Provider Trainings & Webinars

The purpose of this training is to provide a brief overview of trauma and its impact among older adults. Providers will gain a better understanding of trauma, the effects of trauma among older adults, the importance of using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach in treatment and care planning, and strategies to support providers in developing a more trauma-informed approach to care. 

Course Objectives:

•  Define trauma.
•  Identify three different types of potential traumatic events (PTE).
•  List at least four common reactions to traumatic event(s) across domains.
•  Explain trauma-informed care (TIC) and the six key principles.
•  List at least three benefits of trauma-informed care (TIC) when working with older adults.
•  Identify three trauma-informed care (TIC) strategies.

Session Length: 1 hour

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Behavior management theory believes improved understanding of human behavior leads to better treatment and care plans. Attendees learn theory analysis and strategies, prevention and intervention, and managing behavior types in the LTSS population.

Course Objectives:

• Identify the benefits of behavior management and list three categories of behaviors.
• List the basics and the steps of behavior management.
• List techniques to manage behaviors.
• Study communication methods.

Session Length: 1 hour per module

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Attendees learn the effect of cultural differences on health care; ways to recognize different values, beliefs, behaviors and needs when speaking with LTSS members; the use of person-first language; and skills for culturally competent communication.

Course Objectives:

• Define culture and cultural competency.
• Discuss levels of cultural competency and communication variations within/across cultures.
• Understand the relationship between cultural competency and improved member treatment.

Session Length: 1 hour

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This training offers the opportunity to create a safe environment to learn more about the LGBT population. Participants will discuss culturally-competent strategies to best provide care LGBT older adult community.

Course Objectives:

• Identify culturally competent practices.
• Be able to define terms and symbols.
• List groups that people “come out” to.
• List ways an inclusive environment may impact the well-being of a LGBT person.
• Identify unique challenges for LGBT Elders.

Session Length: 1.5 hours

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Caregivers or individuals who work with the LTSS population learn the triggers typically associated with violent behavior, ways to assess for agitation and aggression, and de-escalation strategies. Self-protection techniques also are discussed.

Course Objectives:

• Define de-escalation.
• Define agitation and aggression. 
• Identify at least three risk factors for aggression.
• Identify at least five interventions for agitation and aggression.

Session Length: 1 hour

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Depression is not a normal part of aging and is treatable at any age. Those that work with older adults will learn about symptoms, risk factors, screening tools and treatment options for depression in order to provide better care.  

Course Objectives:

• List at least three depressive symptoms. 
• List two risk factors for elderly and suicide.
• List different classes of antidepressant medications.
• Describe at least three non-medication treatment options for depression.

Session Length: 1 hour

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Caregivers learn to recognize warning signs of frustration and stress in long-term care environments. Attendees review self-calming techniques, identifying assisting with negative thought patterns, communicating assertively, and self-care tips.

Course Objectives:

• Identify stress management, thought modification, and self-calming techniques.
• Develop assertive communication skills.
• Review caregiver self-care tips.

Session Length: 1 hour

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The purpose of this training is to educate various health care providers on substance use disorders (SUDs) and to encourage screening of these disorders in all populations. In this training, providers will learn about common symptoms, risk factors, screening tools, and evidence-based treatment options for SUDs. This training will also provide additional considerations for older adults. 

Course Objectives:

• Define substance use disorder. 
• State how the brain reward pathway effects substance use.
• Recognize at least three symptoms/criteria of substance use disorders.
• Name two screening tools for substance use concerns.
• List at least two prevention strategies.
• List two treatment options for individuals who may have a substance use disorder.

Session Length: 1 hour

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The purpose of this training is to help providers, caregivers, and physical and behavioral healthcare professionals who work with the LTC population a better understanding the importance of identifying fall risk and implementing fall risk prevention strategies, screening and assessments in their communities.  

Course Objectives:

• Identify two reasons it is important to focus on fall prevention.
• List at least two risk factors for falls and at least one intervention.
• Identify three strategies that help reduce the risk of falls. 
• Discuss two reasons why fall risk screening and assessments are important and name at least two assessments.
• Identify the three core elements of STEADI.

Session Length: 1 hour

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Providers, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who work with the LTSS population will gain a better understanding of the Dementia disease and its significance in our community.  

