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Membership   NRHA Connect   Blog   Events Aug. 29, 2013  


The Certification Board for Radiology Practitioner Assistants
Expand your Rural Health Radiology Services by implementing an RPA in your facility today.


Upcoming events

Rural Health Clinic Conference
Oct. 1-2
Austin, Texas
Rural Health Policy Institute
Feb. 4-6
Washington, D.C.

In this issue:

  • 3 days to save on NRHA’s fastest-growing events
  • NRHA makes Modern Healthcare’s list of top influencers
  • State’s refusal to expand Medicare hurts rural residents, reports AP writer from NRHA event
  • 2 days to apply: Become a Rural Health Fellow
  • Are critical access hospitals on the brink of closing?
  • Quality project aims to measure, improve care at rural health clinics
  • Some rural residents may benefit from health overhaul, NRHA comments
  • NRHA seeks volunteer leaders
  • We’re busy setting the record straight on rural health, economies
  • NRHA accepting scholarship applications, poster submissions for multicultural event
  • Protest against rural hospital cuts being led by Sen. Baldwin
  • Rural US hospitals are in a world of pain
  • How advocates can talk to rural America
  • Primary care deserts exist with, without nurse practitioners
  • Transforming food deserts and swamps to fight obesity
  • Join Journal of Rural Health editorial board
  • Policy brief outlines clinic alternative for small rural communities
  • HHS awards $67 million to health insurance marketplace navigators
  • First population-based US-Mexico border reproductive health report released
  • Policy update: How obesity threatens America’s future
  • Free NRHA partner webinars on aquatic therapy and patient, family-centered care
  • CDC extends recruitment for Tips from Former Smokers campaign
  • CDC study: Schools are getting healthier
  • 3 days to save on NRHA’s fastest-growing events
    Get your tickets today for NRHA’s Rural Health Clinic Conference , Oct. 1-2, and Critical Access Hospital Conference, Oct. 2-4, in Austin, Texas. A recent HHS report indicates that 846 CAHs would lose certification and funding if forced to re-enroll in the CAH program. Hear from your national advocates on the impact of this recommendation and what you can do to make sure it doesn’t happen. Register by Sept. 1 to save hundreds on both events.

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    NRHA makes Modern Healthcare’s list of top influencers
    NRHA CEO Alan Morgan again made Modern Healthcare’s annual ranking of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. “It’s great to see that readers of Modern Healthcare magazine recognize the efforts of NRHA,” Morgan says. Modern Healthcare’s list honors individuals in health care who are deemed by their peers and an expert panel to be the most influential individuals in the industry, in terms of leadership and impact.

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    PRODUCT SHOWCASE

    ChargeAssist® Re-Invents CDM Management
    ChargeAssist® was developed from the ground up to redefine how hospitals manage their CDM. ChargeAssist® is four critical tools in one:

    • CDM Auditor™
    • Price Analyzer™
    • Change Monitor™
    • Ultimate Research Center™

    From rural and critical access hospitals, to multi-entity organizations, ChargeAssist® is the one source solution for all Charge Management needs.

    State’s refusal to expand Medicare hurts rural residents, reports AP writer from NRHA event
    The Associated Press via Minneapolis StarTribune
    Though it’s likely rural residents will benefit from the health care overhaul, many will be hurt if the Medicaid program is not expanded, said a health economist during NRHA’s Preserving Community Hospitals meeting in Milwaukee. Less than half the states have opted not to expand the program eligibility, however, many others still are debating the issue, said Tim McBride, a health economist with the Rural Policy Research Institute’s Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis.

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    2 days to apply: Become a Rural Health Fellow
    NRHA is accepting applications for its 2014 Rural Health Fellows program through Aug. 31. The goal of the fellows program is to educate, develop and inspire a networked community of rural health leaders who will step forward to serve in key positions in NRHA, affiliated rural health advocacy groups and local and state legislative bodies. Fellows meet in person three times throughout the year to undergo leadership and advocacy training. Apply or share this opportunity today .

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    Are critical access hospitals on the brink of closing?
    RACmonitor.com
    The Department of Health and Human Services recently released a report stating that two-thirds of the nation’s critical access hospitals would not meet the distance requirement if they were to re-enroll in the Medicare program. “The 34-page report would eradicate individual state determinations on which small, rural hospitals are critical ‘necessary providers’ in a state by overriding state decisions with complete federal authority,” NRHA’s Brock Slabach explained. Read more national coverage of NRHA’s response to the report.

