Events
Annual Forum on Aging in Rural Oregon
The Oregon Office of Rural Health believes that rural and frontier Oregon communities can be ideal places to age. The annual Forum on Aging in Rural Oregon is an event where people can gather to talk about their experiences, learn from one another, share resources and bring forth new ideas to inspire communities to create their own solutions to improve care for elders.
Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference
The annual Oregon Rural Health Conference is the largest gathering in Oregon dedicated to sharing information and showcasing innovative approaches to health and the delivery of health care in rural and frontier Oregon. The conference brings together providers, administrators, consumers, policy makers and others to exchange ideas and share expertise.
Rural Health Clinic Workshop
The ORH provides Rural Health Clinic (RHC)-specific programming at the annual Oregon Rural Health Conference. Past topics have included RHC Compliance, data, billing and reporting, among others. The ORH strives to provide timely information and policy updates for RHC staff and providers, working with locally and nationally recognized experts. If you have questions or suggestions for future presentations, please contact: Rondyann Gerst | gerst@ohsu.edu | 503-312-3907.
Webinars
All ORH Webinars are listed below. For specific webinars, please use these links:
Forum on Aging Webinars | Quality Webinars | RHC Webinar
Working Through the Challenges – Complex Geropsychiatric Intervention and Management
June 24, 2021
With a great deal of information to cover this session will be 90 minutes! Presenters discuss the challenges and possible approaches that can be taken with aging patients/community members who may be determined to lack capacity and are uncooperative with current services. These individuals often have multiple complex co-existing concerns and complaints lodged against them. Many of these individuals are unable to be placed and may not be eligible for a mental health hold, and cannot be admitted to the hospital—thus often ending up in jail, homeless and uncooperative with caseworkers.
Presenters
- Tim Malone, LCSW | Private Practice Geropsychiatric Social Worker
- Terry Schroeder, MA | Civil Commitment Coordinator, Oregon Health Authority
Media
How Can I Help You? Creating an Awesome Patient Experience Every Time
Patient Experience Webinar
June 22, 2021
Presented by Lauren K. Harris, FACMPE
Harris Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Partnering with practices to identify and achieve their goals
Join Lauren for a practical and informative webinar full of tools you can start using the same day to improve your customer service skills and create exceptional experiences for your patients every time.
- Learning points:
- What is customer service and why does it matter?
- What is your role in the patient experience?
- Specific and actionable goals for your patient interactions
- Skills and behaviors of customer service experts
- How to respond to a dissatisfied patient
- Sample scripts and more!
Lauren is passionate about medical practices and enjoys partnering with them to see them succeed. After years of honing her skills within large and small organizations of multiple specialties, including RHC and School-Based Health Centers, she started her own consulting practice in July 2020. She partners directly with practitioners and leaders to provide business and operation expertise. Lauren started her healthcare management career in 1992, and achieved her MGMA/CMPE certification in 2008 and her FACMPE certification in 2013.
Media
Let’s Talk About Dementia – What it Is, How Caregivers are Impacted, Risk for Abuse and Resources for Support
Thursday, June 17, 2021
May was Mental Health Awareness month and we are continuing the conversation into June. Please join us to discuss symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, resources for your loved one and for caregivers, and what to do when abuse is suspected.
Objectives
After attending this session, participants will have:
- Knowledge of symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias
- Knowledge of dementia and elder abuse
- Information on resources for your loved one and for family caregivers
Presenter
- Nirmala Dhar, LCSW | Mental Health Lead, Older Adult Behavioral Health |Oregon Health Authority
Media
RHC Regulatory & Operational Update
May 12, 2021
Presented by Katie Jo Raebel, CPA, and Partner at Wipfli
This webinar will cover legislative changes, the issues and risks regarding the unknowns, as well as strategies that RHCs should be considering to optimize reimbursement.
