As adults with Down syndrome are living longer and healthier lives, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community organizations are increasingly seeking evidence-based resources to support their unique health and wellness needs. Fortunately, several outstanding no-cost online educational resources are available to help providers and caregivers strengthen their knowledge and improve care.

CARE-DS: Comprehensive Education with Free Continuing Education Credit

The Center for Aging Research and Education on Down Syndrome (CARE-DS) offers a growing collection of educational programs focused on aging, dementia, health care, and quality of life for adults with Down syndrome.

A particularly valuable feature of CARE-DS is the availability of free continuing education opportunities. Eligible participants can earn both AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and nursing continuing education credit through select educational activities.

Whether you are a physician, nurse, social worker, caregiver, or community provider, CARE-DS provides practical, evidence-based training designed to improve care for individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan.

Learn more:
CARE-DS

Adult Down Syndrome Center Resource Library

The Adult Down Syndrome Center maintains one of the most comprehensive online resource libraries dedicated to the healthcare needs of adults with Down syndrome.

Topics include:

• Aging and longevity
• Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
• Mental health
• Communication
• Medical conditions and screening recommendations
• Caregiver support
• Healthy lifestyle practices

The center's extensive collection of articles, videos, webinars, and clinical resources makes it a valuable destination for healthcare providers, families, caregivers, and self-advocates seeking trusted information.

Explore the resource library:
Adult Down Syndrome Center

Down Syndrome Project ECHO: Interactive Learning with Free CME

The Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group-USA (DSMIG-USA) sponsors a Down Syndrome Project ECHO program that connects healthcare professionals with national experts through virtual case-based learning and educational sessions.

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) uses an interactive model that allows participants to learn from specialists while discussing real-world challenges they encounter in practice. Sessions are designed to build provider confidence and expand access to high-quality care for individuals with Down syndrome.

Many sessions include opportunities to earn free Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit, making this an excellent option for clinicians seeking both education and professional development.

Learn more about Project ECHO:
DSMIG-USA Down Syndrome Project ECHO

Expanding Knowledge to Improve Care

As the population of adults with Down syndrome continues to grow, access to high-quality educational resources is essential. These free online programs provide healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community partners with practical tools, current clinical information, and ongoing learning opportunities that can help improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Resource Links

• CARE-DS: https://careds.org/
• Adult Down Syndrome Center Resource Library: https://adultdownsyndrome.org/
• DSMIG-USA Down Syndrome Project ECHO: https://dsmigusa.memberclicks.net/project-echo

Looking for more Down syndrome educational resources? These three programs are excellent starting points for clinicians, caregivers, educators, and organizations seeking evidence-based information and training at no cost.

Rural healthcare organizations often face significant challenges when it comes to adopting and expanding technology solutions. Limited resources, infrastructure barriers, and funding constraints can make it difficult to implement tools that improve patient care, strengthen operations, and support long-term sustainability.

The North Carolina Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) was created to help address these challenges by providing financial support for technology-driven projects that improve healthcare delivery in rural communities. For eligible organizations, this funding opportunity may help accelerate initiatives that enhance access to care, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen healthcare operations.

What Is the Rural Health Innovation Fund?

The Rural Health Innovation Fund is a North Carolina initiative designed to support rural healthcare providers and organizations in implementing innovative technology solutions. Funding is available for projects that demonstrate the potential to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen care in rural communities.

Organizations interested in applying should carefully review eligibility requirements, application instructions, and program guidance available on the Rural Health Innovation Fund website.

Why Technology Readiness Matters

Before investing in new technology, healthcare organizations need to understand their current capabilities and readiness for adoption. Technology readiness assessments can help organizations identify strengths, gaps, and areas that may require additional planning before implementation.

As part of the application process, organizations are encouraged to review the Technology Readiness Assessment Questions before completing the online submission form. Reviewing these questions in advance can help practices gather the information needed and prepare a stronger application.

Technology Readiness Assessment Questions

Preparing Your Application

Organizations considering an application should begin by assembling key stakeholders, evaluating current technology infrastructure, and identifying projects that align with organizational priorities and community needs.