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    SPONSORED CONTENT

    Quality project aims to measure, improve care at rural health clinics
    Rural health clinics are the last type of primary care provider that isn’t being penalized or incentivized for reporting patient care quality data. A new quality improvement project involving multiple stakeholders and rural health experts from across the country aims to change that. “You can’t improve what you don’t measure,” says John Gale, research associate at the University of Southern Maine Rural Health Research Center. “It’s a standard axiom in the quality improvement world.” Hear more on this with NRHA Oct. 1-2 in Austin, Texas.

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    Some rural residents may benefit from health overhaul, NRHA comments
    The Associated Press via Miami Herald
    Rural residents could be paying less for health insurance and medical care under the new health law, according to the Center for Rural Affairs, Nebraska. “I see that all the time: Farm families who have to work a second job so that they can provide insurance to their families,” NRHA’s Brock Slabach said.

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    NRHA seeks volunteer leaders
    NRHA is currently seeking volunteers for leadership positions within its Board of Trustees and Rural Health Congress. NRHA’s strength and success is largely the result of leaders, members and staff working together with a common purpose to ensure the broadest range and highest quality of health care services for rural America. We ask that you give thoughtful consideration to nominating or accepting nomination by Sept. 16 for one of several positions that will begin Jan. 1.

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    Looking for similar articles? Search here, keyword TECHNOLOGY.

      PRODUCT SHOWCASES

    Removing Barriers

    Madison Immigration Law removes barriers to employment and educational opportunities in the United States. Our immigration lawyers provide a wide range of legal representation to:

    Businesses and corporations Hospitals/Medical Institutions IT and Engineering Firms Educational Institutions Professionals and their Families

    Empower Scan
    Empower Scan™ represents a leap forward in mobile patient documentation from Empower Systems™. Utilizing the intuitive platform of the Apple iPhone 4, clinical users are able to effortlessly compile, review, and share real-time information not just within the facility, but from any location with a secure internet connection.
    NextGen Healthcare

    NextGen Healthcare has helped rural and critical access hospitals across the country improve cash flow, increase revenue, and qualify for MU incentives. With our industry-leading clinical, financial and connectivity solutions, you’ll be on the path to MU success. Visit nextgen.com/reimbursting.

    We’re busy setting the record straight on rural health, economies
    NRHA is busy making your voice louder in national news outlets and on Capitol Hill by speaking out against HHS’ flawed critical access hospital report. And Rep. David McKinley sent out a press release denouncing the report. Check out articles from The Washington Post, Modern Healthcare, HealthLeaders Media and other media outlets highlighting NRHA’s response to the report NRHA’s Alan Morgan says “would kill rural health.”

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    NRHA accepting scholarship applications, poster submissions for multicultural event
    The Rural Multiracial and Multicultural Health Conference is one of the only meetings in the nation designed for those dedicated to bringing quality health care to this underserved and often under-represented portion of the rural population. NRHA is offering scholarship funds to attend this event on a first come, first served basis for students and community members with a critical need for financial support. We are also accepting poster presentation submissions until Sept. 30.

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    Protest against rural hospital cuts being led by Sen. Baldwin
    The Associated Press via The Journal Times
    A protest in a fight against the proposed cuts to Medicare reimbursements for rural hospitals is being led by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Baldwin states that these cuts will reduce access to health care in rural areas and weaken the economy in these areas nationwide.

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    New Center for Disesase Control (CDC) Report on older drivers

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    Enable images in your email program to see the NETS logo

    New CDC report on older drivers in the workforce
    complements Drive Safely Work Week 2013 theme

    Download the free employer toolkit at http://www.trafficsafety.org/drivesafelyworkweek
    Older workers who drive as part of their job have significantly higher traffic death rates than younger workers, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
    “Driving safety is really a shared responsibility between employers and workers,” said lead researcher Stephanie Pratt in an interview with HealthDay. Dr. Pratt is the coordinator of the Center for Motor Vehicle Safety at the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and a federal liaison to the NETS Board of Directors.
    According to the CDC report, more than 11,500 workers aged 18 and over died while driving for work between 2003 and 2010. Among these deaths, 26.9 percent were those aged 55 and older.
    “The risk is not restricted to workers employed in what we think of as typical transportation occupations, like a truck driver or delivery driver,” Pratt said when speaking to HealthDay. “The risk cuts across all industries and occupations.”

    This year’s Drive Safely Work Week campaign toolkit has resources to address health and wellness issues that apply to drivers of all ages, but is particularly relevant for an aging workforce.

