The Illinois Academy of Family Physicians (IAFP) and the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) offer free web-based continuing medical education credits on a variety of clinical topics that are relevant to IHC patients. We encourage all PCPs to take advantage of these opportunities!
IAFP offers a variety of free online CME activities developed by Family Physicians for primary care, including several Quality Improvement (QI) programs. These activities and resources can be accessed at www.iafp.com/education if you register.
There are currently 14 CME activities on the IAFP website, including several Quality Improvement Programs. The resources cover pain management, mental health, chronic disease management, military families, heart failure, substance abuse and smoking cessation, and how to manage them in primary care practice.
ICAAP also offers several CME opportunities through free, web-based trainings. The Enhancing Developmentally Oriented Primary Care (EDOPC) and Bright Smiles From Birth trainings offer a total of six web-based courses for CME credits.
EDOPC is a partnership between the Advocate Health Care Healthy Steps program and ICAAP. You can register online at http://www.edopc.org/ for the following topics: early intervention; developmental screening and referral; domestic violence and its effects on children; identifying perinatal maternal depression during the well-child visit; social, emotional and autism concerns.
Bright Smiles from Birth is a program designed to provide information on children's oral health to primary care providers and staff. The online course provides an overview of oral health in young children and how to apply fluoride varnish. Providers who complete the program are eligible for reimbursement for application of fluoride varnish on children less than 36 months old.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Illinois Tobacco Quitline offers free help!
Do you want to stop using tobacco? The Illinois Tobacco Quitline will help you. The phone number is 1-866-QUIT-YES.
You can call Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can also leave voice messages after hours. Illinois Tobacco Quitline representatives return messages the next business day.
A counselor checks on your needs and helps you develop a quitting program customized for you.
Make the choice today for better health!
You can call Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can also leave voice messages after hours. Illinois Tobacco Quitline representatives return messages the next business day.
A counselor checks on your needs and helps you develop a quitting program customized for you.
Make the choice today for better health!
Monday, March 25, 2013
EHR attestation application for program year 2012 is available
Update: HFS announced on March 22 that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted HFS an extension for accepting program year 2012 attestations. The new program year 2012 deadline is April 30, 2013.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced that the 2012 Electronic Health Record (EHR) Provider Incentive Payment Program attestation application is now available for eligible professionals.
The EHR Provider Incentive Payment application can be found on the MEDI Home screen of the HFS MEDI System. HFS reported a technical problem made the online application unavailable March 1-4.
The application is now available for eligible professionals (EP) to attest for program year 2012 only. An online attestation application must be completed prior to March 31, 2013, in order to submit program year 2012 attestation.
Program year 2013 attestation will be available during the second quarter of calendar year 2013.
Providers can send questions about the EHR Incentive Payment Program to hfs.ehrincentive@illinois.gov.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced that the 2012 Electronic Health Record (EHR) Provider Incentive Payment Program attestation application is now available for eligible professionals.
The EHR Provider Incentive Payment application can be found on the MEDI Home screen of the HFS MEDI System. HFS reported a technical problem made the online application unavailable March 1-4.
The application is now available for eligible professionals (EP) to attest for program year 2012 only. An online attestation application must be completed prior to March 31, 2013, in order to submit program year 2012 attestation.
Program year 2013 attestation will be available during the second quarter of calendar year 2013.
Providers can send questions about the EHR Incentive Payment Program to hfs.ehrincentive@illinois.gov.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Talk to your PCP about all your medications
You should always keep a list of your medications with you. When you visit your Primary Care Provider (PCP), bring all your medications, or your list of medications, with you. This helps your PCP manage your health.
If you see other doctors, let them know what your PCP has prescribed. Let your PCP know if another doctor has prescribed drugs for you. This includes medicine prescribed in the emergency room. Let doctors know about vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter drugs you take.
If possible, always use the same pharmacy. This will make it possible for the pharmacist to help you understand all the drugs you take. It will also help avoid possible drug reactions that could harm you.
When a new drug is prescribed, ask questions. Why do I need to take this drug? How long should I take the drug? What are the possible side effects? What are possible drug interactions? Are there other treatments possible other than the drug?
Do not stop taking a medication without talking with your PCP.
HFS is working to reduce complications when a client is taking several medications at the same time. Soon your doctor or pharmacist must get special approval for you to get more than four prescriptions in a month.
Prescriptions for some medications do not require a review. Over-the-counter items do not need approval. Approval can be granted the same day it is requested. However, it will take several hours.
