On the most recent episode of the Northwest AHEC Healthcare Insights podcast, host Andrew Brewer speaks with Dr. Gretchen Hoyle.

Dr. Hoyle returns to provide a post-launch update of implementing a collaborative care management model (CoCM) in primary care practice in a large health system. The model provides continuity of care for chronic conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Learn how CoCM operates and insights on transforming care practices with a behavioral care manager, data registry, EHR workflows, and billing.

According to Dr. Hoyle, "This model allows us as pediatricians to use a team based approach for pediatric patients with mental health issues." Members of the CoCM team include the primary care provider who makes a diagnosis and referral, a psychiatric consultant who provides subspecialist level expertise and advice, and the behavioral health care manager (BHCM) who interacts most closely with the patient and their family. Dr. Hoyle finds it is the BHCM that is the "hero" of the CoCM team!

Check out the latest episode of NW AHEC Healthcare Insights podcast!

Most eligible children will automatically qualify for the program and were auto enrolled by May 2, 2025. Children automatically qualify if they are eligible for any of the following programs: 

• Free and reduced-price (FRP) meals at schools by approved FRP application
• Food and Nutrition Services (also called FNS or food stamps)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Cherokee Tribal Food Distribution Program (CTFDP)
• Child is in Foster Care
• Child is enrolled in the McKinney-Vento program (experiencing homelessness or runaway)
• OR if they receive NC Medicaid benefits and have a household income below 185% of the federal poverty level

Families with children who qualify will receive a new 2025 SUN Bucks card in the mail.  

Families with questions can visit the website at ncdhhs.gov/sunbucks or call the NC SUN Bucks Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, select a language, then select option 2 to speak with a SUN Bucks representative.

See the full Press Release from NCDHHS to learn more.

More and more patients are embracing prevention and early intervention to stay healthy and avoid health related complications. NPs encourage health promotion and a comprehensive, wellness-first approach. November 10-16, 2024 is National Nurse Practitioners (NP) Week! 

The role of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in North Carolina is integral to the health care system.  As advanced practice registered nurses, NPs are trained to provide high-quality care, often serving as primary care providers.  This overview will delve into the regulations governing NP practice in North Carolina, address common questions regarding their scope of practice, prescriptive authority, collaboration requirements, and documentation.  The speaker will also dispel a few myths related to NPs!

The USDA has launched a new, permanent program to provide food assistance to children and families during the summer. The SUN Bucks program will officially launch in summer 2024! SUN Bucks will provide grocery-buying benefits to qualifying families with school-aged children during the summer months when schools are on summer break. SUN Bucks is sometimes referred to as Summer EBT.

• We don't have time to have team meetings!
• How can we meet when the phone won't stop ringing?
• Why should we meet as a team when we work together all day long?
• It is so hard to recruit and retain staff!

The NC Medicaid 2024 Quality Symposium (save the date: October 2, 2024 [registration information to come]) will highlight three topics that coincide with NC Medicaid quality improvement priorities. The presenters will share the quality improvement initiatives they have implemented to improve outcomes for Medicaid members. Below are the details for each presentation, including presentation title, presentation date, presenter and registration link. Click on each registration link to learn more and register.

Do the caregivers of hospitalized children understand how to administer the children's medication after returning home?