    The CDC report states the ability to drive is affected by physical and cognitive changes associated with normal aging: declines in visual acuity, skill in processing complex visual information, reaction time, executive functioning, and contrast and glare sensitivity. These factors might be addressed by employers through injury prevention and wellness programs, and by workers through regular health examinations and screenings.
    This year’s Drive Safely Work Week campaign toolkit has resources to address health and wellness issues that apply to drivers of all ages, but is particularly relevant for an aging workforce. The free employer toolkit includes information and activities related to vision screening, vehicle ergonomics, improving driver range of motion and more.
    NETS urges employers to use the Drive Safely Work Week materials to address what the CDC projects to be an issue that will continue to grow as workers aged 55 and older are expected to comprise more than 25% of the workforce in 2020 compared to less than 12% in 1990. Drive Safely Work Week is Oct. 7-11 but materials are not dated and may be used throughout the year.
    # # #
    Contact:
    Jack Hanley
    Executive Director, NETS
    314-680-3293
    jhanley@trafficsafety.org

     

    Network of Employers for Traffic Safety
    344 Maple Ave. West #357
    Vienna, VA 22180
    703-273-6005
    www.trafficsafety.org
    nets@trafficsafety.org

    Millions of Uninsured Americans will get coverage. Are you one of them?

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    Health Insurance Marketplace

    Millions of uninsured Americans will get coverage. Are you one of them?

    On October 1, millions of uninsured Americans will start applying for coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace and will be on their way to living happier, healthier lives. You could be one of them.
    Take your first step to getting quality, affordable health insurance and improving your life and the lives of your family—create your Marketplace account today! If you’ve already created your account, answer a few quick questions to see if you qualify for lower costs on coverage.
    Find out how health care is changing—in 214 words. And tell us why you’re looking forward to getting covered in 2014.
    Open enrollment begins on October 1, 2013. Coverage starts as soon as January 1, 2014.
    Questions? Call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325.

    CancerCare E-News

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      CancerCare E-News
      August 2013
    CONNECT WITH US     Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter    View our videos on YouTube    Visit our blog
    What You Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act
    CancerCare‘s Connect Education WorkshopTMUnderstanding the Affordable Care Act in 2013: What’s New will provide you with expert information and resources about the Affordable Care Act. This free teleconference/webcast will take place on Wednesday, October 30, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. (EST).
    Topics covered will include:
    • The Affordable Care Act’s key provisions and benefits
    • Medicare and Medicaid exchanges
    • The appeals process
    • The importance of talking with your health care team about the Affordable Care Act
    • How patient assistance programs can help
    Participants can ask or submit questions for our panel of experts at the end of the workshop.
    Ask CancerCare
    During the month of August, you can submit a question to our Ask CancerCare expert about the Affordable Care Act.
    In This Issue

    Quick Links
    cancercare.org
    Connect Education Workshops
    Support Services
    Team CancerCare
    CopeLink Blog

    E-NEWS

    Coping With Cancer Treatment and Fertility Concerns
    CancerCare‘s Angelique Caba, LCSW, clinical coordinator of young adult services, was recently featured in a Huffington Post article addressing fertility issues, concerns and the importance of discussing fertility preservation options.
    View CancerCare‘s young adult and fertility resources.

    Heading to the Beach?
    Protect Your Skin During Sun Safety Month
    Did you know that most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays? Prevention and early detection are the best ways to keep your skin healthy. Read our fact sheet “Staying Safe in the Sun” for tips on protecting yourself from UV rays and identifying any possible signs of skin cancer.

    CancerCare® Expert Discusses Financial Resources onThat Cancer Show

    No one budgets for cancer, so direct access to financial resources can be crucial for people coping with cancer. Jane Levy, LCSW-R, director of patient assistance programs at CancerCare, was a recent guest on That Cancer Show™ and shared her expertise on finding basic financial assistance.
     
    Listen to the show: http://ow.ly/nvco4.
    Learn more about CancerCare‘s financial resources.

    “Ices for Andrea” Gives Back to CancerCare®

    For the seventh consecutive year, sisters Joann and Diana hosted “Ices for Andrea” to raise funds for CancerCare in memory of their mother Andrea, who died of breast cancer in 2007.
    Joann and her sons attended weekly counseling sessions at CancerCare. “They gave me the tools to start getting my life back, start parenting again and speak of my mom without being hysterical.”
    The sisters created “Ices for Andrea” as a way to honor their mother’s memory and make a difference by selling Andrea’s favorite dessert, Italian ices. This year’s event raised $10,150 for people affected by cancer.
     

    “A Helping Hand,” The Ultimate Financial Resource Guide for People With Cancer, Is Coming Soon! 

    To help patients and their families navigate financial resources, CancerCare‘s landmark guide, “A Helping Hand,” will soon be back in print and better than ever. This comprehensive handbook features the most up-to-date contact information and descriptions for hundreds of national and regional organizations offering financial help to people with cancer. Stay tuned for the launch!

    Leading Experts Discuss Important Cancer Topics 
    Our free teleconferences/webcasts, Connect Education WorkshopsTM, give you the latest cancer information straight from leading experts. You can listen in live by telephone or online, and will have a chance to ask the experts your own questions.
     
