Rural America faces special healthcare challenges. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 3.6 million people in Illinois live in a health professional shortage area, which is a federal designation for geographic areas that lack adequate primary care clinicians.
IHC medical director Dr. Margaret Kirkegaard and three colleagues delivered a presentation entitled Medical Home Transformation for the Rural Practice at the Illinois Rural Health Association Annual Conference in Effingham on April 25 that addresses these challenges.
The co-presenters were: Dr. Rachel Winters, a family physician from Lawrenceville, Vince Keenan, the Executive Vice President of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, and Scott Allen, the Executive Director of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Together, they discussed the medical home model of care and the unique characteristics of implementing the medical home model in rural practices. The presentation materials can be viewed on the webinar page of the IHC website.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
IHC medical director co-presents at national primary care conference
Illinois Health Connect medical director Dr. Margaret Kirkegaard and Dr. Robert Phillips, director of The Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies in Family Medicine and Primary Care were co-presenters at the recent Annual Stakeholders’ Conference for Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative in Washington, D.C.
The Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative is a coalition of major employers, consumer groups, patient quality organizations, health plans, labor unions, hospitals, clinicians and many others who have joined together to develop and advance the patient-centered medical home (PCMH). The Collaborative has well over 900 members.
Dr. Kirkegaard provided a description of Illinois Health Connect (IHC) to nearly 400 conference attendees. Dr. Phillips described the preliminary results of a Graham Center evaluation of the IHC program. The principal findings of the study show that between 2007 and 2010, Illinois Health Connect saved the state $531 million in healthcare costs with a reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
The Graham Center evaluation was supported by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund, a national, private foundation based in New York City that supports independent research on healthcare issues and makes grants to improve healthcare practice and policy .
The Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative is a coalition of major employers, consumer groups, patient quality organizations, health plans, labor unions, hospitals, clinicians and many others who have joined together to develop and advance the patient-centered medical home (PCMH). The Collaborative has well over 900 members.
Dr. Kirkegaard provided a description of Illinois Health Connect (IHC) to nearly 400 conference attendees. Dr. Phillips described the preliminary results of a Graham Center evaluation of the IHC program. The principal findings of the study show that between 2007 and 2010, Illinois Health Connect saved the state $531 million in healthcare costs with a reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
The Graham Center evaluation was supported by a grant from the Commonwealth Fund, a national, private foundation based in New York City that supports independent research on healthcare issues and makes grants to improve healthcare practice and policy .
ISMS delegates support improved obesity care at annual conference
Improved obesity care and improved processes for nursing home certification were among the issues that Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) physician delegates voted to support at the recent ISMS Annual Conference and House of Delegates in Oak Brook.
Physicians from across the state attended to debate healthcare issues and establish ISMS policy. During the three-day conference, physician delegates voted to support important issues affecting the health and well-being of patients such as: improved care for obesity, more rigorous health evaluations for persons prior to receiving a public transportation license and improved certification processes for nursing homes.
IHC medical director Dr. Margaret Kirkegaard attended the conference as a delegate from DuPage County and also represented the specialty society of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians.
Physicians from across the state attended to debate healthcare issues and establish ISMS policy. During the three-day conference, physician delegates voted to support important issues affecting the health and well-being of patients such as: improved care for obesity, more rigorous health evaluations for persons prior to receiving a public transportation license and improved certification processes for nursing homes.
IHC medical director Dr. Margaret Kirkegaard attended the conference as a delegate from DuPage County and also represented the specialty society of the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Medicaid brochures available in several languages
There are two helpful brochures available at Medicare.gov that explain Medicaid. The brochures are available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese.
Click on the desired language for "What is Medicare? What is Medicaid?"
Spanish
Chinese
Korean
Russian
Tagalog
Vietnamese
Click on the desired language for "Medicaid: Getting Started."
Spanish
Chinese
Korean
Russian
Tagalog
Vietnamese
Click on the desired language for "What is Medicare? What is Medicaid?"
Spanish
Chinese
Korean
Russian
Tagalog
Vietnamese
Click on the desired language for "Medicaid: Getting Started."
Spanish
Chinese
Korean
Russian
Tagalog
Vietnamese
New wellness assessment procedure code available for encounter rate billing
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) issued an informational notice to announce that Encounter Rate Clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Centers can now use procedure code S5190 for a non-physician wellness assessment when an office visit does not meet the requirements for a face-to-face encounter.
