temptations, and zero in on tasks you designate as important. Think of the impact this could have on your day!  More easily made decisions for your network and zeroing in on those important tasks!  Dr. Peeke went on to say that you’ll begin to sink deeper into sensory experiences that you’re missing now – food will taste better, you’ll see things more clearly, and life will be richer. Regularly practicing the art of stilling your thoughts will strengthen your vigilance and concentration, so you can begin to prioritize your long-term goals over short-term distractions.  Her article also has some other suggestions on how to stick to your health goals with life gets in the way.  You can send questions to Dr. Peeke to askdrpeeke@prevention.com 

 

Ok, I think I’ll try this new strategy, so I’m going to take a “quiet time.” Let me know if you tried and how you are feeling in a couple of weeks! 

 

Oh yeah, also Happy Spring – so looking forward to its arrival on Thursday!

As folks across the nation dig out from reoccurring winter storms and thoughts turn to spring and warmer weather, a group of NCHN members are busy planning NCHN’s 20^th Annual Educational Conference. The event will be one of the best networking and educational opportunity for health network leaders across the country. The Conference Planning Committee received more presentation proposals than ever before!  Registration information and lodging reservation details will be available in the next eNews!  Also, watch for information about exhibit and sponsorship opportunities. Eight NCHN members have already step forward with a donation to support the keynote speaker program.  It is not too late to add your support to the 2014 Conference.  If you are interested, please just let me know.

 

This year the Conference is June 17-20 in St. Louis, Missouri.  On Tuesday, June 17, a pre-conference workshop, “Network Collaboration Workshop:  How to Add Value to your Network and Promote Health within Your Community” will be offer by the National Rural Health Resource Center. The Network Collaboration Workshop is a 4 hour interactive session providing specific skills development, peer discussion, and practice opportunities designed for rural health network leaders to support their work in building meaningful and impactful collaborations. Collaboration is one of the keys to success in our changing health care environment and being a capable and effective collaboration leader is becoming increasingly important. Specifically, rural health provider organizations, network members, are preparing themselves for changes in health care, such as, care transitions, telemedicine, health information exchange, patient engagement, and a primary care provider focus. Networks are called to meet their members’ needs with effective collaboration. During the workshop, there will be a focus on Leading Collaboration and Building Trust in Collaborative Partnerships. Specific How-To training will be supplemented with interactive discussion and a panel of peers describing their collaboration challenges, successes, and lessons learned.

 

NCHN is looking for a few good network leaders interested in becoming involved in the management and governance of the Association.  Information about Director positions will be distributed within the next few days.  If you have thought about how you could become more involved in NCHN and expand your leadership skills from your network to the national level, please consider serving as a Director. NCHN’s Board of Directors is comprised of NCHN members, serving as volunteer Directors and are elected by their peers. 

 

And, we are attempting one last push to complete the member phone interviews. Thanks to the approximately 80% of members that have participated in an interview.  We would like to achieve 100% participation in this process, so if you have not been interviewed, we will be in touch.  Please take the time to give us your feedback! 

 

Jay Seifert is the co-founder of LoneStart Wellness. He is a pioneer in applying established principles of social neuroscience and behavioral economics to individual and organizational “wellness.” His strategy is specifically designed to improve the health and well-being of those individuals most at risk for preventable chronic illness but least likely to participate in traditional “diet and exercise” programs. He is a monthly wellness guest columnist and you can see his columns in the first NCHN e-News of the month or right here on the blog.

Looking Up or Looking Down?

It’s February 4^th which means, among other things, that January is already history.  Did you know that January is named after Janus, the ancient Roman god of beginnings and transitions?  He’s usually depicted as having two faces, since he looks to the future and to the past. 

So on January first we all made like Janus by saying goodbye to 2013 and looking to a new year of fresh beginnings and positive transitions.  (The comedian George Burns said, “I look to the future because that’s where I’m going to spend the rest of my life.”) 

A month ago we talked about giving ourselves the gift of a good start by deciding what’s important and setting goals that are consistent with what we value.  By behaving with intention, we become mindful of our moment-by-moment opportunities to engage in behaviors that will enable us to reach those goals.