    Calendar
    Register online, or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).
    Missed a Connect Education Workshop? Listen to past workshops as podcasts through CancerCare‘s website.

    Sign up today and WALK/RUN FOR HOPE!

    Walk or run with us! CancerCare® WALK/RUN FOR HOPE events bring friends, families and community members together to raise funds for a great cause: supporting the free, professional services we provide to anyone affected by cancer.
    Upcoming WALK/RUN FOR HOPE 2013 events include:
    9/15      WALK/RUN FOR HOPE, Fairfield, CT
    9/29      WALK/RUN FOR HOPE, Paramus, NJ
    11/3      LUNG CANCER WALK FOR HOPE, Woodbury, NY

    Create Your Own Fundraiser for CancerCare®

    Make a difference in the lives of people facing cancer by organizing your own fundraising event for CancerCareTeam CancerCare makes it easy to create your own event and collect donations online in a secure environment. Visit www.teamcancercare.org today!
    Founded in 1944, CancerCare® is the leading national organization committed to improving lives
    by providing professional services to help people manage the emotional and financial challenges of
    cancer. CancerCare‘s comprehensive network of quality support services includes telephone, online
    and in-person counseling and support groups, resource referrals, publications, education and financial
    and co-payment assistance. CancerCare helps 1,000,000 people each year throughout the U.S. and distributes more than $30 million in financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services
    are provided by our large staff of professional oncology social workers and are offered completely
    free of charge.
    To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).
    NATIONAL  |  275 Seventh Avenue (at 25th Street), New York, NY 10001  |  www.cancercare.org
     t: 212-712-8400 or 800-813-HOPE (4673)  |  f: 212-712-8495  |  e: info@cancercare.org

    AARP Talk Story and Get Moving at the YWCA of Hawaii

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    Aloha –
    We could use your assistance in spreading the word about a unique, free event for the public.  Please consider passing this invitation on to those you think might be interested.
    AARP Talk Story and Get Moving Event
    August 19, 2013
    YWCA of Hawaii
    9 a.m. to Noon
    Please join AARP Hawaii, the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter, and the Hawaii Department of Health for a unique, free event in Hilo on Monday, August 19th from 9 a.m. to noon at the YWCA of Hawaii . You will have a chance to:
    ·       Talk with, Cheryl Mathies, one of AARP’s top national policy advisors about what’s happening in Washington DC with Social Security, Medicare and the national healthcare law,
    ·       Try “Tai Chi For Health,” a proven falls prevention exercise, led by Hawaii’s only Master Trainer, Ileina Ferrier
    ·       Learn more about the Mediterranean Diet – what is in the diet and what the research says about how it can help prevent dementia and chronic illness. Chris Ridley
    Attached is a pdf of the event flier.  I hope you’ll join us and pass the word on to friends and family who might be interested.
    Sincerely,
    Jackie Boland
    AARP Hawaii
    Want to know how the national health care law affects you?  Visit www.healthlawanswers.org.
     
    Jackie Boland
    AARP Hawaii
    Community Outreach Director
    1132 Bishop St Ste 1920, Honolulu, HI, 96813-2813

    PRESS RELEASE – Hawaii Health Connector Invests In Community Partners

    Posted on

    PRESS RELEASE

    For Immediate Release

    Contact:

    Brian Fitzgerald

    bfitzgerald@mvnp.com

    (808) 754-3250

     

     

    Hawai‘i Health Connector Invests in Community Partners

     

    HONOLULU, AUGUST 5, 2013 — The Hawai‘i Health Connector today announced that it is partnering with 34 community organizations throughout the state for participation in the Connector’s Hiʻi Ola Marketplace Assister program.  Open enrollment for the Connector begins in October, and grants have been awarded to support marketplace assisters, known as Kōkua, whom will serve an integral role in reaching and educating individuals, families and small business owners.

    “A statewide, community-based approach to informing and assisting residents with their health care is a goal this administration takes seriously,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie.  “This model of community reinvestment helps transform Hawai‘i’s health care on all islands.”

    The Connector’s marketplace assister grants were awarded to community partners through a competitive grant application process. These grants will support outreach and education efforts as to the benefits of the marketplace, facilitate enrollment in health insurance plans and provide job opportunities for residents.  Marketplace assisters will help consumers located on every island, and will provide impartial information about plan options.  Additional grant opportunities will be available in the future.

