The following information was obtained from the July 25 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted a new §355.8054, concerning Children's Hospital Reimbursement Methodology, which will separate the Medicaid reimbursement methodologies for children's hospitals into a stand-alone rule to clarify definitions, processes, and timing related to children's hospital reimbursement. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicare Reimbursement Methodologies, Etc.
Information Letters: Criminal History Checks, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters: Criminal History, Employee Misconduct Registry and Nurse Aide Registry Checks In a letter to Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Providers, DADS clarified existing HCS and TxHmL program rules regarding concerning background checks required for all employees of an HCS or TxHmL program provider. They must check the Nurse Aide Registry and Employee Misconduct … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Criminal History Checks, Etc.
E-Prescribing and Lock-In Pricing
If a physician adopts e-prescribing technology in 2009 and 2010, he/she will receive a 2 percent bonus in Medicare payments. Those who don't will see reductions in reimbursements. (Kaiser Network) Contained in the bill that delays a 10.6 percent Medicare reimbursement rate cut are details of an electronic prescribing incentive program, which is designed to save money and reduce drug-related errors. The program will begin on January 1, 2009. Kerry Weems, acting administrator of the Centers … [Read more...] about E-Prescribing and Lock-In Pricing
Texas Register Updates: Typographical Error, Proposed Repeals, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the July 18 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed the repeal of §§371.212 - 371.214 and new §371.212 and §371.214, because of a typographical error in the fax number listed in the Public Comment section of the preamble of the proposal. The correct fax number is (512) 833-6487. HHSC has adopted the following interim per diem reimbursement rate for small, state-operated Intermediate … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Typographical Error, Proposed Repeals, Etc.
Bush Vetoes Medicare Bill, Congress Overrides Veto
Things are moving fast. As we mentioned last week, President George W. Bush was set to veto a bill that would halt a 10.6 percent Medicare physicians pay cut. Yesterday, the president vetoed the bill, despite the bill passing both houses of Congress by veto-proof margins in recent weeks. President Bush wrote that he vetoed the bill because it would "harm beneficiaries by taking private health plan options away from them," and urged Congress to send him a bill "that reduces the growth in … [Read more...] about Bush Vetoes Medicare Bill, Congress Overrides Veto
Medicare Audit Recovers $700 Million In Improper Payments
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), private auditors have recovered close to $700 million in improper Medicare payments to providers in six states, including New York, California, and Florida. Eighty-five percent of overpayments was collected from inpatient hospitals, six percent from inpatient rehab facilities, and four percent from outpatient hospital providers. CMS pays private auditors a portion of Medicare payments found to be "improper." Is this a … [Read more...] about Medicare Audit Recovers $700 Million In Improper Payments
Bush to Veto Medicare Physicians Pay Cut
Last week, just before the Fourth of July recess, the Bush administration delayed a 10.6 percent Medicare physicians pay cut, which was scheduled to go into effect on July 1. A few Democrats scoffed at the gesture, saying it was "misleading" and that the administration froze the cut just for the sake of "appearance." According to the Associated Press, President Bush will unfreeze the cut and veto any bill that attempts to move it forward, although the bill's supporters have enough votes to … [Read more...] about Bush to Veto Medicare Physicians Pay Cut
Information Letters: Duplicate Payments, Billing Training
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released two information letters: Office of Inspector General Review of Medical and Therapeutic Supplies DADS informed Community Based Alternatives, Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Primary Home Care Program Providers, Consolidated Waiver Program Providers, Medically Dependent Children Program Providers, Community Living Assistance and Support Services Providers, and Integrated Care Management 1915(c) Waiver … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Duplicate Payments, Billing Training
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Amendments
The following information was obtained from the June 27 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Board of Nursing adopted amendments to 22 Texas Administrative Code §§213.27 - 213.30 and 213.33 pertaining to Practice and Procedure, which added language to the foregoing rules regarding the Board's Disciplinary Sanction Policies and its Disciplinary Guidelines for Criminal Conduct. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details. … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Amendments
Information Letters: Transaction Notice Forms, Waiver Claims, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued five information letters: Submission of the Resident Transaction Notice Form 3618 and Medicare/SNF Patient Transaction Notice Form 3619 In a letter to Medicare Nursing Facility Providers, DADS reminded these providers about the requirement and the steps to complete the process when submitting Form 3618 and Form 3619 for Medicaid or Medicare eligible recipients, applicants for medical assistance or Medicaid … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Transaction Notice Forms, Waiver Claims, Etc.
