Question:
We represent a Rural Health Clinic (RHC) and/or Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that received a letter from CMS in 2014 stating on January 1, 2015, we will begin receiving the 2015 PQRS negative payment adjustment on all Part B covered professional services under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). Why are we receiving this? We thought we were ineligible.
Answer:
Services furnished by RHCs and FQHCs are not eligible for the PQRS incentive payment and are not subject to the PQRS negative payment adjustment. Only covered professional services furnished by eligible health care professionals (EPs) that are paid under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) are eligible for PQRS.
Please review the Tax Identification Number (TIN)/National Provider Identifier (NPI) combination included in the letter received from CMS, as this is the individual provider to whom the 2015 payment adjustment will apply, not the clinic or facility. An example of why a physician who practices at an RHC/FQHC may be subject to the 2015 payment adjustment is that (s)he bills non-RHC or non-FQHC services under the MPFS via the 1500 claim form. The provider’s contact information used to send the 2015 PQRS negative payment adjustment letters was gathered from the Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS). Letters that include only a TIN apply to the entire group practice as the TIN is registered to participate in the 2013 PQRS GPRO. The group’s contact information used to send the 2015 PQRS negative payment adjustment letters was gathered from the 2013 PQRS GPRO registration or self-nomination system.
CMS would also like to remind participants that there are no hardship or low volume exemptions for the PQRS payment adjustment. All EPs who billed Medicare Part B for non-RHC/FQHC services in 2013 must have satisfactorily reported PQRS in order to avoid the 2015 negative payment adjustment.
As outlined in the 2015 PQRS payment adjustment letter, if you believe that the 2015 PQRS payment adjustment is being applied in error, you can submit an informal review request. All informal review requests must be submitted via a web-based tool, the Quality Reporting Communication Support Page (Communication Support Page), during the informal review period, January 1, 2015 through February 28, 2015.
Please contact the QualityNet Help Desk at 1-866-288-8912 (TTY 1-877-715-6222) or via qnetsupport@hcqis.org for help with questions. They are available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time Monday through Friday.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Medicare Part A and B News-Jurisdiction H for January 29th, 2015
The following information is provided by Novitas Solutions.
Website Satisfaction Surveys
Have you completed a website satisfaction survey recently? Novitas Solutions randomly offers customers a website satisfaction survey (which we encourage you to take every 30 days) that gives you a direct line to provide your feedback. Tell us your thoughts on our most recent enhancements or if you’d like to see other improvements to our website. Each completed survey is reviewed by a team of experts, who continually look for ways to improve your web experience.
NEW enhancements as of January 2015:
Website Satisfaction Surveys
Have you completed a website satisfaction survey recently? Novitas Solutions randomly offers customers a website satisfaction survey (which we encourage you to take every 30 days) that gives you a direct line to provide your feedback. Tell us your thoughts on our most recent enhancements or if you’d like to see other improvements to our website. Each completed survey is reviewed by a team of experts, who continually look for ways to improve your web experience.
NEW enhancements as of January 2015:
- Better Page Navigation (using the forward/backwards arrow in your browser)
- Major Performance Upgrades (increases in overall site performance and faster page load times)
- Page Titles (browser tabs will now display the name of the page)
- Minor enhancements to web search (in follow up to our search upgrades last November, we continue to fine-tune the search results to be more accurate)
Critical Access Hospital Relief Act
Sens. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and John Tester (D-Mont.) introduced the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act this week. CMS currently requires a physician to certify each patient is expected to be discharged or transferred under a 96 hard-hour-cap as part of a CAH's "condition of payment." The bill will align critical access hospitals (CAHs) condition of payment with their conditions of participation by removing a hard-hours-cap on patient stays
PS&R system
Effective February 9th, 2015, the existing system for controlling access to the PS&R applications hosted by CMS - IACS (Individuals Authorized for Access to CMS Computer Systems) - will be replaced by EIDM (Enterprise Identity Management). Going forward, individuals seeking to create new accounts, manage their existing accounts, or log into PS&R will no longer use IACS, but will instead use EIDM. Existing IACS accounts will be converted into EIDM accounts, retaining the existing User ID, password, profile information, and access rights. The login page and profile management screens will look different, but the functionality provided by EIDM is the same as that provided by IACS. The address for PS&R (https://psr-ui.cms.hhs.gov/psr-ui will not change as a result of this transition.
Between January 30th and February 8th, please note the following impacts due to the transition from IACS to EIDM:
1. Individuals will be unable to create new IACS accounts for accessing PS&R
2. Changes to existing IACS accounts will be allowed by the system, but none of these changes will be carried over to the new EIDM accounts (i.e. - Login, Change Password or Personal Information, or add/modify access to CMS applications, etc...)
3. Migration activities will take place ensuring that users with existing IACS accounts are transitioned over to the EIDM system
4. Access to PS&R will continue to be available using existing IACS accounts
The exact timeframe during which PS&R may be inaccessible as part of this transition is still TBD. A subsequent communication will be sent once this has been finalized.
While existing IACS accounts will be transitioned over for use in EIDM, security questions and answers currently established in IACS will NOT be a part of the migration. These questions are currently used to enable expired or forgotten password resets without having to contact the service desk, EUS (External User Services), for assistance. Upon successful login to the new EIDM account management system, you will be asked to establish new security questions and answers.
In light of this, it is strongly encouraged that all PS&R users login to their IACS account prior to January 30th, 2015 to change their password (The “Change Password” option can be found at the following location: https://idm.cms.hhs.gov/idm/user/). This will ensure that an individual will not have to contact EUS for assistance with their password change when EIDM is made available on February 9th, 2015.
Note: DO NOT register for a new User ID in EIDM prior to the transition as this will cause complications for your account.
