A COMMUNITY-WIDE HEALTH CRISIS: The Opioid Epidemic The Opioid Epidemic is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths across the United States annually. In 2015, heroin overdose deaths rose 23%, and deaths from synthetic opioids, such as illicit fentanyl, rose by 73%. The epidemic needs to be met head on, with public discussion and a search for effective solutions. At the summit, medical experts that have worked for years combating addiction, studying its causes, and work

The Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) has announced the Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program (Outreach Program) is accepting applications through December 6, 2017. Applicants must be: Located in a rural county or eligible census tract A rural public or nonprofit private entity Part of a consortium with at least two additional organizations Not a previous Outreach grantee for the same or similar project It is anticipated successful awardees will receive up t

Open Enrollment for 2018 Medicare health and drug plans began October 15 and ends December 7, 2017. Plan costs and covered benefits can change from year to year. Individuals with Medicare should look at their coverage choices and decide the options that best fits their health needs. For more information, they can visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare participants who do not wish to change their current coverage do not need to re-enroll. For more information on

MO HealthNet recently posted two tips for providers on immunizations and pharmacy dispensing fees. The department's Hot Tips can be found online here. Immunizations MO HealthNet providers billing vaccines for dual eligible participants shall bill Medicare for all vaccines. Vaccine coverage under Medicare Part B includes the pneumococcal, influenza, and Hepatitis B vaccines for individuals at high or intermediate risk, and vaccines directly related to the treatment of an inju

On October 1, Mo HealthNet will implement the ICD-10 changes that are effective for dates of service on or after October 1, 2017. The update includes the Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnosis code changes and the Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) surgical procedure code changes. CMS' final addendum with information on changes to ICD-10 can be found here.

Check out KBIA's interview with the Missouri Hospital Association and Citizens Memorial Hospital on the impact of federal DSH cuts on rural hospitals and communities. You can also find the story at: http://kbia.org/post/talking-politics-federal-funding-cuts-could-hurt-missouri-hospitals#stream/0 Talking Politics: Federal Funding Cuts Could Hurt Missouri Hospitals By BEATRIZ COSTA LIMA Congress missed the deadline to delay federal funding cuts to hospitals last week. Without