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More than 50 care coordinators and social workers from OCK partners gathered in February to discuss the current delivery of Comprehensive Transitional Care and Health Promotion services, as well as opportunities to offer creative health promotion options as the weather improves and the public health emergency ends. Our next Community of Practice will be held on May 16th at 3:00pm. Please keep a look out for the invitation to the next Community of Practice event.
Directors and managers, don’t forget that our next mandatory Learning Collaborative is scheduled for April 18th at 3:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
The OCK state team would like to remind the OCK provider network of activities that are not considered billable services under the OCK program. Claims submitted for members who are not engaged, cannot be reached, or are for administrative functions of the program are not accepted as billable services. Some examples of these activities and administrative functions include:
- One-way communication such as flyers, newsletters, or educational information distributed via mail, as it cannot be verified that the intended member received the information.
- Initial calls to members to engage them in initial OCK services.
- Calling the member and not making direct contact. This includes leaving a voice message with health information.
- Opening the member’s chart.
- Asking other members of the treatment team or the MCO for contact information for a member.
In general, interactions that do not directly involve a member or a member of their family, such as phone, telepresence, or in-person exchanges, are considered as administrative in nature and are not eligible to be submitted for billing as an OCK service. For more information, please reference page 9 of the OCK Program Manual or the OCK Services document in the OCK section of KanCare website for a list of appropriate activities included with each OCK service. Providers can also reference page 26 of the OCK Program Manual for documentation recommendations for these administrative and service-related tasks and activities. Additional information related to OCK payments can reviewed on the Payments and Codes page under the OCK section of KanCare website.
OCK providers should contact the member's MCO with any additional billing-related questions, using the contact information provided below:
The OCK state team would like to remind our provider network that KanCare annual eligibility reviews, also known as renewals, are coming soon. With the unwinding of the continuous eligibility requirement, KanCare will begin sending out annual eligibility reviews to members in March for the April 2023 review month. Eligibility reviews will take place over a 12-month period and members will receive a notice in the mail informing them of the month they will be reviewed.
With the reinstatement of the annual review process, members must ensure that the KanCare Clearinghouse has up-to-date contact information. If a member's address, phone number, or other contact information changes, they should contact the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884. Members can also update their contact information using the chatbot KIERA by clicking on the red chat bubble in the lower righthand corner of the KanCare website. It is essential that member's keep their contact information up to date as it allows the KanCare Clearinghouse to notify the member when their renewal is due, preventing a gap in coverage. Members should expect to receive renewal letters and/or forms in the mail and should respond to any requests for information as soon as possible.
The continuous enrollment unwinding process involves two phases that will assist providers and stakeholders in supporting members throughout their annual reviews. Phase one's aim is to educate and prepare Medicaid and CHIP members for the annual review process. The aim of phase two is to ensure Medicaid and CHIP members take the necessary measures to renew their coverage. KanCare has developed a communications toolkit with key messaging and resources for each phase of the process. The toolkit materials can be used by providers and stakeholders in their outreach efforts to educate and guide members through the annual review process.
As KanCare prepares for the reinstatement of annual eligibility reviews, it is essential that members have their most up-to-date contact information on file with the KanCare Clearinghouse and that they check their mail regularly for KanCare communications. Providers and stakeholders have an important role in promoting awareness and guiding members through the annual review process. For more information on KanCare annual eligibility reviews, please visit the KanCare website and a recent press release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
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Disordered or problematic gambling refers to gambling behavior patterns that jeopardize one's personal, family, or professional lives. An estimated 87,000 adult Kansans will experience problematic gambling, accounting for 1-4 percent of the population, while approximately 180,000 adult Kansans are at risk for engaging in these behaviors. Problematic gambling is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for both the individual and their family. The impact of problematic gambling can lead to job loss, financial problems, strained relationships or divorce, domestic violence, child maltreatment and neglect, criminal behavior, mental health concerns, and suicide. Five to seven other individuals, including family members, friends, and coworkers, will be impacted by the behaviors of those with problematic gambling.