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate strategies for managing under the new RHC reimbursement limitations
- Discuss HHS CARES Act provider fund reporting & documentation requirements
Katie Jo Raebel has more than 19 years of experience in audit and accounting services, focused exclusively on health care industry clients. She specializes in assisting freestanding and provider-based clinics to navigate through the rural health clinic (RHC) certification process and is a proven thought leader with vast experience in the RHC arena. Katie Jo helps to calculate RHCs’ Medicare and Medicaid rates, provides education regarding changes in billing because of certification, and consults on all areas specific to RHCs. In addition, she helps organizations determine the best certification options to experience the most beneficial gain from Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.
Katie Jo is a regular speaker at industry events and conferences including the Rural Health Clinic Association of Washington, the Oregon Rural Health Conference, the National Association of Rural Health Clinics Conference, and most recently the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Rural Health and Primary Care annual conference. She also is a featured speaker at the annual Spokane office-sponsored cost report and reimbursement seminar.
Media
CAH Quality 101 Training Session 2
April 28, 2021
Presented by Susan Runyan, CEO, Runyan Health Care Quality Consulting
The Oregon Office of Rural Health is offering CAH quality staff and leaders an opportunity to participate in a new series called the CAH Quality 101 Training Program which will consist of two, one hour virtual trainings followed by six, monthly Open Office Hour sessions that will provide continuing education and peer to peer learning and sharing opportunities. This work is being led by Susan Runyan of Runyan Health Care Quality Consulting who is a well-known quality consultant in the CAH world and also works with the Kansas Hospital Association and Kansas State Flex Program.
This opportunity is aimed to teach best practices in quality improvement, data abstracting, data reporting and process improvement. This will be an excellent opportunity for newer staff or for staff who may be well into their quality role but has not had the opportunity to receive targeted training in the area of quality. It is also a great refresher for more seasoned staff. Your entire quality team is invited to participate. In addition, a variety of tools/resources will be provided to assist staff in their roles in your quality department.
Media
Not Just Bureaucracy: Oregon’s Office of Aging and People with Disabilities and YOU
April 15, 2021
You may not realize it, but the State of Oregon has a variety of programs and supports that can help keep older adults safe, independent, and able to choose how they want to live their lives. This presentation will cover many of the different resources, services and supports available to older adults through government programs, how to advocate successfully, and some of the innovative partnerships happening in rural communities. You might even learn some new acronyms along the way!
Objectives
After attending this session, participants will be able to:
- Explain the functions of the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Aging and Disability Resource Connections (ADRCs) and how they benefit older adults
- Discuss different long-term care settings and what distinguishes each type of setting
- Understand how to advocate for passage of bills, how to participate in the rule-making process, and the role of the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services (GCSS)
- Explain the role of Adult Protective Services (APS) and when to report suspected or witnessed abuse
Presenter
Ann McQueen, MS, PhD | Community Services and Supports Manager | Aging and People with Disabilities Program | Oregon Department of Human Services
Media
CAH Quality 101 Training Session 1
April 7,2021
Presented by Susan Runyan, CEO, Runyan Health Care Quality Consulting
The CAH Quality 101 Training Series is an opportunity aimed to teach best practices in quality improvement, data abstracting, data reporting and process improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for newer staff or for staff who may be well into their quality role but has not had the opportunity to receive targeted training in the area of quality. It is also a great refresher for more seasoned staff. Your entire quality team is invited to participate. In addition, a variety of tools/resources will be provided to assist staff in their roles in your quality department.
Media
A Conversation About Resilience in Native American Communities
Thursday, March 18, 2021
The intent of this conversation is to foster cultural competency among health professionals to serve Native American Elders. A focus in this session is the Q&A.
Objectives
- Explore an overview of American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) history to build understanding of intergenerational trauma, personal trauma, and mistrust of institutions which have resulted in health disparities.
- Discover several models/tools/resources that can be used to provide services with more cultural humility to our AI/AN patients.
- Use the Q&A forum to answer specific audience questions and share personal and professional experiences from three Native American professionals across the social work and public health fields.