No payment for these services will be generated. The purpose of this code is to allow clinics to report quality information such as when a nurse administers an immunization without a physician visit. Utilizing this code will positively affect a clinic's scores on Illinois Health Connect (IHC) Provider Profiles and IHC Bonus Payment for High Performance.
This code should be used instead of T1015 and cannot be used on same claim as T1015.
HFS covered the use of S5190 during a recent IHC webinar. You can locate the information about S5190 on slide 25.
Further questions regarding use of S5190 or the HFS informational notice should be directed to the HFS Bureau of Comprehensive Health Services at 1-877-782-5565.
If you have questions about your IHC Provider Profiles or Bonus Payment, please contact your IHC Quality Assurance Nurse or the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 1-877-912-1999.
No payment for these services will be generated. The purpose of this code is to allow clinics to report quality information such as when a nurse administers an immunization without a physician visit. Utilizing this code will positively affect a clinic's scores on Illinois Health Connect (IHC) Provider Profiles and IHC Bonus Payment for High Performance.
This code should be used instead of T1015 and cannot be used on same claim as T1015.
HFS covered the use of S5190 during a recent IHC webinar. You can locate the information about S5190 on slide 25.
Further questions regarding use of S5190 or the HFS informational notice should be directed to the HFS Bureau of Comprehensive Health Services at 1-877-782-5565.
If you have questions about your IHC Provider Profiles or Bonus Payment, please contact your IHC Quality Assurance Nurse or the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 1-877-912-1999.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
ABC's help, but "U" can make the difference in managing your diabetes
Managing your diabetes will help you feel your best and live a healthy life. Understanding you diabetes is an important first step to treating your diabetes.
Blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is an important source of energy for your body. Glucose comes from two sources: the food you eat and your liver. When you have diabetes, you have too much glucose in your blood. Too much glucose can lead to serious health problems.
To regulate the amount of glucose in your blood, your pancreas makes insulin, which turns glucose into the energy you need. But if you have diabetes, your body cannot make enough insulin, or is not able to use the insulin it makes properly.
It is important to know the ABC's of diabetes. The "A" in ABC stands for the A1C test. This blood test tells you how well you controlled your blood sugar during the past three months. If you A1C is seven or less, you are doing a great job managing your diabetes. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to see what target is right for you. Try to meet this target by eating healthy, exercising, and taking your diabetes medicine as prescribed. When your doctor asks you to get your A1C test, be sure to go and get it done.
The "B" stands for blood pressure. Try to keep your blood pressure under 130/80. A diet low in fat and salt can help lower blood pressure; but sometimes diet is not enough. Your doctor may prescribe medicine that can lower your blood pressure. It is important that you take your blood pressure medicine every day exactly how your doctor prescribes it. If you miss a dose, call your PCP or pharmacist for instructions.
The "C" stands for cholesterol. Having high cholesterol increases your risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart attack. There are two kinds of cholesterol in the body: LDL, which is the bad cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol sticks to your blood vessels and makes it harder for your heart to pump blood. The HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from your blood vessels. For diabetics, the LDL goal is less than 100; while the HDL goal for men is more than 40, and more than 50 for women. You can reduce your LDL by eating healthy, fiber-rich foods. Eating grilled or baked foods is a better choice than fried. Eating high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal or whole wheat bread, also helps lower LDL levels.
There is even a more important letter in the alphabet than A, B, or C that will control your diabetes. That letter is "U." You are the one who can best manage your diabetes with the help of your healthcare team. You can do this by:
* Taking your medications every day, no matter how you feel. Call your provider if you have any side effects to the medicine you are taking or if you are too sick to take them.
* Eating a low-fat, fiber-rich diet. Talk to your PCP at your medical home to help you develop a meal plan, if you do not have one.
* If you drink alcohol, do not drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day. Drink alcohol with food, and avoid sugary drinks, like daiquiris and margaritas. Alcohol can interfere with your diabetes medicine. Talk to your PCP about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you.
* Get moving 30-60 minutes a day. Walking is a great way to do this. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that do not pinch your feet. Before starting any exercise program, talk to your provider about what exercise would be best for you.
* Ask for support if you feel down or overwhelmed. Talking to a support group, friend, or clergy member about your concerns can help you stay motivated and reduce stress.
