Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)

Why Now is Actually the PERFECT Time to Implement Chronic Care Management Services in Your FQHC

Why Now is Actually the PERFECT Time to Implement Chronic Care Management Services in Your FQHC

With the uncertain state of the world right now, i’ll bet starting a Chronic Care Management (CCM) program - or any new program, for that matter - in your FQHC is the last thing on your mind.

And for good reason - We’re all just trying to survive, right? Who starts something new when they’re in survival mode?

But what if I told you that adopting a Chronic Care Management Program would improve your patient outcomes and increase your revenue, with no financial risk to your health center?

The infographic below will explain why NOW is actually the PERFECT time to start offering Chronic Care Management Services in your FQHC, including how doing so will benefit your patients and your health center’s bottom line.

Why FQHCs need to pay attention to the "Patients Over Paperwork" Initiative

Why FQHCs need to pay attention to the "Patients Over Paperwork" Initiative

Although it might not be obvious on the surface, the proposed changes of the "Patients Over Paperwork" initiative could very well have far-reaching effects in the FQHC world, affecting reimbursements, quality programs, and more. 

Important News: BPHC has released draft Health Center Program Compliance Manual (the Compliance Manual) for public comment.

Important News: BPHC has released draft Health Center Program Compliance Manual (the Compliance Manual) for public comment.

HRSA just released their draft Health Center Program Compliance Guide.  This guide, which has been a long time in coming, is organized to closely follow the HRSA 19 program requirements. As a draft, this guide is open for comments through November 22, 2016. 

Becoming an FQHC – Is it Right for Your Organization?

Becoming an FQHC – Is it Right for Your Organization?

Here at FQHC.org, we get many inquiries about starting or becoming a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). We hear from a wide range of individuals and organizations, but most inquiries come from existing health care organizations who see the benefits in transitioning to an FQHC model of care, both to the community-at-large and to the organization itself.

340B: Program Critical to FQHCs Under Fire

340B: Program Critical to FQHCs Under Fire

The 340B Program has become an important source of revenue for many Federally Qualified Health Centers. Many fear that without 340B, their programs will not survive. With a draft Mega Guidance under consideration by HRSA and new CMS rules governing Medicaid reimbursement, 340B is going to change. The extent to which this will affect FQHCs is currently a matter of speculation. Meanwhile, in order to understand where this crucial program is likely headed, it is important to know where we are now, and how we got here. 

Besides not dying young, one of the advantages of being around for a long time is that you gain perspective. 

FQHCs Can Now Bill for Chronic Care Management (CCM) Services

FQHCs Can Now Bill for Chronic Care Management (CCM) Services

The chronically ill account for a huge percentage of the population. In fact, as of 2012, approximately one half of all adults had one or more chronic health conditions, and one in four adults had two or more chronic health conditions. Additionally, heart disease and cancer—both chronic diseases—together accounted for almost half of all deaths in 2010. Given these facts, is it any surprise that, in 2010, eighty-six percent of all health care spending was for people with one or more chronic medical conditions? (CDC website)

As of January 1st, 2016, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) are able to bill for Chronic Care Management (CCM) services provided to Medicare patients using CPT code 99490. CCM refers to the non-face-to-face coordination of care for chronically ill patients.

How Your Health Center Can Help with ACA Outreach and Enrollment Efforts

How Your Health Center Can Help with ACA Outreach and Enrollment Efforts

Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace began on November 15, 2014.  After the first Affordable Care Act enrollment period, a Commonwealth Fund report (http://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2014/jul/health-coverage-access-aca) found that the uninsured rate dropped from 20% to 15%.  

Increased mental health funding for FQHCs makes forming partnerships with Community Mental Health Centers more important than ever

Increased mental health funding for FQHCs makes forming partnerships with Community Mental Health Centers more important than ever

HHS has recently awarded $54.6 million dollars in Affordable Care Act mental health services funding to 221 health centers nationwide. The ability to increase service capacity is welcome news since it is widely acknowledged that primary care has become the nation’s de facto mental health provider.