-- "The Democratic and Republican leaders of two key congressional committees have agreed on a framework to scrap the problematic Medicare payment formula for physicians and replace it with one that would link physician reimbursement to the quality of care provided, a step that could put an end to the annual "doc fix" debate." - Kaiser -- "A bill in the House of Representatives aims to create a 'trusted provider' status in the Medicare program, which would potentially streamline the … [Read more...] about LTC News: Drs. Medicare Payment
TX Register Updates: Corrections, Dual Eligibles
The following information was obtained from the November 1 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices A correction to a public notice that appeared in the September 13, 2013, issue regarding the intent to submit a request for an amendment to the MDCP Medicaid waiver: The waiver transfer process, allowing individuals to transfer between waivers when medically necessary for services to continue to ensure health and safety, was previously described in the public notice published in the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Corrections, Dual Eligibles
LTC News: Doctors, Pharmacists, and Nurses
-- "The Texas Medical Association, Texas Hospital Association and Texas Academy of Family Physicians said many physicians and hospitals have also been unable to determine which health plans offered in the marketplace include them in their provider networks. 'Physicians, they just want to know who's walking through their door and what kind of coverage they’re going to have,' said Lee Spangler, vice president of medical economics at the Texas Medical Association. 'They’d like that uncertainty to … [Read more...] about LTC News: Doctors, Pharmacists, and Nurses
TX Register Updates: Level II Service, ACA Reqs.
The following information was obtained from the October 25 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board proposed to amend §192.1, Definitions, which would add language providing that the administration of certain local anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, or both in a total dosage amount that exceeds 50 percent of the recommended maximum safe dosage per outpatient visit is a Level II service. See the Texas Register for details. Withdrawn Rules The Texas Medical … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Level II Service, ACA Reqs.
DADS News Alerts: 11/7 Meetings, DAHS Forms
Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers Senate Bill (SB) 492, 83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, adds Chapter 248A Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers to Title 4, Subtitle B, of the Texas Health and Safety Code. A prescribed pediatric extended care center is a new facility type the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will license and regulate. Prescribed pediatric extended care centers will provide daily care in a non-residential setting to medically … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 11/7 Meetings, DAHS Forms
TX Register Updates: 11/20 Hearing, ACA Reqs.
The following information was obtained from the October 18 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Doctor of Dentistry Surgical Services, second quarter 2013 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System updates, Indian Health Services, Influenza Vaccines 90660 and 90672, Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review, and Mirena. The hearing will take … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 11/20 Hearing, ACA Reqs.
TX Register Updates: Out-of-State Nursing Education
The following information was obtained from the September 27 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board proposed several changes to the code: Licensure Medical Records Physician Registration Reinstatement And Reissuance Pain Management Temporary and Limited Licenses Physician Profiles Business Organizations Surgical Assistants Procedural Rules Compliance Program Office-Based Anesthesia Services Pain Management Clinics Voluntary … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Out-of-State Nursing Education
TX Register Updates: Area Agencies on Aging
The following information was obtained from the September 20 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to adjust fees for the following existing services: Hearing and Audiometric Evaluations; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies; Physicians and Other Practitioners; and Home Health Services. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the THTQIP to expand STAR+PLUS to the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Area Agencies on Aging
ILs & LTC News: PACE Enrollment
DADS released two information letters. PACE: DADS issued the letter to reinforce the need for PACE organizations to coordinate the enrollment date with HHSC Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities DADS staff, if applicable, for individuals before they're enrolled. (Letter) TxHmL and Financial Management Services Agencies: DADS notified providers that HHSC approved new rates for the TxHmL program. (Letters) Selected news stories from McKnight's: -- "Medicare … [Read more...] about ILs & LTC News: PACE Enrollment
TX Register Updates: MDCP Waiver Change
The following information was obtained from the September 13 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend MDCP waiver, under the authority of §1915(c) of the Social Security Act, to remove cost containment service limits, allow individuals to transfer between waivers when medically necessary for services to continue to ensure health and safety, update respite and flexible family support service provider requirements in the CDS option to match … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: MDCP Waiver Change