The following information was obtained from the May 30 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold public hearings June 13 and June 17 to receive public comment on proposed rates for various programs, services, pay rates, and procedure codes. Beginning at this link, scroll down to read all 12 entries. Proposed Rules HHSC proposes to amend §354.1863, Prescription Requirements, under Title 1, Part 15, Chapter 354, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Senate Democrats Push Medicare Advantage Plans Cut
The drama on Capitol Hill continues. Democrats in the Senate are continuing to push a bill that would stop a 10.6 percent Medicare physician payment cut. To fund the cut, they propose to reduce funding to Medicare Advantage plans. President Bush said he will veto any bill that cuts funding to these plans. (Kaiser Network) An excerpt: CQ Today reports that the veto threat "will almost certainly force a compromise later this month." Senate Republicans have proposed a $14.9 billion, … [Read more...] about Senate Democrats Push Medicare Advantage Plans Cut
Texas Register Updates: Per-Day Payments for Veterans Nursing Facilities
The following information was obtained from the May 23 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted the following per-day payment rates for the state-owned veterans nursing facilities for fiscal year 2008, effective last September: Big Spring, $133.00; Bonham, $133.00; Floresville, $133.00; Temple, $133.00; McAllen, $133.00; El Paso, $133.00; and Amarillo, $133.00. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Per-Day Payments for Veterans Nursing Facilities
Hospitals Hope Nocturnists Will Improve Quality of Overnight Care
An interesting story from the Wall Street Journal: In attempt to reduce the rate of deaths, medical errors, and complications, some hospitals are hiring doctors called "nocturnists" who work only night shifts. These hospitals are hoping the quality of overnight care will improve by hiring physicians and critical care workers to deal with whatever problems arise during the night. Traditionally, doctors work on call, and nighttime hospital staffs are on the thin side. "People get sick 24 … [Read more...] about Hospitals Hope Nocturnists Will Improve Quality of Overnight Care
Provider Letter: Precertification Training for New ICF/MR Providers
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released a provider letter to Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or a Related Condition (ICFs/MR). DADS informed these providers about precertification training for new ICFs/MR. The rules require a new ICF/MR to designate at least one representative involved in direct management of the ICF/MR to attend a training session before DADS issues a facility license. The following joint training classes … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Precertification Training for New ICF/MR Providers
CMS to Test Medicare Bundled Payments
Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a program called the Acute Care Episode (ACE) to test hospital and physician services bundled payments in an effort to improve quality of care through Medicare fee-for-service. (Source) Under the current system, CMS pays the hospital a certain amount and pays physicians who cared for the patient separately. According to CMS, separate payment systems may lead to conflicts of interests and affect health care … [Read more...] about CMS to Test Medicare Bundled Payments
Texas Register Updates: CLASS Waiver Services, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 16 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) issued two public notices: 1) an intent to submit an amendment to the Texas Home Living waiver, which would revise the methodology for establishing the rates for reimbursing the Consumer Directed Services Agencies; and 2) an intent to submit to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services an amendment to the Community Living Assistance … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: CLASS Waiver Services, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Amendments, Etc.
The following information was found in the May 9 issue of the Texas Register: Open Meetings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued correction notices about proposed Medicaid payment rates for certain procedures associated with the 2008 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System. The notices contained an incorrect phone number, procedure code description, and HCPCS description. Click on the link for more information. The Texas Board of Nursing … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Amendments, Etc.
Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
In the on-going battle to eliminate Medicaid and Medicare program reductions, Democrats in Congress have come to an agreement on a fiscal year 2009 budget resolution. (Kaiser Network) The $3.3 trillion budget resolution rejects President Bush's proposed spending cuts for Medicaid and Medicare. Bush seeks to reduce spending on these programs by $195 billion. While both houses may pass the resolution, it may not survive a presidential veto. From the report: Senate Budget Committee ranking … [Read more...] about Resolution Eliminates Medicaid and Medicare Reductions
Provider and Information Letters: DADS-Approved Provider of HCSSA Training, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released four information letters and one provider letter: Initial HCSSA Administrator Training Approval In a seven-page letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), DADS described the initial process for becoming a DADS-approved provider of HCSSA training for administrators and alternative administrators, and to get listed as a provider. For details about administrator requirements, download the … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: DADS-Approved Provider of HCSSA Training, Etc.