Potential areas of focus may include:

• Telehealth and virtual care expansion
• Digital health tools that improve patient engagement
• Technology that enhances care coordination
• Infrastructure improvements that support healthcare delivery
• Innovative approaches to addressing healthcare access challenges in rural communities

Applicants should also review the program guidance and frequently asked questions to better understand the application process and funding requirements.

Complete the Online Readiness Assessment

After reviewing the readiness assessment questions, organizations can complete the online assessment form.

Online Readiness Assessment Form

Completing the assessment can help organizations determine their preparedness for technology implementation and identify opportunities for future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional information about the Rural Health Innovation Fund, including answers to common questions, is available in the program FAQ document.

Rural Health Innovation Fund FAQ

Take the Next Step

Technology continues to play an increasingly important role in expanding access to care, improving patient experiences, and supporting healthcare teams. The Rural Health Innovation Fund offers an opportunity for eligible rural healthcare organizations to explore innovative solutions and strengthen their capacity to serve patients and communities.

Organizations interested in learning more should review the program materials, complete the readiness assessment, and determine whether this funding opportunity aligns with their strategic goals.

Resources

Rural Health Innovation Fund

Technology Readiness Assessment Questions

Online Readiness Assessment Form

Rural Health Innovation Fund FAQ

North Carolina's rural healthcare organizations will soon have access to a significant new funding opportunity designed to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen care delivery.

As part of the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program's ongoing digital health and technology initiatives, the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), is preparing to launch the Rural Health Innovation Fund, a $20 million investment aimed at helping rural healthcare providers modernize operations and adopt innovative digital tools and technologies.

The competitive funding opportunity opens September 30, 2026, and is intended to support healthcare organizations serving rural communities as they navigate evolving patient needs, workforce challenges, and care delivery demands.

Supporting Innovation in Rural Healthcare

Digital health technologies have the potential to expand access to care, improve operational efficiency, and enhance patient outcomes. However, many rural providers face financial and infrastructure barriers that limit their ability to implement new systems and technologies.

The Rural Health Innovation Fund seeks to address these challenges by providing financial support for projects that advance digital health capabilities and strengthen healthcare delivery across rural North Carolina.

Potential investments may help organizations modernize workflows, improve data sharing, enhance patient engagement, support care coordination, and implement technology solutions that improve access and quality of care.

Learn More at the Informational Webinar

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to attend the NCRHTP Rural Health Innovation Fund Informational Webinar on:

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
2:00 PM Eastern Time

The webinar will provide an overview of:

• Program goals and objectives
• Applicant eligibility requirements
• Funding priorities
• Application process and timeline
• Tips for preparing a competitive proposal

This session will also give potential applicants an opportunity to better understand how the fund aligns with broader Rural Health Transformation Program efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure throughout North Carolina.

Important Dates

Rural Health Innovation Fund Informational Webinar

September 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Application Period Opens

September 30, 2026

Why This Matters

Rural healthcare providers continue to face unique challenges related to workforce shortages, financial sustainability, access to specialty care, and technology infrastructure. Strategic investments in digital health solutions can help organizations improve care delivery while creating a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability.

The Rural Health Innovation Fund represents an important opportunity for healthcare organizations to invest in innovations that can enhance services, improve patient experiences, and build more connected systems of care for rural communities across North Carolina.

Learn More

Healthcare organizations interested in pursuing funding should plan to attend the informational webinar and begin considering projects that align with their strategic goals and the needs of the populations they serve.

For additional information about the Rural Health Innovation Fund and webinar registration details, visit the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program website.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has announced a new Office and Other Outpatient Evaluation and Management (E&M) Leveling Program and updates to its E&M reimbursement policy. Beginning August 15, 2026, select providers may be subject to additional review of office and outpatient E&M claims to help ensure coding aligns with national industry standards.

For physicians, advanced practice providers, practice managers, coding professionals, and billing teams, now is a good time to review E&M documentation and coding practices to understand how this change may affect claims processing and reimbursement.

What Is the E&M Leveling Program?

The new E&M Leveling Program is designed to support accurate and consistent coding and reimbursement. Blue Cross NC will identify providers whose E&M coding patterns are consistently higher than those of their peers and evaluate whether submitted E&M services are supported by the services and conditions documented in the claim.

