UHIN

Author: uhin

Success at the Provider Education Summit 2021

by uhin

The return of the in-person Provider Education Summit (PES) in 2021 marked a positive turn for our local office-focused healthcare community. Attendees convened in all four locations to network and learn from industry experts on a variety of healthcare topics, and the opportunity to safely interact with colleagues and Payer representatives came as a relief to many. The event team provided standard COVID-19 precautions to all attendees, such as masks, sanitizers, and a single-track remote attendance option.

The 2021 event attracted over 250 attendees statewide, and more than a dozen different high-quality speakers both virtually and in-person. Speaking highlights included leadership skills and hiring culture practices taught by experienced industry consultant Michael Page, cybersecurity trainings by experts from healthcare IT firm Solzorro, and healthcare fraud discussions led by UUHP representatives Terry Lotus and James Woods.

Our event team was pleased to provide attendees with time to engage directly with representatives from each of our sponsor organizations. During lunch & break times, attendees were able to engage in personal conversations with payer-side organizations to answer questions and start relationships that have continued post-event to help them solve their billing issues.

Next year’s event is expected to continue to grow into pre-pandemic levels and beyond. Dates will be announced in 2022, and are expected to be set for late summer 2022.

The 2021 Provider Education Summit took place from August 19-26, 2021 in Layton, Provo, Salt Lake City, and St. George, Utah.

Bi-Directional Exchange: Physician Fee Schedule Update

by uhin

The CY 2021 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule introduced the HIE Bi-Directional Exchange measure for MIPS. Financial incentives are available for providers who participate in an HIE that both sends and receives healthcare data for every patient encounter, transition or referral, and record stored or maintained in the provider’s EHR. 

Interoperability is a core focus of UHIN’s mission, and UHIN therefore supports the efforts by CMS to promote data exchange standards. The Clinical Health Information Exchange (CHIE) fulfills the standards set by CMS for bi-directional data exchange. In order to meet requirements, the HIE must be capable of exchanging information across a broad network of unaffiliated exchange partners including those using disparate EHRs, and must not engage in exclusionary behavior when determining exchange partners. The CHIE data exchange succeeds at bi-directional exchange according to these standards, and UHIN is pleased to announce that any CHIE customer can therefore qualify for the new physician fee schedule rule. 

The CHIE exchanges data with over 1,300 healthcare providers and more than 50 payers nationwide. With over a decade of experience furthering interoperability through electronic data exchange, UHIN is prepared to help providers work towards better and more effective healthcare data sharing.

If are a current CHIE customer, please contact our support team to learn how to get set up for bi-directional exchange reporting! 

If you are not a current CHIE customer, but you would like to qualify for the bi-directional exchange rule, call us at 877-693-3071 or send a message to chiesupport@uhin.org!

Dr. Don Rucker – HIT 2020 Highlights

by uhin

Dr. Don Rucker presented at the 2020 HIT Conference in his capacity as the National Coordinator for Health IT at the ONC. To view the video recording of the entire session, please click here.

Highlights from Dr. Rucker:

The pandemic has brought national awareness of the need for accessible, actionable health information. As the healthcare industry looks forward to possible solutions, the role of HIEs looks to be paramount on the road to interoperability. The ONC expects HIEs and data sharing agreements to grow with strong support and incentives from the federal level.

The ONC interoperability rule is an effort to achieve the goals of the CURES Act, which contains three major directives that affect the health IT sphere. They are as follows:

  • Prohibitions against information blocking
  • A requirement for application programming interfaces “without special effort”
  • Creation of a common framework for HIE information exchange (HIE to HIE)

To read more about the interoperability rule and information blocking, click here.

“We believe the ONC interoperability rule is a very pro-public initiative,” said Dr. Rucker when speaking of the project. Elements like the introduction of a data standard built for population analysis rather than individual queries is meant to help healthcare providers gain the flexibility and capability to get more actionable information on their patient population and improve the quality of care.

The Q&A portion of Dr. Rucker’s presentation included questions on the HIT Certification Program, the current timeline on the interoperability rule, telehealth data standardization, and more. To skip directly to the Q&A video recording, please click here.

RNs in Primary Care

by uhin

The Presentation

This session is focused on encounters within primary care that may be led by an RN, including: the Annual Wellness Visit, Transitional Care Management, Chronic Care Management, End of Life and SBIRT. Additionally, we will explore other encounter types that may be led by a team of RNs in primary care.

The Presenter

Josie Moosman is a Clinical Manager and Registered Nurse at the Wayne Community Health Center (WCHC) in Bicknell, Utah. She has worked with patients to manage their chronic illnesses, as well as in quality improvement, infection control, emergency management, risk management, and as super user for the clinical EMR. Josie currently serves on an advisory board for tobacco cessation program with the Center for Hope, and as part of the Quality Improvement forum at AUCH.

