The following information was obtained from the July 29 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings HHSC will hold a public hearing on July 18, 2012, at 1 p.m. to receive comment on proposed payment rates DAHS in the CBA and MDCP waiver programs. At 2 p.m., HHSC will hear public comment on proposed rates under foster care redesign for Single Source Continuum Contractors that provide services in the 24-Hour Residential Child Care program. The hearings will be held in the Lone Star … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: July 18 Hearings, DAHS Changes
Physicians Group Opposes Increased Rates for Subspecialists
A couple weeks ago, we blogged about a new CMS rule that will raise Medicaid payment rates for primary care physicians. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) released a statement supporting the new rule but wants only primary care physicians, and not subspecialists (general internal medicine, pediatric medicine, etc.), to benefit. An excerpt: In the proposed rule, CMS says it is interested in ensuring primary care physicians receive the benefit of the increased payment, a goal shared … [Read more...] about Physicians Group Opposes Increased Rates for Subspecialists
Health Care Reform and the Supreme Court
Long term care providers await the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on whether President Barack Obama's health care reform law is unconstitutional. Texas is one of the states that filed suit against the federal government challenging the law. The key issue is the law's individual mandate, which would require individuals to purchase health care insurance or face fines. The Physicians Hospital of America, which represents doctors, are concerned about the law's restriction on expanding or building new … [Read more...] about Health Care Reform and the Supreme Court
More Money for Primary Care Physicians?
Earlier this month, CMS reported on a new rule that purportedly would increase Medicaid payments to primary care physicians. Secretary [Kathleen] Sebelius also announced today that, in 2011, over 150,000 primary care providers nationwide received almost $560 million in higher Medicare payments because of the Affordable Care Act. This is another way the Affordable Care Act rewards doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other primary care providers who are central to our health … [Read more...] about More Money for Primary Care Physicians?
TX Register Updates: Hearings, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the May 11 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the regional healthcare partnership, on May 17, 2012, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the Brown-Heatly Building, Public Hearing Room, 4900 North Lamar Boulevard in Austin. HHSC will hold a second public hearing to receive comments on proposed changes to the administrative rule codified in 1 TAC §355.8065, Disproportionate Share … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearings, Medical Board Changes
TX Register Updates: Dental Homes, Medical Board Licensure
The following information was obtained from the May 4 issue of the Texas Register. Emergency Rules For 60 days, HHSC is renewing the effectiveness of the adoption of new §355.8201 and §355.8202. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §353.2, definitions; and §353.403, enrollment and disenrollment; and proposes new Subchapter K, consisting of §353.1001 and §353.1003, Children's Medicaid Dental Services, in Chapter 353, Medicaid Managed Care. The changes would describe the default … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Dental Homes, Medical Board Licensure
OIG Launches Compliance 101 Website
On March 5, 2005, the Office of the Inspector General ("OIG") launched its Compliance 101 website. The website contains links to guidance and educational training materials for health care providers, practitioners and suppliers. The site contains segment-specific compliance guidance for nursing facilities, ambulance suppliers, physician practices, etc. Although the materials are from 1998-2008, the compliance program guidance is still relevant and details the high-risk areas for each health … [Read more...] about OIG Launches Compliance 101 Website
Provider News Around the Web
Kaiser Health News reports on an study with expected findings: when times are hard, hospitals expand into affluent areas. In other words, hospitals seek more private-injured individuals. They also buy private practices in those areas and build more emergency services. The Texas Tribune reports that lawmakers will include drug reimbursements in the expanding Medicaid managed care, which they believe will save over $100 million. Included in the story is an interactive map that shows access … [Read more...] about Provider News Around the Web
Primary Care, Medicaid News
The shortage of primary care physicians and primary care in general has been widely reported. According to the Texas Tribune, for example, the federal government has declared Harris County a primary care physician shortage zone. The health care reform law will result in millions more Texans on the Medicaid rolls. Who will treat them? CMS announced a program to alleviate some of the pressure. The initiative will provide funds to hospitals to increase training for advanced practice registered … [Read more...] about Primary Care, Medicaid News
Health Care and the Supreme Court
Texas Tribune reporter Thanh Tan is writing a series of articles on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Texas is one of the states that filed suit against the federal government challenging the law, particularly the individual mandate, as unconstitutional. The Texas Tribune published a story (which includes a video) on how the law affects physicians. An excerpt: While a ruling on the constitutionality of the new health care reforms … [Read more...] about Health Care and the Supreme Court