For any users which have a domain whitelist in place (a list of allowed websites at your worksite), the following domains need to be added to that whitelist to allow access to EIDM profile management, the application’s new login screen, etc.:
If at any point you are in need of support regarding your IACS / EIDM account, please contact EUS using the following information:
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 7am - 7pm EST
866-484-8049
866-523-4759 TTY/TDD
eussupport@cgi.com
https://eus.custhelp.com/
Additional information regarding the transition may be posted at CMS’s IACS Information page: www.cms.gov/IACS
Between January 30th and February 8th, please note the following impacts due to the transition from IACS to EIDM:
1. Individuals will be unable to create new IACS accounts for accessing PS&R
2. Changes to existing IACS accounts will be allowed by the system, but none of these changes will be carried over to the new EIDM accounts (i.e. - Login, Change Password or Personal Information, or add/modify access to CMS applications, etc...)
3. Migration activities will take place ensuring that users with existing IACS accounts are transitioned over to the EIDM system
4. Access to PS&R will continue to be available using existing IACS accounts
The exact timeframe during which PS&R may be inaccessible as part of this transition is still TBD. A subsequent communication will be sent once this has been finalized.
While existing IACS accounts will be transitioned over for use in EIDM, security questions and answers currently established in IACS will NOT be a part of the migration. These questions are currently used to enable expired or forgotten password resets without having to contact the service desk, EUS (External User Services), for assistance. Upon successful login to the new EIDM account management system, you will be asked to establish new security questions and answers.
In light of this, it is strongly encouraged that all PS&R users login to their IACS account prior to January 30th, 2015 to change their password (The “Change Password” option can be found at the following location: https://idm.cms.hhs.gov/idm/user/). This will ensure that an individual will not have to contact EUS for assistance with their password change when EIDM is made available on February 9th, 2015.
Note: DO NOT register for a new User ID in EIDM prior to the transition as this will cause complications for your account.
For any users which have a domain whitelist in place (a list of allowed websites at your worksite), the following domains need to be added to that whitelist to allow access to EIDM profile management, the application’s new login screen, etc.:
- eidm.cms.gov
- portal.cms.gov
If at any point you are in need of support regarding your IACS / EIDM account, please contact EUS using the following information:
Contact Information
Hours of Operation: 7am - 7pm EST
866-484-8049
866-523-4759 TTY/TDD
eussupport@cgi.com
https://eus.custhelp.com/
Additional information regarding the transition may be posted at CMS’s IACS Information page: www.cms.gov/IACS
"Hangout" with us to learn more about Mental Health First Aid for Veterans
Mental Health First Aid for Veterans: Serving Those Who Have Served
Date: Monday, February 9, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST
Presenters: Bryan Gibb, National Mental Health First Aid instructor and director of public education at the National Council for Behavioral Health; Ottamissiah Moore, Mental Health First Aid for Veterans instructor
Join us for a Google Hangout on Monday, February 9 to learn more about how Mental Health First Aid for Veterans is working to support the men and women who have bravely served our country. Bryan Gibb, a national Mental Health First Aid instructor and director of public education at the National Council, and Ottamissiah Moore, a Mental Health First Aid for Veterans instructor and a member of the military community, will discuss what Mental Health First Aid for Veterans is and the many ways it can be used to make an impact on the veteran and military community.
Thirty percent of active duty and reserve military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have a mental health condition requiring treatment – about 730,000 men and women – with many experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression. Sadly, less than 50 percent of returning veterans in need receive any mental health treatment.
Mental Health First Aid for Veterans is a valuable resource that can make a difference in the lives of the more than 22 million veterans, their families, and the communities they live in.
To view the Google Hangout follow this link at 1:00 pm on Feb. 9 (the link will not be active until then).
Date: Monday, February 9, 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST
Presenters: Bryan Gibb, National Mental Health First Aid instructor and director of public education at the National Council for Behavioral Health; Ottamissiah Moore, Mental Health First Aid for Veterans instructor
Join us for a Google Hangout on Monday, February 9 to learn more about how Mental Health First Aid for Veterans is working to support the men and women who have bravely served our country. Bryan Gibb, a national Mental Health First Aid instructor and director of public education at the National Council, and Ottamissiah Moore, a Mental Health First Aid for Veterans instructor and a member of the military community, will discuss what Mental Health First Aid for Veterans is and the many ways it can be used to make an impact on the veteran and military community.
Thirty percent of active duty and reserve military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have a mental health condition requiring treatment – about 730,000 men and women – with many experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression. Sadly, less than 50 percent of returning veterans in need receive any mental health treatment.
Mental Health First Aid for Veterans is a valuable resource that can make a difference in the lives of the more than 22 million veterans, their families, and the communities they live in.
To view the Google Hangout follow this link at 1:00 pm on Feb. 9 (the link will not be active until then).
Update from the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
The Rural Assistance Center will be hosting a two part webinar series from the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services. Part one in the series will focus on the policy briefs the committee has issued on rural healthcare. Part two in the series will cover the briefs issued on rural human services. Please join RAC for these free webinars.
Featured Speakers:
Committee Chair Ronnie Musgrove, along with several other NACRHHS members
Part One of Two
Title: Health Update from The National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Time: 11:00 am Pacific, 12:00 pm Mountain, 1:00 pm Central, 2:00 pm Eastern
The National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services has issued several recent Policy Briefs on rural healthcare. Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the Committee has focused much of its work on how the ACA would be implemented in rural America. The webinar will address two briefs that cover enrollment in and pricing of insurance plans and premiums for rural populations on the 2014 Health Insurance Marketplaces. The third brief discusses the provision of hospice benefits to the rural population.
