Garlo Ward, P.C.

Navigation

OIG Report: Physician-Own Specialty Hospitals Poorly Equipped to Handle Emergency Care

by

According to a report issued by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), only 55 percent of physician-owned specialty hospitals had emergency departments and 7 percent didn't meet Medicare requirements that an RN be present at all times or that a doctor be on call if none are present on site. (Kaiser Network) The OIG concluded that physician-owned specialty hospitals are "poorly equipped" to handle emergency care. Molly Sandvig, executive … [Read more...] about OIG Report: Physician-Own Specialty Hospitals Poorly Equipped to Handle Emergency Care

Information Letters: Specialized Nursing Services, Etc.

by

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Community Based Alternatives and Consolidated Waiver Program Providers about the addition of Specialized Nursing Services and associated rates. From the letter: The addition of specialized nursing services is completed as a revision to the individual service plan (ISP) according to current policy and in the same manner as any other ISP change. Providers update and send the following documents to the DADS case manager: … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Specialized Nursing Services, Etc.

Texas Register Updates: Major Consulting Contract, BON Amendments

by

The following information was obtained from the January 4 edition of the Texas Register: Public Notice The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued notice of a contract awarded to Public Strategies, Inc. The contract was executed on December 12, 2007, and will expire on August 31, 2008, unless extended or terminated sooner by the parties. The value of the contract is $2,650,000. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information. Adopted … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Major Consulting Contract, BON Amendments

Bush Blocks Medicaid Expansion

by

A New York Times story elaborates on the idea that the Bush administration is trying to preserve Medicaid for families targeted by the program – low-income families – by preventing states from expanding it. An expansion may extend coverage to families who can afford to buy private health insurance. President Bush twice vetoed a measure that would have expanded and funded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to the tune of $35 billion over five years. The administration, … [Read more...] about Bush Blocks Medicaid Expansion

Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, Grant Program, Etc.

by

The following information was obtained from the December 21 and December 28 editions of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public rate hearing on January 10, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. in the Palo Duro Canyon Conference Room of the Braker Center, to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Clinics. For more information, including where to send written comments, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, Grant Program, Etc.

Provider and Information Letters: Health Care Decisions, Treatment Consent, Etc.

by

Since December 11, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued provider and information letters to the following: Nursing Facilities Authority to Make Health Care Decisions (letter) Rules and Regulations Concerning Provider Continuing In-service Education for Certified Nurse Aides (letter) Home and Community Support Services Agencies Medicare Treatment Consent Requirements (letter) Primary Home Care and Community Attendant Services Providers … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Health Care Decisions, Treatment Consent, Etc.

GAO Releases Reports on Medicare Part D and SCHIP

by

According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) released last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) may have made $90 million worth of "questionable" payments to Medicare Part D contractors hired to help launch the program. (Kaiser Network) Some payments didn't comply with terms of the contracts, the GAO found. Jeff Nelligan, CMS spokesperson, said launching the Part D program "required some contract decisions outside of standard policy." You may download the … [Read more...] about GAO Releases Reports on Medicare Part D and SCHIP

Senate Votes to Delay Physicians Fee Cut and Extend SCHIP

by

Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate approved a bill that would delay a 10 percent physicians fee cut for six months. The Senate also voted to extend the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) through March 2009. (Kaiser Network) The bill would increase physicians fees by 0.5 percent for six months. Commenting on this action, the American Medical Association (AMA) said: "It is extremely disappointing that after all the hard work in the House earlier this year to replace two … [Read more...] about Senate Votes to Delay Physicians Fee Cut and Extend SCHIP

Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Provider Payment Rates

by

The following information was obtained from the December 14 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued notice of adopted Medicaid provider payment rates for the Truman W. Smith Children's Care Center. The rates are as follows: $182.75, effective January 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007; and $189.04, effective September 1, 2007. HHSC will hold public hearings for proposed Medicaid payment rates for various programs … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Provider Payment Rates