CMS Releases 2025 Final Rule for the Physician Fee Schedule
Think Pink this October
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States and Kansas for both men and women. More than 15,000 Kansans are diagnosed with cancer each year, and approximately 5,500 die from the disease. Although individuals can take steps to reduce their risk of developing cancers, public health approaches in tandem with health systems have the potential to reduce risks among entire populations. |
KHC and KHA to Release Issue Briefs on Emergency Department Visits
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KHC and the Kansas Hospital Association are partnering to release a series of Issue Briefs on Emergency Department visits in Kansas, using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Emergency Department Prevention Quality Indicators (PQEs) [1]
The Issue Briefs on Emergency Department visits will be released, beginning with Emergency Department Visits for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions.
September 2024 Compass HQIC Update
Prevention Quality Indicators in Emergency Department Settings (EDPQI)
KHC is developing interactive data dashboards to provide Kansas health care organizations access to the Prevention Quality Indicators in Emergency Department Settings (EDPQI) dataset.
August 2024 Compass HQIC Update
2024 KHC Leadership in Quality Awards Winners Announced
2024 Leadership in Quality Awards submissions were featured in a Virtual Storyboard Showcase during the Summit on Quality Awards on August 8th in Wichita. Winners in each category were announced during the Leadership in Quality Awards Luncheon following the Virtual Storyboard Showcase.
Clay County Medical Center Improves Care Transitions Processes
Care transitions, particularly from an inpatient setting to home, can be a challenging time for patients who may be dealing with a medical crisis, a new medical condition, or change in care plan. Poor transitions of care can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, including medication discrepancies, adverse clinical events, poor patient experience of care, and frequently avoidable hospitalizations. Improving care transitions has been an important strategy for reducing the costs associated with hospitalization and readmissions1 and proves to be an important opportunity for addressing social determinants of health2. Transitional Care Management (TCM) serves to manage this hand-off period offering an excellent opportunity for primary care providers to oversee and coordinate support for a patient's medical conditions, mental health or behavioral health needs, social services, and other barriers to optimal patient outcomes.
2024 KHC Leadership in Quality Awards Submissions
Submissions have been received for the 2024 KHC Leadership in Quality Awards. Winners will be announced during the Leadership in Quality Awards Luncheon at the KHC Summit on Quality, August 8th in Wichita, KS.
July 2024 Compass HQIC Update
KHC Enrolling Now for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Programs
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative is partnering with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Bureau of Health Promotion to implement clinical strategies for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. KHC is currently enrolling for both the diabetes and cardiovascular disease programs.
June 2024 Compass HQIC Update
May 2024 Compass HQIC Update
KHA Encourages Kansans to Celebrate Hospital Week
KHA Encourages Kansans to Celebrate Hospital Week
National Hospital Week: May 12-18, 2024 – "We Are Health Care"
Topeka, KS (KHA Media Release 5/6/24)
Yesterday, KHA issued a media release encouraging Kansans to celebrate Hospital week May 12th through the 18th, 2024.
April 2024 Compass HQIC Update
March 2024 Compass HQIC Update (2)
KHC Clinic Assistance Program
March 2024 Compass HQIC Update
Rural Kansas Community Collaborates in Response to Local Opioid Crisis
More than one million people have died since 1999 from a drug overdose.1 In 2021, 106,699 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States. The age-adjusted rate of overdose deaths increased by 14% from 2020 (28.3 per 100,000) to 2021 (32.4 per 100,000).
Rooks County Health Center Selected as a 2023 Health Quality Innovator of the Year
Award recognizes Rooks County Health Center’s dedication to improving health in Plainville and Rooks County.
Plainville, KS — Rooks County Health Center (RCH) has been recognized as a Health Quality Innovator for 2023. The Health Quality Innovator Awards is the annual awards program created by Health Quality Innovators (HQI) that recognizes and celebrates organizations that are using successful, evidence-based approaches to improve health care quality and outcomes.
KHC Upcoming Webinar: Updates on Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Designations
January 2024 CMS QIN-QIO 13th Scope of Work Update
Both KFMC and KHC currently provide services to Kansas providers under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) Program and the Hospital Quality Improvement Contractor (HQIC) Program. Both KHC and KFMC have worked within these programs independently, but collaboratively. Our organizations have a long history of successfully supporting Kansas providers and our staff live and work in the communities we serve.
