KFMC Health Improvement Partners

The food environment index measures the percentage of the population that is low-income and has low access to a grocery store along with the percentage of the population that does not have access to a reliable source of food. Kansas’ food index value of 7.1 is worse than the national average. Where does your county stand? https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=2362&localeTypeId=2&periodId=4589

🌟Call for Nominations! 🌟

Nominations are now open for the 2nd Annual Health Equity Innovation Award, recognizing trailblazers that have developed and implemented novel approaches, strategies, and interventions to reduce health disparities and promote health equity in Kansas.

Award winners think outside the box, challenge existing systems, and implement creative solutions to ensure everyone has a fair and equitable opportunity to achieve optimal health.

Do you know an individual, organization, or project implementing innovative approaches to address health inequities? Nominate them for the Health Equity Innovation Award and help us spotlight their exceptional work! https://ow.ly/caQC50SwYwW

The Innovation Award Winner will receive a $500 cash award, be granted free registration to the Kansas Health Equity Summit, and be recognized at the event and in subsequent social media and marketing campaigns. https://www.kfmc.org/health-equity-innovation-award-2024/

Register Now! Addressing Transportation Challenges that Impact Health - July 31
The Kansas Hospital Association has partnered with KFMC and Community Care Network of Kansas to provide the next quarterly Health Equity Webinar at noon on July 31. This webinar will highlight strategies used by communities across Kansas to tackle transportation challenges that impact health. In addition, learn about Kansas Mobility Management, a public transportation strategy sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation, that develops and facilitates coordination strategies that benefit both passengers and the transit providers that serve them.

The brochure for this program may be accessed by using the link below.
https://ow.ly/qKsQ50Sy20J

You may register for this program online by using the link below.
https://ow.ly/hFWO50Sy21t

We're thrilled to announce the addition of a new resource to the Health Equity Resource Hub! 📚✨

Check out this training that aims to deepen understanding and equip teams with the tools needed to address health inequities effectively.

Don't miss out on this valuable resource! Check it out now and empower your team to make a meaningful impact. 🌍💪
https://ow.ly/nR3l50StBKo

Dental sealants are thin coatings applied to the chewing surfaces on the back teeth to protect from tooth decay. Children between six and 11 years without sealants have nearly three times more first molar cavities than children with sealants. See dental sealant rates for screened students in your community. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=1656&localeTypeId=2

Access to affordable and secure housing is an important determinant of health. Kansas homeowners occupy 60 percent of all housing units across the state. What is the homeownership rate in your county? https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=272&localeTypeId=2&periodId=7335

Kansas Health Matters highlights key health indictors that highlight the overall health of communities across Kansas. Addressing these determinants can increase access to health services for all, decrease prevalence of disease and promote quality of life across all ages. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/

We're joining and June 10-14 for to celebrate partnerships that help build stronger communities. Learn more: aha.org/chiweek

Kansas Health Matters strives to empower Kansas communities to improve their health with this one stop-stop data source. Explore this tool to better understand your community’s health trends, set goals, evaluate progress and identify best practices. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/

At KFMC Health Improvement Partners, we know that we’re only as strong as the communities we serve. That's why June 10–14, we'll be celebrating Community Health Improvement Week alongside . Learn more at aha.org/chiweek

Strong hospitals and health systems play a critical role in healthy and thriving communities. Celebrate Community Health Improvement Week with us as we recognize those who work towards advancing health equity! https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/

Have you visited the Health Equity Resource Hub lately? We add new resources each month, so check it out today to see what’s new! https://ow.ly/yrgw50RN31P

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that cause blocked airflow and difficulty breathing. COPD may be the result of to***co use, pollutants in the air, genetic factors, or respiratory infections. See COPD stats in your county. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=4145&localeTypeId=2

After completing our re-accreditation process with the URAC, we are thrilled to receive full accreditation as an Independent Review Organization! Considered the gold standard in case review, this prestigious accomplishment spotlights KFMC as an outcomes-driven healthcare organization that meets rigorous standards demonstrating our commitment to quality care, enhanced processes, patient safety and improved outcomes. We’re very proud of our team and grateful to serve as a dedicated health improvement partner that inspires meaningful change and sustained high performance.

