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The upcoming OneCare Kansas (OCK) Learning Collaborative Event will be held in person on November 16th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Wichita. These events are valuable opportunities for administrators and managers within the OCK provider network to celebrate successes, conquer challenges, and assure a high-quality service system through peer-to-peer learning and insights from program leaders and community experts.
Given the limited space, pre-registration for the event is required and must be completed by November 8th. Please keep an eye on your email for detailed information regarding the event and make arrangements to join us on November 16th. We look forward to seeing you at the event!
The "N/A due to COVID-19" option has been removed from all fields in the Physical Health section of the Health Action Plan (HAP) Portal. Instead, providers can now select from the following options when a health measurement is not being recorded:
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Not Clinically Indicated
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Patient Declined
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Not Available
The available options are determined by the specific measurement field. For more information, please refer to the HAP Portal Updates Document on the OCK website.
These options have also been incorporated into the Manual HAP Form template, instructions and other supplemental documents on the Health Action Plan Documents Page and within the OCK Program Manual.
In the event of a partner contract termination, it is imperative to facilitate a smooth transition of care for all impacted members to ensure services remain uninterrupted. To assist providers in this process, the State has collaborated with the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to develop the "OneCare Kansas Partner Termination Guidance: Managing Member Transitions for Continued Care" document.
This guidance outlines essential steps that providers can take to ensure a smooth transition for their members, including:
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Providing advanced notice to both MCOs and members regarding the decision to terminate OCK services.
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Communicating directly with members regarding the upcoming changes and to inform them of their options for continued care:
- CCBHC Providers:
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Reassignment to a new OCK provider with CCBHC services.
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Reassignment to a new OCK provider without CCBHC services.
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Opting out of OCK for CCBHC care coordination only.
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Ensuring coordination for all referrals.
- Other Providers:
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Reassignment to a new OCK provider.
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Opting out of OCK and exploring alternative care options.
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Ensuring coordination for all referrals.
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Collaborating with MCOs to share relevant member information and facilitate referrals.
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Coordinating with the new OCK provider for member reassignment to ensure a seamless transition of care.
It is important to consider that each member may have unique needs and preferences. Providers should customize the transition process for each member while maintaining consistent communication with all parties involved during this transition period.
By following these steps, providers can help ensure that their members continue to receive high-quality care during this period of transition. For more comprehensive guidance, please consult the full document available on the OCK webpage. This guidance is also referenced within the OCK Program Manual in Section 3.3, titled "Member Transition Guidance upon Partner Contract Termination."
Oral Health Kansas and the Pathways to Oral Health Team have partnered with the University of Kansas Medical Center and Aetna Better Health of Kansas to offer a new training series: “Accessible Oral Health 2023: Building Confidence in Serving People with Disabilities.”
This Project ECHO series equips dental teams with essential skills for providing exceptional care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Topics include communication strategies, sensory awareness, and resources for treating people with disabilities.
The series is open to private practice dental teams, community health centers and care coordinators. All members of the dental team, including dentists, hygienists, assistants and receptionists, are welcome to attend. This series is free of charge and will consist of five virtual courses held via Zoom on Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, beginning October 19th through November 16th.
To register for the series, please visit the University of Kansas Medical Center Webpage. Additional information can be found on the Accessible Oral Health 2023 ECHO Flyer. For questions, please contact Oral Health Kansas.
Participating in this series will empower dental teams to provide inclusive and compassionate care to all patients. It will help professionals to develop a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and provide them with the essential skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality care.
During the fall season, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize personal health and well-being. With the changing weather and the holiday season approaching, it can be easy to overlook self-care. However, incorporating simple self-care practices into one’s daily routine can help maintain health and happiness during these seasonal transitions. The following self-care tips offer guidance for embracing the beauty of autumn while enhancing overall well-being.
Eat Seasonally
Integrating fresh, seasonal produce into fall recipes can help individuals maintain a healthy and budget-friendly diet. Consider including nutrient-rich options like pumpkin, winter squash, beets, cranberries and sweet potatoes into recipes. Adding these ingredients ensures consumption of essential nutrients that are vital for supporting overall health and wellness.
Boost Fiber Intake
Incorporating more fiber-rich foods into one's diet is essential to maintaining the energy levels required for increased travel and other activities during the fall. A good source of fiber to consider is oatmeal, which can be enjoyed hot or cold. Overnight oats, featuring autumn-inspired flavors like pumpkin pie, apple cinnamon, or maple pecan, can serve as a nourishing fall staple that boost fiber intake to support overall well-being.
Consume More Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for enhancing immune function. While it cannot cure a cold, increasing consumption of vitamin C can help in reducing symptom severity and duration, potentially preventing other health issues. The incorporation of Vitamin C-rich fruits like lemon and lime into recipes introduces antioxidants that protect cells from damage. For added health benefits, individuals may consider including other vitamin C-rich foods such as bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, oranges, potatoes, strawberries and tomatoes into their diets.
Staying Active through Weather Changes
Staying active during the fall and winter months presents challenges due to unpredictable weather and reduced daylight hours. There are strategies individuals can practice for overcoming these challenges and remaining physically active both indoors and outdoors. These strategies include activities like walking with friends and family, participating in online home exercise classes, and finding opportunities to be outdoors to receive the benefits of sunlight when weather conditions allow.
Manage Fall Allergies and Colds
Common cold and flu viruses are more prevalent during the fall season, particularly if travelling. Individuals can protect themselves from illness by taking precautionary measures such as regular handwashing, keeping vaccinations current and using natural remedies to combat allergens. Effective natural remedies to consider include the use of air filters, essential oils, nasal sprays and irrigation devices and taking evening showers.
Prioritize Mental Health and Well-Being
Prioritizing mental health involves recognizing the impact of seasonal changes and responding to them in a healthy way. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect many during the fall season, but remedies such as light therapy and vitamin D supplements can offer relief. Those who experience overwhelming emotions or complexity during this time should seek support from a mental health professional to help with establishing healthy coping strategies.
The arrival of fall serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health through self-care. Following self-care tips tailored for the fall empowers individuals to embrace seasonal changes while nurturing overall well-being. For more information on ways to maintain health through seasonal self-care practices, visit the Fall Health Tips Article available on BistroMD's website.
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