Currently, CMS is planning to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the CMS QIN-QIO 13th Statement of work (SOW, or 13th iteration of the QIO work). As such, CMS is making significant changes to the program, that you may or may not be aware of.
KHC Announces 2024 Office Hours Series
KHC has released the schedule and topics for the 2024 KHC Office Hours Series. KHC's monthly webinar series allows Kansas hospitals and clinics to keep abreast of hospital and clinic quality improvement efforts.
KHC and KFMC to Partner for the CMS QIN-QIO 13th Scope of Work (SOW) in Kansas
Kansa Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) and KFMC Health Improvement Partners are excited to announce a new quality improvement collaboration in Kansas. KHC and KFMC are working together with other health care partners in the region to bid on the CMS QIN-QIO 13th Scope of Work (SOW) in Kansas.
What is a QIN-QIO?
Required by statute, the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) Program is one of the largest federal programs dedicated to improving the effectiveness and quality of health care services delivered to people with Medicare.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) contracts with organizations like KHC and KFMC to carry out the program mission.
Success Story - Southwest Medical Center Tackles Sepsis Bundle Compliance
More than 1.7 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with sepsis each year1. 350,000 adults die from sepsis every year in the U.S. which represents more deaths than opioid overdoses, breast cancer, and prostate cancer combined1. Southwest Medical Center (SWMC), an acute care hospital located in Liberal, KS, joined Compass HQIC in September 2020. As they assessed their priorities for the Compass HQIC Workplan, they identified Sepsis Bundle Compliance as a priority for improvement through their work with Compass HQIC.
Celebrate National Influenza Week December 4th-8th
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a critical opportunity to remind everyone six months and older that there’s still time to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this flu season by getting their annual flu vaccine if they have not already.
November 2023 Compass HQIC Update
"Before You Travel" Vaccine Confidence Posters Available for Download
KHC has partnered with KHA and KDHE to encourage patients to seek immunizations before they travel for the holidays. Use these printable PDF Posters in your community to encourage patients to get up to date on vaccines while sharing a helpful "Before You Travel" checklist to remind patients of what they can do to get ready to hit the road to visit friends and family this holiday season.
Health Partnership Clinic Closes Gaps in Colorectal Cancer Screening
Health Partnership Clinic, an FQHC with four clinic sites in Olathe, Ottawa, Paola, and Shawnee Mission, serves a population of more than 15,000 patients each year, the majority of which are underserved and uninsured. Serving a patient population facing additional social drivers of health and barriers to care creates challenges in managing and screening for chronic disease. Through their work with the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative and KDHE in the CDC's Colorectal Cancer Control program, Health Partnership Clinic has developed innovative strategies to increase access to care and increase screening rates in their underserved patient population.
Webinar - Collecting SDOH Data from Patients: A Review of Three Methods
Funding Opportunity: Sunflower Foundation 2023 Capacity Building Grant Program
The Sunflower Foundation is accepting grant proposals through October 19th. The 2023 Capacity Building Grants Program through the Sunflower Foundation awards up to $25,000 to eligible non-profits, based on the applicant's proposal.
Funding Opportunity: Multiplan Rural Health Grant
Multiplan Rural Health Grants are being accepted through October 6th. Multiplan is awarding up to $40,000 to eligible hospitals, rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers participating in a MultiPlan provider network.
Ready for Fall Vaccine Confidence Posters Available for Download
KHC has partnered with KHA and KDHE to encourage patients to seek immunizations and wellness visits this fall. Use these printable PDF Posters in your community to encourage patients to seek wellness care and to get COVID and Influenza vaccines this fall while sharing a helpful "Ready for Fall" checklist to remind patients of what they can do to get ready for the change in seasons later this fall.
KHC Announces 2024 Leadership in Quality Awards
Sponsored by
The 2024 KHC Summit on Quality will feature a virtual Storyboard Showcase. We invite you to submit your organization’s successful quality improvement projects to be part of the showcase. Your Storyboard should describe a quality improvement project started or completed in the past year. Attendees to the 2024 Summit on Quality will use a QR code to download and view storyboards that are part of the showcase in addition to viewing the storyboards during the showcase session at the Summit.