So now that we’re 34 days into our year of living with intention, how’s it going?  (I mean, beside the fact that it has been ridiculously cold, the groundhog saw his shadow, the Super Bowl had too little excitement and the ACA has way too much.)  Other than that, are things looking up, or down? 

Personally and professionally, are you still energized to elevate your intentions and your actions? 

Remember, intentional living isn’t about setting projections for future behavior.  It’s about setting “smart goals” (that means they are specific, realistic, measurable and attainable) and then “transitioning” toward those goals.  Here’s how:   

1. Be Mindful Just be aware of what’s happening.  Most people move through transitions on “automatic pilot.”  Be conscious, focused and deliberate.  Slow down, take a step back to observe and think about how your actions support your goals.
2. Be Specific.  What do you want to transition into?  What specific changes do you need to make to get there?  Organizationally, do you want to improve communications, reduce conflict, boost morale or encourage team-building?  Personally, do you want to find a better work-life balance, reduce some of the stressors in your life or improve your lunch-time eating habits? 
3. Be Positive.  Many of us focus more energy and attention on what we want to avoid than what we want to create.  Reframe the conversation you have with yourself and others.  Replace the negatives (“I don’t have enough . . . I can’t . . . This will never work . . .) with language that reflects a positive, but realistic expectation of success “We have the resources we need . . . I am improving . . . this will be successful . . . ).  
4. Take Ownership.  Now that you know what you want and have the opportunity to get it, decide what you are going to do to make it happen.  It’s easier to identify what you want others to do than it is to figure out what you must do to reach your goals.  Your power comes from owning what you want to do and doing it.  
5. Take a Deep Breath.    Anxiety decreases when we take action, so identifying and focusing on what you are going to do will help move you from a state of worry to a state of empowerment.

Next month we’ll focus on two NCHN member networks that are acting with intention in order to give the gift of a good start to their members, their partners and the people and communities they serve.  

For them, on this fourth day of February, things are definitely looking up.

If you have questions or issues you would like us to address in this column, contact: Jay Seifert at 512-894-3440 or jseifert@lonestartnow.com.   

I wanted to share with you some preliminary results of the phone interviews that Christy and I have been conducting with the membership.  We thank the 33 members that gave us a small portion of your busy time to participate in the phone interview.  We would love to talk to the 14 members that we have been unable to connect with so far.  If you have not been interviewed and have some time this week, please let me know.

So, from the 69% of the membership that we talked with we heard the following about top NCHN services; relevant news and information; and suggestions for new programs.  The Membership Committee will be reviewing the results of the phone interviews and making recommendations to the Board.  If you would like to be involved in this process by serving on the Membership Committee, please let me know.

Here’s what we heard from you:

Top Service

1. Annual Educational Conference

News and Information that is most relevant

• What other networks are doing

Top Suggestions for New Programs/Services

(RE: “What kind of services can we offer that would make the membership more valuable to you and to your network members?”)

• Peer to peer learning: Facilitate communication/networking among networks of similar structure, composition, and/or development

In order to reserve your space in one of the top three services of NCHN, make plans now to attend the 2014 NCHN Educational Conference, June 17-20, 2014 in St. Louis, MO.  The Conference Planning Committee reviewed 18 presentation proposals last week and were so excited about not only the quantity, but the quality of proposals received.   The hotel contract is in the final stages and lodging reservation information and registration details will be available by the middle of February. Please register early and make your room reservations, so that you can ensure your place at the 20^th Annual Conference!  We certainly have a lot to celebrate this year and want you to be a part of the celebration!

And, we really need your help in the area of news and information that you want to receive from NCHN – “what other networks are doing.”  We would love to have a network feature each issue, but you need to provide us with the information to develop such a column.  If you are interested in sharing information about a specific project or activity your network is addressing, please contact Christy.  She will be happy to work with you to develop a feature article.  Another way each one of you can contribute to this body of knowledge about networks is to complete and/or update your network profile on the NCHN website.  If you need assistance, please contact Christy.

Here are two upcoming events that provide the second top service members appreciate – networking opportunities:  

• Special Call on National Rural ACO model – Friday, January 24 @ 12:00 PM ET
• January Coffee/Tea Chat - Friday, January 31 @ 11:00 AM ET

As, we move forward in 2014, remember to take care of yourself!  We all have a lot of important work to do this year!

