Garlo Ward, P.C.

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ILs and PL: Cost Reporting, 1915(c) Waiver

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DADS released eight information letters and one provider letter. CLASS CSAs, CLASS DSAs, and CDSAs: Effective January 1, 2012, a CMA and DSA can bill for pre-enrollment assessment activities on the same day. (Letter) ICF/MRs: DADS issued this letter to guide providers on using video surveillance cameras to monitor common areas. An excerpt: There is no state rule or federal requirement that specifically addresses the use of video surveillance cameras in ICFs/ID; however, 42 Code of … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: Cost Reporting, 1915(c) Waiver

Medicaid Funding Deficits for Nursing Facilities

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The American Health Care Association (AHCA) has released a report that announced not-so-good news regarding Medicaid reimbursement. Such a study is no surprise, given state budget shortfalls and a health care law that will add millions more Americans to the Medicaid rolls. Medicaid payments to nursing facilities are about to get lower. An excerpt from McKnight's: Eljay [which conducted the study on AHCA's behalf] on analysts and AHCA state affiliates attribute the shortfall to a … [Read more...] about Medicaid Funding Deficits for Nursing Facilities

ILs/News Alerts: HIPAA, HSC Billing Training

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DADS released two information letters and two news alerts: Most LTC providers: HIPAA rules mandate that all Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transactions must use EDI Version 5010. CMS has extended the December 31, 2011, compliance deadline until April 1, 2012. (Letter) ICF/MR: DADS reminds providers of their responsibility to maintain current and accurate information in ICF/MR Provider Characteristics using Client Assignment and Registration Screen 683 and the instructions for … [Read more...] about ILs/News Alerts: HIPAA, HSC Billing Training

IL/News Alerts: DBMD Provider Requirements

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DADS released an information letter and several news alerts. CMPAS: As a follow-up to IL 11-119 from October 21, DADS includes additional information specific to CMPAS providers. An excerpt: Individuals eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SSI-related Medicaid and receiving CMPAS will be enrolled in the STAR+PLUS program effective March 1, 2012. However, individuals receiving CMPAS at the time of the expansion whose spouses are their paid attendants may choose to remain in … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: DBMD Provider Requirements

DADS News Alerts: Readmissions, FVRs

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--  DADS, the Texas Hospital Association, the Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Council, and other organizations are establishing the Readmissions Learning and Action Network to achieve a 20 percent reduction in avoidable 30-day hospital readmissions over the next two years. See the news alert page for details. --  NF and Swing Bed MDS 3.0 final validation reports in CASPER remain available to providers in the VR folder for 60 days. Instructions for accessing FVRs older than 60 days: click on … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Readmissions, FVRs

TX Register Updates: Hearing, Board of Nursing Changes

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The following information was obtained from the November 18 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on December 7, 2011, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed NF payment rates for State Veterans Homes, to be held in the Rate Analysis Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin. See the Texas Register for details. The Texas Board of Nursing proposes new 22 … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearing, Board of Nursing Changes

Provider News Around the Web

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Most of you probably know about Provider magazine, affiliated with the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living. Provider is a monthly publication for long term care professionals. Medicare cuts lead to nursing home layoffs. "According to a new survey from Avalere Health, nursing homes plan to lay off about 20,000 workers because of the Medicare cuts. Nursing homes also said they plan to cancel a total of 400 expansion projects that could have created … [Read more...] about Provider News Around the Web

TX Register Updates: CBA Changes, Staff Training

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The following information was obtained from the November 4 issue of Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on December 1, 2011, at 9 a.m., to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the AL/RC services under the CBA program, CBA Personal Care III services, and the Residential Care program, in the Lone Star Conference Room. HHSC will hold a public hearing on November 21, 2011, at 9 a.m. receive comments on rates for Medicaid Biennial … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: CBA Changes, Staff Training

ILs: Mortality Reviews, Cost Containment Initiative

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DADS released six information letters: CAS, CBA, FC, and PHC providers: Regarding personal attendant services, the attendant may not directly transport the individual receiving the services. He may arrange for transportation, accompany the individual when using public transportation, or meet the individual at the location. (Letter) ICF/MR (excluding state-supported living centers): DADS will conduct mortality reviews for deaths that occurred on September 1, 2011 and later for … [Read more...] about ILs: Mortality Reviews, Cost Containment Initiative