Increase Wellness with Back to School Posters
Genesis Family Health Sews the Seeds of Health Using CHWs
KHC to Expand KHC CAP Program with CRHCP Certifications
Jenni Peters, Jill Daughhetee and Patty Thomsen recently achieved Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional certification through the National Association of Rural Health Clinics (NARHC). "The National Association of Rural Health Clinics knows that in order for RHCs to thrive and grow, their employees, especially those in a leadership role, need the most up to date information on the federal and state guidelines pertaining to the Rural Health Clinic program. RHCs have distinctly different rules when it comes to operations and management," says the NARHC.
Compass HQIC Update May 2023
HQIC is My Compass Campaign
There is still time to submit your "HQIC is My Compass" flyer. KHC and the Compass HQIC team invite you to share what fuels your passion for health care. As part of the Hospital Quality Improvement initiative, we are asking you to share your “why” in 1-2 sentences on one of the flyers
Compass and KHC will be sharing your "HQIC is My Compass" at our events this summer. Email your completed document to your KHC QIA.
KHC Seeking Clinicians for Arthritis Program
Kansas Healthcare Collaborative is partnering with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Bureau of Health Promotion to implement clinical strategies for management of arthritis.
HQIC is My Compass Campaign
The Compass HQIC Network is a community of outstanding healthcare professionals like you, who actively contribute efforts every day to improve patient safety and strengthen best practices. To help inspire other healthcare professionals, KHC and the Compass HQIC team invite you to share what fuels your passion for healthcare. As part of the Hospital Quality Improvement initiative, we are asking you to share your “why” in 1-2 sentences on one of the flyers
Spring 2023 National DEA Drug Takeback Event
Saturday, April 22nd
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Register for the 2023 Antibiotic Stewardship Series
Register for the 2023 Antibiotic Stewardship Series!
Click Here to Register for the Series!
Compass HQIC Update March 2023
The end of the first quarter will be upon us before we know it. Just a friendly reminder to finalize the Quality Improvement Work Plans (QWIPs) in the IHC Compass Portal by March 15th. Hospitals need to select a minimum of two priority areas. If you have questions about logging in to the portal or completing the QWIP reach out to your Quality Improvement Advisor (QIA).
Enroll Now in KHC’s Cervical and Breast Cancer Initiatives
Breast and cervical cancer are leading causes of death among women worldwide, but early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. By offering regular screenings and follow-up care to women in your community, you can play a critical role in reducing the impact of these diseases.
KHC is currently seeking clinicians and practices with an innovative spirit who wish to increase their breast and cervical cancer screening rates through implementing Evidence-based Interventions (EBIs). KHC, in conjunction with KDHE, assists providers in increasing their cancer screening rates through clinical assessment, feedback and technical assistance activities, thus ensuring women receive the care they need.
CHCSEK Healthy Heart Ambassador Program Sucess Story
Compass HQIC Update February 2023
It's the time of year to update the Quality Improvement Work Plans (QWIPs) in the IHC Compass Portal. Each hospital needs to select a minimum of two priority areas for quality improvement. Workplans are due no later than March 15th. Please check your inbox or spam folder for a link to set up your IHC Compass Portal account, if you haven’t done so yet. We reviewed the process for completing the workplan during the January KHC Office Hours for HQIC Hospitals. The recording and handouts are available in our Education Archive or you can reach out to your QIA if you need additional support.
KHC seeking clinicians for 2023 quality improvement opportunities
KHC is currently seeking clinicians and hospitals who are interested in participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes and prevent disease and disease progression. KHC provides no-cost technical assistance to clinicians and hospitals participating in these initiatives. Contact Mandy Johnson
Rooks County Health Center partners with community stakeholders to address workforce challenges
In March 2022, the American Hospital Association urged Congress to address workforce issues affecting health care facilities1. AHA called those workforce issues “a national emergency that demands immediate attention from all levels of government and workable solutions." According to the Kansas Hospital Association’s 2022 Workforce Report2 vacancy and turnover rates in 2021 for licensed practical nurses and staff nurses were higher than in all previous years dating back to 2013. Statewide, overall employee turnover rate for surveyed health care positions averaged 19%, with the highest turnover rates for housekeepers (33%), food service workers/dietary aids (31%) and Certified Nursing Assistants (29%).
Kansas Health Equity Partnership
The Kansas Hospital Association and the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative are promoting awareness and education to eliminate disparities in care so that all Kansans have the opportunity to achieve their optimal state of health.
Health Equity is a vital part of the quality improvement initiatives that you are pursuing. By partnering to meet the goals outlined in the health equity guidance document, your organization can demonstrate your focus to further improve health care available to your full community.
