The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a survey memorandum regarding point of care testing in nursing homes. Specifically, the memorandum addresses the practice of using a blood glucose meter or other point of care device for more than one resident. Such devices must be properly cleaned and disinfected after use with each resident. Finger stick devices may not be used for more than one resident. Improper or non-cleaning of point of care devices such as blood glucose … [Read more...] about New CMS Survey Memo Addresses Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes
HCSSA Information Letter and MDS News Alert
In a letter to CBA HCSSA and ICM 1915(c) Waiver HCSSA agencies, DADS informed these providers they must follow the procedures outlined in IL 2008-80, Implementation of Dental Services as a CBA Service Category, when submitting dental requests to the DADS case manager. HCSSAs must submit the following required documentation to the DADS case manager: Form 3671-J, Dental Services - Proposed Treatment Plan; Form 3671-H, Dental Services; Form 3672, Medicare/Medicaid/Third-Party … [Read more...] about HCSSA Information Letter and MDS News Alert
Texas Register Updates: ICFs/MR and Nursing
The following information was obtained from the August 20 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC proposes new Medicaid per diem reimbursement rates for the Truman W. Smith Children's Care Center ($219.69 ) and DADS-operated/state-operated ICFs/MR (small $603.64; large Medicaid-only: $537.41; large dual-eligible Medicaid/Medicare: $516.23). See the Texas Register for more information. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-050, Amendment Number 943, to the Texas State … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: ICFs/MR and Nursing
Texas Register Updates: July 2 Issue
The following information was obtained from the July 2 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-047, Amendment Number 940, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, to modify the asset limits to the Medicare Savings Program as mandated under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. HHSC also intends to submit amendments to modify the reimbursement methodologies in the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: July 2 Issue
Number of Doctors Refusing Medicare Patients Growing
We wanted to point you to another news story about the growing number of doctors who no longer accept Medicare patients. An excerpt from USA Today: Recent surveys by national and state medical societies have found more doctors limiting Medicare patients, partly because Congress has failed to stop an automatic 21% cut in payments that doctors already regard as too low. The cut went into effect Friday, even as the Senate approved a six-month reprieve. The House has approved a different bill. • … [Read more...] about Number of Doctors Refusing Medicare Patients Growing
Texas Register Update and DADS News Alerts:
The following item appeared in the June 18 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request for an amendment to the CBA waiver program, which would add more slots to the waiver program, document the use of Individual Responsibility Agreements, and update terminology throughout the waiver application. For copies and questions, contact Christine Longoria by mail at Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 85200, mail code H-620, Austin, Texas 78708-5200, phone … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update and DADS News Alerts:
Texas Register Updates: NFs, TX Medical Board
The following information was obtained from the May 28 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on June 15, 2010, at 1 p.m., to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the state-owned veterans nursing facilities, to be held in the Permian Basin Room of the HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-022, Amendment Number 915, to the Texas State … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: NFs, TX Medical Board
Doctors May See 21.3 Percent Medicare Cut
Last week we linked to an article in the Houston Chronicle about doctors in Texas dropping out of the Medicare program. The program provides health insurance coverage to people age 65 and older and those who meet certain criteria. Because of lower reimbursement rates and other problems, many physicians are no longer accepting Medicare patients. For doctors still accepting Medicare patients, the problem may get worse. Starting June 1, physicians will see a 21.3 percent cut in Medicare … [Read more...] about Doctors May See 21.3 Percent Medicare Cut
Texas Doctors Dropping Medicare at ‘Alarming’ Rate
The primary care physician shortage in the U.S. is well documented. The health care reform law will increase pressure on these doctors as it goes into effect. Add this to news that more doctors are opting out of Medicaid and Medicare, and the situation appears critical. According to the Houston Chronicle, doctors in Texas are essentially fleeing Medicare. The program provides health insurance coverage to people age 65 and older and those who meet certain criteria. Because of lower … [Read more...] about Texas Doctors Dropping Medicare at ‘Alarming’ Rate
Health Care Reform and Medicaid Expansion
The New York Times published a story about the new health care law's burden on already burdened states. Under the bill, millions more Americans will be covered under Medicaid. An excerpt: "Able-bodied adults under 65 — now mostly ineligible unless they have dependent children — will qualify for coverage in 2014 as long as they earn no more than $14,404 (in current dollars) for a single adult and $29,326 for a family of four, or 133 percent of the federal poverty level. "Of the 32 million … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform and Medicaid Expansion
