Garlo Ward, P.C.

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Hospice Program Contacts, Webinar Dates

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DADS released contact information for the Texas Medicaid Hospice program. Download the letter for more information. Registration is open for the Second CLASS External Stakeholder Quarterly Webinar, to be held on Monday, January 10, 2011, from 10-11 a.m. You may register here and find the agenda and other information here. Registration is open for the First Quarterly Webinar for HCS/TxHmL External Stakeholders, to be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. You may … [Read more...] about Hospice Program Contacts, Webinar Dates

Information/Provider Letters: Rate Changes, Cost Reporting

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DADS released one provider and nine information letters. Adult Day Care and Assisted Living: DADS will require all ADC and AL facilities to submit Form 3725, Licensure Change of Ownership Affidavit, as part of the change of ownership notification process, effective January 1, 2011. (Letter) CBA, CLASS, MDCP, PHC, CAS, FC, and CDSA: DADS informed these providers that the electronic visit verification system is expected to be fully operational in  Region 9 by March 1, 2011. … [Read more...] about Information/Provider Letters: Rate Changes, Cost Reporting

TX Register Updates: TxHmL Waiver, Verification System

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The following information was obtained from the December 31 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intends to submit to CMS an amendment to the TxHmL waiver, which would implement an optional program that offers additional funds to providers to pass on to community support staff through salaries, wages, benefits, and mileage. For details, see the Texas Register. Adopted Rules HHSC adopted new §354.1261, Benefits and Limitations, and new §354.1262, Conditions for … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: TxHmL Waiver, Verification System

Association of American Physicians and Surgeons Challenges PECOS

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In August 2010, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons ("AAPS") filed an amended complaint asking the court to vacate HHS regulations requiring non-Medicare providers to enroll with Medicare, to appear in the Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System ("PECOS"), or to obtain a National Provider Identifier ("NPI"). A copy of AAPS' full amended complaint is available here. AAPS argues that the ability of non-Medicare enrolled physicians to order or refer for services provided … [Read more...] about Association of American Physicians and Surgeons Challenges PECOS

Fifth Circuit Rules Against Texas Medical Board in Due Process Case

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On December 2, 1010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled against the Texas Medical Board ("TMB"),  remanding a suit brought by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeon ("AAPS") and allowing the case to proceed. The AAPS complaint accused the TMB of the following: manipulation of anonymous complaints; conflicts of interest; violation of due process; breach of privacy; and retaliation against those who speak out. The key issue in the case was whether AAPS … [Read more...] about Fifth Circuit Rules Against Texas Medical Board in Due Process Case

Registration and Attestation for EHR Incentive Program begins on January 3, 2011

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On January 3, 2011, eligible professionals and hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs may begin registering for electronic health record (“EHR”) incentive programs. CMS encourages providers to register for the Medicare and/or Medicaid EHR Incentive Program(s) as soon as possible. Providers may register prior to having a certified EHR or an enrollment record in PECOS. Providers may also register for the Texas Medicaid EHR Incentive program on January 3, 2011. Under the … [Read more...] about Registration and Attestation for EHR Incentive Program begins on January 3, 2011

Institute of Medicine to Conduct Year-Long Study in HIT Safety

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Under the HITECH Act of 2009, the Medicare and Medicaid electronic health record ("EHR") incentive programs provide a financial reward for the meaningful use of qualified, certified EHRs to achieve health and efficiency goals. In July, CMS announced regulations outlining the initial requirements that eligible health care providers must meet to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology for the Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments program, which CMS will administer.  Also in … [Read more...] about Institute of Medicine to Conduct Year-Long Study in HIT Safety

TX Register Updates: Medical Board, Nursing Board Changes

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The following information was obtained from the December 24 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices HHSC proposes the following per diem reimbursement rates for the DADS-operated, non-state-operated ICF/MR program, effective February 1, 2011. HHSC also proposes the following per diem reimbursement rates for the DADS-operated NF program, effective February 1, 2011. See the Texas Register for details about each proposed rule. HHSC will hold a public hearing, "Medicaid … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medical Board, Nursing Board Changes

A Doctor’s Successful Fight Against Prosecutorial Abuse

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Read about it here in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. Here is a taste: Dr. Becker then filed a motion to suppress the evidence with the Third District Court in Utah. Subsequent to this filing, the stateprosecutor dismissed the case with prejudice, ending this part of thesaga. His reasons, explained under oath in deposition, were: As I carefully analyzed that, I had to scrutinize whether we could win that motion hearing, whether we could persuade the judge that these things … [Read more...] about A Doctor’s Successful Fight Against Prosecutorial Abuse