Garlo Ward, P.C.

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Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Buy-In, Medical Board, GME

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The following information was obtained from the July 23 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intends to submit Amendment 798, Transmittal Number TX 10-046, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, which would exempt certain groups enrolled in the Medicaid Buy-in program from being required to pay premiums or other cost sharing charges. See the Texas Register for details. Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board proposes … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Buy-In, Medical Board, GME

The Return of Debtor’s Prisons

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As this article states, Debtors Prisons were abolished in America in the 1800's. Collection companies are now using courts as their personal debt collection agencies by having debtors thrown in jail based on contempt charges for missing hearings. The rub? The collection companies are effecting this by failing to give debtors notice of the hearings! The question I have? WHY AREN'T THE JUDGES SUFFICIENTLY VETTING THE NOTICE ISSUE?! One solution? We have elections coming up. Find out … [Read more...] about The Return of Debtor’s Prisons

DADS News Alerts: MDS Mentor Newsletter, CWP Operations

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DADS has made available the June 2010 issue of The MDS Mentor, written by Cheryl Shiffer, Texas MDS RAI Coordinator, and Andy Alegria, Texas MDS Automation Coordinator, for Minimum Data Set stakeholders. Articles include: The Correction Form and Section X Correcting Your MDS How to Address Validation Warnings Correcting the Hard Copy of MDS What Needs Sending When Medicaid is Pending? MDS News in Review DADS previously allowed CWP HCSSAs to use either the Form 3650, … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: MDS Mentor Newsletter, CWP Operations

NFs and Hospice providers:

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DADS released two information letters: NFs and Hospice providers: DADS offered guidelines and instructions to manage the most common errors that result in NF and Hospice claim rejections and denials. An excerpt: "Providers are encouraged to review and share this information with their billing staff to reduce errors and maximize efficiency. "During the first three quarters of the state Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 (September 2009 through May 2010), the Claims Management System (CMS) … [Read more...] about NFs and Hospice providers:

An Epistle from Procrustes: Putting Doctors on the Iron Bed

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My dearest Alexander (whose name means “ruler of men”): I have been referred to you by one of the most infamous Masters of the Universe, Caligula. By way of introduction, my name is Procrustes, the son of Poseidon and a robber-king in my own right. In mortality I was known to some as “The Subduer” and to others as “The Stretcher”; the first title acknowledges my domination of men, the latter describes the means I employed to achieve it – a method I am happy to share with you. MY STORY As … [Read more...] about An Epistle from Procrustes: Putting Doctors on the Iron Bed

Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board, Nursing Facilities

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The following information was obtained from the July 16 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on August 2, 2010, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payments for Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women, to be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Send written comments to the attention of Rate Analysis, HHSC, Rate Analysis, Mail … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board, Nursing Facilities

Look Back: 111th Congress has Taken Active Role in Shaping Employer Actions

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In a few weeks, the United States Congress will take a late-summer recess before returning to close out the 111th Congress. Now is a good time to take stock of some of the recent federal law changes, and legislation still being considered, that affect employers and their employment policies. More than most, this Congress has enacted numerous and substantial changes to the federal employment laws. As an employer, if you haven't done a thorough review of your employee policy manual in the past … [Read more...] about Look Back: 111th Congress has Taken Active Role in Shaping Employer Actions

Provider and Information Letters: ADC, DAHS, NFs

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DADS released a provider/information letter and an information letter: Adult Day Care Providers (ADC) Contracted to Provide Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS): When a licensed ADC facility that contracts with DADS to provide DAHS intends to relocate, the ADC must meet certain requirements to continue its licensing status and contracting relationship with DADS. (Letter) NFs: CMS is releasing a 3.0 version of the MDS assessments, effective October 1, 2010. An excerpt: MDS 2.0 … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: ADC, DAHS, NFs

Texas Doctors May Drop State Medicaid

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As Medicare goes, so goes Medicaid. Physicians in Texas are leaving Medicare, according to the Houston Chronicle. In the last two years, about 350 Texas doctors have dropped the program. In 2008, 62 percent of Texas doctors opting out of Medicare were primary care physicians. Something similar is happening with Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families. NBC reports that over three million poor and disabled people in the state are covered by … [Read more...] about Texas Doctors May Drop State Medicaid