Covering Indian Country – July 2018

July 2018

Spotlight: Glen Kishi, MD

An obstetrician-gynecologist, Glen Kishi, MD, has dedicated his career to providing American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women with the best care possible. He joined the staff of Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC) in 2001, and has served as chief of PIMC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2003.

Located in Phoenix, AZ, PIMC offers medical, dental, behavioral health, and wellness services to more than 140,000 patients, who represent two thirds of the federally recognized tribes throughout the United States. Patients seeking medical care at PIMC also have access to case managers and to experts in the areas of nutrition and behavioral health. Other personnel are available to help patients sign up for insurance.

“We see any patient who qualifies for care here at PIMC, regardless of their payer status,” Dr. Kishi explained. “Our patient business department actively assists all patients with insurance enrollment.”

July: Diabetes

Additional resources

Behavioral health training for law enforcement officers

The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma has implemented a mental health first aid (MHFA) training program for law enforcement officers, youth workers, and health officials.

The program’s evidence-based curriculum teaches participants how to identify someone in crisis and help that person find appropriate resources. Funding was provided through the Indian Health Service compact and federal grants aimed at reducing suicide and substance abuse through direct services and community prevention.

“The goal is to decrease the stigma regarding mental health and substance abuse,” explained Joni Lyon, Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Clinic Administrator. “We also hope that decreasing the stigma will increase the likelihood of persons accessing services.”

“All who complete the course will be able to respond appropriately in a non-biased and genuine manner.”

– Joni Lyon, Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health Clinic Administrator

The current focus is on the education of tribal communities within Cherokee Nation’s jurisdiction. However, free trainings are also provided outside the jurisdictional area to other tribes and agencies.

Lyon encourages other tribes to offer MHFA training. “It is vital for tribes to play a role in educating their communities because we have to provide the support for our brothers and sisters, our fellow tribal citizens.”

Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health currently has seven staff members and three community coalition members who are certified in MHFA.

Managing diabetes

Also, remind patients that insurance often covers diabetes screenings, prevention plans, and treatment supplies.

Finally, check out the National Diabetes Education Program’s resources designed specifically for AI/AN communities.

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance aimed at improving access to mental health treatment.

Cultural stigma and lack of insurance make it less likely that a patient will receive behavioral health services. Let your clients know that mental health conditions do not discriminate, and that coverage is available for treatment of those conditions.

Calendar of Events

2018 Novitas Indian Health Service Workshops

Novitas Solutions, Inc., will conduct workshops for patient benefits and billing staff who work in Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities and programs. The sessions will focus on Medicare topics, including provider enrollment requirements, patient screening tools, and billing guidelines. The workshops will offer focused overviews of Part A and Part B services that are referenced in the IHS Training Manual.

Learn more about these workshops.

July 11, 2018
IHS 2018 Workshop
Tuba City, AZ

August 7, 2018
IHS Ask-the-Contractor Webinar

August 9, 2018
IHS 2018 Workshop
Gallup, NM

August 14, 2018
IHS 2018 Workshop
Ada, OK

IHS Direct Service Tribes National Meeting

July 11–12, 2018

Minneapolis, MN

Sponsored by Indian Health Service (IHS), this 2-day event will focus on supporting community wellness. The agenda includes time for an open forum session on Direct Service Tribes’ health priorities, including the opioid crisis in Indian Country, the integration of traditional medicine, Native Veterans, childhood obesity and adolescent wellness, and patient-centered care.

AI/AN National Behavioral Health Conference

July 25–27, 2018

Washington, DC

The theme of this year’s conference is “Promoting Connections Between Culture and Purpose.” Consider attending if you are a tribal behavioral health expert, public health professional, federal employee, advocate, researcher, or community-based provider. For more information, view the agenda. This conference is sponsored by the National Indian Health Board.

AI/AN Tribal Data Symposium

July 26, 2018

Washington, DC

2018 Indian Health Service Partnership Conference

July 31–August 2, 2018

Phoenix, AZ

The Indian Health Service (IHS) Office of Information Technology and Office of Resource Access and Partnerships are hosting the 2018 IHS Partnership Conference. The event will provide valuable information for federal, tribal, and urban health care administrators, managers, and front-line staff who work in information technology (IT), health IT, business office and purchased/referred care programs, and health information management departments.

National Native Health Research Training Conference

August 8–10, 2018

Prior Lake, MN

The theme of this second annual conference is “Indigenous Research: Native Approaches to Sustainable Health.” Launched by Indian Health Service, the National Native Health Research Training (NNHRT) Initiative promotes tribally driven research activity through educational and training activities.

National Tribal Health Conference

September 17–20, 2018

Oklahoma City, OK

The National Indian Health Board will hold its 35th Annual National Tribal Health Conference at the Cox Convention Center. More details will be available soon.