Regional Extension Centers for Health Information Technology

Beginning next year, physicians that adopt and make effective use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to improve patient care can earn up to $63,750 from Medicaid. To get the incentive, providers must have an EHR that achieves meaningful use (MU). Basically, providers must show that they are using the system to improve their patients’ health. Providers must use an EHR certified by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONCHIT).

Software must be able to generate MU reports to submit to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). This requires specific functionality. In last year’s stimulus legislation, Congress anticipated the extra burden that EHR implementation would impose on small provider organizations. Funds were set aside to develop Regional Extension Centers to assist small practices and community health centers with purchasing, implementing and using EHRs. PA has been awarded a grant by the federal government to a non-profit partnership that is led by Quality Insights of Pennsylvania to establish an East and West Regional Extension Center entitled “PA REACH.”

The PA REACH East/West are the only federally authorized organizations to help providers transition to MU. Be sure to contact PA REACH prior to signing a vendor contract so you can be sure that the software measures up to MU.

To learn more about PA REACH for Eastern PA: attend one of the Outreach and Education Sessions that are scheduled around the state or vist the website.

To learn more about PA REACH for Western PA: attend one of the Outreach and Education Sessions that are scheduled around the state or visit the website.

ARRA Funding and Pediatric Meaningful Use - Frequently Asked Questions

This document, prepared by Sue Kressly MD, FAAP (Warrington, PA) provides a good background on qualifications for ARRA funding of pediatric EHRs and meaningful use.  

PA Department of Public Welfare Plans for ARRA Funding

Click this link for information on DPW's Health Information Technology Initiative.  Take a special look at the Pediatric Care EQUIP document found under the sub-heading "Electronic Quality Improvement Projects".  This document outlines DPW's thoughts on pediatric outcome measures. 

Nominations for Pediatrician of the Year Award

Please consider nominating a colleague for our annual PA AAP Pediatrician of the Year award.  As President, Dr. Turkewitz has had the pleasure of presenting the award to the last three winners:  Dr. Fatula, Dr. Cindy Christian and Dr. Narayan Shah.  While none of these pediatricians were driven by the need to receive accolades from their peers, still each one embraced this as a very special moment in their life.  So, if you can think of an exceptional pediatrician, then get the ball rolling by submitting their name.  Click here for application information.

Featured Practice: Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh

Click here to learn about this pediatric practice, which offers high quality, comprehensive lactation support to mothers and infants.

The PA AAP recognizes the important work of pediatric practices who serve children and families in their communities. To request your practice be considered, e-mail Suzanne Yunghans at paaap@paaap.org.

HHS Release Final Rule on Meaningful Use of EHR

On Tuesday, July 13, 2010, the Department of Health and Human Services released its Final Rule on Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records (EHR), along with an additional rule dealing with certification of EHRs. Click here to view the entire Final Rule. For more information and a summary of the changes in the Final Rule visit the AAP Member Center.

Medicaid Approves Payment for Flouride Varnish

Effective April 1, 2010, Medicaid will reimburse PCPs for topical fluoride varnish application for children under age 5.  Fee for Service (AccessPlus) will reimburse $18.00/application using CPT code D1206 and ICD-9-CM code V07.31 up to 4 times per calendar year.  Contact individual Medicaid Managed Care plans (HealthChoices) for their coding and payment details (at present we know that Gateway is paying). Click here for the complete Medicaid Bulletin.

Value of Oral Health Risk Assessment and Fluoride Varnish application:

• This procedure helps kids and adds to the pediatrician's bottom line - a FUNDED opportunity to provide quality care!
• The only additional step for pediatricians to do is to examine teeth and oral cavity as you look past them to the pharynx
• Use this opportunity to talk about water in between meals instead of juice and soda and ALWAYS WITHOUT JUICE added in sippy cups - a preventive measure for the two most common childhood diseases = Early Childhood Caries and Obesity
• Then as you apply the varnish, do your usual talk about finding a dental home and toothbrushing.
• Takes less than one additional minute (you're already doing most of it in your check-up) to prevent disease AND get paid for a procedure in addition to the well visit.

Supplies:  All you need is a zip-loc sandwich bag in which you put two non-sterile gloves, one 4x4 non-sterile gauze sponge, fluoride varnish and a plastic dental mirror or tongue depressor. .Dental varnish kits (containing 5% NaF in xylitol  (50mg/ml NaF = 22.5mg/ml fluoride ion = 22,5000 ppm) with applicator brush  (hardens on contact with saliva or water) can be purchased for  approximately $1.50/kit. You can order from:

Varnish America - 800-523-0191 (least expensive - local in Philadelphia) or Vanish Varnish (3M product) - 800-634-2249 or Smart Practice on the internet (other vendors available at the 3M website) - this one tastes better-kids like the melon taste!

Training:  The Medicaid Bulletin requires that you provide a training certificate before being permitted to invoice for fluoride varnish application.  A FREE one hour on-line course from the AAP is the preferred training method. Click here to access the course.

We are working on getting the certificate immediately upon completion of the course but now it takes one month for you to receive the notifying email.  AAP also developed a good oral health flipchart with color photos demonstrating fluoride varnish application and oral health assessment techniques.  Click here to order.

More materials available: Sample Fluoride Varnish Standard Operating Procedures and Patient Handouts on After Varnish Instructions

Want to speak to a colleague who is doing fluoride varnish now?  Contact Eve Kimball, MD, FAAP.