Garlo Ward, P.C.

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Provider/Information Letters: Revised Forms, Mexico Travel

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ADCs, ALFs, ICFs/MR, and NFs: DADS implemented revised forms 3736, 3720-N, and 3720, which incorporate changes to disclosure items 8, 9, and 10 respectively. See the new forms and instructions on the DADS web site, and download the letter here. DAHS: The U.S. Department of State, HHSC, and the Texas DPS issued warnings for traveling to Mexico. DADS informed DAHS providers it won't issue reimbursements for transporting individuals to Mexico, services provided while in Mexico, or staff … [Read more...] about Provider/Information Letters: Revised Forms, Mexico Travel

House and Senate Bills: Week of 3/7 and 3/11

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The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 13: Relating to the Medicaid program and alternate methods of providing health services to low-income persons in this state. HB 2453: Relating to the release of complaint information by the Texas Medical Board to the legislature. HB 2474: Relating to eligibility for and administration of the child health plan program. HB 2478: Relating to the provision of … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: Week of 3/7 and 3/11

Medicaid: Rural Hospitals, Nursing Facilities

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The following is a round-up of stories about Medicaid in Texas. The Associated Press reports the extend to which Medicaid cuts in Texas will impact rural hospitals. Dr. Mike Henderson of Childress Regional Medical Center said the hospital is the only one within 100 miles that delivers babies, but Medicaid cuts could close the obstetrical unit. The hospital's chief executive said 70 percent of the deliveries are Medicaid cases.   The Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative group, … [Read more...] about Medicaid: Rural Hospitals, Nursing Facilities

Provider/Information Letter: Bed Bugs, CARE, STAR+PLUS

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DADS released one provider and two information letters: ADC, AL, Free-Standing Hospice Facilities, ICFs/MR, and NFs: DADS alerted these providers to the CDC's and the EPA's joint statement about the prevention and management of bed bug infestations. See the letter for more information. HSC: DADS informed these providers how to open and close a residential location and add or change location assignments for individuals in the CARE System. (Letter) CBA, CDSA, CMPAS, DAHS, CWP, and … [Read more...] about Provider/Information Letter: Bed Bugs, CARE, STAR+PLUS

House and Senate Bills: Week of 2/28 and 3/7

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The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 1947: Relating to the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients who are residents of long-term care facilities. HB 2041: Relating to alternative methods of dispute resolution in certain disputes between the Department of Aging and Disability Services and an assisted living facility licensed by the department. HB 2079: Relating to the administration … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: Week of 2/28 and 3/7

TX Register: Counties in STAR Waiver Program, Disease Management

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The following information was obtained from the March 4 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the STAR waiver program, which would expand the number of counties in six of the current Medicaid managed care service areas, combine the Harris and Harris Expansion service areas into one Harris Service Area, and form a new Jefferson Service Area. The counties added to the Bexar, El Paso, Lubbock, Nueces and Travis Service Areas are: … [Read more...] about TX Register: Counties in STAR Waiver Program, Disease Management

Electronic Medical Records

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Are paper charts better?  Read this letter from a doctor to AAPS:   Why Paper Charts Are Better than EHRs. Though the U.S. government and insurers are determined to make us use electronic health records, paper is better in many ways: You will never recover the costs of the EHR, or even break even. EHRs can make you less efficient, and disturb all established staff work flows. EHRs make the physician the IT help desk for the whole staff. They detract from giving the patient your … [Read more...] about Electronic Medical Records