The review process uses analytics supported by human and clinical review. If Blue Cross NC determines that the billed E&M level is higher than what is supported by the documentation and services submitted, the claim may be denied or reimbursed at a different E&M level. Providers may use the standard claims dispute process to request a review of any determination.

Who Will Be Affected?

The updated reimbursement policy does not automatically apply to all providers.

Only providers identified for participation in the E&M Leveling Program will be subject to the additional review process. Blue Cross NC has indicated that providers selected for the program will receive advance notification. If your practice does not receive a notification letter, no further action is required regarding program participation.

The policy applies to:

• Blue Cross NC Commercial plans
• Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage plans

The policy does not apply to:

• Federal Employee Program (FEP)
• Inter-Plan Program (IPP) Host
• Inter-Plan Program (IPP) Home

What Should Practices Do Now?

Even if your organization has not received a notification letter, this announcement serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate E&M coding and thorough clinical documentation.

Practices may want to review:

• Current E&M coding processes
• Documentation supporting medical decision-making and time-based coding
• Internal coding education and auditing activities
• Opportunities for provider and staff training related to E&M guidelines

Practices that receive notification of program participation may also wish to work closely with coding, compliance, and revenue cycle teams to monitor adjudication outcomes and address reimbursement questions.

Why This Matters

E&M services account for a substantial portion of outpatient reimbursement. Changes in payer review processes can affect reimbursement, claim adjudication, and administrative workload. Maintaining strong documentation practices and ensuring coding accuracy can help practices prepare for reviews and support appropriate reimbursement.

As payers continue to focus on coding accuracy and documentation standards, ongoing provider and staff education remains an important component of practice operations.

Learn More

Blue Cross NC has published additional information about the program and related reimbursement policies:

• New E&M Leveling Program and Updated E&M Reimbursement Policy 
• Blue Cross NC Provider Policies, Guidelines, and Codes 
• Provider Policy Notifications

NC AHEC Practice Support Takeaway

While the E&M Leveling Program will only apply to selected providers, all practices can benefit from regularly reviewing coding and documentation processes. Ensuring that E&M services are fully supported by clinical documentation can help reduce claim denials, support appropriate reimbursement, and prepare practices for evolving payer review programs.

Accurate coding, complete documentation, and ongoing education can help practices navigate payer policy changes while maintaining efficient revenue cycle operations.

For many organizations, preparation does not require launching entirely new programs. Instead, it presents an opportunity to strengthen existing workflows through focused quality improvement (QI) initiatives. Projects that improve patient outreach, data accuracy, care coordination, and eligibility support can help health centers build readiness well before implementation deadlines arrive.

Rather than waiting for final regulations, practice leaders can use the coming months to identify operational gaps and test process improvements that will benefit both patients and staff.

Start with Contact Information Accuracy

One of the most valuable quality improvement projects a health center can undertake is improving the accuracy of patient contact information.

Patients who do not receive Medicaid notices, renewal reminders, or requests for documentation may face avoidable coverage interruptions. A focused QI project could examine how often contact information is updated during patient encounters, identify breakdowns in current workflows, and establish standard procedures for verifying addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses at every visit.

Even small improvements in data accuracy can significantly improve patient outreach efforts when policy changes take effect.

Evaluate Your Patient Outreach Workflows

Many practices already conduct outreach related to preventive care, chronic disease management, and appointment reminders. The same infrastructure can often be leveraged to support Medicaid-related communications.

A quality improvement initiative focused on outreach workflows might evaluate how patients are contacted, which methods generate the highest response rates, and whether communication strategies effectively reach patients who face language, transportation, technology, or health literacy barriers.

By strengthening outreach processes now, practices can create systems that are ready to support future eligibility and renewal communications.

Assess Care Management Capacity

Care managers, patient navigators, and community health workers often play an important role when patients must navigate complex systems. Health centers may benefit from conducting a workflow assessment that examines current care management capacity and identifies opportunities for improvement.

Questions worth exploring include whether staff have sufficient time to support high-risk patients, whether referral pathways are clearly defined, and whether social needs screening processes connect patients to appropriate community resources.

Quality improvement efforts in this area can help organizations better support patients who may require additional assistance understanding and meeting future Medicaid requirements.

Strengthen Population Health Reporting

Many health centers already use population health tools to identify care gaps and track clinical measures. Similar approaches can support future Medicaid preparedness efforts.