Part Two of Two
Title: Human Services Update from The National Advisory Committee on Rural and Human Services
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2015
Time: 11:00 am Pacific, 12:00 pm Mountain, 1:00 pm Central, 2:00 pm Eastern
The National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services will discuss its recent Policy Briefs on Rural Humans Services. In its first Policy Brief, the Committee examined the intersection of federal human services programs and rural poverty and included two case studies about two different types of anchor organizations to coordinate rural Human Services. In the other Policy Brief they discuss the unique needs and characteristics of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in rural America.
About the Rural Assistance Center
The Rural Assistance Center is a free, federally funded resource that provides information to help build quality health and human services in rural America. RAC is funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.
Connecting to the Webinar
Please note, there are a limited number of seats available; however, we hope to make a recording available on our website after the live event. This webinar is free. A phone connection and high-speed internet are required to participate. Connection details will be emailed to you prior to the event.
If you have questions or problems with the registration process, please contact Cathy Westerhausen at cathyw@raconline.org or 701.777.0584.
Featured Speakers:
Committee Chair Ronnie Musgrove, along with several other NACRHHS members
Part One of Two
Title: Health Update from The National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Time: 11:00 am Pacific, 12:00 pm Mountain, 1:00 pm Central, 2:00 pm Eastern
The National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services has issued several recent Policy Briefs on rural healthcare. Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the Committee has focused much of its work on how the ACA would be implemented in rural America. The webinar will address two briefs that cover enrollment in and pricing of insurance plans and premiums for rural populations on the 2014 Health Insurance Marketplaces. The third brief discusses the provision of hospice benefits to the rural population.
- Affordable Care Act Plans and Premiums in Rural America, July 2014
- Rural Implications of the Affordable Care Act Outreach, Education, and Enrollment, January 2014
- Rural Implications of Changes to the Medicare Hospice Benefit, August 2013
Part Two of Two
Title: Human Services Update from The National Advisory Committee on Rural and Human Services
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2015
Time: 11:00 am Pacific, 12:00 pm Mountain, 1:00 pm Central, 2:00 pm Eastern
The National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services will discuss its recent Policy Briefs on Rural Humans Services. In its first Policy Brief, the Committee examined the intersection of federal human services programs and rural poverty and included two case studies about two different types of anchor organizations to coordinate rural Human Services. In the other Policy Brief they discuss the unique needs and characteristics of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in rural America.
- Homelessness in Rural America, July 2014
- The Intersection of Rural Poverty and Federal Human Services Programs, January 2014
The Rural Assistance Center is a free, federally funded resource that provides information to help build quality health and human services in rural America. RAC is funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.
Connecting to the Webinar
Please note, there are a limited number of seats available; however, we hope to make a recording available on our website after the live event. This webinar is free. A phone connection and high-speed internet are required to participate. Connection details will be emailed to you prior to the event.
If you have questions or problems with the registration process, please contact Cathy Westerhausen at cathyw@raconline.org or 701.777.0584.
CO Suicide Prevention Conference: Elevate the Conversation
Learning from Lived Experience: Suicide Attempt Survivors Share Insights in Recovery Process
First of its Kind Critical Skills Training Seminar for Suicide Risk Assessment, Management, Recovery and Bereavement Support
February 26th and 27th
University of Denver
“Not about us without us,” has been the emerging mantra of people living with suicidal thoughts and behaviors as they come forward to help shape the conversation about treatment and recovery. For far too many years suicide prevention has not engaged the perspectives of those who have lived through suicidal experiences. Because of social stigma and fear, as well as personal shame, a culture of silence prevailed. At the University of Denver on February 26th and 27th, mental health service professionals and peer supporters will have the opportunity to benefit from the lived experience of suicide attempt survivors and those impacted by suicide death. The 3rd Elevate the Conversation training serves to a bridge a conversation about suicide prevention between mental health policy makers, providers and consumer advocates. For more information: https://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50819/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=79437
The workshop is collaboratively supported by the Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network, Carson J Spencer Foundation, Colorado Psychological Association, Judi’s House, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado, SAMHSA, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Graduate School of Professional Psychology.
This program is approved for 4.5 hours of continuing education. The University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology(GSPP) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GSPP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Registration and payment for CE hours available at the event only, during morning check-in. CE hours for this event cost $35 and can be paid for with cash or check only.
First of its Kind Critical Skills Training Seminar for Suicide Risk Assessment, Management, Recovery and Bereavement Support
February 26th and 27th
University of Denver
“Not about us without us,” has been the emerging mantra of people living with suicidal thoughts and behaviors as they come forward to help shape the conversation about treatment and recovery. For far too many years suicide prevention has not engaged the perspectives of those who have lived through suicidal experiences. Because of social stigma and fear, as well as personal shame, a culture of silence prevailed. At the University of Denver on February 26th and 27th, mental health service professionals and peer supporters will have the opportunity to benefit from the lived experience of suicide attempt survivors and those impacted by suicide death. The 3rd Elevate the Conversation training serves to a bridge a conversation about suicide prevention between mental health policy makers, providers and consumer advocates. For more information: https://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50819/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=79437
The workshop is collaboratively supported by the Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network, Carson J Spencer Foundation, Colorado Psychological Association, Judi’s House, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado, SAMHSA, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Graduate School of Professional Psychology.
This program is approved for 4.5 hours of continuing education. The University of Denver Graduate School of Professional Psychology(GSPP) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GSPP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Registration and payment for CE hours available at the event only, during morning check-in. CE hours for this event cost $35 and can be paid for with cash or check only.
New SAMSHA Grant Opportunities
Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Adult and Family Drug Courts
01/23/2015 10:10 PM EST
Application Due Date: Friday, March 27, 2015
Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $325,000
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2015 Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Adult and Family Treatment Drug Courts. The purpose of this program is to expand and/or enhance substance abuse treatment services in existing adult and family “problem solving” courts, which use the treatment drug court model in order to provide alcohol and drug treatment (...