It is important to be aware of the warning signs for problematic gambling so it can be identified and treated. Some common warning signs include:
- Preoccupation with gambling.
- Talking only about wins, not about losses.
- Gambling as a way to escape problems.
- Hiding gambling losses from family members.
- Borrowing money to fund gambling.
- Withdrawing from family and friends.
- Being unable to stop or cutback on gambling.
If an individual is experiencing any of these warning signs, it is important to seek help. Fortunately, there are many resources available to assist Kansas residents who may be experiencing problematic gambling, as well as to raise awareness and provide education to help communities address the problem. In Kansas, a percentage of state-owned casino revenues is currently allocated to the Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund which supports Kansas problem gambling services. This funding provides grants that support the mission of the regional Kansas Problem Gambling Community Task Forces and the statewide Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling. The funds are also used to provide no cost treatment to problem gamblers and concerned others, as well as to fund media and awareness campaigns, research, evaluation, and prevention education.
The Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline is another resource funded by the Problem Gambling and Other Addictions Grant Fund. The helpline is a 24/7 confidential and anonymous helpline sponsored by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) for those seeking help for themselves or a loved one who is experiencing problem gambling. The helpline is a free service staffed by trained professionals who offer support, guidance, and resources to those in need. They help callers understand the signs of gambling addiction and provide referrals to local resources, including counseling and support groups. Anyone who is experiencing or knows someone who is experiencing problem gambling can call the Kansas Problem Gambling Helpline for help at 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-GAMBLER.
Problem gambling is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on the lives of Kansans. Getting the right help and support can help individuals address their problematic gambling behaviors and regain control of their lives. For more information about problem gambling, please visit the Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling and National Council on Problem Gambling websites. Additional information on problem gambling can be viewed on the KDADs website under the Problem Gambling Coalitions and Task Force and Problem Gambling Services webpages.
Kidney disease is a major health concern, affecting around 33 percent of adults in the United States. Kidney disease can sometimes go undiagnosed until individuals reach an advanced stage of the disease. Those who reach advanced kidney disease will require dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant. Routine kidney disease screenings are recommended for everyone, but especially for those who are at higher risk.
Healthy kidneys perform numerous functions in the body. Kidneys regulate fluid levels in the body and filter wastes and toxins from the blood. Blood pressure-regulating hormones and hormones that control the production of red blood cells are both released by the kidneys. Kidneys also activate vitamin D, which supports the maintenance of bone health.
Understanding if a person has risk factors for developing kidney disease can help them take steps to lead a healthier life. Risk factors for developing kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, low birth weight, autoimmune diseases, kidney stones, being age 60 and older, and family history. Those who are at risk should recognize possible symptoms associated with kidney disease. These symptoms include urinary incontinence, increased thirst and need to urinate, urine that contains foam or is dark pink in color, and edema of the face, hands, abdomen, ankles and feet.
Several tests can be performed as part of a routine annual exam to assess kidney function and detect signs of kidney disease. Primary care physicians may perform the following test on high-risk individuals:
- Blood pressure tests are used to detect high blood pressure, which can damage kidney blood vessels and potentially lead to kidney failure.
- A urinalysis is used to measure the amount of albumin in the urine, which can identify early signs of kidney disease.
- A glomerular filtration rate test determines how well the kidneys filter blood.
Primary care physicians may also recommend other tests like imaging or a biopsy to check for any kidney disease. Individuals should consult their healthcare provider on whether these additional tests are recommended.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of kidney disease and may result in better health outcomes. The following actions are recommended for individuals with kidney disease and for those who are at higher risk:
- Reduce high blood pressure.
- Reduce sodium intake.
- Monitor cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Consume protein in moderation.
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.
- Abstain from smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Engage in physical activity.
- Undergo routine annual exams.
Protecting kidney health is crucial as the kidneys are vital to an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. Routine annual exams and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential for keeping the kidneys healthy in high-risk individuals. More information on kidney health can be viewed in the 6-Step Guide to Protecting Kidney Health article from the National Kidney Foundation website.
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