 

Jay Seifert is the co-founder of LoneStart Wellness. He is a pioneer in applying established principles of social neuroscience and behavioral economics to individual and organizational “wellness.” His strategy is specifically designed to improve the health and well-being of those individuals most at risk for preventable chronic illness but least likely to participate in traditional “diet and exercise” programs. He is a monthly wellness guest columnist and you can see his columns in the first NCHN e-News of the month or right here on the blog.

Giving Yourself the Gift of a Good Start

I know there’s been a lot of gifting going on the last couple of weeks and many of us may be more interested in thinking about how to pay for all that gift-giving, rather than thinking about getting yet another gift.  Besides, isn’t it better to give than receive?  Why not do both?

You can by giving yourself the gift of a good start.  It doesn’t cost anything and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving.  

Here’s all you do . . . simply behave with intention.  Decide what’s important to you and set goals that are consistent with what you value.  Then be mindful of your moment-by-moment opportunities to engage in behaviors that will enable you to reach those goals.

How is this any different than making New Year’s resolutions (also known as “a to-do list” for the first week of January)?   The difference is simple and profound.  Making a resolution is thinking about doing something.  Living with intention is doing it.  Pablo Picasso sums it up nicely:  

“What one does is what counts. Not what one had the intention of doing.”

A couple of years ago a friend recommended a novel titled The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein.  It’s worth reading if only because the narrator is a wise, old Yellow Lab named Enzo.  But it’s also a really engaging story about navigating life’s ordeals and doing so with intention:

“Such a simple concept, yet so true: that which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our successes and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves.”

So how do we give ourselves this gift of living with intention?

By applying these practices as we begin this New Year:

• Take the time to engage in personal reflection.  Slow down and think about the goals you want to accomplish this year.  Write it down and make it happen. 
• Set your intention.  Decide what you want to experience and direct your mental and emotional energy to invite, imagine and begin to experience it now.
• Make conscious choices.  Be mindful that you have a choice in every situation and then chose thoughts and actions that support the life experience you desire. 

If your intention is clear and you are emotionally invested in it, then your moment-by-moment choices are made through the filter of whether they will support or detract from your ability to reach your goals. 

This gift of a good start will pay benefits to you, your family and your networks for the entire year. 

Here’s to an Epic 2014!

If you have questions or issues you would like us to address in this column, contact: Jay Seifert at 512-894-3440 or jseifert@lonestartnow.com.   

[From ORHP via NRHA]:

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (ORHP) is interested in hearing from you on how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation is going in rural communities. Here are some sample question for you to help provide input on:

1.    Are rural hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health Clinics hearing of issues related to utilizing new private insurance or Medicaid expansion coverage from the Marketplace? 

2.    Are patients having trouble getting an appointment with a particular type of doctor? Any issues filling prescriptions? 

3.    Are your former patients without coverage now using their private insurance at your facility? Or are they seeking care elsewhere? 

4.    Are rural hospitals, Critical Access Hospitals and Rural Health Clinics hearing from patients that they aren't sure they are eligible for Medicaid? 

5.    Are patients bringing in eligibility notices that are confusing? 

6.    Is the patient's plan accepting claims for newly eligible individuals or is the provider getting EOBs that the individual is not enrolled in Medicaid or the plan? 

Coverage through the Marketplace or Medicaid Expansion has only just begun, but ORHP wants to stay ahead of issues that emerge.  I encourage you to pass along any observations through the ACA email inbox. 

Additionally, ORHP invites you to participate in their ongoing weekly office hours to share any thoughts, suggestions and concerns you may have.  The information for the call is below: 

ORHP ACA Office Hours

Wednesday, January 8, 2014
3-4 p.m. EST
Call-in Number: (800) 857-3749
Passcode: ORHPACA
Adobe Connect Session: https://hrsa.connectsolutions.com/orh1/

Can you even believe that it is almost the end of 2013?  I can remember my Mom saying quite often when I was a young girl, “The older you get, the faster time seems to go.”  Now, I think I totally understand what she was talking about, although back then it sounded kind of silly to me, especially when waiting for Christmas to come each year.  So, as we moved into the holiday season our hope, Christy and I, along with the Board of Directors, hope that this holiday season you are surrounded by friends, family and fun times.

