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CHAD Network Teams and Workgroups Provide Support to Health Center Staff

Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD) hosts network team and workgroup meetings to provide an opportunity for health center staff to connect with one another, share best practices, and receive training and technical assistance.


As we reflect on 2023 and look forward to 2024, we invite you to review the many opportunities below and join us for those that will help you grow, learn, and connect!  

Network Teams


CHAD hosts topic-specific network teams monthly to provide health centers with an ongoing forum for collaboration and connection. Network team meetings are typically held monthly at a recurring date and time. All health center staff are welcome to join relevant network team meetings as their schedule allows and the organization encourages.  

To join a network team, contact Darci Bultje to be connected to a Network Team Lead. This will ensure you will be added to relevant email distribution lists and calendar invitations.
Workgroups

CHAD offers various workgroups for health center staff. Workgroup and user groups typically have a focus that is more concentrated than network teams, and groups may have shorter duration or purpose. CHAD’s current workgroups and user groups are listed below.


To join a workgroup, simply email
Darci Bultje, and she will connect you with the CHAD lead for that workgroup to ensure you are added to relevant email distribution lists and calendar invitations.
  • Advocacy Action Team
  • Azara User Group
  • Care Coordination and Care Management Peer Workgroup
  • ND Department of Health and Human Services Collaboration Calls with Health Centers and CHAD:
    • Clinical Quality
    • HR & Workforce
    • SDOH
  • Operational Excellence and Compliance
  • Security User Group
  • Social Drivers of Health Workgroup
 
Health Centers in the News
 
Falls Community Health is now offering flu shots to adults and children.

Tim Trithart, CEO of Complete Health, explains the organization’s rebranding with NewsCenter1.
 
Marketplace Plans Effective January 1 have a December 15 Deadline
 
Get Covered South Dakota reminds consumers that the first deadline to enroll in health insurance through the Marketplace, Healthcare.gov, is December15.

Consumers must enroll by December 15 to have health insurance coverage start on January 1, 2024. People have until January 15 to enroll in a plan during open enrollment, but waiting that long could result in a gap in their insurance coverage. After the January 15th deadline for open enrollment, consumers can only purchase insurance coverage on the Marketplace if they have a qualifying life event, including losing job-based coverage, getting married, having a child, adopting a child, or moving. Enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes can enroll in a Marketplace plan at any time. Once signed up for a plan, members can change plans up to once a month.
 
South Dakota Medicaid Expands Continuous Glucose
Monitor Coverage

 
Effective December 1, 2023, South Dakota Medicaid will expand continuous glucose monitor (CGM) coverage through enhanced prior authorization criteria and billing changes. Under the expanded coverage, CGMs will be covered with prior authorization for Medicaid recipients who meet the following conditions:
  • The recipient has Type 1 diabetes mellitus;
  • The recipient has Type 2 diabetes mellitus and is using rapid-acting insulin (e.g., insulin lispro, insulin glulisine, insulin aspart/combination) and/or short-acting insulin (e.g., insulin regular); or
  • The recipient has gestational diabetes.

Providers should refer to the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies manual for additional information, including criteria for continuation of CGMs and guidance regarding replacement monitors.

Under billing changes, CGMs are now allowed through the pharmacy benefit. Providers must order and prior authorize CGMs through a pharmacy unless the recipient is dual eligible (eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid). CGM claims for dual-eligible individuals must continue to be billed on a CMS 1500 form. This change will not interrupt claims or authorizations for CGM products that were authorized before December 1, 2023, and billed on a CMS 1500 form. Refer to the CMS 1500 Claim Instructions for reporting the NDC on a claim.
 
Opioid Settlement Grant Funds Available
 
Both South Dakota and North Dakota have Opioid Settlement Grant Funds available as part of a National Settlement Agreement involving a number of pharmaceutical companies.

In South Dakota, funding will be made available to organizations working to abate and alleviate the impacts of the opioid crisis and co-occurring substance use challenges locally. Applications for projects in the range of $5,000 - $35,000 will be accepted beginning March 1. Visited the Department of Social Services website for more information, or email AvoidOpioid@state.sd.us

In North Dakota, the state will allocate $8 million in opioid settlement funds for the 2023 – 2025 biennium. The Opioid Settlement Fund Grant is now accepting applications. The deadline to submit applications is December 22, 2023. While no funding range is specified for applicants, a variety of priority recommendations for applicants have been created. These recommendations, along with additional information about the grant and the application can be found here. Questions can be directed to Amy Lies with North Dakota Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Division.
 