* Check your blood sugar as often as your PCP wants you to. Writing these numbers down in a notebook will help you keep track of your blood sugar throughout the day.
* Check your skin for sores or blisters. Call your PCP if you have changes in eyesight, or experience numbness in your hands or feet.
Diabetes is a serious disease. With proper diet, exercise, medication, and help from your medical home, you can manage it. Remember that "U" are the most important part of this. Get started today.
If you do not know who your PCP is or would like help scheduling an appointment with your PCP, call Illinois Health Connect. We can help you! The toll-free number is 1-877-912-1999 (TTY: 1-866-565-8577).
Blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is an important source of energy for your body. Glucose comes from two sources: the food you eat and your liver. When you have diabetes, you have too much glucose in your blood. Too much glucose can lead to serious health problems.
To regulate the amount of glucose in your blood, your pancreas makes insulin, which turns glucose into the energy you need. But if you have diabetes, your body cannot make enough insulin, or is not able to use the insulin it makes properly.
It is important to know the ABC's of diabetes. The "A" in ABC stands for the A1C test. This blood test tells you how well you controlled your blood sugar during the past three months. If you A1C is seven or less, you are doing a great job managing your diabetes. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to see what target is right for you. Try to meet this target by eating healthy, exercising, and taking your diabetes medicine as prescribed. When your doctor asks you to get your A1C test, be sure to go and get it done.
The "B" stands for blood pressure. Try to keep your blood pressure under 130/80. A diet low in fat and salt can help lower blood pressure; but sometimes diet is not enough. Your doctor may prescribe medicine that can lower your blood pressure. It is important that you take your blood pressure medicine every day exactly how your doctor prescribes it. If you miss a dose, call your PCP or pharmacist for instructions.
The "C" stands for cholesterol. Having high cholesterol increases your risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and heart attack. There are two kinds of cholesterol in the body: LDL, which is the bad cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol, which is the good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol sticks to your blood vessels and makes it harder for your heart to pump blood. The HDL cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from your blood vessels. For diabetics, the LDL goal is less than 100; while the HDL goal for men is more than 40, and more than 50 for women. You can reduce your LDL by eating healthy, fiber-rich foods. Eating grilled or baked foods is a better choice than fried. Eating high-fiber foods, such as oatmeal or whole wheat bread, also helps lower LDL levels.
There is even a more important letter in the alphabet than A, B, or C that will control your diabetes. That letter is "U." You are the one who can best manage your diabetes with the help of your healthcare team. You can do this by:
* Taking your medications every day, no matter how you feel. Call your provider if you have any side effects to the medicine you are taking or if you are too sick to take them.
* Eating a low-fat, fiber-rich diet. Talk to your PCP at your medical home to help you develop a meal plan, if you do not have one.
* If you drink alcohol, do not drink more than two alcoholic beverages a day. Drink alcohol with food, and avoid sugary drinks, like daiquiris and margaritas. Alcohol can interfere with your diabetes medicine. Talk to your PCP about whether drinking alcohol is safe for you.
* Get moving 30-60 minutes a day. Walking is a great way to do this. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes that do not pinch your feet. Before starting any exercise program, talk to your provider about what exercise would be best for you.
* Ask for support if you feel down or overwhelmed. Talking to a support group, friend, or clergy member about your concerns can help you stay motivated and reduce stress.
* Check your blood sugar as often as your PCP wants you to. Writing these numbers down in a notebook will help you keep track of your blood sugar throughout the day.
* Check your skin for sores or blisters. Call your PCP if you have changes in eyesight, or experience numbness in your hands or feet.
Diabetes is a serious disease. With proper diet, exercise, medication, and help from your medical home, you can manage it. Remember that "U" are the most important part of this. Get started today.
If you do not know who your PCP is or would like help scheduling an appointment with your PCP, call Illinois Health Connect. We can help you! The toll-free number is 1-877-912-1999 (TTY: 1-866-565-8577).
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
HFS medical card update
In the most recent Illinois Health Connect newsletter (Volume 4, Issue 2), we told you that the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) would start issuing durable medical cards to HFS clients in early 2012. HFS has decided to continue using paper medical cards.
Stay tuned! You will receive more information if changes are made.
Stay tuned! You will receive more information if changes are made.
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