Important KHC Update
Dear Friends,
Over the past six months or more, the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) Board of Directors—both the Executive Committee and the full Board—has been closely monitoring changes in the health care landscape and evaluating their impact on our organization. Even in strong financial years, sustaining an organization primarily funded through grants is challenging. The KHC staff has done an exceptional job, and we fully recognize the significant impact they have made across Kansas health care organizations.
Unfortunately, the funding environment has shifted. The grants that have historically supported our work are no longer available. While the need for KHC’s mission remains as vital as ever, the financial foundation to support that work has changed.
After thoughtful and careful consideration, the KHC Board has made the difficult decision to initiate a significant operational transition, which includes the layoff of all KHC staff, effective Oct. 3, 2025.
As you can imagine, this has not been an easy decision. Our deep respect for the staff and their many accomplishments remains unchanged. However, we must be realistic about the future sustainability of the organization under current circumstances.
Leaders from our founding organizations—the Kansas Medical Society and the Kansas Hospital Association—have been actively involved throughout this decision-making process. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Rachelle Colombo or Chad Austin.
Future communication (after Oct. 1, 2025) to KHC should be addressed to either This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , President and CEO of the Kansas Hospital Association or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Executive Director of the Kansas Medical Society.
Thank you for your support of the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative. Future opportunities for collaborative efforts such as this will come up. We look forward to building on the work that has been done by this dynamic organization.
Chad Austin and Rachelle Colombo
CMS Releases 2025 Final Rule for the Physician Fee Schedule
On November 1, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a rule finalizing changes for Medicare payments under the PFS and other Medicare Part B policies, effective on or after January 1, 2025. This highly anticipated rule features significant changes, particularly for RHCs though includes a number of changes for the Quality Payment Program (QPP) as well as hospital and clinic services.
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 Seeks Clinicians for Breast Cancer Screening Improvement Projects
Project Background
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has contracted with the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative (KHC) to assist providers to increase their cancer screening rates particularly for cervical, breast and colorectal cancer and to increase referrals to KanQuit through clinic assessment, feedback and technical assistance activities.