Funding Opportunity: Prevention is Power Health Care Screening Program
 
The Prevention is Power funding opportunity supports the integration of oral health and heart health at health centers. The program is designed to drive increased health literacy and utilization of integrated and preventative health care, maintenance, and early detection among community health center patients with chronic conditions through clinician and patient education. Applications are due January 10. Successful applications will receive a $10,000 cash award, in addition to up to $5,000 in donated products. Learn more and apply here. Questions can be directed to partnership@nachc.org.
 
 
CHAD is seeking someone who loves variety in their work, has excellent interpersonal skills, and is a self-starter to serve as a full-time outreach & enrollment navigator. This position will be a combination of clinic-based in Sioux Falls and remote work from home. Our navigators earn a competitive wage and great benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, retirement plans, vacation time, sick leave, holidays, wellness, and more. This is a full-time position with a physical location in or near Sioux Falls. Learn more here and apply today!
 
World AIDS Day
 
Health centers joined communities across the globe in recognizing World AIDS Day on December 1. First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day is a time to honor those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses across the globe and recommit to ending the HIV epidemic. This year’s theme was World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit. Over the past 35 years, there has been significant progress in addressing HIV/AIDS thanks to advancements in medical research and increased access to treatment and prevention. This year’s theme reflects the importance of remembering those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and committing to stop HIV stigma and end the HIV epidemic.

This year, Complete Health hosted the First Annual Black Hills AIDS Walk. Jennifer Sobolik is a sexual and reproductive health provider with Complete Health. She expresses that she “started the walk after hearing from some of our patients that they would like more support from the community. The best way to get support is to get some visibility. We gathered to walk to show our patients that they are seen, heard, and valued. As we say, they are so much more than their HIV status. Our hope is to raise awareness and decrease stigma in our community.” Thank you, Complete Health, for joining this day of solidarity for people affected by HIV, remembering those lost, and standing together to raise visibility.

A recent update from the Health Services and Resource Administration (HRSA) shows us that all health centers play a critical role and have made tremendous progress toward ending HIV. According to the 2022 Uniform Data System data:
  • Health centers provided over 3.4 million HIV tests – a 7% increase since 2021 and a 40% increase since 2020
  • More than 84,000 patients received PrEP for HIV – a 7% increase since 2021.

Health centers can continue to play a part in ending the HIV epidemic by meeting people with HIV where they are, reducing HIV health disparities, and helping people with HIV get the care, treatment, and support services they need to optimize their health.

Additional resources:
  • CMS Office of Minority Health (OMH) Manage Your Chronic Condition provides resources for patients and providers looking to implement chronic care management for conditions like AIDS.
  • Coverage to Care Prevention Resources webpage to learn more about preventive services that are available at no cost under most health coverage. Each resource is available in 8 languages.
  • HIV and AIDS Resources webpage to find more information about prescription drug coverage through Medicare.
  • AETC HIV Quick Guide
 
South Dakota Voices for Peace – A Friendraiser Celebration of Generosity
 
CHAD staff had a great time showing up to support the South Dakota Voices for Peace Friendraiser event. We are so grateful for the impact they have in our local communities!
 
GP11 Network News
 
 
UDS Open Q&A – Table 6b/7 – Adult BMI, Pediatric, Cancer, HTN, Diabetes
Join Azara to review your UDS questions!

Tuesday, December 12

2:00 pm CT/1:00 pm MT
Register here

Data for Quality Improvement: A framework for improving Diabetes A1C measure performance.
As the transition to value-based care marches forward across all areas of the healthcare sector, health centers must be prepared to succeed in new payer contract models that reward both quality performance and cost savings. In this webinar, participants will learn the types of reporting that best support this continuum of need, preparing organizations to meet value-based care goals at every level of care delivery. Learn how to leverage the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process for continuous improvement on clinical quality measures, specifically the Diabetes A1C >9 or Untested measure.

Thursday, December 14

1:00 pm CT/12:00 pm MT
Register here

UDS Open Q&A – Table 6b/7 – Prenatal and Delivery
Join Azara to review your UDS questions!

