In 1999 the National Institute of Arthritis developed a program to help their beneficiaries suffering from arthritis, pain and stiffness. The program was a means to get them up and moving safely and effectively without increasing their symptoms. As time has gone by, the program has been expanded to serve a broader audience, such as people with chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, people with disabilities and people who are focused on weight management. The program so far has made a positive impact on many individual’s lives being raved as a mood booster, a tool to fight depressio ..read more

Tai chi has been touted as a means to improve balance and avoid falls in older adults by countless media organizations such as Harvard Health, WebMD, AARP, and many more. In fact, if you type “Tai Chi” into Google’s search engine, the first result to auto-populate is “Tai Chi to prevent falls”. Given Tai Chi’s meteoric rise in popularity, a new and similar movement known as Ai Chi has emerged as well — the only difference, Ai Chi is water-based. That’s right, Ai Chi is practiced while submerged in waist or chest-deep water due to additional benefits gained. Our two Quality Improvement Manag ..read more

Speaking Out on The Quality Payment Program’s fourth episode explores the cost category as a part of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System otherwise known as (MIPS). The Cost category is an important part of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) because it measures resources clinicians use to care for patients and Medicare payments made for care (items and services) provided to beneficiaries. Our Host, Temaka Wiliams and featured guest, MGMA Consultant Pamela Ballou-Nelson, RN, MSPH, CMPE, PhD discuss what should be reported and how measures are scored. Be sure to join us in ..read more

Starting this year the definition of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) eligible clinicians was expanded to include additional clinician types such as clinical psychologists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists and more. In this third episode of the Speaking Out on the Quality Payment Program Podcast our Host, Temaka Williams and featured guests, Michelle Brunsen and Kelly Smith give an overview on who the newly expanded qualifying MIPS eligible clinician types are and what they need to do to prepare for 2019 MIPS reporting. Be sure to join us in the future as we ..read more

Speaking Out on The Quality Payment Program’s second episode discusses Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) reporting tips for using a registry. Our Host, Temaka Wiliams and featured guest, Dr.Paulo Andre,  CEO and founder of MDinteractive a top-rated Qualified Registry to report MIPS data to CMS,  give a concise discussion on several topic areas that providers should be aware of such as eligibility, submission, important deadlines and more. Be sure to join us in the future as we continue to speak out on the complex inner workings of the Quality Payment Program and provide guidance o ..read more

Speaking Out on The Quality Payment Program’s first episode explores best practices for submission of data for the Merit-based Incentive Payment System otherwise known as (MIPS). Our Host, Temaka Wiliams and featured guest, Sandy Swallow give a concise discussion on several topic areas that Clinicians should be aware of as they prepare for their 2018 MIPS Data Submission. Be sure to join us in the future as we continue to speak out on the complex inner workings of the Quality Payment Program and provide guidance on how to navigate it efficiently. New Episodes are available on the second W ..read more

Studies show that patients with chronic mental health challenges are at risk for chronic medical conditions and pain. In fact, those studies have shown that anywhere from 30-50% of chronic pain sufferers also deal with depression and anxiety. Join our host Jennifer Winkler today as she deep dives with experienced Nurse Practitioner Joan Kitten on the unexpected ties between mental health and chronic pain and what treatment strategies are available. Be sure to join us as we continue to speak out on the complex issues surrounding pain management and opioid use throughout our Pain Management pod ..read more

Speaking Out On Pain Management’s episode 4 features host Kristen Marino, patient Nina and Dr. Jan Gillespie of Northern Colorado Pain Management. First, Kristen interviews Nina on what it’s like to suffer from chronic pain on the daily. Nina’s story takes you on a relatable and inspiring journey on what it’s like to have debilitating pain, getting sent from doctor to doctor, having surgery and yet having to fight to see results. Then, Kristen deep dives with Dr. Gillespie on what a pain assessment is and what factors you should be looking out for during the assessment whether you’re a docto ..read more

Episode 3 of the podcast takes you on a journey with host Sandy Swallow, Program Specialist and a few Iowa pharmacists as they discuss the serious disconnect that can happen between providers, patients, and pharmacists when prescribing opioids. The pharmacists will share tips and resources that you can take back to your workplace for the management of chronic pain with regards to opioids. Featured Licensed clinical pharmacists: Craig Logemann, UnityPoint Clinics Brett Faine, Emergency Department University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics Jarek Vetter, Broadlawn Pain Management Center Be sure ..read more

This episode of the Speaking Out on Pain Management Podcast series focuses on non-opioid approaches to pain management techniques. Our host, Nicole Contreras, is joined today by chronic pain-sufferer, Lori C. and medical school resident Dr. Taylor Boland. Listen as Lori details her battle against managing chronic pain and shares which non-opioid approaches have helped her most. Stay tuned as Dr. Boland discusses the latest non-opioid pain management therapies taught in medical school. Be sure to join us as we continue to speak out on the complex issues surrounding pain management and opioid ..read more