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Health Professions Student Training
01/20/2015 11:44 AM EST
Application Due Date: Friday, March 27, 2015
Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $315,000
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2015 Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Health Professions Student Training (SBIRT- Student Training) grants. The purpose of this program is to develop and implement training programs to teach students in health professions (physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, counselors,...
View All Grant Opportunities
01/23/2015 10:10 PM EST
Application Due Date: Friday, March 27, 2015
Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $325,000
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2015 Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Adult and Family Treatment Drug Courts. The purpose of this program is to expand and/or enhance substance abuse treatment services in existing adult and family “problem solving” courts, which use the treatment drug court model in order to provide alcohol and drug treatment (...
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Health Professions Student Training
01/20/2015 11:44 AM EST
Application Due Date: Friday, March 27, 2015
Anticipated Award Amount: Up to $315,000
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2015 Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Health Professions Student Training (SBIRT- Student Training) grants. The purpose of this program is to develop and implement training programs to teach students in health professions (physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, counselors,...
View All Grant Opportunities
SAMHSA's Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center
News and Updates from SAMHSA:
Among deployed and non-deployed active duty veterans who served during the Iraq or Afghanistan wars between 2001 and 2007, the rate of suicide was greatest the first 3 years after leaving service, according to a recent study. Compared to the U.S. population, both deployed and non-deployed veterans had a higher risk of suicide, but a lower risk of death from other causes combined. Deployed veterans also had a lower risk of suicide compared to non-deployed veterans.
Read more…
Virginia Governor McAuliffe Announces Veterans and Military Families Legislation
Governor Terry McAuliffe announced a series of legislative proposals aimed at enhancing employment and educational opportunities for Virginia veterans as part of his ongoing effort to build a new Virginia economy. The Governor’s agenda would also strengthen Virginia’s support to military families and defense installations across the Commonwealth.
Read more…
New Mexico Veterans’ Services and Military Affairs to Honor Military Spouses and Families
The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services and the New Mexico Department of Military Affairs invite residents to attend and be a part of Military and Veterans Day at the state Legislature on February 25 at the State Capitol in Santa Fe. There will be a special noon ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda for this annual day during the Legislature, which honors military veterans, retirees, active-duty, and guard/reserve members.
Read more…
What's at California 0800? Help for Veterans
Zero 800 is military talk for 8:00 a.m., the time when most suit- and tie-wearing workers arrive at the office. It’s also the name of a new effort to help military veterans settle into civilian life in San Diego County.
Read more…
Hagel Initiatives Enable Veteran, Military Support Organizations
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has set policy emphasizing the importance of relationships with veteran and military service organizations, as well as military support nonprofits, through initiatives to give the groups access to service members and their families.
Read more…
Dogs of War: Exclusive Interview with Lindsey Stanek
On Veterans Day, A&E launched Dogs of War, a new docu-series that shines a much-needed light on the record number of military vets struggling with emotional complications brought back from the battlefield. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction are two of the biggest issues veterans face once home.
Read more…
Program Aims to Reduce Homelessness Among Missouri Veterans
They served their nation and in many cases put their own lives on the line, but a large number of Missouri veterans are now homeless, which is why one nonprofit is reaching out to help connect them with the resources and skills they need to get back on their feet.
Read more…
Louisville Battle Cry: No More Homeless Veterans
Back home from a difficult Army tour in Iraq, it didn't take long for Kyle O'Hair's life to unravel. There were nightmares, anxiety, and memories of death. He got hooked on drugs. He divorced. He spent time in jail. And he found himself homeless, haunting soup kitchens and shelters.
Read more…
In a U.S. First, New Orleans Finds Homes for All Its Homeless Veterans
Most people celebrate the New Year by making resolutions. The city of New Orleans rang in 2015 by keeping one. At 6:00 p.m. on January 2, social workers in New Orleans moved the city’s last known homeless veteran into his new apartment – becoming the first U.S. city to effectively eliminate veteran homelessness.
Read more…
Anchorage Behavioral Health Center to Offer Military Care
Military service members in Anchorage will soon have inpatient behavioral health services from a facility program now providing services for youth. KTUU reports that North Star Behavioral Health plans to turn its Bragaw Street facility into a 36-bed acute unit for adults.
Read more…
ICD-10 News: CMS Resources
CMS ICD-10 Resources
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers resources to help the health care community prepare for the October 1, 2015, ICD-10 transition. No matter where you are in the process, CMS has resources to help you prepare.
ICD-10 Basics
Basic resources are a great place to start if you are looking for the background and benefits of the ICD-10 transition. These resources include overviews tailored by audience, including small and rural practices, payers, and non-covered entities.
Communication between health care providers, software vendors, clearinghouses, and billing services is vital to a successful transition. Learn how to get the conversation started with these resources:
Available on the Provider Resources page, the "Road to 10" tool is an online resource built with input from providers in small practices. Intended to help small medical practices jumpstart their ICD-10 transition, "Road to 10" includes specialty references and the capability to build tailored action plans.
Medscape Education Modules
CMS has released two videos and an expert column to help providers prepare for ICD-10. These Medscape education modules offer an overview of ICD-10 for small practices. Continuing medical education (CME) and nursing continuing education (CE) credits are available to providers who complete these resources. Anyone with a free Medscape account can receive a certificate of completion. You can find these resources on the Provider Resources page.
Keep Up to Date on ICD-10
Visit the CMS ICD-10 website for the latest news and resources to help you prepare. Sign up for CMS ICD-10 Industry Email Updates and follow us on Twitter.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers resources to help the health care community prepare for the October 1, 2015, ICD-10 transition. No matter where you are in the process, CMS has resources to help you prepare.
ICD-10 Basics
Basic resources are a great place to start if you are looking for the background and benefits of the ICD-10 transition. These resources include overviews tailored by audience, including small and rural practices, payers, and non-covered entities.
