Back in May, CMS reported that under the health care reform, primary care physicians would see an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates. Kaiser News reports that OB/GYNs and ER doctors presently are excluded. Instead, the higher Medicaid rates, which will be in effect for two years, are reserved for family doctors, internists and pediatricians, because those specialties are specifically listed in the 2010 law, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said. The OB/GYNs and ER doctors … [Read more...] about Some Physicians Won’t See Higher Payment Rates
IL/News Alerts: PASRR Process Change, ICF/IID Workshops
NF Administrators, MDS Coordinators, and Directors of Nursing: DADS reminded these providers that the PASRR process will change next year. An excerpt: • Eliminating the role of nursing facilities in the Level II evaluation process; • Requiring specific specialized services to be identified before admission to the nursing facility; and • Requiring DADS to have clear processes in place for resident review when an individual experiences a significant change in their MDS assessment. • … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: PASRR Process Change, ICF/IID Workshops
TX Register Updates: 11/14 Hearing, Use of Restraint Changes
The following information was obtained from the November 2 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rate for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Dental Services. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room. For more information, see the Texas Register. Proposed Rules On DADS' Behalf HHSC proposed to amend §3.101, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 11/14 Hearing, Use of Restraint Changes
Texas Counties and Medicaid Expansion
Governor Rick Perry has made his opposition to "Obamacare" known. He is against the policy and said Texas will not expand Medicaid. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the health care reform law, but gave states the option to expand Medicaid to implement it. The Texas Tribune published a story on the election's impact on Texas Medicaid. An excerpt: Gov. Rick Perry says Texas will opt-out of that expansion. But Anne Dunkelberg of the Center for Public Policy Priorities, a liberal state policy … [Read more...] about Texas Counties and Medicaid Expansion
ILs/News Alert: Cost Avoidance Project
NF, Hospice, and ICF/IID: DADS provided a status of the Cost Avoidance Project implementation: Release 1 (August 2012), Release 2 (November 2012), and Release 3 (February 2013). (Letter) All providers: DADS alerted providers of three changes to the MESAV, effective November 2, 2012. An excerpt: 1) "Other Insurance Policies" Section A new section "Other Insurance Policies" will be added to the MESAV. Insurance policies for Long Term Care (LTC) individuals will be displayed on the … [Read more...] about ILs/News Alert: Cost Avoidance Project
TX Register Updates: 10/29 Forum, 11/14-15 Hearings
The following information was obtained from the October 26 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Ambulance Services, case management services provided to children and pregnant women, hearing aids; Medicaid biennial calendar fee review, and vaccine and toxoids (shingles vaccine); on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. receive … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 10/29 Forum, 11/14-15 Hearings
DADS News Alerts: 11/13 and 11/15 Culture Change Symposium
-- Registration is open for the DADS Culture Change Initiative: Symposium 2012. Please register here for the following events: San Antonio — Tuesday, November 13, 2012, Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center Houston — Thursday, November 15, 2012, Hilton Houston Southwest -- DADS requests comments for proposed HCS rule amendments to Title 40, TAC, Chapter 9, Subchapter D. Please submit comments from October 12, 2012 through November 11, 2012 at: hcs@dads.state.tx.us. -- DADS has … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 11/13 and 11/15 Culture Change Symposium
IL and S&C Letters: DFP Investigations, Dementia Training
HCS and TxHmL: DADS reminds these providers of their responsibility to provide information to alleged victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation or their legally authorized representatives and service coordinators of the findings of the investigation, the program provider's corrective action in response to the investigation, etc. (Letter) State Survey Agency Directors – issued last month CMS has revised the State Operations Manual, Appendix P-Traditional Survey Protocol for Long-Term … [Read more...] about IL and S&C Letters: DFP Investigations, Dementia Training
TX Register Update: MOU Repeals
The following information was obtained from the October 19 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.8085, Reimbursement Methodology for Physicians and Other Practitioners to set Medicaid rates for certain evaluation and management services and vaccine administration services equal to the 2013-2014 Medicare rates. See the Texas Register for more information. Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing adopted amendments to Chapter 214, §§214.1 - 214.13, … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: MOU Repeals
Long Term Care in Home Health
It's no surprise that the home health care industry is growing, as seniors choose to "age in place" at home instead of in nursing homes. Home health care is a long term health care option with huge growth potential, as the Baby Boom generation enters retirement. Demand for home health care will increase, but right now, the wages don't match the demand. That likely will change in the coming years. These days, home health care workers do more than provide basic services. An excerpt … [Read more...] about Long Term Care in Home Health
