DADS has made available the June 2010 issue of The MDS Mentor, written by Cheryl Shiffer, Texas MDS RAI Coordinator, and Andy Alegria, Texas MDS Automation Coordinator, for Minimum Data Set stakeholders. Articles include: The Correction Form and Section X Correcting Your MDS How to Address Validation Warnings Correcting the Hard Copy of MDS What Needs Sending When Medicaid is Pending? MDS News in Review DADS previously allowed CWP HCSSAs to use either the Form 3650, … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: MDS Mentor Newsletter, CWP Operations
NFs and Hospice providers:
DADS released two information letters: NFs and Hospice providers: DADS offered guidelines and instructions to manage the most common errors that result in NF and Hospice claim rejections and denials. An excerpt: "Providers are encouraged to review and share this information with their billing staff to reduce errors and maximize efficiency. "During the first three quarters of the state Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 (September 2009 through May 2010), the Claims Management System (CMS) … [Read more...] about NFs and Hospice providers:
An Epistle from Procrustes: Putting Doctors on the Iron Bed
My dearest Alexander (whose name means “ruler of men”): I have been referred to you by one of the most infamous Masters of the Universe, Caligula. By way of introduction, my name is Procrustes, the son of Poseidon and a robber-king in my own right. In mortality I was known to some as “The Subduer” and to others as “The Stretcher”; the first title acknowledges my domination of men, the latter describes the means I employed to achieve it – a method I am happy to share with you. MY STORY As … [Read more...] about An Epistle from Procrustes: Putting Doctors on the Iron Bed
Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board, Nursing Facilities
The following information was obtained from the July 16 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on August 2, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payments for Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women, to be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Send written comments to the attention of Rate Analysis, HHSC, Rate Analysis, Mail … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board, Nursing Facilities
Provider and Information Letters: ADC, DAHS, NFs
DADS released a provider/information letter and an information letter: Adult Day Care Providers (ADC) Contracted to Provide Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS): When a licensed ADC facility that contracts with DADS to provide DAHS intends to relocate, the ADC must meet certain requirements to continue its licensing status and contracting relationship with DADS. (Letter) NFs: CMS is releasing a 3.0 version of the MDS assessments, effective October 1, 2010. An excerpt: MDS 2.0 … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: ADC, DAHS, NFs
Texas Doctors May Drop State Medicaid
As Medicare goes, so goes Medicaid. Physicians in Texas are leaving Medicare, according to the Houston Chronicle. In the last two years, about 350 Texas doctors have dropped the program. In 2008, 62 percent of Texas doctors opting out of Medicare were primary care physicians. Something similar is happening with Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. NBC reports that over three million poor and disabled people in the state are covered by … [Read more...] about Texas Doctors May Drop State Medicaid
Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Rule Changes
The following information was obtained from the July 7 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing adopted amendments to §211.6, relating to Committees of the Board, which, among other things, direct the Board to determine the feasibility of conducting a pilot program to evaluate the efficacy and effect of deferring a final disciplinary action against an individual for minor violations of the Nursing Practice Act and Board rules. The Board adopts amendments to … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Board of Nursing Rule Changes
The American Psychological Association Files Complaint Against Texas Psychologist
This should be interesting. COLUMBUS, OHIO — Psychologists in the United States have been warned by their professional group not to take part in torturing detainees in U.S. custody. Now the American Psychological Association has taken the unprecedented step of supporting an attempt to strip the license of a psychologist accused of overseeing the torture of a CIA detainee. The APA has told a Texas licensing board in a letter mailed July 1 that the allegations against Dr. James … [Read more...] about The American Psychological Association Files Complaint Against Texas Psychologist
Information Letters: HDM, HCS, TxHmL, ICFs/MR, Etc.
DADS released seven new information letters. Title XIX and Title XX Home Delivered Meals (HDM): DADS posted budget-based rate negotiation documents and detailed instructions on the HDM provider page at the "FFY 2011 Budget Negotiation" link: http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/HDM/index.cfm Download the letter for more information. All Community Services Contractors: DADS clarified hospice enrollment procedures for Texas Medicaid clients enrolled in the Medicaid Managed Care … [Read more...] about Information Letters: HDM, HCS, TxHmL, ICFs/MR, Etc.
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
