DSRIP Weekly Update-July 8, 2014
With new information and resources updates regarding the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program released each week, LeadingAge NY has created this weekly update to provide members with a summary of relevant information and opportunities.
Don't Miss These Upcoming Webinars
In our ongoing efforts to provide members with education and resources to effectively participate in DSRIP, LeadingAge NY has again partnered with the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) to provide members educational opportunities. We are particularly excited about these programs as they highlight current initiatives that have proven effective in accomplishing DSRIP objectives, on the state and national level. The webinars focus on care transition and hospital readmission reduction. These programs are available for LeadingAge NY members, free of charge, and will be recorded to be available at a later date.
Date: Wednesday, July 23, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Bluestone Physicians is a physician group in the Midwest that focuses on the care of seniors and people with disabilities with specific success managing the care of those that reside in congregate settings such as assisted living and group homes. In addition to promoting independence and quality of life, Bluestone has reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits dramatically. This webinar will discuss Bluestone's approach to care coordination, how they collaborate with their partners, and their impressive outcomes.
For more information and registration, click here.
MJHS and Maimonides Share Protocols for Improving Care Transitions
Date: Thursday, July 24, 10 to 11 a.m.
LeadingAge NY member MJHS and Maimonides Medical Center (MMC) have partnered to improve care coordination for the patients and families in their communities. They will present and discuss two programs:
Direct Home Care Admission Teams in the Emergency Department (ED): Through a coordinated protocol, patients in MMC's emergency department deemed ineligible for hospitalization, yet appropriate for home care services, may be admitted "directly" to MJHS' certified home health program. By staffing an MJHS home care intake nurses in MMC's ED, this transition can occur smoothly and efficiently, resulting in patients being directed to the most appropriate type of care expediently and reducing gaps in the critical follow-up care needed to keep patients safe and well at home.
Heart Failure Management Between Settings Results in Better Patient Outcomes and Lower Use of Hospital Care: MJHS' The Joint Commission Disease-Specific Care Certification program for heart failure provided the basis for a collaborative initiative between MJHS and MMC to establish care protocols for heart failure patients that include components of disease-specific care, patient/family education and self-care, and communication between providers and with patients. MJHS and MMC will describe the tools and protocols developed, implementation, and the outcomes, such as reductions in hospital readmissions.
For more information and to register, click here.
Project Planning Grants
DOH received 50 applications from emerging Performing Provider Systems for DSRIP planning grant funding. This funding will support the development of comprehensive Project Plans, including a community needs assessment. To view the 50 applications, click here. DOH anticipates announcing the awards on Aug. 1, 2014.
DOH has posted the chart book data regarding the DSRIP Domains under the Performance Data webpage on the DSRIP website. Specifically, health outcomes for: Domain 2, Domain 3 and Avoidable Hospitalization Prevention Quality Indicators (PQI) measures are now available by region as a resource for preparing DSRIP applications. Click here for more information.
Safety Net Designation Updates
DOH reports that they received a significant amount of questions related to the safety net designation, DSRIP Safety Net Definition. The lists that DOH posted on the Safety Net site were developed based upon data readily available to the DOH. The safety net appeal process closed on June 11, 2014, but DOH indicates plans to reopen the process before the Project Plan is due in December. We are pleased to hear this as we were concerned that certain providers had been erroneously omitted, and have been talking with DOH to ameliorate the situation. It should be noted that this process differs from the safety net vital access provider (VAP) exception process, which will be addressed in a separate process.
It is important to remember that providers that do not meet the definition of “Safety Net” can still participate in Performing Providers Systems, but are eligible to receive DSRIP payments totaling no more than 5 percent of a project’s total valuation. Questions regarding the Safety Net designation should be addressed to DOH at BVAPR@ health.state.ny.us.
In addition, some might be interested to know that DOH has updated the Physicians and Pharmacies Safety Net Appeal Form with revised definitions for Chain and Independent Pharmacies. The appeal form and the updated instructions can be found here.
Click here for additional LeadingAge NY's DSRIP site containing the latest information and resources for members.
Contact: Diane Darbyshire, ddarbyshire@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8828