It is important to keep your prescriptions current. Do not wait until you have run out before calling your PCP. A pharmacy may issue a three-day supply in an emergency.
If you see other doctors, let them know what your PCP has prescribed. Let your PCP know if another doctor has prescribed drugs for you. This includes medicine prescribed in the emergency room. Let doctors know about vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter drugs you take.
If possible, always use the same pharmacy. This will make it possible for the pharmacist to help you understand all the drugs you take. It will also help avoid possible drug reactions that could harm you.
When a new drug is prescribed, ask questions. Why do I need to take this drug? How long should I take the drug? What are the possible side effects? What are possible drug interactions? Are there other treatments possible other than the drug?
Do not stop taking a medication without talking with your PCP.
HFS is working to reduce complications when a client is taking several medications at the same time. Soon your doctor or pharmacist must get special approval for you to get more than four prescriptions in a month.
Prescriptions for some medications do not require a review. Over-the-counter items do not need approval. Approval can be granted the same day it is requested. However, it will take several hours.
It is important to keep your prescriptions current. Do not wait until you have run out before calling your PCP. A pharmacy may issue a three-day supply in an emergency.
IHC Client Education Pads are now available
Illinois Health Connect has updated its Client Education Pads and has been distributing them at no cost to medical homes during quarterly visits.
The Client Education Pads are pocket-sized tear-offs and include educational messages about the importance of well visits, immunizations and contacting their Primary Care Provider (PCP) first before using the emergency room.
The IHC phone number and Web site are listed along with contact information for the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). There are also messages informing the clients about the importance of contacting DHS and IHC to update their address and phone number when they move. The pads also request that clients call their PCP to cancel appointments they can't keep.
The backside of each pad has the same message in Spanish. The pads also leave space to indicate the IHC provider number for the assigned PCP along with the office phone number.
Contact your Provider Services Representative (PSR) or Quality Assurance Nurse (QAN) if you would like more of the pads. PSR and QAN contact information is available on the IHC Provider Portal (via MEDI) or from the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 877-912-1999, extension 3.
The Client Education Pads are pocket-sized tear-offs and include educational messages about the importance of well visits, immunizations and contacting their Primary Care Provider (PCP) first before using the emergency room.
The IHC phone number and Web site are listed along with contact information for the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). There are also messages informing the clients about the importance of contacting DHS and IHC to update their address and phone number when they move. The pads also request that clients call their PCP to cancel appointments they can't keep.
The backside of each pad has the same message in Spanish. The pads also leave space to indicate the IHC provider number for the assigned PCP along with the office phone number.
Contact your Provider Services Representative (PSR) or Quality Assurance Nurse (QAN) if you would like more of the pads. PSR and QAN contact information is available on the IHC Provider Portal (via MEDI) or from the IHC Provider Services Help Desk at 877-912-1999, extension 3.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Learning how to use your inhaler is important
It is important to properly use a metered dose inhaler (MDI). An MDI is a common treatment. MDIs are often used to treat COPD and asthma. But MDIs can also be used to treat other lung conditions.
An inhaler has a canister of medication and a mouthpiece. Pressing on the canister releases a mist of medicine that is inhaled into the lungs.
It is best to also use a spacer or chamber. A spacer is a tube that allows the medicine to be more easily breathed. Spacers are helpful for all patients, especially young children and older adults. MDIs work best with a spacer.
Ask your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to prescribe a spacer. MDIs and spacers are both covered services for HFS clients.
Take all your medications with you when you have an appointment with your PCP. It is important to talk to your PCP about all the medications you take.
Ask about the directions of how to use your MDI. How often should you use it? Make sure you understand if it is a rescue inhaler to be used when you have symptoms, or if it is for daily use, even if you feel well.
Knowing how to properly use your MDI is important. This ensures that the right amount of medicine goes into your airways.
Follow the steps below to correctly use an MDI. Watch this video to learn more about using a spacer or chamber. Watch this video if you use an MDI without a spacer or chamber.
An inhaler has a canister of medication and a mouthpiece. Pressing on the canister releases a mist of medicine that is inhaled into the lungs.
It is best to also use a spacer or chamber. A spacer is a tube that allows the medicine to be more easily breathed. Spacers are helpful for all patients, especially young children and older adults. MDIs work best with a spacer.
Ask your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to prescribe a spacer. MDIs and spacers are both covered services for HFS clients.
Take all your medications with you when you have an appointment with your PCP. It is important to talk to your PCP about all the medications you take.
Ask about the directions of how to use your MDI. How often should you use it? Make sure you understand if it is a rescue inhaler to be used when you have symptoms, or if it is for daily use, even if you feel well.
