Nominations Open for New Board Members   EHI will hold its Annual Meeting and Election of new Board members on Wednesday, April 17, 2019.   Nominations are open for FOUR positions—one 2-year and one 3-year position. Attached is a list of Board members continuing their term of office and the Board openings. Members in good standing may be nominated and self-nominations are allowed. Nominations must be received by February 25, 2019 using the attached form and nominees must confirm in writing that they are willing to be nominated and if elected, will serve. Please contact Susan Mochizuki if you have any questions at smochizuki@ehiipa.com, 808-797-3114.

Membership Renewal   To date, 34 members have renewed their annual membership by paying dues. Two members are in arrears from last year, and 19 members have not yet paid their 2019 dues. If your practice cannot afford or chooses not to pay the $1200 dues invoice now, you may arrange to pay semi-yearly ($600 x 2) or monthly ($100 x 12). We will send out past due invoices next week. If we do not hear from you, we will send a final notice after this upcoming billing. Please contact Joyce at jvitales@ehiipa.com or 808-797-3113 if you have questions about your dues payment.

Executive Director’s Report   Each month, Susan Mochizuki prepares a report for the Board on EHI IPA activities. If you are interested in receiving a copy, please contact Joyce Vitales at 808-797-3113 or jvitales@ehiipa.com. We are also happy to share Board meeting minutes with members.

Staff Changes   Kahea Wakinekona was appointed Director of Quality and Care Management programs and is now a full-time employee with EHI IPA. Kahea has been on contract via the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii with EHI IPA for the past several years. Please use Kahea’s updated email and phone number to contact her directly, 808-443-9235, kwakinekona@ehiipa.com. Her old email kahealani@kidneyhi.org is no longer in use. Kevin Larkin, RN, MA, has been promoted to Behavioral Health Care Manager/Clinical Care Team Supervisor. Eileen Widdicombe, RN Care Manager, will be leaving us and returning to Seattle, Washington on February 12.

COREO Dashboard   HMSA is continuing to fix COREO technical difficulties. HMSA is sending a letter of explanation to each provider. Below are highlights:

  • HMSA decided to lower the threshold for the 2018 Review of Chronic Conditions (RCC) measure to account for any negative outcomes that may have affected providers. More information forthcoming.

  • HMSA is in the process of re-evaluating their software due to delays in publishing the 2019 measure dashboard.

HMSA PO Engagement Measure “Facilitating Timely Access for New Patients”   This measure has been closed for 2018 and is NO LONGER a measure in 2019. HMSA has decided to drop this measure to reduce the administrative burden on POs. HMSA wants to encourage PCPs to self-report a change if they are now accepting new patients using the Provider Self-Service Tool on HMSA’s Provider Resource Center (click here). Staff can complete for providers using the provider’s NPI and 10-digit HMSA Provider ID to verify identity.

Super Huddle Meeting – Tuesday, February 19, Noon   Members and staff are invited to attend our quarterly Super Huddle meeting. The meeting will focus on customer service, the patient experience and ideas for optimal scheduling and workflow in individual offices. Please use attached form to register. If you have any questions, please contact Joyce at jvitales@ehiipa.com, 808-797-3113.

CMS CPC+ (Comprehensive Primary Care) Reminders

2018 CPC+ Financial Reporting – The deadline for this is on or before Thursday, February 28, 11:59 PM ET.

2018 CPC+ eCQM Reporting – The deadline for this is on or before Thursday, February 28, 11:59 PM ET.

Announcements:

  • Rat Lungworm Support Group Meeting with Dr. Daniel Lev, Psychologist Specializing in Pain Management, Wednesday, February 13, 4:00 – 6:00 PM, Kea‘au Community Center (13-186 Pili Mua St.). Flyer attached.

  • Hilo Medical Center CME Program – “Discussion of ‘Our Care, Our Choice’ Law; HB2739, Medical Aid in Dying” – Friday, February 15, 12:00 PM by speaker Lawrence L. Heintz, PhD, at HMC Ground Conference Room A/B/C. Flyer attached.

  • American Heart Association WEBINARS: Blood Pressure Control Education Series–

    • “New American Health Association (AHA) Guidelines” – Thursday, February 21, 12:30 – 1:30 PM by speaker Dr. Kalani Brady. Register here.

    • “Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement” – Thursday, May 16, 12:30 – 1:30 PM SAVE THE DATE!

    • “Team-Based Workflows” – Thursday, August 15, 12:30 – 1:30 PM SAVE THE DATE!

    • “Navigating Blood Pressure Clinical Quality Measures” – Thursday, November 21, 12:30 – 1:30 PM SAVE THE DATE!

  • Beacon Health – PCP Referral for Behavioral Health Support – Beacon Health offers behavioral health services for HMSA patients. Attached is the referral form (here), the overview of services (here), and the WHO-5 Well-Being index tool (here).

  • Refer Patients to Complete Their Advanced Health Care Directive at ADRC – January-May dates attached.

  • Hawai‘i Island Parkinson’s Community Newsletter – February 2019

  • Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi (HMONO) Olakino Newsletter – February 2019 issue attached.

  • 23rd Annual East Hawaii IPA Healthcare Symposium – August 16-18, 2019 at the Fairmont Orchid in Waikoloa. CMEs will be offered.  Please contact Joyce if you would like information at jvitales@ehiipa.com.