HMSA Payment Transformation Model Update   Dr. Lynda Dolan, Dr. Buddy Festerling and Susan Mochizuki attended a meeting in Honolulu with other IPAs and HMSA to discuss proposed Payment Transformation payment rates. HMSA asked all IPAs to agree as a group on the new global payment rate methodology. Key issues raised were:

  • Whether there would be separate global rates for each primary care area—i.e., family, internal & pediatric.

  • What quality measures and resource utilization (risk factors) would be used to calculate rates. HMSA wanted “philosophical” agreement on the methodology.

As a group the IPAs said it would be difficult to reach a consensus without seeing actual numbers. HMSA agreed to run the model in order to show the rates. Separately, East Hawaii IPA continues to ask for funding in addition to the proposed global rates due to the unique needs of our patient community. Final decisions will need to be made by mid-summer assuming a 10/1/18 start date.

Yesterday (June 13, 2018), 40 EHI providers gathered to hear a presentation by HMSA Contract Officer, Paul Schnur.  He announced that specific rates for each provider will be available in early July. The IPA as a group must decide by August 31 whether to go forward with the new rates effective October 1, 2018 or delay implementation to October 1, 2019. Another session to review specific rates will be scheduled in July. If you were unable to attend and would like copies of the slide presentation please contact Joyce at  jvitales@ehiipa.com.

Honorary Member Designation   The Board at its June 6 meeting agreed to revise the EHI bylaws to create an “Honorary Member” designation to recognize IPA members who have left independent practice but continue to serve and be a resource for the community.

Hawai‘i Health Information Exchange (HHIE) 6-Month FREE Access   HHIE is offering IPA members who are not already using the HHIE Community Health Record, FREE access to the portal for 6 months so that providers can use the clinical data & medication history available to deliver optimal care to the residents affected by the lava flow. Please email Jane at jbontuyan@ehiipa.com if you are interested in enrolling.

Ask the EHI Pharmacist   Reminder on Opioid Prescribing: Informed Consent contracts between patient and provider are required as of July 2018. Please see attached form to use (if you do not already have one), and read the attached for more information on rules and regulations to keep in mind while treating patients with acute and chronic pain.

SBIRT   Stands for Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment for alcohol & substance abuse. Any adult PCP office interested in participating in the SBIRT grant can receive up to $2500. This grant will run from June 5 – September 25, 2018. Participating offices are asked to:

  • Screen their incoming adult patients for Alcohol and Drug Abuse

  • Provide up to 5-minute education/counseling to those who screen positive (IPA will provide handouts/brochures)

  • Refer patients needing further treatment/resources to the IPA or to behavioral health or treatment specialists

  • Submit all necessary forms to the IPA

If interested, email Jane at jbontuyan@ehiipa.com to schedule a one-on-one visit with your office. EHI received a State Department of Health grant to support this program.

**All SBIRT forms were delivered to the offices who expressed interested in participating. Jane will be dropping off new forms on Monday and picking up completed forms. Please call if you have any questions at 808-797-3113.

Announcements:

  • Mountain – Pacific Quality Health WEBINAR: “MIPS Tips Sessions” – Tuesday, July 12, 9:00-10:00 AM. Register here.

  • 22nd Annual East Hawaii IPA Healthcare Symposium – August 17-19, 2018 – Fairmont Orchid Hotel — This year’s theme is “Advancing Wellness for Patients, Providers and Organizations.” Please see attached for the latest schedule of events, topics & speakers. EHI IPA members receive a discounted rate of $75 which includes AAFP CMEs, all sessions, trade show attendance, pau hana event and two breakfasts. Please register early (flyer attached).