    The grant award recipients include:

    • County of Kauai Agency on Elderly Affairs
    • Faith Action for Community Equity Maui
    • Faith Action for Community Equity Oahu
    • Hamakua Health Center, Inc.
    • Hawaiʻi Island Workforce & Economic        Development ʻOhana, Inc.
    • Hawaiʻi Island HIV/AIDS Foundation
    • Helping Hands Hawaiʻi
    • Hoʻola Lāhui Hawaiʻi
    • Honolulu Community Action Program
    • HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, Inc.
    • Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi
    • Hui No Ke Ola Pono
    • Institute for Human Services, Inc.
    • Kaʻu Rural Health Community Association, Inc.
    • Kalanihale
    • Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association
    • Kauai Economic Opportunity
    • Ke Ola Mamo
    • Koʻolauloa Community Health & Wellness        Center
    • Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family        Services
    • Lānaʻi Community Health Center
    • Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi
    • Liʻs Company
    • Molokai Community Health Center
    • Nā Puʻuwai, Inc.
    • North Hawaiʻi        Community Hospital
    • Project Vision Hawaiʻi
    • Rolf Advertising
    • The ARC of Hilo
    • The Bay Clinic, Inc.
    • Wahiawa Center for Community Health
    • Waianae Coast Community Mental Health        Center, Inc.
    • Waimanalo Health Center
    • West Hawaiʻi        Community Health Center

     

    “People understand that these organizations have close connections to their communities,” said Coral Andrews, Hawai‘i Health Connector’s executive director.  “By partnering with these organizations, we can now provide Hawaiʻi residents in areas of need with access to quality health insurance coverage.  For many of us, healthcare can be confusing and difficult to understand, and these partners will help to simplify the process and strengthen their communities.”

    “With these partner organizations we are taking outreach efforts deeper into each community and connecting individuals, families and small businesses with the health insurance and financial assistance options available to them,” said Bonnie ʻĀnela McAfee-Torco, the Hawai‘i Health Connector’s Hiʻi Ola program manager.  “The Kōkua will provide in-person assistance to empower our families and communities to make the best health care decisions possible.”

    In addition to the marketplace assister program, the Connector is also building a customer support center, which will receive inquiries from multiple communication channels, including telephone, postal mail, web chat and fax.  The customer support center will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week, during the open enrollment period.

    These services being offered by the Connector will help consumers use the Connector’s online health insurance marketplace, designed in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Department of Human Services. Open enrollment in quality health plans on the Connector will begin this Fall.

    For more information regarding the Hawai‘i Health Connector, please visit HawaiiHealthConnector.com.

    About the Hawai‘i Health Connector

    The Hawai‘i Health Connector is the online health insurance marketplace for Hawai‘i. The Connector was established as a non-profit organization in 2011 by the Hawai‘i State Legislature through Act 205, in order to comply with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010. The Connector’s aim is an online marketplace that is of Hawai‘i-for-Hawai‘i, one that takes into account the state’s unique culture and works with the Prepaid Health Care Act, an employer mandate for health insurance coverage in effect since 1974. For more information, visit www.hawaiihealthconnector.com.

    National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Brief

    Posted on

    LegisBriefs
    July 2013

    Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act: Implications for States and TribesReauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act: Implications for States and Tribes
    New provisions in the Violence Against Women Act extend tribal authority, which had been restricted since a 1978 Supreme Court decision. States with tribes that accept this authority could experience increases in cost savings, access to federal grants, jurisdictional clarity and public safety.
    Navigating Health Insurance ExchangesNavigating Health Insurance Exchanges
    An estimated 7 million Americans will receive private health insurance coverage through health benefit exchanges beginning in 2014 under provisions of the ACA. With such a dramatic increase in the number eligible for coverage, the ACA also contains provisions to create consumer assistance.
    Reaching Renewable Energy Targets: Addressing Integration ChallengesReaching Renewable Energy Targets: Addressing Integration Challenges
    The use of renewable energy continues to grow at an extraordinary pace. Falling renewable energy costs, federal incentives and state policies are driving this growth and prompting many states to help utilities integrate renewable energy sources into the electric grid.
    Natural Disasters and Environmental HealthNatural Disasters and Environmental Health
    Natural disasters hit every state, leaving behind damaged communities, broken infrastructure and suffering populations. States continually plan against such disasters, but the work doesn’t stop there; they must also protect communities from post-disaster dangers.

    NHRA Today

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    Membership   NRHA Connect   Blog   Events Aug. 1, 2013   


    The Certification Board for Radiology Practitioner Assistants
    Expand your Rural Health Radiology Services by implementing an RPA in your facility today.


    Upcoming eventsRural Health Clinic Conference
    Oct. 1-2
    Austin, Texas

    Critical Access Hospital Conference
    Oct. 2-4
    Austin, Texas

    Rural Multiracial and Multicultural Health Conferences
    Dec. 3-5
    San Antonio

    Rural Health Policy Institute
    Feb. 4-6
    Washington, D.C.