Organizations may consider quality improvement projects that focus on improving patient registries, identifying populations that could be disproportionately affected by policy changes, and developing reporting processes that support proactive outreach.

Better data visibility can help practices allocate resources more effectively and prioritize support for vulnerable patient populations.

Reduce Barriers Through Team-Based Care

Successful implementation of any administrative change depends on clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Health centers may benefit from conducting process mapping exercises that document how eligibility concerns, patient questions, documentation requests, and care management referrals move through the organization.

A quality improvement project focused on team-based workflows can help eliminate duplication, clarify responsibilities, and improve coordination among front-desk staff, medical assistants, clinicians, care managers, and patient navigators.

These improvements often generate benefits long before policy changes take effect.

Partner with Community Organizations

Many of the factors that influence Medicaid enrollment and retention extend beyond the walls of a clinic. Workforce development agencies, educational institutions, social service organizations, transportation providers, and community-based organizations may all become important partners in supporting patients.

Health centers can use quality improvement methods to evaluate existing partnerships, identify gaps in referral networks, and strengthen connections that may help patients navigate future requirements.

Building these relationships now may improve patient outcomes while creating a stronger community support infrastructure.

Use the Changes as a Catalyst for Improvement

Federal policy changes can create uncertainty, but they can also provide an opportunity to strengthen systems that already support patient care. Health centers that approach H.R. 1 implementation through a quality improvement lens can focus on practical changes that improve operations regardless of future policy developments.

Projects that enhance data quality, patient outreach, care coordination, workflow efficiency, and community partnerships are likely to produce benefits well beyond January 1.

The question for health centers is not simply how to comply with future requirements. The larger opportunity is how to use the months ahead to build more resilient systems that help patients maintain access to care and support the long-term health of the communities they serve.

Learn More

For the latest federal and state guidance, visit:

• North Carolina Medicaid
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)
• North Carolina Community Health Center Association (NCCHCA)
• Rural Health Information Hub

Northwest AHEC Practice Support supports primary care practices, health centers, and community-based organizations through quality improvement coaching, practice transformation support, and workforce development initiatives that strengthen care delivery across North Carolina.

📚 NC AHEC Library Services

Did you know the AHEC Digital Library (ADL) provides access to a wealth of free, evidence-based health resources?

Through the ADL Free Resources page, you can access trusted tools such as:

• Medscape
• MedlinePlus
• Merck Manual
• And many other high-quality health information resources

👉 Explore the ADL Free Resources page: https://ncahec.libguides.com/Statewide_ADLFreeResources

Some resources, including Essential Evidence Plus, require users to sign in with their individual ADL account.

👉 Access Essential Evidence Plus: CLICK HERE

Need an ADL Account?

Don't have an account yet? No problem! Visit the AHEC Digital Library website for complete eligibility requirements and application instructions:

👉 How to Apply for Access to the AHEC Digital Library https://library.ncahec.net

Once connected, you'll gain access to a variety of trusted clinical, educational, and evidence-based resources designed to support healthcare professionals, students, faculty, and staff in their learning and practice.

Start exploring today and make the most of your AHEC Digital Library access!

Looking for trusted behavioral health and psychiatric resources? The AHEC Digital Library (ADL) has added a valuable new resource to help support healthcare professionals, educators, and learners: PsychiatryOnline®.

This comprehensive platform from the American Psychiatric Association provides access to leading journals and essential reference materials in psychiatry and behavioral health, including full-text access to:

• The American Journal of Psychiatry
• The American Journal of Psychotherapy
• Focus
• The Journal of Neuropsychiatry
• Psychiatric Research & Clinical Practice
• Psychiatric Services
• DSM-5-TR™ (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision)

Whether you're seeking the latest research, evidence-based clinical guidance, or authoritative diagnostic information, PsychiatryOnline offers a wealth of resources to support your practice and professional development.

Take a moment to explore this new core resource and rediscover the behavioral health content available through the AHEC Digital Library.

Access PsychiatryOnline and other valuable resources through the NCAHEC Digital Library:
🔗 https://library.ncahec.net

Happy reading!

The NCAHEC Digital Library provides North Carolina healthcare professionals with access to high-quality information resources that support education, clinical practice, and lifelong learning.