 

And, as we look toward 2014, my challenge to you is to take the time to take care of yourself.  We all have very important work to do in the upcoming year. As the Affordable Care Act continues to be implemented, networks could and should be planning to play a major role.  This week on the Quarterly Informational Call we learned more about an advance payment model and how networks could become involved in a rural ACO.  In 2014, NCHN will be holding additional discussions on topics relevant to health networks. 

 

As we end 2013, this is the last eNews issue of the year, we thank you for your support.  Our last big activity of 2013 is completing member interviews. If you have not been interviewed yet, please contact Rebecca or Christy to schedule your interview before the end of the year! We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2014.  Some activities on tap for 2014 includes the Annual Educational Conference, June 18-20, in St. Louis, Missouri (Call for Presentations went out last week); Quarterly Informational Calls, continuation of the 2013 Leadership Learning Community, monthly Coffee/Tea Chats; list serve access for questions to your peers; and we will be conducting the Network Leader Salary and Benefit Survey.  I encourage you to take advantage of your membership benefits!  

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

 

Expanded Learning Management System Now Part of VCW Platform

CENTENNIAL, CO - 12/16/13 - Providing access through technology is at the heart of the Virtual Care Works mission, and was the key driver for expanding the continuing education capabilities of its platform. 

“We work with a number of groups who are using our platform to facilitate medical education across geographically divided locations, quite often very remote locations.  Feedback from these members made us realize that there was interest in expanding our platform’s educational capabilities,” said Jim Ward, Telehealth and Marketing Specialist at Virtual Care Works.

Previously, Virtual Care Works offered its members access to CORRE, a searchable database of timely and clinically relevant continuing education for healthcare professionals.  In response to member interest, Virtual Care Works turned to partner Educational Measures to build a learning management system that would be embedded in the platform and available as part of the VCW membership.

“We selected Educational Measures as our partner in expanding of offering based on their experience, their ability to meet our specific technology and security parameters and their commitment to innovation,” said Ward.  “We were excited to work with a partner who has a team of developers that can ensure our offering has the ability to grow and scale with us as we respond to our members needs and usage patterns.”

The integrated learning management system gives VCW members a framework to administer, document, track, report and deliver e-learning education courses or training programs.  (Members also have the ability to link their own proprietary learning management systems to the VCW platform if they choose.)

The Educational Measures team is enthusiastic about the partnership as well.  “We feel that telehealth is an emerging market for us and we are thrilled to be partners with an organization like Virtual Care Works who is already established in this space,” said Marc Crawford, President at Educational Measures.

About Virtual Care Works  

Virtual Care Works (VCW) provides secure, “medical-grade” communications solutions for health care providers.  The VCW platform includes tools to converse with colleagues and patients via videoconference, exchange medical data and images via secure email or text and collaborate across a secure, HIPAA-compliant network.  Healthcare organizations of all types and size benefit from the safety and security VCW offers, and use the VCW platform to avoid the significant fines ($10k per violation, up to $1.5m annually) and penalties that come with mishandling health information.  VCW partners with other industry leaders such as Dell, Juniper Networks, Level 3 Communications and Vidyo to provide their medical-grade communications platform.  VCW has members nationwide and is headquartered outside of Denver, CO.         

About Educational Measures

Founded over a decade ago as a technology company focused on data collection and management in the healthcare industry, Educational Measures was created to meet a need in the marketplace; the need to effectively collect and analyze data to its fullest extent to improve physician performance and ultimately patient care. Using their background in technology and education, the founders built a company based on cutting edge technology, innovative thinking and superior customer service.

Today, the company has expanded its services across all industries and added a suite of innovative, customizable products and services designed to help companies properly utilize content and data. With offices in Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New York, Educational Measures’ staff works to ensure their clients deliver content effectively and collect the data they need, because more facts, more figures and better stratification lead to more powerful results.

Comments and questions are greatly appreciated!  Feel free to contact Jim Ward directly: jim.ward@virtualcareworks.com

About the Author
Jim Ward serves as Telhealth Specialist with Virtual Care Works. VCW is a secure, private broadband network enabling the practice of telemedicine, telebehavioral health and medical education as well as the exchange of protected patient data and medical images. VCW is a NCHN Business Partner.