In March 2010, the Internal Revenue Service announced that it would accept the position that medical residents are excepted from FICA taxes based on the student exception for tax periods ending before April 1, 2005. At that time, the IRS began contacting hospitals and universities, as well as medical residents, who filed FICA (social security and Medicare tax) refund claims for these periods with more information and procedures. The IRS announcement came after several cases litigating the … [Read more...] about IRS Posts FAQ on Medical Resident FICA Program
TX Register Updates: ICF/MR Rates, TX Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the October 15 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC adopted a new Medicaid per diem payment rate for the Truman Smith Children's Care Center in the amount of $219.69. HHSC also adopted the following Medicaid per diem reimbursement rates: Per Diem Rates for Large, State-Operated ICF/MR Services Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities - Medicaid Only clients: Adopted interim daily rate: $537.41 Large State-Operated ICF/MR … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: ICF/MR Rates, TX Medical Board Changes
Physician Shortage Soars
According to American Medical News, the physician shortage is expected to grow to 91,500 over the next 10 years. Reasons include the growing contingent of baby boomers who'll need care, including long term care, and the expansion of health care to cover millions more Americans. An excerpt: To counter shortages, the [Association of American Medical Colleges] work force projections is urging federal officials to lift limits on Medicare funding for residency positions, which have been capped … [Read more...] about Physician Shortage Soars
TX Register Updates: RFP, TX Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the October 8 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC released its Request for Proposals for consultant services to assist the state in assuring the effective performance of the Medicaid Claims/Primary Care Case Management, Pharmacy Claims and Rebate Administration vendor through independent verification and validation services (RFP #529-11-0010). See the Texas Register for more information. Adopted Rules The Texas Medical Board … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: RFP, TX Medical Board Changes
Texas Register: TX State Plan Amendments, Nursing
The following information was obtained from the October 1 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-052, Amendment Number 945 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would update the service description of targeted case management provided to infants and toddlers with developmental delays to ensure compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42, §440.169 and §441.18. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a waiver amendment … [Read more...] about Texas Register: TX State Plan Amendments, Nursing
Texas Register Updates: Hearings, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the September 24 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on October 12, 2010, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for Hospice routine home, continuous home, inpatient respite, and general inpatient care. The hearing will take place in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Hearings, Medical Board Changes
TX Register Updates: Hearing, Texas Medical Board Rule Changes
The following information was obtained from the September 17 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC announced a contract award (529-09-0062-00001) to IBG Management Consulting to assist HHSC with implementation, operational, and strategic planning support with the MEHIS project. Total contract value is $2,634,084. HHSC will renew the Consultant Contract for Information Technology Negotiation Support Services to continue the services of a single, qualified vendor to provide … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearing, Texas Medical Board Rule Changes
Texas Register Updates: STAR+PLUS Expansion Forums, Medical Board Updates
The following information was obtained from the September 10 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice The Medicaid Managed Care Stakeholder Forum of the Expansion of STAR+PLUS (Dallas Service Area) will be held on September 21, 2010, from 2-5 p.m., at the Texas Health Resources Corporate Office, Executive Conference Hall, 7th Floor, 612 E. Lamar Blvd., Arlington, TX 76011. The Medicaid Managed Care Stakeholder Forum of the Expansion of STAR+PLUS (Tarrant Service Area) … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: STAR+PLUS Expansion Forums, Medical Board Updates
Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rates, Rewritten Rules, Etc.
The following was obtained from the September 3 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notices HHSC intends to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which would modify the reimbursement methodologies in the Texas Medicaid State Plan as a result of Medicaid fee changes for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies, Family Planning Providers, and Physicians and Certain Other … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Rates, Rewritten Rules, Etc.
NPR’s Primary Care Physician Series
Last week, we pointed you to the first part of NPR's article series on primary care physicians in the post Solo Primary Care Physicians. NPR has published the second and third articles: Future Of Primary Care? Some Say 'Medical Home' Midlevel Providers Fill Primary Care Doctors' Shoes … [Read more...] about NPR’s Primary Care Physician Series