Presenters
- Kerri Smith Slingerland, LCSW, MS, CBIS, CADC III
(she/her/hers) - Darin Smith, MPH, MSW
(they/them/their) - Derek Smith, MSW, MPH
(he/him/his)
Media
How to Be Your Own Consultant
Leadership Development Workshop Webinar Series
March 18, 2021
Presented by Lauren K. Harris, FACMPE
Harris Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Partnering with practices to identify and achieve their goals- Lauren is passionate about medical practices and enjoys partnering with them to see them succeed. After years of honing her skills within large and small organizations of multiple specialties, including RHC and School-Based Health Centers, she started her own consulting practice in July 2020. She partners directly with practitioners and leaders to provide business and operation expertise. Lauren started her healthcare management career in 1992, and achieved her MGMA/CMPE certification in 2008 and her FACMPE certification in 2013.
Media
Resilience, Relationships, Compassion and COVID
Leadership Development Workshop Webinar Series
March 11, 2021
Presented by Lauren K. Harris, FACMPE
Harris Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Partnering with practices to identify and achieve their goals- Lauren is passionate about medical practices and enjoys partnering with them to see them succeed. After years of honing her skills within large and small organizations of multiple specialties, including RHC and School-Based Health Centers, she started her own consulting practice in July 2020. She partners directly with practitioners and leaders to provide business and operation expertise. Lauren started her healthcare management career in 1992, and achieved her MGMA/CMPE certification in 2008 and her FACMPE certification in 2013.
- Identify what resilience is and how to practice it
- Understand the value of work relationships and how to create and build them
- Learn techniques for knowing and taking care of ourselves
- Understand what compassion is and how to practice it with ourselves and others
Media
Employee Engagement and Teambuilding
Leadership Development Workshop Webinar Series
February 25, 2021
Presented by Lauren K. Harris, FACMPE
Harris Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Partnering with practices to identify and achieve their goals- Lauren is passionate about medical practices and enjoys partnering with them to see them succeed. After years of honing her skills within large and small organizations of multiple specialties, including RHC and School-Based Health Centers, she started her own consulting practice in July 2020. She partners directly with practitioners and leaders to provide business and operation expertise. Lauren started her healthcare management career in 1992, and achieved her MGMA/CMPE certification in 2008 and her FACMPE certification in 2013.
Media
Survey Readiness During the Public Health Emergency (PHE)
February 23, 2021
Presented by Kate Hill
Kate Hill, RN, is a graduate of Einstein Medical Center School of Nursing. As an Army Nurse, Kate served in Viet Nam where she was awarded the Bronze Star. Kate has worked with orthopedic patients in several capacities including nearly 3-decades with Biomet. Kate joined The Compliance Team in early 2012 to direct TCT’s rural health clinic accreditation program and has fallen in love with Rural. As VP of Clinical Services, she has spearheaded TCT’s Rural Health Clinic Accreditation program combining her clinical expertise, business acumen and passion for delivery of the best care possible to every patient.
Media
How to Develop from Manager into Leader
Leadership Development Workshop Webinar Series
February 11, 2021
Presented by Lauren K. Harris, FACMPE
Harris Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Partnering with practices to identify and achieve their goals- Lauren is passionate about medical practices and enjoys partnering with them to see them succeed. After years of honing her skills within large and small organizations of multiple specialties, including RHC and School-Based Health Centers, she started her own consulting practice in July 2020. She partners directly with practitioners and leaders to provide business and operation expertise. Lauren started her healthcare management career in 1992, and achieved her MGMA/CMPE certification in 2008 and her FACMPE certification in 2013.
