Earlier this month, CMS reported on a new rule that purportedly would increase Medicaid payments to primary care physicians. Secretary [Kathleen] Sebelius also announced today that, in 2011, over 150,000 primary care providers nationwide received almost $560 million in higher Medicare payments because of the Affordable Care Act. This is another way the Affordable Care Act rewards doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other primary care providers who are central to our health … [Read more...] about More Money for Primary Care Physicians?
ILs: Death Reporting, UMR Expansion
DADS released five information letters. DBMD: DADS informed these providers of death reporting requirement changes within the DBMD program. An excerpt: Effective June 1, 2012, providers must report to DADS, deaths of all individuals enrolled in the DBMD program. Within 24 hours after learning of the death of an individual, DBMD providers must complete DADS form 8493 "Notification to DADS Regarding a Death in the Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHml) and Deaf … [Read more...] about ILs: Death Reporting, UMR Expansion
TX Register Updates: Employee and Resident Vaccinations
The following information was obtained from the May 25 issue of the Texas Register: On DADS' Behalf HHSC adopted amendments to §19.101, Definitions, and §19.1601, Infection Control, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification. The new rules require NFs to develop policies for employee and contractor vaccinations to protect residents from vaccine-preventable diseases. See the Texas Register for details. HHSC adopted amendments to §90.3, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Employee and Resident Vaccinations
DADS News Alerts: EDS Pilot Survey, STAR Medicaid Managed Care
-- DADS is conducting an EDS Pilot it Regions 6, 2/9, and 7 to test the usefulness of submitting referral documents by e-mail between DADS and providers. If you're in one of these regions, please complete the attached survey by May 25, 2012: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EDS_Pilot_Survey -- DADS notified all CLASS CMAs and DSAs of updated Form 3660 - CLASS Request for Adaptive Aids, Medical Supplies, Minor Home Modifications or Dental Services/Sedation. -- DADS will hold the next Adult … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: EDS Pilot Survey, STAR Medicaid Managed Care
ILs: EDI Version 5010, EVV
DADS released two information letters. Most providers types, including AFC, ALFs, CBA, CLASS, DAHS, ERS, HDM, ICF/ID, and PACE: HIPAA rules mandate that all Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transactions must use EDI Version 5010. CMS extended the April 1, 2012, compliance deadline until July 1, 2012. (Letter) CDSA: DADS is making EVV more flexible for individuals who use the CDS Option, based on stakeholder feedback. An excerpt: EVV Levels of Participation It is the intent of … [Read more...] about ILs: EDI Version 5010, EVV
TX Medicaid Spending, CA Medicaid Cuts
CBS reports that Medicaid spending in Texas is growing faster than tax revenue, which doesn't bode well for providers expecting to receive reimbursement. An excerpt: Monday's testimony confirmed Gov. Rick Perry's warning that Medicaid costs represent a major challenge to the state budget, and he called for lawmakers to get the program under control. But lawmakers are likely to have a hard time finding enough cuts in services and cost-savings to balance the budget when they meet again next year. … [Read more...] about TX Medicaid Spending, CA Medicaid Cuts
TX Register Updates: Hearings, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the May 11 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the regional healthcare partnership, on May 17, 2012, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the Brown-Heatly Building, Public Hearing Room, 4900 North Lamar Boulevard in Austin. HHSC will hold a second public hearing to receive comments on proposed changes to the administrative rule codified in 1 TAC §355.8065, Disproportionate Share … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearings, Medical Board Changes
Private Home Health Care Profitable
The Baby Boom generation will be a business boom, indeed. According to USA Today, home health is a very profitable franchise for several reasons. The children of aging parents who need care work, so fewer are available to provide full-time home care for parents and other relatives. If the franchise is so profitable now, imagine how lucrative it will be in the next 10-20 years. Michelle Rowan, president of a market research firm that released a report about the booming business, attributes … [Read more...] about Private Home Health Care Profitable
ILs/PL: LVN On-Call, 2011 Cost Reports
DADS released one provider letter and two information letters. ICFs/ID with Capacity of 13 or Fewer Beds: DADS clarified the enforcement schedule for implementing HRC §§161.091 – 161.096 and informed providers of the required elements of the comprehensive nursing assessment for an LVN to provide on-call services or an unlicensed staff member to administer medications. (Letter) All contracted NFs: DADS informed providers they must submit Form 3618 – Resident Transaction Notice when an … [Read more...] about ILs/PL: LVN On-Call, 2011 Cost Reports
TX Register Updates: Dental Homes, Medical Board Licensure
The following information was obtained from the May 4 issue of the Texas Register. Emergency Rules For 60 days, HHSC is renewing the effectiveness of the adoption of new §355.8201 and §355.8202. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §353.2, definitions; and §353.403, enrollment and disenrollment; and proposes new Subchapter K, consisting of §353.1001 and §353.1003, Children's Medicaid Dental Services, in Chapter 353, Medicaid Managed Care. The changes would describe the default … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Dental Homes, Medical Board Licensure
