CMS needs your patients' prior authorization stories

The Colorado Medical Society knows that prior authorization is a burden for you and your practice team, and it’s clear that patients’ health is harmed. The Colorado legislative session has begun and addressing this issue is one of our top priorities. 

Do you have a story to share about when a patient was harmed by prior authorization? Share it through our Health Can't Wait Colorado website.

PDMP integration funding opportunity, with no cost to providers: Deadline extended to Feb. 1, 2024

The Colorado Medical Society would like to make physicians and practices aware of two related opportunities to make it easier to do PDMP checks as Colorado law requires, at no cost to the practice. Find out more about this electronic health record integration through Opisafe. You must contact Opisafe by Feb. 1, 2024. Read more here.

Resource for your patients: Health First Colorado Naloxone access infosheet

A new information sheet is available to increase awareness about opioid overdose and describe the pathway for Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid) members to obtain naloxone at no cost. This flyer was co-developed by the Colorado Evidence-Based Drug Utilization Review Program and the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Physicians and practices can play an important role in increasing awareness and disseminating this information to Colorado prescribers, pharmacy teams, and Health First Colorado members. View the English version here. View the Spanish version here. These resources and more are also available on the HCPF Pain Management Resources and Opioid Use webpage.

Public health emergency unwind: HCPF streamlines process, adds flexibility to Keep Coloradans Covered

Colorado has resumed regular eligibility reviews for people with Health First Colorado and CHP+ after a 3+ year pause during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing has made the following changes to help keep Coloradans covered.

• Renewal packets are shorter, and envelopes are more clearly marked.
• Vulnerable populations have a 60-calendar-day extension to complete the renewal process. This flexibility will remain in place through June 2024. 
• HCPF has made it easier to submit renewal materials and monitor status of a renewal through the PEAK and Health First Colorado app.
• HCPF has created and advanced toolkits in 11 languages to help members and partners complete the renewal process or transition to other affordable health coverage. Practices are encouraged to share them with patients: Update Your Address, Understanding the Renewal Process and Take Action on Your Renewal.
• HCPF has also developed flyers that practices can utilize to educate patients; please remind your Medicaid customers to look for and complete their Medicaid renewals this year and seek other coverage options if they no longer qualify for their current coverage.

Training available on Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) process

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing is making training available regarding the RAC program.

Colorado RAC 101: Complex, Medical Records Reviews Training

Feb. 20, 2024, 2-3 p.m. MST; register

May 15, 2024, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. MST; register

Colorado RAC 101: Hospice, Medical Records Reviews Training

March 14, 2024, 1-2 p.m. MST; register

June 18, 2024, 2-3 p.m. MST; register

Colorado RAC 101: Automated, Data & Claims Reviews Training

April 16, 2024, 10-11 a.m. MST; register

Recorded training and presentations for the HMS Colorado RAC 101 and for the HMS Colorado RAC Provider Portal are available on the HMS Colorado RAC website under the “Resources & Informational Documentation” tab.

Keep Colorado clean and safe: Dispose of meds, protect kids, pets and the environment

Empower your patients to make informed choices. Supporting Colorado's Medication Takeback Program is a prescription for a healthier, safer community. Find your nearest dropbox at TakeMedsSeriously.org/safe-disposal. 

More information here.

An easier way to keep pets safe starts in your medicine cabinet

Tebra is the leader in practice growth with the only all-in-one solution that empowers healthcare providers to improve every digital touchpoint of the patient journey. As experts in the healthcare technology space, Tebra makes it easy for providers to promote their practice online, attract patients, and retain them for life. To instantly see how you compare to other practices in your local area and specialty: https://compare.patientpop.com/cms

• Telluride Regional Medical Center seeks to hire an experienced Primary Care Physician. Telluride Regional Medical Center (TRMC) is seeking a full-time Family Medicine or Med-Peds Physician to be part of our primary care team serving our community of local residents and visitors and members of our neighboring communities. Read more here or apply at https://jobs.tellmed.org



• We have the perfect practice opportunity in Colorado! The Healing Gardens Health Center is a well-established and well-respected primary care and integrative medicine center in beautiful Fort Collins, Colo. This is an opportunity to not only build your dream practice, but also to create and benefit from ownership, all while working with a great team of like-minded providers. We are looking for an experienced board-certified Primary care and integrative/functional medicine provider. We are open to MD, DO, NP or NDs. Read more here or contact jcwhitefields@aol.com.

Do you have a position open at your practice? Space to sub-let? Selling your practice? Place a job board or classified ad with CMS! CMS members receive the first month free. Contact debra_will@cms.org for more information!