The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two provider and four information letters: Swine Influenza Guidance DADS provided all Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities (AL), Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA), Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions (ICF/MR), Nursing Facilities, Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Providers, Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Providers and Mental … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Swine Flu Guidance, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Reviews and Changes
The following information was obtained from the April 24 and May 1 issues of the Texas Register: Public Notices On May 14, 2009, at 1 p.m., the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on proposed payment rates for nursing facilities. The hearing will take place in the Permian Basin Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd., Austin, Texas. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Reviews and Changes
Information Letters: MDS Admission Assessment, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters: Minimum Data Sets (MDS) Admission Assessment In a letter to Nursing Facility (NF) providers, DADS clarified when an MDS admission assessment should be submitted as well as the appropriate reasons for the assessment if the form is dually coded for Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and Medicare. Download the three-page letter for more information. Integrated Care Management (ICM) and … [Read more...] about Information Letters: MDS Admission Assessment, Etc.
Colorado Expands Medicaid
If the federal government approves the proposal, Colorado will be allowed to expand the state's Medicaid program by imposing a fee on hospitals, which would raise about $600 million each year for the program. (Kaiser Network) Recently signed into law by Governor Bill Ritter, the expanded Medicaid program would cover more children and pregnant women and extend coverage to low-income, single, childless adults. The new law would allow disabled individuals who receive Medicaid and who earn up to … [Read more...] about Colorado Expands Medicaid
Texas Register Updates: Blind Program Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the April 17 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on May 5, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. to receive public comment regarding the proposed Medicaid payment rate for case management services for the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program. The location is the Padre Island Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Blind Program Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Primary Care Physician Shortage
The shortage of nurses in the United States is well documented. As baby boom-generation nurses retire and others leave the profession because of burn-out, the shortage will continue to increase. What is not discussed as often in mainstream press is the shortage of physicians. The shortage of primary care doctors will have the most impact on people without insurance and people who'll need long term care, such as older Americans. Because a medical education is so expensive, many are opting to … [Read more...] about Primary Care Physician Shortage
More Medicaid-Related Bills
The following Medicaid-related bills may affect providers: HB 1876 - Relating to creating the health care access fund to recruit health care providers in health professional shortage areas and to support federally-qualified health centers and to using for those purposes revenue from a tax imposed on certain tobacco products. HB 1878 - Relating to monitoring physicians' compliance with continuing medical education requirements. HB 1888 - Relating to standards required for certain … [Read more...] about More Medicaid-Related Bills
CMS News: Preventable Readmissons, Bidding Program Resumed
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a pilot program called the Care Transitions Project, designed to reduce preventable hospital readmissions. (Source) The national program, running through summer 2011 in 14 communities, will look at readmission rates at hospitals and develop ways to reduce readmissions. Acting administrator Charlene Frizzera said one in five patients leaving hospitals will be readmitted within the next month, and 75 percent of those … [Read more...] about CMS News: Preventable Readmissons, Bidding Program Resumed
Information Letters: Case Manager’s Role; Billing Training
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information letters: Clarification of the Case Manager’s Role when Individuals Receiving Waiver Services are Admitted for Inpatient Psychiatric Treatment In a letter to Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities, Providers, Community Living Assistance and Support Services Providers, Case Management Agencies, and Direct Service Agencies, DADS clarified its expectations regarding case management responsibilities when … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Case Manager’s Role; Billing Training
Texas Register Updates: Pediatric Subspecialty Contract
The following information was obtained from the April 10 Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced the award of a contract to Health Management Associates, Inc., to provide Consulting Services regarding identification of barriers to pediatric subspecialty consultations and referrals and to enumerate new methods to address these identified barriers. The contract's value is $110,755. HHSC also announced its intent to submit to the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Pediatric Subspecialty Contract