Media
Advanced RHC Cost Reporting
February 10, 2021
Presented by Katie Jo Raebel, CPA, and Partner at Wipfli
This session will build off of information gained from the Basic RHC Cost Reporting presentation. We will focus on advanced topics related to Medicare RHC cost reporting and common cost reporting inaccuracies and opportunities for improvement.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how productivity standards may affect your cost-per-visit calculation and payments from other payers
- Compare your clinic’s key cost report information to those in Oregon and throughout the nation
- Strategize reimbursement optimization while ensuring reporting accuracies
Katie Jo Raebel has more than 19 years of experience in audit and accounting services, focused exclusively on health care industry clients. She specializes in assisting freestanding and provider-based clinics to navigate through the rural health clinic (RHC) certification process and is a proven thought leader with vast experience in the RHC arena. Katie Jo helps to calculate RHCs’ Medicare and Medicaid rates, provides education regarding changes in billing because of certification, and consults on all areas specific to RHCs. In addition, she helps organizations determine the best certification options to experience the most beneficial gain from Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.
Katie Jo is a regular speaker at industry events and conferences including the Rural Health Clinic Association of Washington, the Oregon Rural Health Conference, the National Association of Rural Health Clinics Conference, and most recently the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Rural Health and Primary Care annual conference. She also is a featured speaker at the annual Spokane office-sponsored cost report and reimbursement seminar.
Media
Basic RHC Cost Reporting
February 3,2021
Presented by Katie Jo Raebel, CPA from Wipfli, LLP
This session will provide an overview of the rural health clinic Medicare cost report. Join us as we analyze each worksheet within this report (CMS Form 222-17) in order to gain an overall understanding of the basic functions of the Medicare cost report.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the various worksheets of the Medicare cost report, the flow of information, and where to find valuable data.
- Review the three components of the Medicare cost report settlement, the calculation of those amounts, and how the information provided to your cost report preparer can affect the final receivable/payable.
- Learn best practices for tracking information during the year in order to ensure an accurate report.
Media
Planning and Goal Setting for 2021
Leadership Development Workshop Webinar Series
January 28, 2021
Presented by Lauren K. Harris, FACMPE
Harris Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Partnering with practices to identify and achieve their goals- Lauren is passionate about medical practices and enjoys partnering with them to see them succeed. After years of honing her skills within large and small organizations of multiple specialties, including RHC and School-Based Health Centers, she started her own consulting practice in July 2020. She partners directly with practitioners and leaders to provide business and operation expertise. Lauren started her healthcare management career in 1992, and achieved her MGMA/CMPE certification in 2008 and her FACMPE certification in 2013.
Media
RHC, What Now After COVID-19?
January 21,2021
Presented by Kate Hill, RN, VP of Clinical Services
The Compliance Team
During this webinar, Kate will discuss how to manage compliance in the clinic during the ongoing Public Health Emergency. How to complete the Emergency Preparedness After Action Report (AAR). The importance of infection prevention in the clinic now and moving forward. How things are different now in the RHC and for the foreseeable future. The issue of staying compliant when staff is lighter than usual.
Kate Hill, RN, is a graduate of Einstein Medical Center School of Nursing. As an Army Nurse, Kate served in Viet Nam where she was awarded the Bronze Star. Kate has worked with orthopedic patients in several capacities including nearly 3-decades with Biomet. Kate joined The Compliance Team in early 2012 to direct TCT’s rural health clinic accreditation program and has fallen in love with Rural. As VP of Clinical Services, she has spearheaded TCT’s Rural Health Clinic Accreditation program combining her clinical expertise, business acumen and passion for delivery of the best care possible to every patient. She presently serves on the Board of the National Association of Rural Health Clinics and on the Congress at NRHA. She feels fortunate to speak at numerous state and national meetings about RHC compliance countrywide, which gives her the opportunity to learn firsthand the diverse issues clinics are facing. Kate lives in suburban Philadelphia with her husband and near her three granddaughters.
Media
Critical Maintenance Emergency Plan Biennial Review, Civil Rights, Personnel File Audits
January 6, 2021
Presented by Tressa Sacrey, RHC Compliance Analyst
Health Services Associates
http://www.hsagroup.net/
Tressa R. Sacrey joined Health Services Associates in May 2015 as a Compliance Analyst. Mrs. Sacrey has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has completed courses in Business Applied Technology. Key areas of responsibility include creating policies, developing emergency plans, facilitating hazard training, researching CMS regulations, conducting on-site compliance mock surveys, and creating forms and tools to assist RHC’s across the nation.