Knowing how to properly use your MDI is important. This ensures that the right amount of medicine goes into your airways.
Follow the steps below to correctly use an MDI. Watch this video to learn more about using a spacer or chamber. Watch this video if you use an MDI without a spacer or chamber.
- Remove the cap and hold the inhaler upright.
- Tilt your head back slightly and breathe out.
- Hold the inhaler in one of three ways. The first way is to hold the inhaler one to two inches from your mouth. The second way is to put your mouth on the end of the spacer. If the first two options are not available, place the inhaler in your mouth.
- Press down on the inhaler to release the medicine as you breathe slowly. Breathe slowly for three to five seconds.
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds. This allows the medicine to go deeply into the lungs.
- Repeat puffs as directed. Wait one minute between puffs.
I-CARE webinars are available throughout 2013
The Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) is hosting four webinars this year as well as in-person trainings for the I-CARE immunization database.
The webinar dates are January 23 (Illinois Health Connect presentation), June 28, September 18 and December 3.
For more information, contact Annie Boesen at aboesen@illinoisaap.com or 312-733-1026, extension 216. If you are interested in participating in future training sessions, complete this survey, and you will be contacted when future sessions are scheduled.
The webinar dates are January 23 (Illinois Health Connect presentation), June 28, September 18 and December 3.
For more information, contact Annie Boesen at aboesen@illinoisaap.com or 312-733-1026, extension 216. If you are interested in participating in future training sessions, complete this survey, and you will be contacted when future sessions are scheduled.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Eating healthy and getting moving can be fun for you and your entire family!
You know it is important to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. But, it may not always seem easy for you and your lifestyle. Well, it can be.
Get in the habit! Eating healthy and getting moving can be fun, exciting, and life changing!
How do you do it?
Every day you should get: 5 servings of fruit or vegetables; 4 servings of water; 3 servings of low-fat dairy; 2 hours or less of screen time (TV or computer); 1 or more hours of dancing, jumping, or just moving.
To get started, set small goals for you and your family each day. Here are some examples.
* Have a day without soda, a day without treats or a day without fast food.
* Have a day when you eat an extra piece of fruit.
* Have a day when you drink two extra glasses of water an extra glass of milk.
As you reach your daily goals, set weekly goals. Here are some examples.
* A week without soda, treats or fast food.
* Get moving three times per week.
* Try a new healthy recipe for one of your meals, and have everyone work together to prepare it.
Keep it going! Once you reach your daily and weekly goals, set monthly goals. Reaching goals over time makes healthy habits easy, fun and part of your everyday living. When everybody in your household is excited to do it, it makes it fun for the whole family!
The sooner you start, the sooner you will be on the road to a healthy, happy, active life. Talk to your Illinois Health Connect Primary Care Provider (PCP) at your medical home for more ideas on how to set healthy habits for you and your family.
Source: Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children.
Get in the habit! Eating healthy and getting moving can be fun, exciting, and life changing!
How do you do it?
Every day you should get: 5 servings of fruit or vegetables; 4 servings of water; 3 servings of low-fat dairy; 2 hours or less of screen time (TV or computer); 1 or more hours of dancing, jumping, or just moving.
To get started, set small goals for you and your family each day. Here are some examples.
* Have a day without soda, a day without treats or a day without fast food.
* Have a day when you eat an extra piece of fruit.
* Have a day when you drink two extra glasses of water an extra glass of milk.
As you reach your daily goals, set weekly goals. Here are some examples.
* A week without soda, treats or fast food.
* Get moving three times per week.
* Try a new healthy recipe for one of your meals, and have everyone work together to prepare it.
Keep it going! Once you reach your daily and weekly goals, set monthly goals. Reaching goals over time makes healthy habits easy, fun and part of your everyday living. When everybody in your household is excited to do it, it makes it fun for the whole family!
The sooner you start, the sooner you will be on the road to a healthy, happy, active life. Talk to your Illinois Health Connect Primary Care Provider (PCP) at your medical home for more ideas on how to set healthy habits for you and your family.
Source: Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children.
Monday, March 4, 2013
HFS provides EHR incentive payment update
March 4 Update: HFS has made payments to 2,779 EPs totalling more than $58.3 million. These totals are for program year 1. There are 264 EPs in the work queue, including 73 from 2011.
January 18 Update: HFS has made payments to 2,102 EPs totalling more than $44.1 million. That includes 1,661 from 2011 attestation and 441 from 2012. There are 1,033 EPs in the work queue, including 582 from 2011.