This webinar features content originally scheduled for the in-person Provider Education Summit (PES) events.

Additional Note

At the end of the webinar, Josie references a page on the CMS website that covers CCM guidelines. You can view this page at: https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/medicare-learning-network-mln/mlnproducts/downloads/chroniccaremanagement.pdf.

Medicaid Expansion in Utah

by uhin

The Presentation

This presentation by RyLee Curtis and Michael Hales walks attendees through the recent implementation of Medicaid expansion in Utah. They will cover eligibility, approved waivers, and pending waivers that will shape the future of Medicaid in Utah.

The Presenters

RyLee Curtis received a dual degree in Communications and Political Science from the University of Utah, where she also received her master’s degree in Public Policy. She worked on Medicaid policy in Utah for many years, before joining University of Utah Health as the Director of Community Engagement. In this role, she is leading the Hospital’s Healthcare Anchor Institution work, engaging with community based organizations to address Social Determinants of Health, and building partnerships across University of Utah Campus, University of Utah Health Plans, and the University’s Hospital.

Michael Hales is the Senior Director for Government Healthcare Programs at U Health. He has 25 years of experience in the health care industry, ten were spent leading the State of Utah’s Medicaid and CHIP programs. At U Health, he provides strategic advice on federal and state government health programs. Prior to joining U Health, he worked at Intermountain Healthcare as a senior consultant and director of population health. Michael received a Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard University. He also has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from BYU.

This webinar features content originally scheduled for the in-person Provider Education Summit (PES) events.

YOUR PATIENTS’ COVID-19 LAB RESULT ALERTS IN REAL-TIME THROUGH THE CHIE

by uhin

GET COVID-19 LAB RESULT ALERTS IN REAL-TIME WITH CHIE ALERTS

UHIN is sending COVID-19 lab result alerts directly from hospitals to healthcare providers, ACOs and care managers in and around the state of Utah.

Want access to COVID-19 Lab Result Alerts?

  • Already a CHIE member? Contact April Pace at apace@uhin.org to get set up
  • Not a CHIE member? Contact our team at enrollment@uhin.org

Results data directly from hospital labs

Utah hospitals are currently sending notifications of hospitalizations, ED visits, and COVID-19 lab orders and diagnoses through UHIN to other healthcare organizations. This real-time information allows care teams to coordinate interventions for their patients more effectively , especially those in greater need of physician oversight. 

About Lab Result Alerts

These lab alerts are available through UHIN’s Clinical Health Information Exchange (CHIE). Care teams will be able to see all SARS-CoV-2 test orders and results. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM Antibody tests are available in the data feeds and will be sent in the lab reports.

Care teams and physicians will be notified when one of their patients has been tested for SARS-CoV-2 and the result of those tests to ensure the patient is being cared for in the appropriate setting. Lab Result Alerts are also vital for an office’s infectious disease protocols. 

Delivery formats and timing

Alerts can be delivered batch or real-time in multiple formats, including HTML, HL7, SFTP, and Direct secure email. Alerts on non-COVID-19 lab results are also available.

Is there a cost for this?

Free for current CHIE Members: Lab Result Alerts are covered under CHIE membership costs. If your organization is already a CHIE member there will be no additional cost. 

Free for 60 days for new CHIE Members (ending June 22, 2020):

Because of the current healthcare crisis and the need to improve the exchange of health information, CHIE Alerts and Lab Result Alerts will be available at no cost to those physicians and care teams who are not currently CHIE members.  

Why is it free for only 60 days?

We are optimistic that the situation will stabilize in the next 60 days, at which time we will re-evaluate to determine the needs of the community based on the severity of the COVID-19 crisis.

What if I want to continue receiving Alerts after the 60 days?

Please contact us at enrollment@uhin.org if you would like to continue to receive either the CHIE Alerts (ADT) or Lab Result Alerts.

Who is sending COVID-19 lab data?

These are the hospitals, clinics and other organizations currently sending COVID-19 lab results to UHIN. We are currently in the process of connecting Intermountain hospital labs. Those locations will be available soon. If your organization is not on the list, but would like to help our community by sending your COVID-19 data, please reach out to our team at chiesupport@uhin.org.

