The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services issued a provider letter that replaces PL #05-25, effective June 1, 2006. The revised letter reflects changes in presurvey requirements, pursuant to 40 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 97 amendment. From the letter: The administrator, alternate administrator, supervising nurse (if applicable), and alternate supervising nurse (if applicable) of a HCSSA applying for licensure must attend a presurvey conference per 40 TAC Section … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: HCSSA Presurvey
Geriatric Doctors In Short Supply
The long term care insurance industry is not the only one that will feel the aging baby boomer surge. Geriatric physicians are in short supply, an imbalance that will become more obvious as baby boomers retire and require specialized treatment. (New York Times - free registration required) Geriatrics is not a popular specialty in medical schools, and the fact that geriatric medicine doesn’t pay as well as other specialties means there’s no economic incentive to choose to focus on … [Read more...] about Geriatric Doctors In Short Supply
More Money for Doctors Reporting Quality of Care Data
Physicians who provide care to Medicare patients with chronic conditions will have an incentive to do more paperwork. The Kaiser Network reports that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will begin a three-year pilot program that will pay physicians to report quality of care data. An excerpt: The three-year program will begin next year in 800 small- or medium-sized practices in Arkansas, California, Massachusetts and Utah. During the first year, physicians will be paid for … [Read more...] about More Money for Doctors Reporting Quality of Care Data
CMS Offers Online Tools to Help Medicare Part D Beneficiaries
Medicare Part D beneficiaries with questions about the prescription drug program can now access more information online. At the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) web site, a tool called the "Drug Plan Finder" should contain information about all available drug plans, according to the Kaiser Network. Users can compare plans across states and learn how to lower costs during gaps in coverage. Kaiser also reports that CMS released an analysis of prescription drug plan savings: … [Read more...] about CMS Offers Online Tools to Help Medicare Part D Beneficiaries
CMS Computer System Leaves Medical Records At Risk
According to a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, the computer system at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)has weaknesses that could result in unauthorized disclosures of medical records. (Source) Former CMS administrator Mark McClellan, who left his position last weekend, told the Associated Press that the GAO didn’t find evidence of compromised records, and that "we appreciate GAO's assistance in identifying important opportunities for the contractor to … [Read more...] about CMS Computer System Leaves Medical Records At Risk
Provider Letters: Desk Review and NPI Collection Process
In a letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) reminds these providers of the requirement to report allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of clients to DADS and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). These incidents previously were investigated by on-site visits. In September 2004, the process was changed to allow desk reviews instead of on-site visits. The provider letter answers frequently … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Desk Review and NPI Collection Process
Over 41,000 Qualified Nursing School Applicants Rejected in 2005
Nursing schools had to turn away over 41,000 qualified applicants in 2005 because there weren't enough faculty to teach. This is an unfortunate trend because of the overall nursing shortage nationwide. According to USA Today, 7.9 percent of faculty positions at nursing schools remain unfilled, and the Department of Health and Human Service reports that the 10 percent RN vacancy rate will increase to 36 percent by 2020. In July, I blogged about the high turnover rate in health care jobs and … [Read more...] about Over 41,000 Qualified Nursing School Applicants Rejected in 2005
CMS Says No to Maryland Drug Plan Proposal for Uninsured
In an effort to provide low-cost prescription drugs to the state’s uninsured, Maryland proposed to offer them prescription drugs at Medicaid prices, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rejected the plan. (Kaiser Network) The state sought to finance the plan through various sources, including through pharmaceutical company rebates. This is not a legitimate source for matching funds, says CMS spokesperson Mary Kahn. The federal government matches state Medicaid … [Read more...] about CMS Says No to Maryland Drug Plan Proposal for Uninsured
Hearing Notice For Proposed Rates for State-Owned Veterans Nursing Facilities
There will be a public hearing for comment on the proposed payment rates for state-owned veterans nursing facilities on October 19, 2006, at 10:00 a.m. in the Permian Basin Room of Building H, Braker Center at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. The hearing will be conducted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. See the Texas Register for more information. … [Read more...] about Hearing Notice For Proposed Rates for State-Owned Veterans Nursing Facilities
Provider Letters: Incident Reporting and Provider/Survey Conference
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a provider letter to Licensed Nursing Facilities, Medicare/Medicaid-certified Nursing Facilities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities about guidelines for reporting incidents. Superseding guidelines dated July 14, 2000, the revised guidelines require any facility staffer who believes a resident has been abused, neglected, or exploited by another staffer to report it, pursuant to Health and Safety Code §242.122 and 40 Texas … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Incident Reporting and Provider/Survey Conference