DADS released two information letters. NF and Rehab Services providers: To expedite review and approval/disapproval process for Rehabilitation Authorization Requests, DADS will no longer return approvals by fax for Physical Therapy /Occupational Therapy and Speech, effective February 1. DADS will only return faxes for reasons (Exceptions to Requests) listed in the two-page letter. CDSAs for the CWP: The CDS option will be available for individuals in CWP who use personal assistance services, … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Rehabilitation Services, CDS Option
CMS: Health Care Spending Rate Slowest Since 1960
CMS issued an annual report on national health care spending that showed nominal spending in the U.S. grew 4.4 percent last year, to $2.3 trillion, the slowest rate of growth since CMS started tracking health care spending in 1960. The health care spending rate in 2007 was 6.0. However, health care spending grew faster than nominal economic growth. Jonathan Blum, director of CMS's Center for Medicare Management, said the report "contains some welcome news and yet another warning sign. Health … [Read more...] about CMS: Health Care Spending Rate Slowest Since 1960
Information Letters: LVN/RN Form 3050, Etc.
DADS released three information letters: Hospice providers: DADS sent a corrected letter that notifies these providers that they can bill for ventilator services provided to residents in nursing facilities. In the attached letter, the corrections are indicated in red. (Letter) Day Activity Health Services providers: DADS determined that either an LVN or an RN can complete and sign the Form 3050 (DAHS Health Assessment/Individual Service Plan) when it is used for assessment in a Day Activity … [Read more...] about Information Letters: LVN/RN Form 3050, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Intervener Rates, Physician Services
The following information was obtained from the January 8 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing HHSC will hold a public hearing on January 26, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., for public comment on proposed rates for Intervener services in the DBMD, operated by DADS. 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 Blvd, Austin, Texas. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Intervener Rates, Physician Services
Physicians Criticize Bundled Medicare Payment Proposal
According to the American Medical News, published by the American Medical Association, Congress is considering a new policy of paying both doctors and hospitals under Medicare in one payment to treat a particular condition. This includes all office visits and procedures. The current health care reform bill would expand the proposed "bundled payment" system. Why the proposed change? Lawmakers and "other policy circles" think the Medicare fee-for-service payment system isn't working, and bundled … [Read more...] about Physicians Criticize Bundled Medicare Payment Proposal
Information Letters: Transfer Case Management Function, Cost Reporting
HCS: DADS proposes to transfer case management function, currently performed by HCS program providers, to Mental Retardation Authorities, as required by the 2010-2011 General Appropriations Act, effective June 1, 2010. (Letter) An excerpt: "Effective the date of this letter, a program provider is not required to provide case management using only employees of the program provider (that is, a program provider could use a qualified contractor to provide case management). If a program provider … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Transfer Case Management Function, Cost Reporting
Provider Letter: ICFs/MR Reporting Deaths
DADS alerted ICFs/MR to Chapter 49 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which requires these providers to report the death of an individual to certain governmental entities under the circumstances described in the statute, specifically, Articles 49.04, 49.24 and 49.25. (Letter) If an attending physician is able to certify the cause of death, it does not have to be reported to the justice of the peace, the office of the Attorney General and medical examiner, or to the city or county police … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: ICFs/MR Reporting Deaths
DADS Alerts: Employment Svcs Webinar, RUG Error Message, Etc.
DADS has posted several news alerts on its provider's page. DADS will hold an employment services webinar on January 7, 2009, a third in a series of webinars on employment for adults with developmental disabilities. Download the flyer for more information. DADS has revised the CDSA choice lists to allow CDSA searches by county. See this web page for more information. In response to questions about HCS revised 2009 billing guidelines, DADS provided answers, which can be found on this … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: Employment Svcs Webinar, RUG Error Message, Etc.
Cardiologists Sue Sebelius
A group of cardiologists is suing Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to prevent cuts in Medicare fees for nuclear stress tests, echocardiograms, and other procedures performed in offices. (USA Today) Reimbursements for nuclear stress tests would be cut by 40 percent and echocardiograms fees by about 30 percent. Additionally, physicians would see a 21 percent reduction next March. The suit alleges that such cuts would result in cardiologists … [Read more...] about Cardiologists Sue Sebelius
Texas Register Updates: Drugs Benefit, Cost Sharing Changes
The following was obtained from the December 25 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 09-039, Amendment Number 885, to modify the prescribed drugs benefit to extend the allowable number of refills to eleven refills when dispensed within twelve months of the date of the original prescription. For more information, contact Leslie Weems by mail at P.O. Box 13247, MC:600; by telephone at (512) 491-1331; by facsimile at (512) 491-1953; or by e-mail at … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Drugs Benefit, Cost Sharing Changes
