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Connection Newsletter
By AzHHA Communications ● Sept. 14, 2023
Smart Brevity® count: 3.5 mins...893 words
In this issue, you’ll find:
- AzHHA’s comment letter to CMS on the proposed OPPS rule.
- Registration information for the 2023 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference.
- Details on new legislation focused on healthcare price transparency.
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AzHHA submits letter to CMS on the proposed OPPS rule
What’s new: This week AzHHA submitted a comment letter to CMS on the CY 2024 hospital outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) proposed rule.
- AzHHA expressed concerns about the inadequate 2.8% rate update, especially when taken together with the underwhelming market basket increases from CY 2022 and 2023, and the unprecedented inflationary environment.
- Additionally, AzHHA pointed out a number of administrative concerns about the proposed changes to the hospital price transparency rule and urged CMS to allow up to 18 months for hospitals to adopt the new standards following the release of final technical guidance.
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Register today: 2023 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference
This educational event is dedicated to supporting a vibrant healthcare delivery system, including a robust network of acute care, critical access, specialty, behavioral health and post-acute care hospitals.
What you need to know: Registration ends on Friday, Oct. 13. Register today.
The big picture:
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New legislation introduced focused on healthcare price transparency
What’s new: Last week, the House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce Committees introduced legislation that includes provisions focused on healthcare price transparency.
The bill also:
- Contains site-neutral payment cuts.
- Extends certain funding set to expire Saturday, Sept. 30 for Community Health Centers, the National Health Service Corps and the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education Program.
- Would delay for two years the start of Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital cuts scheduled to take effect on Sunday, Oct. 1.
Go deeper: Read a summary of The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act.
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AHCCCS Connect: Helping Medicaid members apply and renew coverage
What’s new: Last week, AHCCCS announced it launched a new feature known as AHCCCS Connect.
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It sends personalized program reminders and updates to Medicaid applicants and members to guide them through every step of the Medicaid lifecycle, from initial application through annual renewal.
Why it matters: This is one of many new features designed to help members through the annual renewal process.
The bottom line: AHCCCS Connect sends SMS texts, automated voice calls and/or emails to members who provide a valid phone number and/or email address.
- To receive these communications, AHCCCS members need to provide their contact information in their Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus) account.
- New applicants will automatically be added to this feature when they provide an email address and/or cell number.
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Suicide prevention resources
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
- This month serves as a time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic.
What’s new: The American Hospital Association (AHA) is sharing suicide prevention resources to help people become better informed, support those who are at risk and create hope through action.
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World Patient Safety Day 2023
This Sunday, Sept. 17 is World Patient Safety Day.
📢This year’s theme is to “Elevate the voice of patients!”
Why it matters:
- Evidence shows that when patients are treated as partners in their care, significant gains are made in safety, patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
- By becoming active members of the healthcare team, patients can contribute to the safety of their care and that of the healthcare system as a whole.
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Tuesday, Sept. 19 - Introduction to POLST
Join physician orders for life-sustaining treatment paradigm (POLST) for their one-hour virtual workshops equipping healthcare professionals with knowledge and resources to begin using POLST in Arizona. Register here. Can’t join this session? Sign up for the Thursday, Oct. 19 workshop.
Thursday, Sept. 21 - 10th Annual Arizona Health Equity Conference
For the past decade, the Arizona Health Equity Conference has been a leading forum for health professionals to discuss health equity issues in Arizona. The conference provides a space to share the latest research, practices, prevention programs and policies related to public health in Arizona. Learn more and register.
Sept. 28-29 - 2023 AZ Workforce Recruitment & Retention Conference
Attend the Recruitment & Retention Conference on Sept. 28-29. This year’s topics will include:
- Management and leadership training for retention
- Linking clinical education with primary care provider recruitment
- Using data to inform healthcare workforce development
- Effective job posting and marketing
- Candidate interviewing
- Inclusive practices for retention
- Workforce updates
Register now.
Friday, Oct. 13 - Arizona Burn Symposium
The Arizona Burn Symposium is an opportunity for medical professionals to gather, learn and connect with experts in the field of burn care. The symposium features engaging speakers, informative panel discussions and interactive workshops that provide the latest advancements in burn care. Register today.
Oct. 25-27 - 2023 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference
The 2023 Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference will once again be held at the exquisite Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson on Oct. 25-27. This will be an inspirational gathering of more than 200 hospital and healthcare executives seeking opportunities for continuing education, meaningful discussion and relationship building. Register now.
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Share your thoughts on the Connection newsletter! We want to know what you like and where we could improve. Email [email protected].
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