- The ICD-10 Transition: An Introduction
- ICD-10 Basics for Medical Practices
- ICD-10 Basics for Small and Rural Practices
- ICD-10 Basics for Payers
- The ICD-10 Transition: Focus on Non-Covered Entities
Communication between health care providers, software vendors, clearinghouses, and billing services is vital to a successful transition. Learn how to get the conversation started with these resources:
- Talking to Your Vendors About ICD-10: Tips for Medical Practices
- Questions to Ask Your Systems Vendors about ICD-10
- The Role of Clearinghouses in ICD-10
- Talking to Your Customers About ICD-10: Tips for Software Vendors
Available on the Provider Resources page, the "Road to 10" tool is an online resource built with input from providers in small practices. Intended to help small medical practices jumpstart their ICD-10 transition, "Road to 10" includes specialty references and the capability to build tailored action plans.
Medscape Education Modules
CMS has released two videos and an expert column to help providers prepare for ICD-10. These Medscape education modules offer an overview of ICD-10 for small practices. Continuing medical education (CME) and nursing continuing education (CE) credits are available to providers who complete these resources. Anyone with a free Medscape account can receive a certificate of completion. You can find these resources on the Provider Resources page.
Keep Up to Date on ICD-10
Visit the CMS ICD-10 website for the latest news and resources to help you prepare. Sign up for CMS ICD-10 Industry Email Updates and follow us on Twitter.
Registration Open! National Rural EMS Conference: Building Integration & Leadership for the Future
National Rural EMS Conference: Building Integration & Leadership for the Future
WHEN: May 5-6, 2015
WHERE: Cheyenne, Wyoming
COST: $200 (includes meals)
WHO’S INVITED: Rural EMS Directors, State EMS Officials, State Offices of Rural Health, Flex Program Managers, hospital administrators, elected officials, medical directors & other interested EMS partners.
LEARN ABOUT: The future of rural EMS, community paramedicine, systems of care, performance improvement, ambulance service sustainability, rural EMS education, simulation in motion, and more.
DRAFT AGENDA: Click here.
REGISTRATION: https://www.regonline.com/EMS15
LODGING:
Little America Hotel, 2800 West Lincolnway, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009
For reservations phone: 800.445.6945
Group rates from $99 - $129, depending upon your needs and room availability.
Room block name: Rural EMS Conference
HOST: Joint Committee on Rural Emergency Care
-National Association of State EMS Officials
-National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
-National Rural Health Resource Center
-National Rural Health Association
CONFERENCE WEBSITE: http://nosorh.org/calendar-events/national-rural-ems-conference/
TRAVEL TO CHEYENNE: There are a number of options for getting to Cheyenne.
1. Air: Great Lakes Airlines - offers connections to United Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
2. Rental Car: Cheyenne is 100 miles or 90 minutes from Denver.
3. Shuttle: GreenRide – 888.472.6656 or http://greenrideco.com/.
VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES: Click here.
QUESTIONS: Contact Stephanie Hansen at 208.375.0407
WHEN: May 5-6, 2015
WHERE: Cheyenne, Wyoming
COST: $200 (includes meals)
WHO’S INVITED: Rural EMS Directors, State EMS Officials, State Offices of Rural Health, Flex Program Managers, hospital administrators, elected officials, medical directors & other interested EMS partners.
LEARN ABOUT: The future of rural EMS, community paramedicine, systems of care, performance improvement, ambulance service sustainability, rural EMS education, simulation in motion, and more.
DRAFT AGENDA: Click here.
REGISTRATION: https://www.regonline.com/EMS15
LODGING:
Little America Hotel, 2800 West Lincolnway, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009
For reservations phone: 800.445.6945
Group rates from $99 - $129, depending upon your needs and room availability.
Room block name: Rural EMS Conference
HOST: Joint Committee on Rural Emergency Care
-National Association of State EMS Officials
-National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
-National Rural Health Resource Center
-National Rural Health Association
CONFERENCE WEBSITE: http://nosorh.org/calendar-events/national-rural-ems-conference/
TRAVEL TO CHEYENNE: There are a number of options for getting to Cheyenne.
1. Air: Great Lakes Airlines - offers connections to United Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
2. Rental Car: Cheyenne is 100 miles or 90 minutes from Denver.
3. Shuttle: GreenRide – 888.472.6656 or http://greenrideco.com/.
VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES: Click here.
QUESTIONS: Contact Stephanie Hansen at 208.375.0407
Thursday, January 22, 2015
ACA Implementation News
The latest issue of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing’s ACA Implementation News is now available online here. Please feel free to forward this along to your colleagues that may find the content of interest.
If you would like to receive ACA Implementation News or our ACA Communication Updates please click here.
If you would like to receive ACA Implementation News or our ACA Communication Updates please click here.
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
The 2015 National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program application cycle is now open and will close on March 30, 2015 at 7:30 PM EST.
This Program provides loan repayment assistance to licensed primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health providers who serve in communities with limited access to health care. There are both full-time and half-time service options.
The 2015 application cycle is expected to be competitive. On average, it can take up to three weeks to complete an application so applicants are encouraged to apply early. This year the process may improve for applicants, now that some loan information can be automatically populated by the National Student Loan Data System.
Available resources include the Application and Program Guidance and instructions on how to apply.
Technical assistance provided by NHSC program staff is available during the following dates:
NHSC Loan Repayment Application & Program Guidelines Webinar
February 3, 2015 from 8:00 – 9:30 PM EST
Access link: https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/nhsclrp2015/
Dial-in Number: 1-888-391-6801
Passcode: 8081979
* To participate in the webinar, you will need to use both the access link and the dial-in number.