Independent hospitals, clinics and medical centers, including:

Beaver Valley Hospital

Blue Mountain Hospital

Central Valley Medical Center

Gunnison Valley Hospital

Kane County Hospital

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County

Milford Valley Healthcare Services

Moab Regional Hospital 

St. Mark’s Family Medicine

Uinta Basin Medical Center

Intermountain Healthcare hospitals, clinics and medical centers, including:

Alta View Hospital

American Fork Hospital

Bear River Valley Hospital

Cassia Regional Hospital

Cedar City Hospital

Delta Community Hospital

Dixie Regional Medical Center

Fillmore Community Hospital

Garfield Memorial Hospital

Heber Valley Hospital

Intermountain Medical Center

Layton Hospital

LDS Hospital

Logan Regional Hospital

McKay-Dee Hospital

Orem Community Hospital

Park City Hospital

Primary Children’s Hospital

Riverton Hospital

Sanpete Valley Hospital

Sevier Valley Hospital

Utah Valley Hospital

HCA Healthcare hospitals, clinics and medical centers, including:

Brigham City Community Hospital

Cache Valley Hospital

Lakeview Hospital

Lone Peak Hospital

Mountain View Hospital

Ogden Regional Medical Center

St. Mark’s Hospital

Timpanogos Regional Hospital

Revere Health Clinics (includes all clinics)

Steward Healthcare hospitals and medical centers, including:

Davis Hospital and Medical Center

Jordan Valley Medical Center

Jordan Valley Medical Center West

Mountain Point Medical Center

Salt Lake Regional Medical Center

University of Utah hospitals and clinics, including:

Huntsman Cancer Institute

University of Utah Hospital

University of Utah In-Car Testing Sites

Includes all clinics 

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UHIN, INC. NAMES BRIAN CHIN AS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

by uhin

Contact Information:
UHIN
801.227.9650
communications@uhin.org

Release Date:
February 13, 2020

UHIN, INC. NAMES BRIAN CHIN AS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, February 13, 2020 — The Utah Health Information Network (UHIN) board of directors has appointed Brian Chin as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. He will assume the strategic and day-to-day leadership of the company and will also join UHIN’s Board of Directors.

Brian succeeds UHIN’s former President and CEO, Teresa Rivera, who announced her desire to step down last Fall . 

“After completing a full and thorough selection process, the Board and I believe that Brian is the right person to lead UHIN forward. His strong command of our organization and our current business, and his clear vision for the future of UHIN and its role in our community, make him an ideal CEO,” said Marc Bennett, Chairman of the UHIN Board. “We are excited to work with Brian to continue building that future.”

Brian has served UHIN for nearly ten years, most recently as Interim CEO. He has been the company’s Chief Financial Officer for the past seven years. 

“I am honored and excited to move UHIN forward and thank the Board for their support,” said Brian. “As we move forward together, our focus is the future of our company, its stakeholders, and healthcare transformation in our communities. I care about our community, our people, and our mission. I care about making a difference.”

Brian steps into his new role effective immediately. Maria Johnson, formerly UHIN’s Director of Finance, has been appointed to succeed Brian as CFO.

About UHIN: UHIN is a nonprofit company that connects healthcare providers, payers, state government and other stakeholders in order to reduce healthcare costs and improve quality and access for the community. We enable providers, payers and patients to exchange important information electronically. UHIN focuses on creating solutions that work for the entire healthcare community, from single-provider practices to large integrated healthcare systems. For more information, visit www.uhin.org.

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Press Release: Resignation of UHIN CEO and President, Teresa Rivera

by uhin

UHIN ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF PRESIDENT AND CEO, TERESA RIVERA

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, October 7, 2019 — The Utah Health Information Network (UHIN), a non-profit electronic data interchange company and Utah’s state-designated Health Information Exchange (HIE), today announced that Teresa Rivera has stepped down from her role as Chief Executive Officer. The UHIN Board of Directors has appointed Brian Chin, formerly UHIN’s Chief Financial Officer, as Interim CEO until a replacement chief executive is appointed.

Marc Bennett, Chairman of the UHIN Board, said, “The Board is committed to UHIN’s mission to improve the quality and decrease the cost of healthcare in our community. We see enormous opportunity to succeed in that mission with the talented teams and dynamic resources UHIN has at its disposal. UHIN continues to be in a strong financial position for the future as we seek to innovate and grow.”

Bennett continued, “On behalf of the Board, I wish to express sincere appreciation to Teresa for her service to UHIN and wish her well in her future endeavors. Teresa guided UHIN during a period in which the healthcare technology industry is experiencing increased disruption and I commend her for her dedication and commitment to this important work. I would also like to thank Brian and the rest of UHIN’s current executive leadership for their willingness to confidently lead UHIN during this reorganization.”

The Board is commencing a search for a permanent CEO and expects to leverage UHIN’s strong community affiliations to help identify candidates for the position and assure interim leadership support.

About UHIN: UHIN is a nonprofit coalition of healthcare providers, payers, state government and other stakeholders that have come together to reduce healthcare costs and improve quality and access for the community by enabling providers, payers and patients to exchange information electronically. UHIN focuses on creating electronic exchange solutions that work for the entire healthcare community, from single-provider practices to large integrated healthcare systems. For more information, visit www.uhin.org.

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