Healthcare Provider Programs

Our goal is to help primary care providers and their staff to provide excellent quality care for children with asthma in the Richmond Metropolitan Area.

Physician Asthma Care for Children (PACC)

Comments from previous participants include...
“I learned a lot in a very pleasant, friendly environment”
“I will make asthma education a bigger priority in my practice”
“The information on billing and coding was most helpful”
“It was very educational in a short time.”
“Excellent – keep it up!”
“I will be using the communication strategies discussed.”
“Great information on using different meds.”

PACC (Physician Asthma Care for Children) is a multifaceted seminar with a focus on enhancing practitioner knowledge and management of asthma. It is based in part on the nationally recognized PACE program developed by the University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics. These seminars are offered by request to area practices and interested groups of providers. CME credit is available.*

PACC seminars can be tailored to fit the educational needs of the practice. The following are subjects typically covered:

  • Diagnosis, classification and appropriate treatment of asthma according to NHLBI guidelines
  • Familiarity with tools used in asthma management
    • Medication delivery devices (DPIs, spacers)
    • Monitoring devices (spirometry, peak flow meters, in-check dial)
  • Communication strategies that enable families to better manage asthma
  • Trigger assessment and control measures
  • Incorporation of written Asthma Action Plans into practice

*This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the University of Virginia School of Medicine and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital. The University of Virginia School of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Virginia School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM . Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The University of Virginia School of Medicine awards 0.1 CEU per contact hour to each non-physician participant who successfully completes this educational activity. The CEU (Continuing Education Unit) is a nationally recognized unit of measure for continuing education and training activities that meet specific educational planning requirements. Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital maintains a permanent record of participants who have been awarded CEUs.

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Quality Improvement (QI) Initiative

CARMA’s QI initiative helps primary care providers and their staff provide a medical home** that offers excellent quality care for children with asthma in the Richmond Metropolitan Area. QI Coordinators are available to all interested practices to provide the essential tools needed to effectively manage asthma. Hedley Gunther, MSN, NP is a Certified Asthma Educator who is available to educate staff on appropriate asthma care. Helen Ragazzi, MD is a primary care pediatrician who gives technical assistance to the providers in the practice.

**organized, coordinated and comprehensive asthma education and treatment

Educational topics of the QI Initiative may include any or all of the following:

  • Diagnosis, classification and appropriate treatment of asthma according to NHLBI guidelines
  • Trigger assessment and control measures
  • Proper technique for medication devices and peak flow meters
  • Asthma Action Plans to encourage patient self management
  • Effective communication strategies for patients and families

Further, interested practices may choose to participate in the most intensive level of the QI Initiative which focuses on spirometry performance and interpretation. This level is designed to help the practice become proficient in management of asthma using ‘best practice’ methods which incorporate key clinical activities recommended by the NAEPP. At least one designated Physician and Nurse Asthma Champion in the practice will receive the tools and training to effectively manage asthma. The Asthma Champions disseminate this information throughout the practice.

Practices that successfully complete the QI objectives will receive a framed certificate to display in their office. The certificate (below) designates them as an Asthma Friendly Practice.

In addition to the above Educational topics, practices involved in the intensive QI receive:

  • Spirometry training on performance and interpretation
  • Asthma Toolkit containing various devices for use in patient demonstration, as well as educational materials and handouts for distribution
  • On-site assistance from CARMA’s QI coordinators
  • 3 hour CME / CEU training seminar (optional)
  • Case discussions, participation on an email group, and enhanced specialty interaction
  • Billing and coding information

If you would like more information about PACC, the Quality Initiative, or other provider programs offered by CARMA, you may contact:

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Asthma Educator Institute

In partnership with the American Lung Association of Virginia, CARMA provides scholarship opportunities for local professionals to participate in the Asthma Educator Institute, a two day preparatory course for those qualified to take the National Asthma Educator Certification Examination sponsored by the National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB). Each session is limited to 30 attendees. The course is designed for the following professionals:

  • Physicians
  • Physician Assistants
  • Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Respiratory Therapists
  • Pulmonary Function Technologists
  • Pharmacists
  • Social Workers
  • Health Educators
  • Individuals with a minimum of 1,000 hours or experience in asthma education, counseling or coordinating services.

Course Objectives

  • Analyze the components of asthma education
  • Design asthma management and education plans
  • Teach individuals how to manage their asthma
  • Pursue national certification through NAECB

Course includes:

  • Resource materials
  • Certificate of completion
  • Continuing education hours
  • Continental breakfast and lunch both days

If you are interested in a scholarship, the application and procedures are available upon request. Please contact Susan Reynolds at the American Lung Association of Virginia: (804) 267-1900.

» See the Lung Association website for more information and a sample agenda.

» For more information on the certification exam go to www.NAECB.org

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Resources

CARMA Action Plan

» Click here to download CARMA’s Asthma Action plan to use with your patients.

Provider Resources

Medication and Device handouts for patients:

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