A Future with Fewer Primary Care Physicians?

Everyone in health care is feeling the pinch of the recession, including primary care physicians. Some are opting to charge patients annual fees to provide personal services. For example, they’re reducing patient loads and charging remaining patients $2,000 a year for services like annual physicals, 24/7 access by phone and e-mail, same-day and next-day appointments, [...]

Texas Register Updates: Higher FY Expenditures

The following information was obtained from the September 25 Texas Register: HHSC will submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would modify reimbursement methodologies for Physicians and Certain Other Practitioners, and Durable Medical Equipment. The changes may result in an additional aggregate expenditure of $17,784,701 for FY 2010. HHSC will submit [...]

DADS Letters: ICFs/MR re: A/N/E, CDSAs, and DBMD

DADS released one provider and two information letters: Some ICFs/MR providers have been confused about when to report and investigate suspected client abuse, neglect or exploitation (A/N/E). Continue to report incidents to DADS until June 1, 2010, at which time the Department of Family and Protective Services will take over. (Letter) DADS issued a letter [...]

Texas Register Updates: Medical Board, Board of Nursing

The following information was obtained from the September 18 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC adopted new Medicaid per diem rates for Non-State Operated ICF/MR Services by Level of Need and Facility Size. The rates are found here. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information. Emergency Rules The Texas [...]

Physician-Owned Hospitals

Dallas-Forth Worth has more physician-owned hospitals than any other metro area, according to the Dallas Morning News. About 9.7 percent of the country’s physician-owned hospitals are in the area, and Texas itself has the highest rate in the country. Opponents of such facilities believe doctors may base medical decisions on how much money they’ll make, [...]

DADS Letters: CBA, AL/RC, CLASS, DAHS, PHC, and Other

DADS released two information letters: To CBA, AL/RC, CLASS, DAHS, PHC, and other providers: HHSC approved a rate increase for these providers as a result of the federal minimum wage increase. See this web page at HHSC for details. (Letter) The CLASS waiver program received new rates on September 1. Claims received after this date [...]

Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing, HCS Providers

The following information was obtained from the September 11 issue of the Texas Register: Emergency Rules The Texas Board of Nursing adopted emergency amendments and new paragraphs to §213.32, concerning Schedule of Administrative Fine(s), effective September 1, 2009. Among of things, the rules would render an individual ineligible to receive corrective action if the person [...]

Trouble for Medicaid, Primary Care Doctors

President Barack Obama proposes to expand Medicaid to cover some uninsured Americans. Obviously, the expansion would involve taxpayers forking over a great deal of money, which would put more pressure on already cash-strapped states. Arizona, for example, has the highest Medicaid rate in the country, and would face a “financial tsunami” under Obama’s plan. Florida [...]

DADS Letters: NF, CDSA, ICR/MR, HCS, TxHmL

DADS released one provider and six information letters: DADS sent a disaster/emergency guideline letter that applies to HCSSAs temporarily locating a place of business, temporarily expanding their service area, voluntarily suspending operations, or permanently closing in response to a disaster or emergency that affects services or the ability to provide them. (Letter) CDSAs may delegate [...]

Texas Register Updates: ICF/MR, Nurses, Medical Board

The following information was obtained from the September 4 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intents to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would delete the provisions for fiscal accountability for the non-state-operated ICF/MR 2008 cost reporting period, effective September 4, 2009. See the relevant section of [...]

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