Funding opportunity for clinics interested in embedding Community Health Worker teams
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), is seeking clinics interested in embedding teams of Community Health Workers (CHWs) at clinics in any county in Kansas.
KHC Update — May 2022
Important Early Detection Works (EDW) update
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) EDW Program announced Gov. Kelly and the Kansas Legislature have provided supplemental program funding for program year 2022 and ongoing program years to support the increased need for cancer screening services. Effective May 9, 2022, the EDW program has resumed breast and cervical cancer screenings.
In addition to the resumption of screening services, EDW has reactivated direct provider enrollment privileges effective May 9, 2022. EDW providers with direct enrollment privileges may now resume direct enrollment of program eligible patients. All patients enrolled for EDW diagnostic services since March 1, 2022, will continue to be eligible for the diagnostic services for which they were enrolled. All payment requests for EDW services occurring between July 1, 2021 and June 2, 2022 must be entered by June 3, 2022. Payment requests entered after June 3, 2022 will not be processed until after July 1, 2022.
KHC Update — March 2022
KHC webinar: Kansas Health Information Network Deep Dive
Join us on Wednesday, March 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. for KHC Compass Office Hours. We will welcome Rhonda Spellmeier with the Kansas Health Information Network (KHIN), will discuss using the KHIN health information exchange technology to reduce readmissions and improve transitions of care. All are welcome. Register here.
KHC Update — February 2022
KHC webinar: “Strategies for Effective Care Coordination”
Join us for our next KHC Office Hours on Feb. 23, 2022, from 10 – 11 a.m. The KHC team will welcome Jeff Capobianco, PhD, a national expert in behavioral health and Senior Consultant to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. He will share perspectives on the key components of care coordination and outline strategies to advance the integration of behavioral health across the continuum. Register here.
KHC announces new Executive Director
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) Board of Directors has selected Malea Hartvickson as the organization’s Executive Director effective January 1, 2022. Over the last year, she was a Program Director leading one of KHC’s largest initiatives, the Health Quality Innovation Network.
Previously, Hartvickson was a Quality Improvement Advisor for KHC’s Practice Transformation Network, working with medical practices in the western and north central part of the state to help them continually improve health care quality and maximize patient safety.
KHC Update — December 2021
New opioid initiative enrolling one-on-one consultations
Kansas Partners in Opioid Safety (KPOS) is a unique opioid safety initiative from the KU Medical Center Area Health Education Centers and the Kansas Overdose Data to Action Program. KPOS offers tools and resources for opioid safety and seeks to understand both the challenges and successes that organizations and communities face with opioid safety. KPOS is arranging one-on-one 15-minute sessions with providers to discuss the most recent research data and evidence-based approaches for safe opioid practices.
KHC Update — November 2021
KHC webinar: Office Hours on Antimicrobial Stewardship
The next KHC Office Hours will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 24. Our featured topic is “Practical Antibiotic Stewardship Implementation and Solutions for Kansas Health Care Facilities.” A panel of antimicrobial stewardship leaders with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment will be our guest presenters, including Kellie Wark, MD, MPH, assistant professor of infectious diseases at the University of Kansas Medical Center. This webinar series is open to all Kansas health care facilities. The sessions also allow Kansas hospitals to keep abreast of the Compass HQIC patient safety initiative, as well as other hospital quality improvement programs and resources. Register here.
KHC Update — October 2021
Funding opportunity for Community Health Worker clinic teams
KHC — in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment — is soliciting applications from clinics interested in embedding teams of Community Health Workers (CHWs) at clinics in Brown, Crawford, Johnson, Finney, Wyandotte, Sedgwick, Thomas, and Mitchell Counties. CHW teams will work to provide greater access to COVID-19 prevention and response while addressing chronic diseases and access to social determinants of health that exacerbate COVID-19. Find more information here.
Grant opportunity for clinics and organizations working on health equity
A new grant opportunity called Increase the Reach is open to clinics and community-based organizations working to improve health equity in all communities of Kansas. This grant program is administered by the Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute, overseen by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Applications will be accepted starting October 18 with an application due date of November 12. Funding awards get out on December 17.