November 8 Update: HFS has made payments to 1,574 EPs totalling more than $33.1 million. There are 1,296 EPs in the work queue, including 859 for payment year 2011.
October 24 Update: HFS reported that 1,536 EPs had received payments of more than $33 million as of October 24.
September 27 Update: HFS reported 1,334 EPs received payments of more than $28.1 million. There were 212 EPs in the payment queue representing more than $4.5 in pending payments as well as 1,224 EPs in the pre-payment audit process.The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) provided an update on the status of payments for the Electronic Health Records Provider Incentive Payment Program during the most recent meeting of the Illinois Health Information Exchange Medicaid Work Group.
As of September 13, HFS reported payments of more than $26.8 million to 1,276 Eligible Professionals (EP) for payment year 2011. HFS reported that 273 EP were in the payment queue and that 1,222 remained in the pre-payment audit process.
HFS is developing plans for targeted provider outreach and education. The goal of this outreach is to assist providers with more accurately calculating their Medicaid patient volume, which HFS has indicated is one of the main factors holding EHR/PIP applications in the pre-payment audit process.
January 18 Update: HFS has made payments to 2,102 EPs totalling more than $44.1 million. That includes 1,661 from 2011 attestation and 441 from 2012. There are 1,033 EPs in the work queue, including 582 from 2011.
November 8 Update: HFS has made payments to 1,574 EPs totalling more than $33.1 million. There are 1,296 EPs in the work queue, including 859 for payment year 2011.
October 24 Update: HFS reported that 1,536 EPs had received payments of more than $33 million as of October 24.
September 27 Update: HFS reported 1,334 EPs received payments of more than $28.1 million. There were 212 EPs in the payment queue representing more than $4.5 in pending payments as well as 1,224 EPs in the pre-payment audit process.The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) provided an update on the status of payments for the Electronic Health Records Provider Incentive Payment Program during the most recent meeting of the Illinois Health Information Exchange Medicaid Work Group.
As of September 13, HFS reported payments of more than $26.8 million to 1,276 Eligible Professionals (EP) for payment year 2011. HFS reported that 273 EP were in the payment queue and that 1,222 remained in the pre-payment audit process.
HFS is developing plans for targeted provider outreach and education. The goal of this outreach is to assist providers with more accurately calculating their Medicaid patient volume, which HFS has indicated is one of the main factors holding EHR/PIP applications in the pre-payment audit process.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Kids and adults need the right amount of Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps with the growth and development of bones. Exposure to sunshine causes our skin to make Vitamin D. This is why it is also known as the Sunshine Vitamin.
Living in a northern area like Illinois, you may not get enough sunshine. This can be especially true in the winter.
Children who don't get enough Vitamin D can develop Rickets. This condition weakens the bones. It also causes deformities. Adults often don't get enough Vitamin D either. Getting the right amount can help prevent conditions such as muscle weakness, cancer, depression, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Certain foods naturally contain Vitamin D. These include fish, fish oil, eggs, cheese and butter. Other foods are fortified with Vitamin D. These include, milk, orange juice and cereal.
People need different amounts of Vitamin D. This depends on weight, skin color, genetics and age. If you are low in Vitamin D, you may be tired, have muscle or bone pain, or low back pain. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) if you are concerned.
Your PCP will ask you about your diet and sun exposure. You may need a simple blood test. Vitamin D pills are available with or without a prescription. It is best to talk to your PCP at your medical home about which is right for you.
If you need help making an appointment with your PCP, call Illinois Health Connect. The number is 1-877-912-1999. This call is free.
Living in a northern area like Illinois, you may not get enough sunshine. This can be especially true in the winter.
Children who don't get enough Vitamin D can develop Rickets. This condition weakens the bones. It also causes deformities. Adults often don't get enough Vitamin D either. Getting the right amount can help prevent conditions such as muscle weakness, cancer, depression, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.
Certain foods naturally contain Vitamin D. These include fish, fish oil, eggs, cheese and butter. Other foods are fortified with Vitamin D. These include, milk, orange juice and cereal.
People need different amounts of Vitamin D. This depends on weight, skin color, genetics and age. If you are low in Vitamin D, you may be tired, have muscle or bone pain, or low back pain. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) if you are concerned.
Your PCP will ask you about your diet and sun exposure. You may need a simple blood test. Vitamin D pills are available with or without a prescription. It is best to talk to your PCP at your medical home about which is right for you.
If you need help making an appointment with your PCP, call Illinois Health Connect. The number is 1-877-912-1999. This call is free.
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