Speaking Out on Pain Management

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 … Continue reading "Walk With Ease"

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 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 Managers, Kate LaFollette and Sheryl Marshall decided to investigate whether the hype surrounding Ai Chi was worth it and what other benefits aquatic exercise offers by deep diving with Iowa Department of Health's Executive Officer, Diane Williams and Community Health Partners' Aquatic Program Director, Mary LaBane.

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.

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 … Continue reading "MIPS: The Expansion of New Eligible Clinician Types and What You Need to Know"

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 … Continue reading "The Who, What and Why of MIPS Registry Reporting"

The first episode of The Speaking Out on The Quality Payment podcast series takes a serious deep dive into the intricacies of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System otherwise known as (MIPS). Our Host, Temaka Wiliams and featured guest, Sandy Swallow give a concise delivery on several topic areas that Clinicians should be aware of as they prepare for their 2018 MIPS Data Submission.

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 … Continue reading "Unexpected Ties Between Mental Health and Pain Management"

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 … Continue reading "Pain Assessments: A Patient’s Experience and What The Doctor Recommends"

On this episode of the Pain Management Podcast our host sits down with various pharmacists from around the state of Iowa to discuss the disconnect that patients, providers, and pharmacists feel when prescribing opioids.

This episode of the Speaking Out on Pain Management Podcast series focuses on non-opioid approaches to pain management techniques. Our host, Nicole Contreras Quality Improvement Faciliator at Telligen QIN is joined today by chronic pain-sufferer, Lori C. and Medical School Graduate and Resident Dr. Taylor Boland. Listen in as Lori tells her story of dealing with chronic pain and what non-opioid approaches have helped her on her journey. Also, learn about the latest pain management therapies that are taught in medical school with Dr. Boland.