Alaska Primary Care Association's Apprenticeship Model

Cherise Fowler, Alaska Primary Care Association

Cherise will be on a panel at the Fall Primary Care Conference

Registered Apprenticeship can be a critical part of the workforce strategy related to healthcare reform as it is seen as a way to train long-term care workers and address some of the workforce issues including recruitment and retention, training a quality workforce and improving quality of patient care. The potential in utilizing the Registered Apprenticeship model is that worker skill levels can be raised along with patient care without huge cost increases.

Squeeze the orange, not the turnip. Ignoring the needs of your revenue cycle impacts patient care

Heather Niemi, Agatha Consulting

Heather will be presenting at the Fall Primary Care Conference

Imagine the impact you can make with a healthy revenue cycle. Really, take a moment and imagine what capturing your current leakage could mean…

…did you imagine hiring an additional technician? Upgrading your computer systems? Providing access to another 100 underinsured patients?

Now that I have your attention, let’s talk about what you do next.

Terri Terrault, Cardinal Health

Complying with strict provisions of the 340B Drug Pricing Program is a complex and rigorous process for health systems of any size, but especially challenging for facilities with limited resources such as critical access hospitals, HIV/AIDS program grantees, and community health centers. The good news is that, through 340B, CHCs can improve population health outcomes and pharmacy practice, while addressing strategic health center goals.

Spotlight on Operations Staff

Mallory Lisk came to work for Community Health Center of Snohomish County in September 2013 as our Community Relations Manager. In January 2017, Mallory transferred into the role of Community Outreach and Enrollment Manager. Mallory has a remarkable ability to connect with our patients, our community partners, and bring it all together to benefit our patients. Mallory is always looking for new opportunities and new and unique ways to serve our patients. As an organization, we are very proud of the work that Mallory has done, the daily efforts she puts into improving the lives of our patients and look forward to what she will do next with the Outreach Department.

-Lisa Miller, Chief Operating Officer

Feature a fantastic medical assistant in next month's edition! Please send Alyssa Panning a short bio and photo by October 13.

Kurt Higuera, longtime Chief Executive Officer of Siskiyou Community Health Center and a former Board member of NWRPCA, passed away in June after a battle with cancer. Kurt was a beloved member of the community health center world, in Oregon as well the Northwest generally, and known for his unassuming manner and wonderfully insightful perspective. He had a long career in healthcare and was dedicated to serving the people of Josephine County. Kurt is remembered at his health center for being very dedicated to his work. During his time at Siskiyou, he oversaw a period of remarkable growth, including a patient increase of 50%, a staff size increase from 87 to over 200, the expansion of primary care and dental services in Grants Pass and Cave Junction, and the addition of pharmacies, a walk-in clinic, laboratory, radiology, and behavioral health services. Kurt is succeeded in the role by Rich Booth, who worked closely with Kurt as COO for many years. NWRPCA is proud to have worked with Kurt over the years. We'll miss you immensely, Kurt.

October 21-24 in Seattle

Together Toward Tomorrow: Celebrating 20 Years of Region 18

Register today to attend timely and highly-anticipated conference sessions, opportunities to meet with exhibitors, and time to network with your peers! Educational tracks span the entire health center, including workforce, clinical, fiscal, and quality transformation, and we are thrilled to have HRSA hosting an immersive two-day track dedicated to the top three HHS priorities as well as grant opportunities and grant writing best practices.

Just announced: Dinner and Washington wine pairing networking event, only $45

Early bird deadline: September 29

Groups of four or more receive 10% off, groups of eight or more receive 15% off

February 22-24, 2018 in Seattle

You are invited to submit an abstract to speak at our 2018 Western Forum for Migrant and Community Health in Seattle! Submissions focusing on health care delivery, outreach and enrollment, policy and advocacy, and workforce leadership and development, and other topic areas that relate to the multi-disciplinary nature of this conference are highly desired.

Abstract submissions are due September 22

January 2017-December 2017

The next webinar, Tackling Obesity Head-On in Primary Care, is November 8 at noon PT

NWRPCA is offering a series of ten behavioral health webinars that serve as a platform each month for a blend of didactic trainings and interactive opportunities. Each month we examine a different topic via a 60-minute webinar.

Sign up for the remainder of all live webinars, and receive recordings of all previous webinars.

December 4-5 in Seattle

Day 1:

The training addresses each of the UDS report’s tables, including a discussion of the changes that have been made and the definitions necessary to complete the report.

Day 2:
This session will address data disparities and what can be done about them. In addition, the workshop will introduce the "Guide for Improving Care Processes and Outcomes in FQHCs" that includes strategies and tools designed for quality, clinical and other health center staff to support quality improvement efforts.

January 24-25 in Seattle

HRSA is issuing a new revision of the Health Center Program Requirements Compliance Manual, and while the basic requirements remain, there are many changes in the performance indicators and interpretations. Some new indicators for meeting them have been added; some others have been modified or deleted. This two-day training will go in-depth into what is required, what has changed, and how to meet and exceed the performance expectations. Successfully prepare for your next Operational Site Visit by attending this very important training!