NHSC Loan Repayment Technical Assistance Conference Call #1
February 18, 2015 from 8:00 – 10:00 PM EST
Dial-in Number: 1-888-391-6801
Passcode: 8081979
NHSC Loan Repayment Technical Assistance Conference Call #2
March 11, 2015 from 8:00 – 10:00 PM EST
Dial-in Number: 1-888-391-6801
Passcode: 8081979
This Program provides loan repayment assistance to licensed primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health providers who serve in communities with limited access to health care. There are both full-time and half-time service options.
The 2015 application cycle is expected to be competitive. On average, it can take up to three weeks to complete an application so applicants are encouraged to apply early. This year the process may improve for applicants, now that some loan information can be automatically populated by the National Student Loan Data System.
Available resources include the Application and Program Guidance and instructions on how to apply.
Technical assistance provided by NHSC program staff is available during the following dates:
NHSC Loan Repayment Application & Program Guidelines Webinar
February 3, 2015 from 8:00 – 9:30 PM EST
Access link: https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/nhsclrp2015/
Dial-in Number: 1-888-391-6801
Passcode: 8081979
* To participate in the webinar, you will need to use both the access link and the dial-in number.
NHSC Loan Repayment Technical Assistance Conference Call #1
February 18, 2015 from 8:00 – 10:00 PM EST
Dial-in Number: 1-888-391-6801
Passcode: 8081979
NHSC Loan Repayment Technical Assistance Conference Call #2
March 11, 2015 from 8:00 – 10:00 PM EST
Dial-in Number: 1-888-391-6801
Passcode: 8081979
Thursday, January 15, 2015
CREATE Webinar!
Are you interested in applying for a CREATE grant? Have you applied before and want to make your application even stronger? Well, we have got a sweet deal for you! Join us for a free webinar to review the CREATE grant application process and learn about changes to the procedures and requirements. We will cover online navigation, the online application process, what makes an application successful and much more.
Join us January 29th from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. MST. There will be plenty of time for Q & A. Start 2015 as a CREATE Grant Pro!
Click here to register:
https://cc.readytalk.com/r/7epqgyalcv0j&eom
Join us January 29th from 11:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. MST. There will be plenty of time for Q & A. Start 2015 as a CREATE Grant Pro!
Click here to register:
https://cc.readytalk.com/r/7epqgyalcv0j&eom
Medicare Part B News-Jurisdiction H for January 15th, 2015
The following information is provided by Novitas Solutions.
Top Claim Submission Errors (Medicare Part B)
The December Top Claim Submission Errors and resolutions are now available. Please take a moment to review these errors and avoid them on future claim submissions.
Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Articles from CMS
New:
Medicare Part A News-Jurisdiction H for January 15th, 2015
The following information is provided by Novitas Solutions.
Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Articles from CMS
New:
Revised:
Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Articles from CMS
New:
Revised:
Telemedicine Services: Now the Leading Edge
From the Arizona Telemedicine Program:
Telemedicine Services: Now the Leading EdgeBy Nancy Rowe on January 15, 2015
“What was the single most important development in telemedicine, telehealth and/or teleradiology in 2014?”
That question was just posed by a colleague in an email to several telemedicine industry leaders.
Read more here
Telemedicine Services: Now the Leading EdgeBy Nancy Rowe on January 15, 2015
“What was the single most important development in telemedicine, telehealth and/or teleradiology in 2014?”
That question was just posed by a colleague in an email to several telemedicine industry leaders.
Read more here
Webinar: Credentialing, Licensing, and Reimbursing Peers Working to Support the Behavioral Health of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
Credentialing, Licensing, and Reimbursing Peers Working to
Support the Behavioral Health of
Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
Date: January 28, 2015
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m. EST
The role of peers is becoming recognized as invaluable to supporting the behavioral health of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF). Workforce development includes peer support services as an essential component to meeting this need. Credentialing and licensing SMVF peers can play an important role in workforce development. Although most states now have credentialing and licensing for peer support services, new enhancements include tailoring services to the unique needs of SMVF. This webinar will explore the trends and benefits of credentialing, licensing, and reimbursement for peer support services to enhance care for SMVF in your community.
Objectives
- Explore peer support models that use credentialing, licensing, and reimbursement in military and civilian behavioral health systems
- Identify approaches that include standards, essential core competencies, and best practices for meeting Medicaid requirements for reimbursement of SMVF peer services
- Describe how peers can work in collaboration with managed care entities that operate state behavioral health contracts
Target Audience
Representatives serving SMVF from state, territory, and tribal behavioral health systems, providers, mental health and addiction peers, military family coalitions, advocates, credentialing entities, and licensing boards
Presenters
Keris Jän Myrick, M.S., M.B.A., Director, Consumer Affairs, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Donna Aligata, R.N.C., Project Director, SAMHSA’s SMVF Technical Assistance Center, Policy Research Associates, Inc.
Sue Bergeson, Vice President of Consumer and Family Affairs, OptumHealth
Wendy White Tiegreen, M.S.W., Director, Medicaid and Health System Innovation, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
Click here to register prior to the event: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/300381442973075969
Please note:
- Participants will only be able to hear the webinar through their computer via headphones or speakers
- Participants are asked to test their system before the broadcast
- The webinar archive will be made available to registrants after the webinar
If you have any questions about your registration, please contact Lisa Guerin, Senior Administrative Assistant, at 518-439-7415 ext. 5242 or by e-mail at lguerin@prainc.com.
Presenter Biographies
Donna Aligata, R.N.C. | Project Director, SAMHSA’s SMVF TA Center, Policy Research Associates, Inc.
