Alternative Payment Models: Practices’ Best Bet to Weather Future Financial Storms

Casey McKeon, CareAllies contributor, discusses how alternative payment models can offer practices steadier revenue streams and greater stability alongside strategies to drive higher care quality, and which APM models should practices consider.

Valuable Insights: Addressing the Social and Environmental Needs of Patients During COVID-19

Research has shown that non-clinical care, including a person's social and environmental conditions, can impact up to 80% of their health care outcomes. In this podcast, Kim Villarreal discusses how her team has been connecting with patients during COVID-19 to help answer questions, calm their fears and make sure they have what they need.

(9 min)

CMS Adds Annual Wellness Visit to Audio-Only Covered Telehealth Services for Medicare FFS

CMS has specific guidance around what constitutes an annual wellness visit (AWV), along with documentation requirements. These visits typically take place in the doctor's office, but in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, newer guidance has been issued and allows for the AWV to take place via telehealth (audio with visual). Most recently, CMS has begun allowing the AWV to be completed via a telephone-only connection for those patients who do not have access to or the capability of video services. The following information is summarized from CMS guidance and applies to all AWVs.

Valuable Insights: Preparing for Disasters and Emergencies

We have all been impacted by COVID-19, but we need to acknowledge the possibility of additional disasters and emergencies. Dr. Joe Nicholson, CareAllies Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Priya Suresh, Renaissance Physicians Chief Medical Officer, discuss preparing your practice, patients and employees for disasters and emergencies.

Valuable Insights: COVID-19 Quick Facts

Dr. Joe Nicholson, CareAllies Chief Medical Officer, provides a quick overview of COVID-19 and some facts about its symptoms, transmission and how long it can remain on various surfaces.

(4 min)

Social Determinants of Health COVID-19 Outreach Protocol

During these difficult times, it is important to reach out to patients who may need additional support addressing social determinants of health. The CareAllies Community Health Advocate Team (CHAT) created this guide to help you outline outreach protocols for your organization.

Telehealth Resources

If you have questions about beginning or expanding telehealth in your practice, we’ve gathered some links to helpful resources. Download this fact sheet to find answers to many of your questions surrounding telehealth.

Valuable Insights: COVID-19 Interim Final Rule Impacts to ACOs

On April 30th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued another round of regulatory waivers and rule changes that impact ACOs. Erin DeLoreto, CareAllies Assistant Vice President of Value-based Programs, provides an overview of what providers should know.

Valuable Insights: Financial Support Available For Providers Through The CARES Act

The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes several programs and resources available to physicians and physician practices. Kathleen Gravelle, CareAllies Chief Risk Officer, provides a summary, and recorded webcast, of these provisions.

Valuable Insights: Staying Connected While Distancing

The CDC has provided guidance on how to help protect yourself and slow the spread of COVID-19, and this guidance includes avoiding close contact with others. Dr. Joe Nicholson, CareAllies Chief Medical Officer, and Kim Villarreal, LCSW and CareAllies Community Health Advocate Team Lead, share some insight on how we can address concerns around the impact of “social distancing” on mental health.

(8 min)

Valuable Insights: Recent CMS Updates Affecting ACOs

Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced several updates that affect accountable care organizations (ACOs). Erin DeLoreto, CareAllies Assistant Vice President of Value-based Programs, provides a summary, and recorded webcast, explaining these updates and the impact on ACOs.

COVID-19 and the Impact to ACOs and Risk-based Contracts

Learn what industry groups are doing to ensure that accountable care organizations that have taken on risk-based agreements aren’t inappropriately penalized due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 response effort. Access updates from insurance providers on what they’re doing to support providers and patients during the coronavirus response.

COVID-19 Resources From AAFP and Other Industry Provider Organizations

Check out the helpful webinars, study packages, checklists and other resources that are available from AAFP to help fine-tune your practice’s COVID-19 preparedness and response.

Protect Your Practice During COVID-19

How can you protect your private practice during the COVID-19 public health emergency? Joe Nicholson, III, DO, chief medical officer for CareAllies, highlights some of the resources available under the CARES Act that are designed to help keep your practice financially stable.

Resources and Ideas to Stay Connected

Free support lines and resources are available to help providers and patients stay connected and active while distancing from others. Download this guide for a list of ideas.