KHC opening: Executive Director
Funding Opportunity for Community Health Worker Clinic Teams
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative, in partnership with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, is soliciting applications from clinics interested in embedding teams of Community Health Workers (CHWs) at clinics in Brown, Crawford, Johnson, Finney, Wyandotte, Sedgwick, Thomas, and Mitchell Counties.
KHC Update — July 2021
KHC Update — June 2021
Webinar: Learn how to deploy eCR to reduce reporting burden on health care staff without disrupting the clinical workflow
Electronic Case Reporting (eCR) is the automated generation and transmission of case reports from the electronic health record (EHR) to public health agencies for review and action. eCR makes disease reporting from health care to public health faster and easier. It moves data securely and seamlessly—from the EHR at the point of care, to data systems at local and state agencies. eCR also allows public health to more rapidly provide information back to health care professionals. For example, this timely data sharing provides a real-time picture of COVID-19 to support outbreak management.
Starting on January 1, 2022, eCR will be required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Promoting Interoperability Program (PIP) for eligible hospitals and critical access hospitals and the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Promoting Interoperability Performance Category for eligible clinicians.
KHC Update — April 2021
Summit on Quality 2021 — Registration now open
In a year that has been anything but familiar, KHC’s Summit on Quality is changing, too. We recognize that everyone in the health care system has been deeply impacted by COVID-19. KHC is embracing that reality and this year’s fully online Summit is designed to equip Kansas’s health care professionals to thrive in our “new normal.”
Vaccine acceptance toolkits and other resources
Cynosure Health—a longstanding KHC partner—recently released a toolkit designed to equip health care providers with information, strategies, and tools to increase vaccine acceptance among health care workers and help them to become confident advocates for COVID-19 vaccination in their communities. Access the toolkit here.
KHC Update — March 2021
KHC webinar: Advance Care Planning Sessions III
Our March webinar—hosted by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative in partnership with the Center for Practical Bioethics, KFMC Health Improvement Partners, and the Health Quality Innovation Network—will feature Part III on Advance Care Planning (ACP). These sessions are intended for physicians, mid-level practitioners, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals.
TeleECHO series: A Primary Care Approach to Managing Substance Use Disorders
This TeleECHO from KU Medical Center is designed to improve health care provider capacity to implement evidence-based practices related to substance use disorder (SUD) prevention, screening, early intervention, referral to treatment, and risk reduction. There is no cost to participate in this series, but registration is required. While helpful to everyone, this series is specifically designed for clinicians who work in the primary care setting.
No-cost CME and CNE modules on flu and HPV vaccination
The Immunize Kansas Coalition (IKC) has launched no-cost education modules to help health care providers and their teams communicate the importance of HPV and flu vaccination to patients. CME and CNE is available for each of these two education modules.
KDHE Zero Suicide Academy
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Zero Suicide Academy is a two-day training for senior leaders of health and behavioral health care organizations that seek to dramatically reduce suicides among patients in their care. Using the Zero Suicide framework, participants learn how to incorporate best and promising practices into their organizations and processes to improve care and safety for individuals at risk. Zero Suicide faculty provide both interactive presentations and small group sessions, collaborating with participants to develop organization-specific action plans.
KHC and KDHE renew support for antimicrobial certification
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program are pleased to again partner to provide reimbursement assistance to select candidates who successfully complete the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists’ (SIDP) Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate Program for Pharmacists.
KHC Update — February 2021
KHC webinar: Advance Care Planning III
Our March webinar—hosted by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative in partnership with the Center for Practical Bioethics, KFMC Health Improvement Partners, and the Health Quality Innovation Network—will feature Part III on Advance Care Planning (ACP). This session is intended for physicians, mid-level practitioners, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals. Parts I and II are available in the KHC Education Archive.
KHC Update — January 2021
Kansas Pharmacist SIDP certification scholarship program
KHC and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Healthcare-Acquired Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program are pleased to again partner to provide reimbursement assistance to select candidates who successfully complete the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Certificate Program.
KHC Update — December 2020
KHC December webinar — canceled
Amid rising COVID-19 cases across the state, we know you are facing unprecedented time constraints and your focus is first on patient care. We are canceling the December webinar and delaying the education program to a later date. The Advance Care Planning webinars remain scheduled as planned—see information below.
KHC Update — November 2020
KHC Monthly Webinar: Lung Cancer Screening
November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and we have a special KHC webinar focused on Lung Cancer Screening (LCS). This is a critical topic as lung cancer kills more people than the next four types of cancer combined. While LCS with low-dose CT (LDCT) can reduce lung cancer mortality by 20% or more, only a smallpercentage of patients at high-risk for this disease are being screened.