Tressa will discuss how maintaining compliance at the RHC is an ongoing process.
Participants will:
- Gain an understanding of the required civil rights elements for the clinic
- Discover which documents will be reviewed during the personnel file audit
- Learn the operative guidelines and timeframes for the emergency plan review
You won’t want to miss this valuable training!
Stay ready for your next survey.
Be operationally sound, so you can stay focused on what matters most - The Patient!
Media
All ORH Webinars are listed below. For specific webinars, please use these links:
Forum on Aging Webinars | RHC Webinars
RHC Survey During COVID-19: Q&A with Janis McDowell, State Surveyor
December 11, 2020
Please come prepared to ask questions about RHC surveys during the COVID-19 PHE and learn how you can prepare for an unannounced survey.
Join us as we explore:
- How the survey has changed during COVID-19
- The challenges of a survey during the PHE
- What is involved in the COVID-19 Focused Infection Prevention Survey
Janis McDowell, RN, BSN, MA, is a Patient Safety Surveyor for OHA’s Health Facility Licensing and Certification Office with almost 5 years’ experience surveying hospitals, home health agencies, ambulatory surgery centers with current focus on dialysis centers and rural health clinics. Before moving into the realm of regulatory work, Janis’ nursing experience included trauma recovery and mental health.
Media
2021 E/M Coding and Billing Changes
December 9, 2020
Presented by Kim Huey, KGG Coding and Reimbursement Consulting, LLC
During this webinar Kim will walk you through everything you need to successfully implement the 2021 CPT code changes in your RHC.
This webinar covers:
- 2021 overview of ICD-10 and CPT coding and billing changes;
- Documentation updates to support the new codes;
- CMS changes for E/M and coding reimbursement; and
- How fraud and abuse will affect these changes, and more.
Information was accurate as of the date of the presentation.
Media
2020 RHC Workshop and Oregon Rural Health Conference
October 4-13
LGBTQ+ Older and Aging Adult Cultural Competency 101 – Tools to Improve Patient Communication, Care and Outcomes
October 29, 2020
LGBTQ+ Older and Aging Adult Cultural Competency 101 – Tools to Improve Patient Communication, Care, and Outcomes. This multidisciplinary introductory training course for healthcare professionals focuses on older and aging LGBTQ+ adults, including challenges, disparities, and solutions. Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Describe health disparities faced by LGBT older adults.
- Explain how policy changes can improve health care and elder services for this population.
- Describe how health systems and providers can advocate and care for their LGBT older patients.
Media
Policy Matters
September 30, 2020
This year, 2020 has been a challenging year on many fronts. The pandemic, recession, and social unrest are having far reaching impact on every aspect of our lives. Join us on Sept 30, for an interactive forum to hear how AARP is working to advocate for the interests of people 50+ and their families.
Learn about AARP’s “Protect Voters 50+” Campaign that includes a comprehensive voter engagement effort and voter education on important federal issues like Social Security. Learn about current state advocacy efforts and policy priorities for the upcoming 2021 legislative session.
Media
Scams & Financial Exploitation Targeting Rural & Frontier Elders
August 27, 2020
This virtual session will demonstrate scams and financial exploitation, as well as the impacts they have on rural older Oregonians. Learn to identify the indicators of scams and financial exploitation, who to report to, and what Adult Protective Services (APS) can and cannot do. Hear about the barriers facing the at-risk population in rural and frontier Oregon, focusing on how to work with banks, local law enforcement and other agencies resources to ensure the safety and protection of victims of elder financial abuse. Also hear about the collaborative multi-disciplinary approach APS uses to address complicated cases and the challenges that come with investigating financial cases in rural Oregon.
Media
Rural Telehealth: What is the impact to RHCs during the PHE and beyond?