    RuralHealthWeb.org


    In this issue:

    Members rallied Congress to protect rural hospitals 
    More than 50 rural health administrators and advocates from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill yesterday to protect rural hospitals and patients as part of NRHA’s March for Rural Hospitals. Cuts to critical access hospitals are again proposed, and hundreds of millions of dollars to rural PPS hospitals will be lost if Congress does not act soon. To join the fight and learn more, attend Preserving Community Hospitals events Aug. 20-21 in Seattle and Aug. 27-28 in Milwaukee.

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    READ MORE

    Be a rural rock star in the Lone Star state 
    Get your tickets today for NRHA’s Rural Health Clinic Conference, Oct. 1-2, and Critical Access Hospital ConferenceOct. 2-4, in the live music capital of the world, Austin, Texas. You’ll discover the best rural-relevant ways to navigate accountable care organizations, manageICD-10 implementation and code changes, integrate telemedicine and achieve meaningful use, transform to a patient-centered medical home model and more from experts and colleagues from across the country. Register today to save hundreds on both events.

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    READ MORE

    PRODUCT SHOWCASE

    ChargeAssist® Re-Invents CDM Management
    ChargeAssist® was developed from the ground up to redefine how hospitals manage their CDM. ChargeAssist® is four critical tools in one:

    • CDM Auditor™
    • Price Analyzer™
    • Change Monitor™
    • Ultimate Research Center™

    From rural and critical access hospitals, to multi-entity organizations, ChargeAssist® is the one source solution for all Charge Management needs.

    We know you’re busy, so NRHA is coming to you 
    We’re bringing rural health experts to provide hospital leaders with the foundation, framework and options to make informed capital, affiliation and governance decisions. Register today to save $100 on the first of a series of events geared toward keeping rural hospitals open and helping them thrive Aug. 20-21 in Seattle and Aug. 27-28 in Milwaukee. Bring your team, including board members, to gather consensus on strategies to move your hospital forward. Protect your hospital. Register today.

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    NRHA in the news: Can critical access hospitals properly treat seriously ill patients? 
    NetQuote
    Until recently, Medicare paid critical access hospitals for most inpatient and outpatient services at a rate of 101 percent of allowable costs. This additional compensation is provided because actual costs for small hospitals can exceed what Medicare normally allows for reimbursements. Following the recent federal spending reduction that began on in March 2013 because of budget constraints, the reimbursement figure dropped to about 99 percent of allowable costs, says Brock Slabach, NRHA’s senior vice president for member services.

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    Share your story 
    Do you or a colleague have an innovative project or a rural health solution that could benefit rural providers or patients? Have you recently received an award, promotion or changed jobs? Send us your story idea or career accomplishment, and you might be featured in an upcoming issue of Rural Roads.

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    SPONSORED CONTENT

    Apply to become a Rural Health Fellow 
    NRHA is accepting applications for its 2014 Rural Health Fellows program through Aug. 31. The goal of the fellows program is to educate, develop and inspire a networked community of rural health leaders who will step forward to serve in key positions in NRHA, affiliated rural health advocacy groups and local and state legislative bodies. Fellows meet in person three times throughout the year to undergo leadership and advocacy training. Apply or share this opportunity today.

    Share this article:   Share on FacebookTwitterShare on LinkedinE-mail article
    READ MORE

    Rural life can be hazardous to your health 
    HealthLeaders Media
    A study finds that the risk of injury deaths is 22 percent higher in the most rural counties than in the most urban areas. While the data reveals some surprising findings, the lead author says she can only speculate as to the reasons why.

    Share this article:   Share on FacebookTwitterShare on LinkedinE-mail article
    READ MORE

    Health insurance marketplace training: Become a certified application counselor 
    Millions of Americans will become eligible to purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act directed health insurance marketplaces starting Jan. 1. Do you want to find out how your organization can help citizens of your rural community get health coverage? If you’re interested in training your staff and volunteers to assist people applying for coverage through the federally facilitated marketplace, including state partnership marketplaces, you can apply to be a certified application counselor organization.

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    Join Journal of Rural Health editorial board 
    The National Rural Health Association is accepting applications and nominations for Journal of Rural Health editorial board positions. “Serving on our editorial board is great way for rural health scholars to become more involved with NRHA, connect with fellow researchers and further contribute to our journal,” says Ty Borders, Ph.D., journal editor. Terms for open positions begin Jan. 1, and board members serve three-year terms. Apply or nominate a board member by Sept. 30.