Asthma is one of the most common long-term diseases in children, but also affects at least 6 percent of the Medicare population. While there is no cure for asthma, symptoms can be managed through a combination of long-term prevention strategies and short-term quick-relief drugs. Recognize how Asthma affects the Medicare population in your community. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=2052&localeTypeId=2&periodId=246

We are thrilled to announce that Kate Conrad, LFACHE, has joined the KFMC Health Improvement Partners Board of Trustees. With 30 years’ experience in healthcare management and strategy – including executive leadership roles at Children's Hospital Association – Kate has supported the needs of community hospitals, academic medical centers, physician practices and more. In addition, she served on the ‘Safer Together: National Action Plan to Advance Patient Safety’ subcommittee, as well as several planning committees for national healthcare quality and safety conferences. Please join us in welcoming Kate to the Board!

Webinar recording now available! If you missed the webinar “Addressing SDOH in Rural Communities”, you can watch the recording here https://ow.ly/8Exe50RsPsL. Be sure to check out other resources and recordings on the Health Equity Resource Hub!

Excited to be at the Missouri MGMA conference in Kansas City this week.

Do you struggle with how to approach patients to conduct Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) screenings? Check out this NEW RESOURCE on the Health Equity Resource Hub! https://ow.ly/mO0q50Rt1L8

Excited to be at the Kansas MGMA conference today and tomorrow. Stop by our booth for a mini cupcake and enter a drawing for a cooler full of beach goodies!

REGISTER NOW for our upcoming webinar!! Kansas Healthcare Collaborative and KFMC Health Improvement Partners are excited to co-host the webinar, “Addressing SDOH in Rural Kansas Communities,” on April 30, 2024, at 10:30 am. Register today! https://ow.ly/PLkA50R45hy

April 30, 2024, Webinar — Addressing SDOH in Rural Kansas Communities - KFMC KFMC Health Improvement Partners is excited to co-host the webinar, "Addressing SDOH in Rural Kansas Communities" on April 30, 2024, at 10:30 am. This is the second in a series of webinars discussing how we can all work together to address health inequities in the state. Register today!

We are pleased to announce that Loretta Fitzgerald, KFMC Quality Improvement Consultant, has recently earned her Certification in Infection Control (CIC®), issued by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology. Certification represents Loretta's competency and commitment as an infection preventionist, and to continued improvement in infection prevention and control functions and their contribution to healthcare and patient safety!

Loretta is a registered nurse with over 15 years of experience working in the Critical Access Hospital setting. The majority of her experience has revolved around infection prevention, employee health, and emergency preparedness planning. In her current role as Quality Improvement Consultant, she provides infection prevention support to KFMC customers.

KFMC is honored to have Beth Nech, MA (Senior EQRO Manager) and Tammy Elliot, BSN, RN, CPHQ (Client Services Manager) represent KFMC through the 2024 Civitas Networks for Health Emerging Leaders Council (ELC). This council is dedicated to employing data-driven strategies to foster collaboration among various stakeholders in the industry.

Congrats Beth and Tammy!

For more about the Civitas ELC, visit: https://www.civitasforhealth.org/emerging-leaders-council/

Do you have questions about how to bill CMS for services to address the health related social needs of Medicare beneficiaries? Check out this CMS FAQ on the Health Equity Resource Hub! https://ow.ly/Bwa550R44MA

Kansas Health Matters The Kansas Health Matters website brings community health-related statistical data and local resource

WIC is a nutrition program that offers services to help pregnant and breast-feeding women, new moms, and children under the age of five. WIC has significantly improved the overall health of children across the state. Southwestern Kansas has the greatest average number of participants in this program. How does your region compare? https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=1357&localeTypeId=21&periodId=246

Food insecurity may predict the overall health of your community. A survey conducted by the Food Research and Action Center revealed that one in four Americans are concerned about being able to put food on the table in the next year. See how Kansas counties are impacted.
https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=2107&localeTypeId=2&periodId=245

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2024 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule. The Fee Schedule includes four health equity services. A recent MLN Booklet describes the services and how to bill for them. Check it out on the Health Equity Resource Hub! https://ow.ly/CzOW50QHRkM