August 12, 2020
Not only has the COVID-19 PHE changed the way the we do business in our rural healthcare facilities, it has also changed the way that we have used telehealth in providing patient care. Join us as we explore:
- How the provision of telehealth services has changed during the COVID-19 PHE
- The challenges of providing telehealth during the PHE
- How the PHE may change the telehealth landscape in the future
Filling the Day with Meaning
July 29, 2020
This training explores factors such as spiritual wellness, personality style, health and usual daily routine in building meaning, relationship and hope for older adults in the midst of Covid 19.
Objectives
- Understand how changes imposed by the epidemic impact spiritual, emotional and physical health
- Learn how to use the Spiritual Health Assessment to understand the basic needs of the human spirit
- Build a framework for providing a person centered balance of activities that fill the day with meaning for each older adult
Positive Approaches to Care — 10 Steps to De-escalate a Crisis
June 19, 2020
A virtual training by Rod Harwood, MDiv, MA, QMHP-C, Older Adult Behavioral Health Coordinator
When a person living with dementia feels threatened or overwhelmed, they may become aggressive. This training enhances caregiver understanding of the root cause of this behavior and offers strategies for preventing escalation and restoring a resident’s sense of safety and control.
This training will:
- Provide an overview of how the brain works for those living with dementia, and how, when feeling threatened, the primitive part of their brain becomes “the boss” of their behavior.
- Understand the role of the 5 senses and how they drive behaviors.
- Provide an introduction to the “Positive Approach to Care” in supporting those living with dementia.
- Learn 10 ways to help a person de-escalate when under stress.
Media
Advanced RHC Billing and Coding
June 6, 2020
Advanced Rural Health Clinic Billing and Coding webinar takes a deeper look at RHC services and how to report them. It reviews in-depth claim examples based on a variety of patient visit scenarios. These include: RHC telehealth billing, mental health billing, specialists in the RHC, preventive services, care management services, and negative payments.
Media
Basic RHC Billing and Coding
June 6, 2020
The Basic Rural Health Clinic Billing and Coding webinar reviews RHC services and how to report them. It includes all of the basics for building and reporting RHC Medicare claims. It covers RHC locations and providers, incident to, surgeries, injections, RHC services vs. non-RHC services, specialists and global billing.
Media
Hospice & Long-Term Care in the Year of the Virus
May 26, 2020
Dr. Michael Knower (St. Charles Hospice) and Lee Garber (Regency Rehabilitation and Nursing Center of Prineville) provide insight into impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on fragile, vulnerable, and clinically complex long-term care facility residents and hospice patients. Learn about how COVID-19 unfolded in the community of Prineville, Oregon; its impacts on care delivery; how care providers are complying with regulations; and the myriad of challenges experienced.
Media
Assistive Technology: Programs, Devices, Applications, and More
April 29, 2020
Kevin Roebke (Oregon Public Utility Commission) and Brian Sacre, (Access Technology Inc.) provide insight into state assistive technology programs including the Oregon State Assistive Technology Program (OSATP), National Deaf Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDEDP), and Telecommunication Devices Access Program (TDAP). Learn about assistive technologies each program offers as well as eligibility, benefits, how to select a potentially expensive piece of technology, and how to get connected to affordable phone and internet services.
Media
Rural Health Clinic COVID-19 Listening Session #3
RHC Emergency Preparedness, Part 2
Rural Health Clinic COVID-19 Listening Session 2
April 9, 2020
RHC leaders discuss concerns and challenges internally and in their community.
Media
Telehealth for Oregon Rural Health Clinics: Resources and Reimbursement
RHC Emergency Preparedness and COVID-19, Part 1
Rural Health Clinic COVID-19 Listening Session 1
March 26, 2020
RHC leaders discuss top concerns which include: supplies, testing, community, policies and procedures, amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Media
RHC Compliance 101, Part 2
January 15, 2020
Kate Hill from The Compliance Team, will go into more detail regarding compliance requirements in Rural Health Clinics.
Media
Calendar
August 2021
Contact
Oregon Office of Rural Health | 503-494-4450 | toll-free 866-674-4376