KHC Update - October 2020
CMS announces new patient safety initiative, Compass HQIC and KHC to lead in Kansas
KHC is pleased to share that the Compass HQIC—of which KHC is a proud partner—has been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a leader in the next phase of its hospital quality improvement and patient safety program. The Compass Hospital Quality Improvement Contractor (HQIC), led by the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative with its partners, will provide hospital quality improvement services as we build upon the achievements of the recently concluded Hospital Improvement Innovation Network.
KHC Update - September 2020
KHC seeks testimonials about your work with us
For more than a decade, KHC has worked with hospitals and clinics across the state on projects to improve health care quality and patient safety. We would like to showcase successful partnerships at the upcoming KHA Convention and Trade Show, set for Oct. 21-23 online. If you would like to have your work with us highlighted in KHC’s Trade Show forum at the event, please let us know what you have valued most in your time working in partnership with KHC. Your testimonials may be a brief or detailed as you would like—we would appreciate whatever thoughts you might have. To gather your testimonials, we have created this brief survey that we hope you will take a few minutes to complete. Thank you in advance!
Overdose Data to Action RFP issued
KDHE has released the 2020-2021 Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) RFP. The deadline for proposals is September 18. Eligible applicants include public or private non-profit community-based organizations, local health departments, other units of city, and/or county government, health systems, and tribes/tribal organizations. Current OD2A subrecipients are not eligible.
KHC Update - August 2020
KHC Monthly Webinar: Preparing for the AUC Program
Wednesday, 10-11 a.m., August 26
Register today for the next KHC Monthly Webinar, “Preparing for the AUC Program—The Basics and Beyond,” set for 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26. In this webinar for Kansas clinics and hospitals, presenters from the American College of Radiology (ACR) will provide an overview of the CMS Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Program, ACR Appropriateness Criteria, clinical decision support mechanisms, the responsibilities of ordering physicians, information to be relayed between clinicians, and recommendations for successful partnering across the continuum of care. SCL Health will also be joining in this session to provide a perspective of implementation in a smaller practice setting.
KHC Update - July 2020
KHC Monthly Webinar: Using K-TRACS to reduce adverse drug events and opioid misuse
Wednesday, 10-11 a.m., July 22
As we work to reduce adverse drug events and opioid misuse, we will learn about Kansas’ Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. K-TRACS helps improves patient care, safety, education, and outcomes through detection, prevention, and intervention while preserving access for patients with legitimate medical needs.
KHC Update - June 2020
KHC Monthly Webinar: Strategies for engaging your PFAs during a pandemic
10 a.m. June 24
KHC virtual meetings provide an opportunity to learn with your peers, as well as stay in the know about resources and opportunities in quality and patient safety. This month's featured topic: “Don’t forget your PFAC: Strategies for engaging patient and family advisors during times of pandemic.”
Tanya Lord, PhD, MPH, director of patient and family engagement for the Foundation for Healthy Communities, will share strategies for engaging patient and family advisors as Kansas health care organizations navigate new ground during times of pandemic, including communications, policies, and implementation of such new technologies as telehealth.
Kansas hospitals recognized for patient safety achievements
More than 100 Kansas hospitals are being recognized by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) for their work in one of the largest national health care improvement initiatives ever undertaken to accelerate and sustain momentum toward improved quality and patient safety.
Since October 2016, more than 115 hospitals in Kansas have participated in the AHA/HRET Network—a patient safety initiative spearheaded by the American Hospital Association/Health Research & Educational Trust (AHA/HRET) involving more than 1,600 hospitals across 34 states and U.S. territories —which has been coordinated in Kansas by KHC. The initiative was part of a contract by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to achieve CMS patient safety goals to reduce hospital-acquired conditions by 20 percent and readmissions by 12 percent.
KHC Update - May 2020
Patient and Family Advisor orientation video series: With feedback from many of our partners about needs and wishes for a resource that could be helpful to your Patient and Family Advisor programs, we have prepared an orientation video series. You can access the video at: www.khconline.org/pfa-orientation.
These animated videos (9-12 min. each) are designed so that your hospital can incorporate them into your PFA orientation programs. Most likely, these videos also would be worthwhile to view by your hospital staff members who also are working with PFAs.