Course Objectives:

• Define dementia.
• Identify three types of dementia.
• List three early warning signs of dementia.
• Name three cognitive, behavioral, and psychological symptoms of dementia.
• Name two interventions used to treat symptoms of dementia.

Session Length: 1 hour

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The MHFA Course focuses on recognizing the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, & appearance that show there might be a challenge rather than on a specific disorder.

This course includes 2 components, a self-paced portion and an instructor led portion-both will be virtual. The course is taught using MHFA Connect and Zoom.

ADA Accommodations: Please contact the trainer at least a week in advance of the training date in order to arrange for accommodations.

Once you register, you will receive a link to join MHFA Connect. You must create an account in MHFA Connect to complete the self-paced introduction. You will not be able to attend the virtual instructor led portion unless you complete the self-paced introduction.

You will receive a link to GTT which you may disregard. This platform is for registration ONLY.
*** This course does NOT offer CE credit***

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the purpose of MHFA and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.
• Identify the impact of mental health (MH) challenges on the well-being of adults in the U.S.
• Explain that recovery from a MH challenge is possible.
• Describe the principles of safety & privacy for both the Mental Health First Aider and the person receiving MHFA.
• Explain the five steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE).
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of MH challenges that may impact adults.
• Evaluate the impact of early intervention on MH challenges.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan when a person shows early signs of a MH challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan when a person shows worsening signs of a MH challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan to crisis situations.
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid in crisis or non-crisis situation.

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This training reviews the concepts and results of the Adverse Childhood Events (ACE) Study, a decades-long landmark study showing the relationship between traumatic childhood experiences with adult health and social problems.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the summary of ACE study findings.
• List the categories of the ACE study.
• Identify negative physical and behavioral impacts of a high ACE score.
• Discuss the positive impacts of ACE findings on child welfare.

CE Information:
2.0 CE hour available for this event for NBCC.

View available sessions & register

Note: To view all available sessions in the catalog, use ctrl+F to search.

The Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Course focuses on recognizing the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and appearance that show there might be a mental health challenge. Participants are taught an action plan they apply to non-crisis and crisis situations.

This course includes 2 components, a self-paced portion (2 hours) and an instructor led portion (4.5 hours), both will be virtual. The course will be taught using MHFA Connect and Zoom.

Once you register, you will receive a link to join MHFA Connect. You must create an account in MHFA Connect to complete the self-paced introduction. You will not be able to attend the virtual instructor led portion unless you complete the self-paced introduction.

You will receive a link to GTT which you may disregard. This platform is for registration ONLY.

*** This course does NOT offer CE credit***

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the purpose of YMHFA and the role of the Youth Mental Health First Aider.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth.
• Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in non-crisis situations.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in crisis situations.
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of YMHFA in a crisis or non-crisis situation.

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2-hour session. Attendees will gain clinical knowledge and skills to implement the use of SBIRT in their practice. This training focuses on screening and referral to treatment for alcohol and substance use in patients in a health care setting.

Learning Objectives:

• Define SBIRT.
• List the components of SBIRT.
• Name SBIRT tools and define how they may be used during an assessment.

CE Information:
2.0 CE hour available for this event for NBCC.

View available sessions & register

Note: To view all available sessions in the catalog, use ctrl+F to search.

90-minute session. An overview of diagnostic criteria for Bipolar I and II, Cyclothymia, and Bipolar and Related Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition with a focus on different diagnostic criteria for children.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate between types of Bipolar disorders.
• Discuss differences in diagnosing adults with Bipolar disorders and children with Bipolar disorders.
• Name two screening tools helpful in identifying symptoms associated with Bipolar Disorder.

View available sessions & register

Note: To view all available sessions in the catalog, use ctrl+F to search.

2-hour session. In this course, clinicians will gain a thorough understanding of depressive disorders. The training will provide a deeper understanding of diagnostic considerations, common symptoms, comorbid conditions, useful ways to screen for depressive disorders, and evidence-based interventions. Clinicians will be able to apply knowledge learned in the training by completing a case scenario activity.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the prevalence of depressive disorders in adults and children.
• List two possible symptoms of depressive disorders and three considerations for diagnosis.
• Recognize two comorbid disorders commonly associated with depressive disorders.