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    PRODUCT SHOWCASES

    Removing Barriers

    Madison Immigration Lawremoves barriers to employment and educational opportunities in the United States. Our immigration lawyers provide a wide range of legal representation to:

    Empower Scan
    Empower Scan™ represents a leap forward in mobile patient documentation from Empower Systems™. Utilizing the intuitive platform of the Apple iPhone 4, clinical users are able to effortlessly compile, review, and share real-time information not just within the facility, but from any location with a secure internet connection.
    NextGen Healthcare

    NextGen Healthcare has helped rural and critical access hospitals across the country improve cash flow, increase revenue, and qualify for MU incentives. With our industry-leading clinical, financial and connectivity solutions, you’ll be on the path to MU success. Visitnextgen.com/reimbursting.

    Critical access hospitals: What’s the fuss? 
    Daily Yonder
    The U.S. system of critical access hospitals began as a way to keep medical care available in the places where it was needed the most — remote rural communities with few health care alternatives. With budget tightening underway, can the nation improve the system without undermining its intent?

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    VA offers new pilot grants to assist veterans’ transition to civilian life 
    The Department of Veterans Affairs has released the Rural Veterans Coordination Pilot grant opportunity that is open to eligible community-based organizations as well as local and state government entities to assist veterans and their families who are transitioning from military to civilian life in rural or underserved communities. These grants will span two years and will total $2 million each.

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    RAC hosts webinar featuring the new rural oral health toolkit 
    The Rural Assistance Center and NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis recently released a rural oral health toolkit to help rural communities improve access to oral health care. The toolkit contains resources to help communities develop oral health programs by building on best practices of successful oral health program models. This webinar will feature two examples of successful programs funded by ORHP, including lessons learned, at 1 p.m. CDT Aug. 6.

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    Looking for similar articles? Search here, keyword ORAL HEALTH.

    NRHA, ORHP and Grantmakers bring rural health collaboration to White House 
    Last week, NRHA hosted the White House Meeting on Opportunities for Public-Private Collaboration in Rural Health Care in partnership with ORHP and Grantmakers in Health this week. NRHA CEO Alan Morgan served on a panel alongside HRSA Administrator Mary Wakefield and other Administration officials from USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services to identify areas of collaboration and partnership.

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    FEATURED COMPANIES

    ICE Technologies 
    ICE Technologies is an Information Technology services firm focused entirely in the Community Healthcare market. For over twenty years, ICE has helped hundreds of hospitals and clinics succeed with information technology through a broad range of services in three integrated practice areas; Technical Services, Consulting Services and Application Services. MORE
    Advertise here!

    To find out how to feature your company in the NRHA eNewsletter and other advertising opportunities, contact James DeBois at 469-420-2618. MORE

    USDA offers $17.5 M for distance learning and telemedicine 
    The USDA is making available up to $17.5 million in grant funding to support distance learning and telemedicine efforts serving rural America. The program is designed to assist community facilities serving rural areas acquire distance learning and telemedicine technologies to link with other professionals to improve the services delivered to rural Americans. Each award will be between $50,000 and $500,000. Applications for this program are due by Aug. 12.

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    Alabama students participate in health studies program recognized by NRHA 
    Demopolis Times
    The Rural Minority Health Scholars program introduces students from rural areas to college life and gives them an orientation to the need for health and medical professionals in communities like their own. The concept of the Rural Health Leaders Pipeline, which was recognized earlier this year with an Outstanding Rural Health Program Award from the National Rural Health Association, was developed as part of a strategy to recruit rural students into medical school.

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    HHS offers ACA webinar series 
    The HHS Partnership Center is hosting a series of webinars that include a question and answer session with HHS staff. “Health Care Law – Health Insurance Marketplace 101” will focus on main provisions in the Affordable Care Act and how to access care in your community at 4 p.m. EDT, Aug. 7. Topics include the health insurance marketplace, how to help enroll others in health insurance and how to receive updates on implementation of the law.

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    NRHA partner webinars on meaningful use audits and informed device purchases 
    NRHA partner Veragae will present a session on preparing for CMS meaningful use audits atnoon CDT, Aug. 7 to help attendees understand how to defend against being selected for audit, and if selected, against adverse results. The webinar “Never Hold a Beauty Contest in the Dark” will be presented by Rubbermaid at noon CDT, Aug. 8 to discuss best practices for saving time and money as well as getting the most valuable input from clinicians about device purchases.

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    Telemedicine clinics make inroads into primary care 
    SearchHealthIT
    The article says that the health IT expansion of the last five years seemed to have left behind videoconferencing for remote patient visits. While it would seem to be a no-brainer that potentially can save time for both patient and provider, telemedicine seems to have been reserved for high-demand specialists. The holy grail for telemedicine advocates has been primary care, which could make video physician visits an everyday occurrence on a much larger scale.