Coronavirus Resources for Kansas
As developments surrounding COVID-19 rapidly evolve, it is more critical than ever to rely on trusted resources for the latest, accurate information.
We recognize Kansas physicians are on the front lines of this pandemic and we intend to be available to support you however we can. KHC is monitoring state and federal guidance and other information and will post high-level summaries here.
2019 Kansas Pinnacle Practices
Five Kansas practices have been recognized as 2019 “Pinnacle Practices,” a distinction that comes with a $12,000 award.
Hiawatha Community Hospital
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Dr. Bradley Barrett,
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Women’s Health Center,
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Horizons Mental Health Center,
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Northwest Family Physicians,
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Pinnacle Practices have excelled in efforts to steadily improve health care quality, safety, and value with patient-centered, evidence-based interventions. For example, they have employed person and family engagement, encouraging the patient and their family to partner with the medical staff in their care. Pinnacle Practices also have incorporated additional quality metrics and utilization metrics for national comparison and evaluation.
Children’s Health Network recognized with 2019 Leadership in Quality Award
Luke Harris—Children's Health Network Director of Operations & Population Health Management—discusses his organization's presentation with attendees of the 2019 Summit on Quality.When he found out Children’s Health Network (CHN) had won the 2019 Leadership in Quality Award, Senior Vice President and CHN Executive Director Bob Finuf knew what they’d do with part of the award’s $5,000 prize money:
Make 23 replicas of the award’s trophy—one for each of Children’s Health Network’s participating practices.
“It’s the practices that have done the heavy lift in order to achieve the aggregate results that we have realized so far. It’s their work this award recognizes," Finuf said.
The Leadership in Quality awards are presented annually by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative and the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, Inc. to health care providers and health care organizations to recognize leadership in quality improvement and patient safety. A cash prize of $5,000 is presented to the grand prize winner, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the KAMMCO Foundation.
The awards were presented at the 2019 Summit on Quality in Wichita by Jerry Slaughter on behalf of the KAMMCO Foundation board of directors.
Letter: Leadership change at KHC
Dear colleagues,
Ten years ago this month, I was interviewing for a role at a startup, provider-led organization focused on quality as envisioned by the Kansas Medical Society (KMS) and the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA). Health care was in the midst of significant change and at the heart of those discussions were important conversations around improving quality, safety, and value. KMS and KHA—two organizations committed to improving health care in Kansas—partnered to establish the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative. Today, that startup has grown into a nationally respected leader in quality improvement and patient safety.
Flu vaccine rate for Kansas hospital workers climbs, exceeds U.S. rate
→ Download press release (PDF)
TOPEKA—For the tenth straight year, the percentage of Kansas hospital personnel vaccinated against influenza continued to rise, far exceeding the national average, according to a recent survey of health care professionals conducted by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC). The annual Health Care Personnel Influenza Immunization Survey conducted by KHC found that 93.9 percent of hospital personnel in Kansas received influenza vaccination for last year’s flu season.
That’s considerably better than the national average, which was 88.7 percent in 2017-18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which tracks rates nationally. Alaska had the lowest rate at 73.8 percent; Colorado had the highest rate at 97.6 percent. Only eight states and the District of Columbia had higher rates of flu vaccination among hospital personnel than Kansas.
Hospital leaders recognized for working to improve patient safety
Thirteen Kansas hospital leaders are being recognized for their completion of a national fellowship program aimed at improving patient safety.
Announcing new staff serving KHC
KHC is pleased to welcome three new team members to further its hospital- and practice-based quality improvement initiatives.
The KHC Leadership in Quality Awards
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative Leadership in Quality Awards are presented annually to health care providers and health care organizations to recognize leadership and innovation in quality improvement and patient safety.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the KAMMCO Foundation, $5,000 will be presented to the grand prize winner. A Physician Champion and Award of Merit winners will also be recognized.
Kansas fellows recognized
Hospital Quality Leaders Complete National Fellows Program
More than 30 Kansas hospital leaders were recently recognized for their completion of a national fellowship program in quality and patient safety, announced the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative.
Two fellowship programs were offered in 34 states this year by the Health Research and Educational Trust for hospitals participating in its Hospital Improvement Innovation Network, a national patient safety initiative administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and its Partnership for Patients program.