View available sessions & register

Note: To view all available sessions in the catalog, use ctrl+F to search.

90-minute session. This course will offer an overview of schizophrenia with emphasis placed on defining mental illness, prevalence statistics of mental illness, medical and substance use comorbidity, risk/protective factors for developing an illness, and treatment options.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate between positive and negative symptoms.
• List two symptoms of schizophrenia.
• Describe risk factors associated with development of psychosis.

View available sessions & register

Note: To view all available sessions in the catalog, use ctrl+F to search.

90-minute session. To help identify mental health/substance use disorders in their patients, providers learn to use these screenings: PHQ-2, PHQ-9, OASIS and Edinburgh for depression; GAD for anxiety; Vanderbilt for ADHD; and CAGE-AID for alcohol and substance use.

Learning Objectives:

• Practice evidence-based behavioral health screening tools.
• Demonstrate the impact of screening tools on the behavioral health referral process. 
• Identify the benefits of a disease management and/or intensive case management program.

View available sessions & register

Note: To view all available sessions in the catalog, use ctrl+F to search.

90-minute session. Behavioral health, substance abuse and physical health providers are introduced to the concept of integrated care, which is designed to increase positive treatment outcomes through a holistic model of care and comprehensive and collaborative supports.

Learning Objectives:

• List types of health care providers and models of care involved in integrated health.
• Review efforts toward integration and location of resources.
• Identify physical symptoms that may have behavioral or substance use origin.

View available sessions & register

Note: To view all available sessions in the catalog, use ctrl+F to search.

Iowa Total Care and NIA welcome providers to attend an upcoming provider education webinar on the NIA Interventional Pain Management (IPM) Program prior authorization process. There will be several one-hour long webinar sessions that will take place on the following dates. You will only need to attend one of these educational sessions. 

• Session 1
  • Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | 8 a.m. CST
  • Register here for Session 1
• Session 2
  • Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | Noon CST
  • Register here for Session 2
• Session 3
  • Thursday, May 25, 2023 | 8 a.m. CST
  • Register here for Session 3
• Session 4
  • Thursday, May 25, 2023 | Noon CST
  • Register here for Session 4

It is recommended but not mandatory that you RSVP at least one week prior to the training that you plan to attend by registering for one of the education sessions above. You will receive a registration confirmation email from NIA for the Webinar session you selected. 

Below are the educational documents that will be presented during the webinar:

• Interventional Pain Management Checklist (PDF)
• Interventional Pain Management Provider Training PowerPoint (PDF)
• Interventional Pain Management Utilization Review Matrix 2023 (PDF)
• Interventional Pain Management Provider FAQ (PDF)
• Interventional Pain Management 2023 Quick Reference Guide (PDF)

If you have any questions about this notice, please contact the Iowa Total Care Provider Service Line at 1-833-404-1061.

This provider webinar covers the following topics:

• How to register with Payspan (New User)
• How to add additional registration codes to an existing Payspan account
• How to navigate through the Payspan web portal
• How to view a payment
• How to find a remit
• How to change bank account information
• How to add new users

Webinars are presented the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Register today (CTRL + click on hyperlink below to register): 

• Register for Sept. 18, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. CT
• Register for Oct. 16, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. CT
• Register for Nov. 20, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. CT
• Register for Dec. 18, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. CT

What is Project ECHO?

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a lifelong learning and guided practice model that revolutionizes medical education and amplifies local capacity to provide best practice care for underserved people locally and all over the world.

What is/are the benefits?

Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) coordinates two Project ECHO series in which Iowa Total Care can promote to providers. These interactive telemonitoring programs focus on hepatitis C (HCV) and behavioral health allowing primary care clinicians an opportunity to become experts in delivering specialized care through a mentoring-based initiative.

These programs are open to a wide array of healthcare staff across the state of Iowa and practice entities – providers, mid-levels, community health workers, counselors, therapists, nurses, behavioral health staff, pharmacists, etc. The curriculum is delivered at no cost to our providers and attendees receive FREE continuing educational credits through
Des Moines University.

For more information, refer to this informational flyer (PDF) or visit the 
Iowa PCA ECHO website. 

How to register?

To register, email Iowa PCA with the following information:

• Name,
• Title,
• Credentials,
• Organization name,
• Email, and
• Which ECHO training you will join (HCV ECHO or Behavioral Health ECHO).