Ms. Aligata is the Project Director for SAMHSA’s SMVF TA Center at Policy Research Associates. In this capacity, she provides technical assistance to 46 states, 4 territories, and the District of Columbia. She has served as the moderator of 20 SAMHSA Policy Academies since 1992. She brings technical experience in substance abuse and mental health recovery and prevention priority areas. Ms. Aligata is nationally known for strategic planning and implementing recovery-oriented, policy-to-practice systems change. Ms. Aligata has worked on a wide variety of cross-agency federal, state, and community behavioral health initiatives, including serving as Project Director for 4 years of the SAMHSA, Centers for Disease Control, and Health Resources and Services Administration’s HIV Cross-Training Project, and serving as Deputy Director of SAMHSA’s Prison Technical Assistance Project. Ms. Aligata co-founded and served as the Executive Director of Connecticut Turning to Youth and Families, a nonprofit youth and family peer support organization. Ms. Aligata is a certified as a mental health nurse practitioner. She is a person in recovery. Ms. Aligata is married to a Vietnam veteran and comes from a military family.
Sue Bergeson | Vice President of Consumer and Family Affairs, OptumHealth
Ms. Bergeson is the Vice President of Consumer and Family Affairs for OptumHealth, the behavioral health arm of United Health Care, a large managed care company. Ms. Bergeson is responsible for developing behavioral health programs that help people living with mental illness and substance use disorders achieve long-term recovery and resiliency. She has brought peer support as a reimbursable service into OptumHealth including facilitating the creation of guidelines for level of care, reimbursement, statement of work, contracting, and credentials. She has developed training programs to teach consumer-run programs how to contract with managed care organizations to create sustainable funding through delivering peer-coaching programs. She has developed tools to help peer coaches assess and provide the right self-care tools and resources at the right time for the consumer being served. Before joining OptumHealth, Ms. Bergeson helped lead the country’s largest consumer-run national organization, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). She is a consumer of mental health services, comes from a family of mental health consumers, and has been deeply affected both personally and professionally by her sister’s death by suicide.
Keris Jän Myrick, M.S., M.B.A. | Director, Consumer Affairs, Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA
Ms. Myrick is the Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs at the Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA. The Office of Consumer Affairs supports the inclusion of Peer/Consumer perspectives and issues throughout the agency and supports such programs as the Voice Awards, SAMHSA Wellness Initiatives and Wellness Week, Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center, and the Recovery to Practice Project. She is a national mental health leader and former non-profit executive known for her innovative and inclusive approach to mental health reform and the public disclosure of her personal story of lived experience with serious mental illness. Most recently, she has been President and CEO of Project Return Peer Support Network, a Los Angeles-based, peer-run nonprofit. In addition, she has been the President of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and an advisor to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Office of Diversity and Health Equity, providing assistance with the psychiatry component of the SAMHSA/CMHS Recovery to Practice project. Ms. Myrick has a Master of Science degree in organizational psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology of Alliant International University. Her Master of Business Administration degree, with an emphasis on marketing, is from Case Western Reserve University. Ms. Myrick is the daughter of a two-time war veteran and retired Army officer, Dr. Howard A. Myrick (Colonel, retired), and is known for speaking about and using her lived experience as a military family member to inform her work and life.
Wendy White Tiegreen, M.S.W. | Director, Medicaid and Health System Innovation, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
Ms. Tiegreen is the Director of Medicaid and Health System Innovation for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities. Ms. Tiegreen has spent the majority of her career as the state behavioral health liaison to Georgia’s Medicaid authority. In that role, she was the primary mental health negotiator with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the original establishment of peer supports as a unique Medicaid-financed service. Recently, she has brokered with the Georgia Medicaid authority to expand peer support services. Ms. Tiegreen has over 20 years of professional experience working in service delivery and administration in the public behavioral health sector. In various roles, she has managed the contract for the state’s External Review Organization, as well as for the award-winning Georgia Crisis and Access Line. She is the Principle Investigator for a CMS grant which is establishing a Parent and Youth Peer workforce in Georgia.
COPrevent
This year marks the 70th anniversary of community water fluoridation in the United States. To commemorate the ongoing success of this effective, evidence-based public health achievement, the Campaign for Dental Health has put together a toolkit for health advocates on the subject of fluoridation. Content includes letters to the editor, talking points for city council or board meetings, and social media messages that can be tailored to fit your needs.
The Children's Dental Health Project and the Campaign for Dental Health are also hosting a webinar on Jan. 22 from 10-10:30 a.m. (MT) to help community members be prepared to talk about fluoridation topics with their neighbors, policymakers and friends. Registration is required.
The Children's Dental Health Project and the Campaign for Dental Health are also hosting a webinar on Jan. 22 from 10-10:30 a.m. (MT) to help community members be prepared to talk about fluoridation topics with their neighbors, policymakers and friends. Registration is required.
CMS MLN Connects Weekly Provider eNews
View this edition as a PDF
In This Edition:
MLN Connects™ National Provider Calls
Claims, Pricers, and Codes
Medicare Learning Network® Educational Products
In This Edition:
MLN Connects™ National Provider Calls
- ESRD QIP Payment Year 2017 and 2018 Final Rule — Last Chance to Register
- Volunteer for ICD-10 End-to-End Testing in April — Forms Due January 21
- Webinar for Comparative Billing Report on Modifier 59: Dermatology
- Open Payments Program Overview Video Tutorial Now Available
- Help Protect the Vision of Your Medicare Patients — Recommend Annual Glaucoma Screening
- Hospice Providers: Continue to Collect and Submit HIS Data in 2015
- Open Payments System Unavailable through Late January
Claims, Pricers, and Codes
- Adjustment of Some Home Health Claims: Update
Medicare Learning Network® Educational Products
- “FAQs – International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) Acknowledgement Testing and End-to-End Testing” MLN Matters® Article — Released
- “Ambulance Fee Schedule” Fact Sheet — Revised
- "Medicare Secondary Payer for Providers, Physicians, Other Suppliers, and Billing Staff” Fact Sheet — Revised
- "Avoiding Medicare Fraud and Abuse: A Roadmap for Physicians” Web-Based Training Course — Revised
Rural Research Alert: Nurse Staffing Levels and Quality of Care in Rural Nursing Homes
Nurse Staffing Levels and Quality of Care in Rural Nursing Homes
Current federal minimum staffing levels for certified nursing homes require one RN for at least eight hours per day, seven days per week, and one licensed nurse (RN or LPN) on duty the rest of the time. State minimum staffing level requirements for nursing facilities vary considerably. Consequently, nurse skill mix and nurse staffing levels per resident may vary significantly across facilities, making it important to consider these variables.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nurse staffing levels and care quality in rural nursing homes, and to assess potential differences between hospital-based and freestanding rural nursing homes.
