The rising costs of health care and lower reimbursement rates are forcing some physicians to change the way they work. From the Texas Tribune: These new models present a culture shift for the state's physicians, who haven't been as quick to shed a kind of "lone ranger" status as some doctors elsewhere in the nation. But it has provided an intriguing benefit for patients, drawn to the convenience and comfort of a system financially motivated to keep them as well as possible. “Doctors in Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Doctors Changing with the Times
DADS News Alerts: Electronic Forms, Region 6 AL Orientation
Since September 28, DADS has issued 10+ news alerts. The most recent alerts appear on the first page. From the second page: -- DADS will implement a pilot project allowing AFC, AL/RC, CAS, CBA, CDSAs, DAHS, ERS, FC, HDM, MDCP, PHC, and TAS providers and CDSAs to transmit and receive forms and documentation electronically, effective December 2011. Please email DADS at PDO@dads.state.tx.us for more information. Houston office - 1332 E. 40th location Harris County CDSAs Waco … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Electronic Forms, Region 6 AL Orientation
TX Register Updates: Oct. Hearings, Nursing & Physician Changes
The following information was obtained from the October 7 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on October 27, 2011, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for Hospice routine home, continuous home, inpatient respite, and general inpatient care, to be held in the Lone Star Conference Room. HHSC intends to submit transmittal number 11-055 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would establish the Recovery … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Oct. Hearings, Nursing & Physician Changes
ILs and PLs: Meds/Unlicensed Person, EVV
DADS released three provider and five information letters: Licensed ICFs: Effective immediately, an unlicensed person may adminster medication to a client without the requirement that an RN delegate or oversee each administration if various conditions are met, including if the meds are administered for a stable or predictable condition. (Letter) ALFs: SB 7, 82nd Legislature, First Called Session, 2011, amended Section 247.002 of the code and revised the definition of an ALF to … [Read more...] about ILs and PLs: Meds/Unlicensed Person, EVV
TX Register Updates: CDS Option Hearing, Corrected Notices
The following information was obtained from the September 30 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notices HHSC intends to renew the consultant contract for Information Technology Negotiation Support Services to continue services to provide information, advice, and assistance in various proposals IT negotiations. HHSC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed CDS option payment rates for employment assistance and … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: CDS Option Hearing, Corrected Notices
PL and News Alerts: ANE Reporting, Nursing Training Sessions
DADS released a provider letter and posted several news alerts: Assisted Living: The legislature added Section 247.007 to the HSC, which requires all assisted living facilities to comply with requirements for reporting and investigating ANE. (Letter) -- DADS has revised Form 3626, Request for an Exception of Service Limit, to address frequent questions from CLASS providers on how to accurately calculate service amounts. -- DADS will host a webinar on the proposed new contract and … [Read more...] about PL and News Alerts: ANE Reporting, Nursing Training Sessions
MedPAC Recommends Reduce Payments to Specialists
American Medical News reports that MedPAC, which advises Congress on Medicare, recommended significant cuts to specialists to prevent such cuts for primary care physicians. An excerpt: The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has drafted recommendations to Congress that would block a 29.5% pay cut scheduled for 2012 and future across-the-board Medicare rate reductions, but the plan would pay for the changes by lowering rates for nonprimary care services. Supporters of the proposal said it could … [Read more...] about MedPAC Recommends Reduce Payments to Specialists
TX Register Updates: STD Coverage, Cost Finding
The following information was obtained from the September 23 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request for extension for renewal of the Women's Health Program demonstration waiver to add treatment of sexually transmitted diseases to coverage. See the Texas Register for more information. Adopted Rules HHSC adopted amendments to §355.457, Cost Finding Methodology, which establishes the cost finding methodology for the ICF/MR program. HHSC also … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: STD Coverage, Cost Finding
ILs and PL: AFC Clients, Mortality Review
DADS released two provider and three information letters. Licensed Type C ALs: DADS will conduct a two-year review of licensed Type C assisted living facilities that no longer serve adult foster care (AFC) clients, effective September 14, 2011, which replaces the assessment completed by the AFC contract specialist when the services were provided to those clients. Use Form 1123, Review of Assisted Living Facility Type C. (Letter) HCSSAs: Attached to this letter is a five-page document … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: AFC Clients, Mortality Review
DADS Alerts: Long Term Care Changes in Texas
Every week, DADS issues important news alerts for providers. Here are four of the nine alerts posted since September 2: DADS added a new section to its web site: Culture Change in Texas Long-term Care. The MDS Privacy Act Statement is available in Spanish in the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual. "Effective for dates of service or dates of discharge (services) on or after October 1, 2013, Medicaid fee-for-service, Medicaid managed care, Primary Care Case Management (PCCM), family planning … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: Long Term Care Changes in Texas
