On January 3, the FDA announced emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be administered as a booster dose for patients ages 12 through 15 who received the Pfizer primary series at least five months prior.
There is also a new formulation without dilution and more favorable storage conditions now available. Pfizer-BioNTech has released a new formulation of their COVID vaccine for patients 12 and older that does not need to be diluted prior to administration and can be stored refrigerated for up to 10 weeks. The new formulation, Pfizer tris-sucrose, comes stored in vials with a grey cap, and will replace the purple cap formulation that needed diluted prior to administration. Pfizer tris-sucrose cannot be stored in a standard freezer; only ultracold freezers (six months) or temperature monitored refrigerators (10 weeks) are acceptable. Important Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine storage comparisons can be found here. | |
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COVID-19: Vaccine Administration Rate Increase Extended Through June |
The Ohio Managed Care Plans have extended the $100 vaccination administration fee to all doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen and Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations through June 30, 2022. The Ohio Managed Care Plans are also extending their $100 gift card program for patients through June 30, 2022. The incentive is for all Ohio Medicaid members aged 5 and older who receive their first dose (or single dose of Johnson & Johnson) of the COVID-19 vaccine. If your practice is interested in participating in the gift card program, reach out to your Partners For Kids Provider Relations Specialist, and they can assist you with obtaining these gift cards to incentivize vaccination to your Ohio Medicaid patients.
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Coming Soon: Provider Data Portal |
In 2022, Partners For Kids will implement an interactive provider portal to keep the most recent information, such as patient lists, at your fingertips. The provider portal will deliver the same great information that has previously been provided in Excel or paper format, while allowing your office to narrow down and spot trends across different measures in ways that are not possible today. Information in the portal updates automatically as it becomes available to Partners For Kids and is fully exportable for patient outreach initiatives. The portal is currently in a live pilot phase with a small number of practices, but will be available to all later this year. | |
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In Case You Missed It: Resources Form January’s Behavioral Health Training |
During January’s behavioral health training “Integrating a Cultural Assessment into Patient Care,” participants discussed the value of integrating patient-family culture throughout assessment and treatment of patients with behavioral health concerns. Tools for conducting cultural assessments and methods for incorporating this information into treatment planning were provided and practiced. Below are helpful resources to begin integrating cultural assessments into the patient care you provide.
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Behavioral Health Treatment Insights and Provider Support (BH-TIPS) |
Behavioral Health Treatment Insights and Provider Support (BH-TIPS) allows community providers to consult with a Nationwide Children's psychiatrist via a virtual appointment. The goal is to support primary care providers in the management of children and adolescents with behavioral health concerns in the primary care setting. BH-TIPS provides educational consultation and information about resources in the community for timely access to care. | |
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Register Now! ECHO Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders |
ECHO Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders offers professional development through a free virtual learning network for medical providers and other allied disciplines. This ECHO provides education relevant to identification and management of Tourette syndrome and tic disorders in pediatric patients. Using case-based discussion, didactics and network conversation, this ECHO series aims to build clinicians’ knowledge of best practices in identifying, managing, and treating pediatric patients with Tourette syndrome and tic disorders and co-occurring conditions. Sessions are scheduled Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. Register by March 7. | |
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CareSource Transportation Scheduling Update |
CareSource now offers online transportation scheduling through their portal. CareSource provides transportation for Medicaid members to covered health care services. Members can also get rides to Women, Infants and Children (WIC) appointments and redetermination meetings at the county department of Medicaid. Each Medicaid member can receive up to 30 one-way or 15 round trips per calendar year. Learn more. | |
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Fire Safety During The Winter Months |
With the increased use of space heaters and other methods to stay warm, it is important to have a fire safety plan in place for families. Children younger than 5 years and adults older than 70 are at higher risk of dying in a house fire. Nearly two-thirds of all house fire-related deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. Check out resources from Nationwide Children’s related to house fires, burns and keeping kids and families safe. | |
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February Social Media Toolkit – Download Now |
The February Social Media Toolkit is available! This month's toolkit has messages on fire and burn safety and anxiety and depression in a pandemic world. All you have to do is copy and paste messages into your practice's social media. | |
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We are pleased to welcome the following providers and practices who have joined the Partners For Kids provider network:
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Brandi L. Burton, LISW – The Village Network
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Rebecca F. Guhl, LPCC – National Youth Advocate Program
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Ismahan Hassan, FNP – Nationwide Children's Hospital
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Alexandra N. Irwin, FNP – John DiTraglia, Inc.
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Katelyn E. Kinkead, CNP – Rainbow Pediatrics
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Kristen G. Landry, MD – Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians, Inc.
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Matthew W. Schilling, DO – Mary Rutan Hospital Pediatrics
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Jo-Ann M. Smith, MD – Pediatric Academic Association
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Andrea G. Weisberger, LPCC – Buckeye Ranch
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The adolescent immunization measure (IMA) for the 2022 Primary Care Provider Incentive Plan now includes incentive payments for all attributed patients ages 11 to 13 who become fully compliant (received the Meningococcal, TDAP and all doses of the HPV series) during 2022. This will ensure ample time for you to provide all of the recommended vaccinations at well care visits by the time children turn 13 and that you receive your incentive payments in a timelier manner. If you have any questions about this change, email the Partners For Kids Provider Relations team at PFKProRelations@NationwideChildrens.org. | |
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Contact Partners For Kids Provider Relations | |
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