The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that the federal government will provide matching funds to state Medicaid programs to implement electronic health record (EHR) incentive programs. The funding is designed to help states improve the quality and efficiency of health care. For example, several providers treating one Medicaid patient will have electronic access to the patient's records to coordinate care. The EHR program was established by the American Recovery and … [Read more...] about Matching Funds for Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs
Provider and Information Letters: NFs, Hospice, STAR+PLUS
DADS released one provider and two information letters: NFs: DADS informed NFs about updated procedures related to joint investigations with law enforcement of abuse, and neglect complaints and incidents. DADS Regulatory Services must notify and cooperate with local law enforcement agencies in joint investigations of abuse and neglect allegations described in HSC §242.126(c)(1). (Letter) CBA, HCSSAs, CWP, ICMW, MDCP, PACE, and STAR+PLUS providers: DADS informed Community Services … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NFs, Hospice, STAR+PLUS
Texas Register: Three Hearings, Board of Nursing Rules
The following information was obtained from the May 7 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on May 24, 2010, at 9 a.m. to receive public comments on rates for the attendant compensation rate component for contracts not participating in the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement for the HCS, TxHmL, and ICF/MR programs. The hearing will take place in the Lone Star Conference Room. For more information, contact Meisha Scott by telephone at … [Read more...] about Texas Register: Three Hearings, Board of Nursing Rules
More on Health Care Reform and Physician-Owned Hospitals
The Heritage Foundation's Rob Bluey wrote an article for the Washington Examiner about the health care reform law's effect on physician-owned hospitals. An excerpt: "Physicians at McBride Orthopedic Hospital had ambitious plans for their Oklahoma City hospital before Obamacare. Two new operating rooms and a four-bed intensive-care unit were part of a multimillion-dollar expansion project that promised to bring competition and more health care choices to the community. "But once President … [Read more...] about More on Health Care Reform and Physician-Owned Hospitals
Provider and Information Letters: ICFs/MR, NFs, CLASS
DADS released two provider and four information letters: Licensed ICFs/MR: Effective June 1, 2010, DFPS will assume responsibility for A/N/E investigations in licensed ICFs/MR. A person associated with each licensed ICF/MR must be available 24 hours a day to receive notification from DFPS of A/N/E allegations. (Letter) NFs: Law requires DADS to post detailed compliance information for each institution it licenses. Subsection (e) also requires DADS to post information the institution … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: ICFs/MR, NFs, CLASS
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rates, TX Medical Board
The following information was obtained from the April 30 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices On May 12 at 1:30 p.m., HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comments proposed Medicaid rates changes to Ceravix, special fee review and medical policy changes that are part of the projects known as COR 79 and COR 119, Environmental Lead Investigation, Blood Factor Products Furnishing Fee, Hospital Beds, Cribs and Equipment - Comprehensive Care Program, Substance Use … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rates, TX Medical Board
Health Care Reform and Medicaid Expansion
The New York Times published a story about the new health care law's burden on already burdened states. Under the bill, millions more Americans will be covered under Medicaid. An excerpt: "Able-bodied adults under 65 — now mostly ineligible unless they have dependent children — will qualify for coverage in 2014 as long as they earn no more than $14,404 (in current dollars) for a single adult and $29,326 for a family of four, or 133 percent of the federal poverty level. "Of the 32 million … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform and Medicaid Expansion
Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Amendments
The following information was obtained from the April 23 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on May 12, 2010, at 9 a.m., to receive public comment on rates for Levels 1 through 25 under the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement in the ICF/MR, HCS, and TxHmL programs. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Amendments
Information Letters: CLASS, HCS, TxHmL, ICF/MR, AL/RC
DADS released four information letters: CLASS providers: On May 15, the Medicaid Eligibility Service Authorization Verification will replace the Individual Plan of Care (IPC) as the official notification that the IPC is approved. An excerpt: "CLASS providers should access a MESAV within 15 business days, not including a two business-day mailing period, from submission to the CLASS Program in the DADS Provider Services Office. MESAV information can only be requested for three consecutive … [Read more...] about Information Letters: CLASS, HCS, TxHmL, ICF/MR, AL/RC
CMS News: Physician Payment Rates, Inpatient Care
Physicians will get a temporary reprieve from Medicare reimbursement payment cuts. Last week, President Barack Obama signed into law the Continuing Extension Act of 2010, which holds off a payment reduction through May 31, 2010. The law is retroactive to April 1, 2010. "The Administration has repeatedly stated that the formula that determines what physicians and others are paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is broken and needs to be fixed. We will continue to work with Congress to … [Read more...] about CMS News: Physician Payment Rates, Inpatient Care
