Transcript GETTING ORGANIZED FOR GRANT WRITING

ISSUES IN RURAL HEALTH PLANNING
WEBINAR 2
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011
1:00 – 2:00 PM
UNDERSTAND THE PROS AND CONS
OF RURAL HEALTH CLINICS
Learning Objectives
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Understand the role and function of a Rural Health Clinic
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Identify the primary benefits of opening a Rural Health Clinic
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Learn the process of being certified as a Rural Health Clinic
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Explore the downside of opening a Rural Health Clinic
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Definition of a RHC
Established through Public Law 95-210, the Rural Health
Clinic Services Act, 1977, to increase the provision of
primary care services for Medicare and Medicaid patients
residing in rural communities.
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RHC can be provider-based or independent (freestanding).
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Provider-Based: integral part of a hospital, nursing home, home
health agency
Independent: stand alone clinics
Status can be public, private, or not-for-profit
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Requirements for a RHC
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Staffed with a mid-level practitioner practicing at
least 50% of the time
Provide basic laboratory services
Develop written clinical protocols and operational
policies and procedures
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Conduct an annual evaluation
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Gain certification by Medicare
4
RHC Location Requirements
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Must be in a Health Professional Shortage Area
(HPSA) or Geographic Primary Care
or
Must be in a Medically Underserved
Area/Population (MUA/P)
Designation must be less than 3 years old
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Benefits of Opening a Rural Health Clinic

Potential of significant higher reimbursement (looking at
all payors in the aggregate)
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Increased coordination between hospital and physicians
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Increased clinical integration with hospital
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Greater flexibility in financing and efficiencies with
administration and shared staff
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Potential Downsides of Operating a RHC
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Increased costs related to hospital wage and benefits
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More facility costs
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Less effective cost management
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Decreased physician control of practice staff
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Less control of financial accountability and productivity
Steps Necessary for RHC Certification
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Confirm site eligibility
Evaluate financial feasibility
Assess cost of hiring needed staff
Complete a RHC application and a CMS provider enrollment
form
Receive RHC certification inspection by ADHS
File a CMS cost report to have the Medicare rate determined
Current RHC Reimbursement Rate ??
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Current RHC maximum encounter rate - $78.07
Important Resources
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Center for Medicare and Medicaid
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Web Site: https://www.cms.gov/center/rural.asp
National Association of Rural Health Clinics
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Web Site: www.narhc.org
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Listserve: http://www.narhc.org/members/members_listserve.php
Rural Assistance Center
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Web Site: www.raconline.org
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Toll Free #: 1.800.270.1898
Revised Arizona Rural Health Clinic Manual, 2011 (available soon)
Questions + Contacts
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Connie Belden, Team Leader, ADHS Licensing
 [email protected]
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Joyce Hospodar, Rural Health Office
 [email protected];
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520.626.2432
Ron Smith, CFO, Wickenburg Community Hospital
 [email protected];
11
928.684.5421