2024 Sessions

• Behavioral Health ECHO
  • 90-minute sessions every second Friday of the month
    12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | January 16 – December 17, 2024
• Hepatitis C (HCV) ECHO
  • 90-minute sessions every third Tuesday of the month
    11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. | January 16 – December 17, 2024

Register here

This 20-minute training is to provide awareness and strategies to enhance our members' satisfaction and experience with mental health and substance use services.

Intended Audience: Physical and Behavioral Health Providers

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the purpose and benefits of the Experience of Care and Health Outcomes (ECHO) survey.
• List the survey composite measures.
• Identify strategies to help improve our members' experience with mental health and substance use services.

Iowa Total Care values the relationships we have with our provider partners and works to ensure that doing business with us is easy and straightforward. A key component of meeting provider needs is our secure Provider Portal, which enables providers to conduct business with Iowa Total Care from the convenience of their desktops seamlessly and in real time.

Effective July 1, 2022, we are pleased to announce the integration of an exciting new tool, InterQual Connect™ in our Secure Provider Portal. Adding features that will simplify the provider experience, and offers several new capabilities:

• Streamlined web authorization request.
• Easy access to InterQual Connect to complete medical review.
  • Completed InterQual medical review will automatically be included with your web authorization submission.
  • Possible same-day approval based on outcome of a completed InterQual medical necessity review.
• Identifies non-submitted Service Lines and provides reason for non-submittal.

We believe the enhancements to our Provider Portal will create a more user-friendly experience, and enhance your ease of doing business with Iowa Total Care. We hope you will take a moment to explore them.

Job Aids

• Complete a Nested Decision Tree Review (PDF)
• Complete a Q&A Review (PDF)

National Imaging Associates (NIA) offers on-demand provider education through their RadMD site. Iowa Total Care has partnered with NIA for management of select services through prior authorization.

These modules focus on the guidelines and clinical documentation requirements for these services: advanced imaging, cardiac and physical medicine.

Advanced Imaging | Access training on RadMD

Iowa Total Care has contracted with NIA for radiology benefit management. Prior authorization is required for the following outpatient radiology procedures:

• CT/CTA/CCTA.
• MRI/MRA.
• PET scan.

Cardiac | Access training on RadMD

Iowa Total Care has contracted with NIA for a cardiac imaging program to promote health care quality for patients with possible cardiac disease. Prior authorization will be required for certain cardiac studies to determine if the cardiac test or procedure is the most appropriate next step in a patient’s diagnosis or treatment—and to recommend an alternate approach when indicated.

Prior authorization is required for the following cardiac procedures through NIA:

• Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).
• Multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan.
• Echocardiography.
• Stress echocardiography.

Physical Medicine | Access training on RadMD

Iowa Total Care has expanded its partnership with NIA to implement a physical medicine program. This program includes utilization management for outpatient rehabilitative and habilitative physical medicine services on behalf of Iowa Total Care membership.

Services managed and authorized by NIA includes outpatient:

• Physical therapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Speech therapy.

• How to Correct a Claim (Video)
• How to Create & Submit an Authorization (Video)
• How to Submit a Reconsideration (Video)
• Member Eligibility (Video)
• Recurring Claims Submission (Video)
• Registration & Login (Video)
• Viewing Claims (Video)
• Viewing Prior Authorizations (Video)

Understand how to read or interpret incoming remittance advice and/or explanation of payment.

• Explanation of Payment (Video)
• Recoupment Letter Guide (PDF)
• Remittance Advice/EOP Guide (PDF)

Presented by Centene Advanced Behavioral Health, these on-demand microlearning sessions focus on the following:

• Care Coordination: Register here | Tip Sheet (PDF)
• Discharge Planning: Register here | Tip Sheet (PDF)
• Titrating Services: Register here | Tip Sheet (PDF)
• Treatment Planning: Register here | Tip Sheet (PDF)

These courses were developed as part of the Partnerships in Care program, a provider-focused initiative utilizing data analytics, clinical reviews, and enhanced partnerships in a unique UM approach to ensure members receive the best and most appropriate care while partnering with providers.

If you would like assistance with care coordination or discharge planning for your member, contact our Care Management department by email or phone: 1-833-404-1061.