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The next mandatory Learning Collaborative session will be held on July 18 at 3:00 p.m. for directors and managers. We look forward to seeing you there!
WSU-CEI will host the next Community of Practice session for social workers and care coordinators on August 15 at 3:00 p.m. Please keep a look out for the invitation to join the next session.
The OneCare Kansas (OCK) State team would like to inform the provider network of an important change in the OCK audit results process. Following careful consideration and collaboration with the managed care organizations (MCOs), the State has decided to discontinue the re-audit process and implement the new OneCare Kansas Audit Result Policy and Procedure, which will take effect on July 17, 2023.
The new policy aims to streamline the audit results process, ensure appropriate oversight and drive continuous improvement in OCK service delivery. The policy establishes a structured procedure for reviewing and managing audit results, delivering timely feedback to providers, and creating a more efficient framework for evaluation. The new policy includes the following key features:
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Timely Review and Feedback: Within 90 days of receiving audit results, MCOs will meet with the OneCare Kansas partner (OCKP) to review findings, provide feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
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Performance Monitoring: OCKPs that received partially met (PM) or not met (NM) audit scores will be closely monitored by the MCOs for two quarters to assess improvement in these specific areas.
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Additional Corrective Actions: OCKPs that do not demonstrate improvement within the specified timeframe may be subjected to additional corrective actions, such as the implementation of a Process Improvement Plan (PIP) or a Corrective Action Plan (CAP), which could have potential consequences, including possible termination as an OCK program partner.
OCKPs can access the complete OneCare Kansas Audit Result Policy and Procedure document on the Informational Materials for Providers webpage of the OCK section of the website. The OCK Program Manual's section 12.3 - Audits and Appendix F: OCK Audit Timeline Schedule have both been revised to reflect the policy and procedure change. OCKPs are encouraged to review these materials to learn more about the new policy. If there are any questions, please get in touch with the MCO OCK leads for more guidance.
The state continues to gather stories regarding the OCK program and how it is helping KanCare members. This month’s success story comes from Chara at the Training and Evaluation Center of Hutchinson (TECH INC).
“The turning point in James's journey with OCK was when he decided to set a goal to improve his socialization with others. When James joined the OCK program, he was struggling with depression and social isolation. He did not want to get out of bed or interact with anyone. He felt hopeless and alone.
Our staff supported James with establishing a small short-term socialization goal. James continued his efforts to socialize with others, and he soon realized that he had achieved his goal. James gradually began to feel better and more confident. He steadily increased his level of socialization and began to enjoy getting out of bed to visit his peers and our staff.
Our team has watched James improve over time and are proud of how far he has come. Every day, he gets out of his room and socializes with others on many occasions. He appears to be happy, engaged and motivated. He is happy with his progress and grateful for the support that he received from our OCK staff.”
Thank you, Chara, for sharing this success story and for your efforts in assisting this member. Keep up the great work!
If you would like to submit an OCK success story, please email the OneCare Kansas State Team.
The Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ (KSPHQ) is hosting two virtual trainings on Practical Suicide Intervention in August. These trainings sessions provide a great opportunity for professionals to learn and practice suicide intervention strategies.
These four-hour virtual training sessions are free and open to the public. Those who complete all four hours of the training will receive a certificate of completion that may be eligible for continuing education credits.
Those interested in participating can register for one of the training sessions listed in the table below:
During the summer, it is critical for individuals to be aware of the risk associated with tickborne illnesses and take necessary steps to prevent infection. Lyme disease is the most prevalent tick-borne illness in the United States. The disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is spread to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease affects around 476,000 people in the United States each year, highlighting the importance of identifying the disease’s symptoms and obtaining timely treatment.
Although tick exposure can occur at any time, peak tick season is from April to September. A tick must remain attached to the skin for at least 36 to 48 hours before the Lyme disease bacterium is transmitted. Individuals can lower their risk for developing the disease by removing the tick within the first 24 hours of exposure. It is important to exercise caution when venturing outside and be mindful of tick habitats, which include grassy and wooded areas as well as animals that may carry ticks. The following steps can help individuals to lower their risk of contracting Lyme disease.
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Apply Insect Repellent: Apply an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved insect repellent on clothing before heading outside to avoid tick bites. Tick repellents using DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or 0.5 percent permethrin are recommended.
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Conduct Regular Checks: Individuals should inspect their bodies, clothing, camping equipment and pets for ticks and remove them as soon as possible if any are found.
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Take a Shower: A shower can help wash away any ticks that were previously unnoticed.
Ticks should be removed as soon as possible if they become attached to the skin. There are various tick removal tools available, but fine-tipped tweezers work just as well. To properly remove a tick, hold it near the skin’s surface, pull upward and ensure the tick’s mouth does not remain in the skin. After removing the tick, the skin should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Lyme disease symptoms may vary depending on the stage of infection. Individuals may experience the following symptoms within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite:
- Fever and fatigue.
- Headaches and neck stiffness.
- Body rashes.
- Facial paralysis.
- Arthritis with joint pain.
- Swelling and pain in tendons, muscles, joints and bones.
- Heart palpitations and dizziness.
- Brain and spinal cord inflammation.
- Nerve pain and numbness or tingling of the hands or feet.
Individuals who experience any of these symptoms should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy regimens using medications like doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime can help prevent the infection from advancing to late-stage Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a serious illness that can affect different systems of the body. It is important to take precautionary measures to avoid tick bites, remove ticks as soon as they are found, and seek medical attention if symptoms develop. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for avoiding complications and long-term health problems. While antibiotics can be used to treat Lyme disease, taking preventive measures to avoid tick bites remains the best option to safeguard against disease. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Lyme disease webpage.
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