Kansas hospital personnel rank among top in the nation for getting influenza vaccinations
More hospital personnel in Kansas are protecting themselves and their patients from the flu each year, placing Kansas among the top in the nation. The annual Health Care Personnel (HCP) Influenza Immunization Survey, conducted by Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC), found that 93.6 percent of hospital personnel in Kansas received influenza vaccination during the 2016-17 flu season.
Kansas PTN Annual Learning Event features transformation stories from Kansas practices
“We are just beginning our involvement in the PTN – this was an excellent first conference! Thank you!”
- Conference Attendee Evaluation Response
The Kansas PTN Annual Learning Event was a one-day program available at no charge for participating practices of Kansas PTN and was approved for Continuing Education Credits. The event was held October 18, 2017 at the Rolling Hills Zoo and Conference Center in Salina.
Kansas Health Professionals earn patient safety credentials
Eight health care professionals throughout the state of Kansas were recently recognized by the Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety (CBPPS) as Certified Professionals in Patient Safety (CPPS). Their certification is the culmination of a year-long professional development initiative that was made possible through scholarships from Kansas Healthcare Collaborative.
KDHE and KHC prove an effective partnership
KDHE and KHC prove an effective partnership in encouraging the use of the Electronic Death Record System. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Office of Vital Statistics recently recognized the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative for their successful joint partnership to encourage Kansas physicians to use the Electronic Death Record System.
In June, presenting to an audience of 250 at the National Association of Public Health Statistics and Information Systems in Memphis, TN, Kay Haug, Director and Assistant State Registrar for the Office of Vital Statistics, praised the partnership her office has with the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative. Through this partnership, KHC leadership assisted in reaching out to Kansas physicians and hospitals to promote EDRS, included information about the system in monthly and quarterly publications, and helped establish monthly hospital trainings across the state.
KHC hires new employees
Chuck Duffield
Devin June
The Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) announces the addition of two new staff members, Chuck Duffield, Topeka, and Devin June, Derby, to assist with the implementation of KHC’s statewide hospital- and practice-based quality improvement initiatives.
Chuck Duffield, Topeka, joins KHC as a Performance Improvement Manager and will work with KHC's health care quality improvement programs. He is responsible for improvement processes as well as assisting with planning and implementing quality and patient safety programs statewide. Duffield works closely with improvement leaders and teams to provide support and resources leading to successful improvement initiatives.
Health Care Leaders: Bill or No Bill, We Still Have Work to Do
Health Care Leaders: Bill or No Bill, We Still Have Work to Do.
Click here for the full article from Catalyst NEJM Leadership article by Rick Foster, MD, Tammy Alvarez, MSN, RN, CCRN, Richard Feifer, MD, MPH, Stephen A. Mette, MD, John B. Chessare, MD, MPH and James Bassford, MD, MHA, MS.
Like many of you, we closely follow everything in the media about health care — especially over the past few months. Frankly, health care news has been hard to avoid. Headlines about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance coverage, Medicaid, and contentious town meetings jump out from every corner of the Internet into our complex worlds as health care leaders around the country.
The efficiency of electronically-filed death certificates is an aid to grieving family members
Electronic filing of death certificates is now required in Kansas. The expediency of the new regulation is not only a benefit to record keeping, but also to families. Claudia Ellerman, Wichita, sadly lost two family members within five months. Through that experience, she noted the benefit of a quickly accessible death certificate.
Early Elective Delivery poster presentation
KHC executive director Kendra Tinsley presented a scientific poster in Orlando in May at the 2017 Patient Safety Congress of the National Patient Safety Foundation. The poster, titled, “Progress in Kansas hospitals achieving and sustaining benchmark rates in early elective delivery (EED),” presented updated results as well as findings from KHC’s October-November 2016 statewide survey of Kansas birthing hospitals.
KHC recently completed analysis of the 2016 Kansas EED survey to inform strategies for future EED prevention efforts. KHC also partnered with KHA and KDHE in the March of Dimes Banner Recognition program for Kansas birthing hospitals. By the end of February, 25 hospitals had applied for this recognition.
2017 Leadership in Quality Award recipients
Hospitals recognized for innovation and quality improvement
Topeka, Kan. – Three Kansas hospitals were recognized for their leadership and achievement in quality improvement and patient safety by the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC). The awards were sponsored by the KaMMCO Foundation and presented at the Ninth Annual Summit on Quality, jointly hosted by KHC and Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, Inc. in Wichita, May 10.