HMSA Payment Transformation Model Update   HMSA is continuing to gather feedback from leaders representing each IPA regarding whether the payment methodology should have different global base rates for pediatric, internal medicine and family medicine based on MGMA differentials for each of these primary care designations. EHI IPA Board voted blending all three base rates rather than having separate rates. Final decision will be based on what the majority of PCPs want statewide. So far, HMSA is still on track for giving each provider their specific rates by early July. We will schedule a meeting shortly thereafter to review the numbers as a group. The IPA must decide by August 31 whether to go forward with the new rates effective October 1, 2018 or delay implementation to October 1, 2019.

Chief Medical Director Hired   We are pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Scott Kronlund as Chief Medical Director for East Hawaii IPA. Dr. Kronlund will be moving to Hilo from the West Coast with his wife, Michele, to bring the IPA to the next level in terms of clinical integration, contract negotiation, physician satisfaction and management. Originally a family medicine practitioner, Dr. Kronlund has over twenty years of experience leading the Northwest Physicians Network of independent, private practice physicians and groups. We look forward to introducing him to our members and community when he arrives in late July. He has also served as an inspirational speaker at our annual Symposium and is on the agenda this year to share his insights on the future of primary care.

Membership Dues   In the next few weeks, EHI will send out membership dues invoices. This year’s annual dues payment will be prorated to $600 from July 1-December 31. Members will have the option to receive monthly invoices or pay one lump sum of $600 in advance.

“Behavioral Health – How Can we Best Care for Our Patients?” Workshops   Friday, July 20 12:30-1:30 PM or 5:30-7:00 PM. Please join us for a “talk story” session with Dr. James Westphal, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry with the University of Hawai‘i, John A Burns School of Medicine, and VP and Medical Director of Beacon Health Options Hawai‘i. Please see attached flyer for details. Registration deadline is Wednesday, July 18.

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

Participating offices so far:

Carlos R. Abeyta, MD • Debra Kettleson, Inc. • Heajung Ruesing, MD • Hilo Family Health Clinic, Inc. • Daniel H. Belcher, MD, Inc. • Lynda Hirakami, DNP, Inc. • Pradeepta Chowdhury, MD, LLC • Richard Lee-Ching, MD • The Family Medicine Center • Craig Y. Shikuma, MD, Inc. • Kevin Kurohara, MD • Sheareen Gedayloo, MD, Inc.

49 providers and staff attended the SBIRT workshop last month. 40 completed the follow up survey. 20 had all answers correct* and were entered in a drawing for $50 Visa Cards. The two lucky winners were: Esther Keaupunilani and Cynthia Shinshiro.

*20 people answered question #3 incorrectly: Question #3: For the DAST (Drug Abuse Screening Test), when is a BRIEF INTERVENTION needed? Correct answer is: d)  > 1.

Announcements:

  • Mountain-Pacific Quality Health Newsletter (MIPS) – June 2018 Issue attached.

  • Mountain-Pacific Quality Health WEBINAR: “MIPS, HIPAA and Your EHR: What You Need To Know” – Tuesday, June 26, 8:00-9:00 AM HST. Register here.

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

  • Mountain-Pacific Quality Health WEBINAR: “Online HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer Boot Camp” – Thursday, July 26, 8:00-12:00 AM. Cost: $199. Register here.

  • Advance Health Care Directive Fill-out at ADRC – New dates attached.

  • KTA Diabetes Self-Management Education Classes — Refer your patients to diabetes education classes presented by KTA Pharmacist Dayna Wong-Otis on Thursdays at 9:00-11:30 AM or 4:00-6:30 PM, July 5-26, 2018. One-on-one sessions available on June 28. Fax the COMPLETE and signed referral form to EHI IPA at 808-935-4472. Referral form attached.

  • 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).