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    States with the least restrictive regulations experienced the largest increase in patients seen by nurse practitioners 
    Health Affairs
    The use of nurse practitioners is one way to address the shortage of physician primary care providers. NP training programs and the number of practicing NPs have increased in the past two decades. However, regulations limiting their scope of practice vary greatly by state.

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    Remote doctors, one answer to physician shortage in rural Minnesota 
    Minnesota Public Radio
    When a man with a dislocated knee came to the emergency room in the small city of Appleton, Minn., he was treated by a doctor who had never worked on this particular condition. But the doctor was able to hit a button and consult on camera with a specialist in another location. “The eDoctor was able to help him and go step-by-step.”

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    TRENDING ARTICLES

    Missed last week’s issue? See which articles your colleagues read most.

    NRHA, ORHP and Grantmakers bring rural health collaboration to White House (NRHA)
    Primary care shortfall could be worse than predicted (American Medical News)
    8 things you need to know now about ICD-10 (By Charlotte Bohnett)
    Senators: Rural hospitals hobbled by digital divide (HealthLeaders Media)
    What community health centers mean to Americans; how they manage chronic diseases (The Huffington Post)

    Don’t be left behind. Click here to see what else you missed.

    VA offers interactive courses on rural veteran outreach and more 
    The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Rural Health has partnered with the VA eHealth University, My VeHU, to deliver interactive live broadcasts of rural health specific content. Sponsored by ORH’s Rural Health Professions Institute, these courses cover post-deployment care integration, facilitating co-managed care, rural community collaborations and veteran outreach, cultural competence and more. MyVeHU trainings are recorded for viewing on-demand.

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    When mHealth and telehealth become ‘just health care’ 
    Government Health IT
    mHealth and telehealth: Two popular terms in the health care lexicon these days. And two whose days are numbered. “It’s connected health care — no ‘tele-,’ no ‘m-,'” said Jonah J. Czerwinski, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “This is just health care.”

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    FEATURED ARTICLE TRENDING ARTICLE MOST POPULAR ARTICLE
    Members rallied Congress to protect rural hospitals 
    NRHA
    More than 50 rural health administrators and advocates from across the countrygathered on Capitol Hillyesterday to protect rural hospitals and patients as part of NRHA’s March for Rural Hospitals.

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    8 things you need to know now about ICD-10 
    By Charlotte Bohnett
    The United States is the last country in the world with modern health care to adopt ICD-10 diagnosis codes, but it will join the crowd on Oct. 1, 2014.

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    Quality and Clinical Conference commences; Texas is next 
    NRHA
    Rural professionals, including Tom Morris, Office of Rural Health Policy head, are currently discussing innovations in rural health care quality and federal updates in Chicago. Plan now to attend NRHA’s Rural Health Clinic and Critical Access Hospital conferences Oct. 1-4 in Austin, Texas.

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    NRHA Today

    Colby Horton, MultiBriefs vice president of publishing, 469.420.2601
    Download media kit.

    Rebecca EberhardtMultiBriefs content editor, 469.420.2608
    Contribute news.

    Click here to contact the National Rural Health Association.

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    Recent issues

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    Countdown to Open Enrollment: 3 things to know about the Health Insurance Marketplace

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    View in browser | This newsletter created and distributed by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
    Health Insurance Marketplace

    Healthcare.gov – Countdown to Open Enrollment: 3 things to know about the Health Insurance Marketplace

    We’re counting down to October 1, when open enrollment starts for the new Health Insurance Marketplace. You’ll get the information you need to help you learn about your insurance options, apply for coverage, and enroll in a health insurance plan. Coverage starts as soon as January 1, 2014.
    Here are 3 things to know:
    • The Marketplace is an easier way to shop for health insurance. The Marketplace simplifies your search for health coverage by gathering the options available in your area in one place. With one application, you can compare plans side-by-side and explore any free or low-cost programs you may qualify for. No matter where you live, you’ll be able to use the Marketplace to apply for coverage and enroll. Find the Marketplace in your state.
    • Most people can get lower costs. When you use the Marketplace you may be able to get lower costs on your monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. When you fill out your application, you’ll find out how much you can save based on your income. Most people who apply will qualify for some level of savings.
    • The Marketplace gives you control over your options with clear, apples-to-apples comparisons. In the Marketplace, information about prices and benefits is written in simple language. You get a clear picture of what premiums and protections you’d get before you enroll. You can compare plans based on what’s important to you, and choose the combination of price and coverage that fits your needs and budget.
    Be sure you and your friends are ready to take advantage of this great opportunity starting October 1! Spread the word—explore the Marketplace, and get ready to enroll!

    Hawai’i State Rural Health Association Newsletter

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    Please click on the link below to view the July issue of the Hawai’i State Rural Health Association newsletter.

    HSRHA newsletter – July 2013