Tuesday, December 19
2:00 pm CT/1:00 pm MT
Register here

Breathe In Breathe Out: Leveraging DRVS & Project BREATHE for Asthma
Are you looking for ways to better manage and provide care for your patient population with a diagnosis of asthma? The American Lung Association and Azara have been working together through Project BREATHE NY to provide education and resources to federally qualified health centers across New York State to improve patient care as it relates to asthma. Join us at this webinar to learn more about the population health tools that are available to you within Azara, and how Harmony Healthcare has put these resources into action at their practice.

Thursday, December 21
1:00 pm CT/12:00 pm MT
Register here
 
Upcoming Trainings
 
Find these and other events on the CHAD website.
Teledenistry: Bridging Oral Health Access Gaps in the Safety-Net  - December 12 | 1:00 pm CT
Though teledentistry has been in use for decades, the temporary pause of routine oral health services during the pandemic resulted in a period of rapid teledentistry adoption by providers seeking to serve their patients. Many states modified their teledentistry regulations, such as Medicaid reimbursement, to support the use of teledentistry by safety-net providers. This webinar will discuss findings from a research study on teledentistry use by safety-net providers and explore the variability in regulations across states. Register here.
Dental Residency Webinar: Rotations in Community Health Centers - December 12 | 2:00 pm CT
Dental residents rotating through community health centers (CHCs) have an opportunity to experience how social determinants of health, the healthcare system, and other factors impact access to care. 
This webinar will feature a representative from the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) who will provide an overview on academic partnerships in CHCs. In addition, representatives from University of California San Francisco and two CHCs (La Clinica De La Raza and Asian Health Services) will share about their experience forging partnerships, some of the benefits and challenges and long-term outcomes.

Join us for this service-learning opportunity that may create a pathway for workforce recruitment and retention at CHCs. Register here.
#SocialCongress: Perceptions and Use of Social Media on Capitol Hill-  December 13 | 2:00 pm CT
Based on a survey of congressional Legislative Directors and Communications Directors the Congressional Management Foundation has identified how congressional offices are using social media, who is responsible within offices for social media strategies, and what staffers view as the benefits and drawbacks of social media. This presentation includes how citizen advocates can use social media to build relationships and advance their cause with elected officials. Additionally, the presenter will touch on how to use local media outlets to build branding and supporters in your community. Learn more and register here.
Beyond the Basics – Billing and Coding Excellence - Session 3: Provider Credentialing and Enrollment - December 14 | 3:00 pm CT
Join CHAD and Community Link Consulting to learn about provider credentialing and enrollment best practices. This session will highlight provider enrollment challenges, common mistakes, and valuable tips and tools to improve health center processes.
Learn more and register here.  
Introduction to the Health Center Program: Tools for Building and Enhancing Your Health Center  - January 17 - 18 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm CT
Are you a health center leader looking for an in-depth orientation to the Health Center Program? Join NACHC for its annual virtual training workshop. Whether you are new to HRSA’s Health Center program, a seasoned leader looking for a refresher course, or an organization seeking FQHC status, this training has something for you. Learn more and register here.
CMS Marketplace Open Enrollment Period Partner Webinars - December 13, January 10, January 31 | 2:00 pm CT
Join CMS for the 2024 Marketplace Open Enrollment Webinars. CMS will provide partners, stakeholders, and Champions for Coverage with critical information, resources, and updated materials to successfully help consumers navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period. Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024. This series includes three webinars, each scheduled for 2:00 pm CT, on the following dates: December 13, 2023, January 10, and January 31, 2024. To register for the webinars in the series, please click here.
CHAD Network Team and Workgroup Meetings
Monday, December 11 @ 1:00 pm CT/12:00 pm MT – Operational Excellence/Compliance Workgroup Meeting
Tuesday, December 12 @ 12:00 pm CT / 11:00 am MT – Azara User Group Meeting
Tuesday, December 12 @ 2:00 pm CT /1:00 pm MT – Communications & Marketing Network Team
Wednesday, December 13 @ 12:00 pm CT/11:00 am MT – Care Coordination & Care Management Peer Workgroup – Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, December 13 @ 2:00 pm CT / 1:00 pm MT – GPHDN Security User Group
Wednesday, December 20 @ 12:00 pm CT/11:00 am MT – HCAN Finance Leadership Network
Thursday, January 4 @ 12:00 pm CT/11:00 am MT – Clinical Quality Network Call
This account is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,499,709.00 with 0 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

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