As the stereotype goes, physicians' handwriting is notoriously illegible. Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new electronic prescribing system designed to eliminate medication errors caused by people misreading handwritten prescriptions. (Source) Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator said "more than 1.5 million Americans are injured every year by drug errors. E-prescribing lets providers know—up front—their patients’ medication history and the … [Read more...] about CMS Announces Electronic Prescribing System
Information and Provider Letters: Criminal History Reports, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information and four provider letters: Surveyor Review of Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal History Reports Retrieved from the DPS Secure Website In a letter to Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living Providers, DADS provided guidance related to the review of DPS criminal history reports retrieved from the DPS secure web site. These reports are confidential and are intended for the … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Criminal History Reports, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the October 24 Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold public hearings on November 17, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed Medicaid payment rates for several procedures and services, including Hysteroscopy with Endometrial Ablation surgery, Texas Health Steps, and Vision Devices. Beginning with this link, scroll down to read about all nine procedures and services and … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Providers and Insurers Battle Over Payments
The Los Angeles Times concludes a three-part series on the health insurance system with an article that highlights the friction between providers and insurance companies. Collecting what's owed can get expensive, as any business owner can attest. But when insurance companies delay and/or deny payments, it can effect patient care. The Times found that consolidation of insurance companies has "created de facto monopolies," which makes collection even more difficult. The top 10 insurance … [Read more...] about Providers and Insurers Battle Over Payments
Information Letters: CARE Screen 683, BON Rules
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information letters: Review and Update ICF/MR Provider Characteristics Using Client Assignment and Registration (CARE) Screen 683 In a letter to ICF/MR providers, DADS provided information and instructions regarding the role and responsibilities of ICF/MR Providers to maintain current and accurate ICF/MR Provider Characteristics in CARE Screen 683. This includes information on the number of vacant beds, the age … [Read more...] about Information Letters: CARE Screen 683, BON Rules
Information Letters: TV Conversions, Consumer Rights Booklets, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three information letters: Service Initiation Begin Date Change for Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) in the Integrated Care Management Program (ICM) DADS notified DAHS in the ICM service areas about procedures for determining service initiation time frames for eligible ICM members. An excerpt: Current DAHS program rules in §98.205(a) stipulate that the DAHS facility must initiate services within seven days … [Read more...] about Information Letters: TV Conversions, Consumer Rights Booklets, Etc.
Medicaid to Grow from $339 Billion to $674 Billion
According to a report released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) last week, state and federal Medicaid spending will total $339 billion in 2008 and reach $674 billion by 2017. (Kaiser Network) Why will Medicaid costs rise at a rate of 7.9 percent annually? Factors like the increased number of insured people and medical services, better and more complex care, and wage increases and inflation in the medical sector account for the rising rate. Additionally, the number … [Read more...] about Medicaid to Grow from $339 Billion to $674 Billion
Medicare Part D’s Home-Infusion Therapy Coverage Gap
The Wall Street Journal reports that a gap in Medicare coverage makes the hospital-to-home care swap more difficult. Under "home-infusion therapy," patients can receive cost-effective care in their own homes and forgo lengthy hospital stays. But Medicare doesn't fully cover home-infusion therapy. For instance, the list of intravenous drugs has grown, and patients can get these treatments at home. Home drug administering costs between $150 and $200 a day, as opposed to $1,500 to $2,500 a day … [Read more...] about Medicare Part D’s Home-Infusion Therapy Coverage Gap
Information Letters: Hurricane Ike Services, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three information letters: Hurricane Ike Services: Family Care (FC) and Home Delivered Meals (HDM) Services Available to Limited Number of Individuals Temporarily Residing in Shelters, Hotels, or Home Settings DADS informed FC and HDM providers that it has allotted funds to provide FC and HDM services to a limited number of Hurricane Ike evacuees temporarily residing in shelters hotels, or homes. For details, download the … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Hurricane Ike Services, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Changes, New Medicaid Rates
The following information was obtained from the October 10 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing has adopted amendments under the following sections: General Provisions, Vocational Nursing Education, Professional Nursing Education, Licensure, Peer Assistance And Practice, and Fees. Among the amendments' purposes: To outline the Board's current policies that delegate authority to the Executive Director; To clarify section language; To authorize the Board … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Changes, New Medicaid Rates