Key Findings:
Contact Information:
Peiyin Hung, MSPH
University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
hungx068@umn.edu
Current federal minimum staffing levels for certified nursing homes require one RN for at least eight hours per day, seven days per week, and one licensed nurse (RN or LPN) on duty the rest of the time. State minimum staffing level requirements for nursing facilities vary considerably. Consequently, nurse skill mix and nurse staffing levels per resident may vary significantly across facilities, making it important to consider these variables.
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nurse staffing levels and care quality in rural nursing homes, and to assess potential differences between hospital-based and freestanding rural nursing homes.
Key Findings:
- Hospital-owned nursing homes in rural areas have higher nursing staffing levels than freestanding nursing homes.
- From 2006 to 2011, most quality of care measures for long-stay residents improved in both rural hospital-based and freestanding nursing homes.
- Higher registered nurse (RN) shares of nurse staffing [the ratio of RN FTEs divided by all RN FTEs and licensed practical nurse (LPN) FTEs] were associated with better quality in both rural hospital-based and freestanding nursing homes.
- On average, a rural facility had to have at least one RN FTE per four total nurse FTEs to significantly improve the composite quality measure for long-stay residents.
Contact Information:
Peiyin Hung, MSPH
University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
hungx068@umn.edu
Preventive Services provided in an RHC
Attached is a newly released document prepared by CMS (it is
also available on the CMS website) outlining coverage for ALL preventive
services provided in the RHC. This comprehensive list makes clear
that other than Diabetes Education and Medical Nutrition Therapy – ALL
preventive services otherwise covered by Medicare are covered if provided in an
RHC as a stand-alone service. If these services (other than the IPPE) are
provided in conjunction with another billable visit, the RHC only gets one visit
but the important point is that they can be provided as stand-alone visits and
will be paid at the AIR.
Rural Health Open Door Forum Update
The proposed agenda for the next Rural Health Open Door Forum scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2015 from 2:00pm-3:00pmET is as follows: Announcements & Updates: The Veterans Choice Program – a new opportunity for Veterans to receive health care services from community providers,http://www.raconline.org/pdf/vacaa-choice-program-and choice-card-011515.pdf, http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/documents/Choice-Program-Fact-Sheet-Final.pdf, http://www.nonvacare.va.gov/NONVACARE/PC3/docs/PC3FactSheet.pdf, http://www.raconline.org/pdf/veterans-choice-program-participation-factsheet.pdf; PQRS Update for RHC Providers; EHR Incentives Programs: Eligible Professional Attestation Deadline, Summary of Care #3 Update (FAQ #11666), Year for Medicare Hospitals to Earn Incentives; Open Q&A. This agenda is subject to change. If you wish to participate, dial 1-800-837-1935 Conference ID 12441352. Please see full participation announcement in the Downloads section. Thank you for your continued interest in the CMS Open Door Forums.
CORRECTION to Medicare Part A News - Jurisdiction H from 1/12/2015
The following article in yesterday's email was incomplete. Here is the corrected information below:
Proper use of ‘Medicare Treatment Authorization’ field
The “Medicare Treatment Authorization” field must contain blanks or valid Medicare data, or the claim will be returned to the provider (RTP) for correction starting January 5, 2015.
Starting January 5, 2015, the “Medicare Treatment Authorization” field must contain blanks or valid Medicare data in the first 14 bytes of the treatment authorization field for direct data entry (DDE) and hardcopy claims and at the loop 2300 REF02 (REF01=G1) segment for the ASC X12 837 claim.
Institutional claims submitted without blanks or valid data (see list below) will be returned to the provider with reason code 30729 for correction. PC-ACE Pro32 users should remove any invalid values being reported in the Add’l Ref No/Type field on the Extended Payer Tab of the Institutional Claim form.
Providers using another Vendor’s software should work with their system representatives or vendors to ensure the field complies with these instructions.
Valid data for the ‘Medicare Treatment Authorization’ field
The following list represents the current valid data used in the “Medicare Treatment Authorization field”; any other data (other than blanks or the valid data values listed below) will be returned to the provider (RTP) with reason code 30729.
Valid data in the loop 2300 REF02 (REF01=G1) segment for the ASC X12 837 claim may be any of the following values:
Proper use of ‘Medicare Treatment Authorization’ field
The “Medicare Treatment Authorization” field must contain blanks or valid Medicare data, or the claim will be returned to the provider (RTP) for correction starting January 5, 2015.
Starting January 5, 2015, the “Medicare Treatment Authorization” field must contain blanks or valid Medicare data in the first 14 bytes of the treatment authorization field for direct data entry (DDE) and hardcopy claims and at the loop 2300 REF02 (REF01=G1) segment for the ASC X12 837 claim.
Institutional claims submitted without blanks or valid data (see list below) will be returned to the provider with reason code 30729 for correction. PC-ACE Pro32 users should remove any invalid values being reported in the Add’l Ref No/Type field on the Extended Payer Tab of the Institutional Claim form.
Providers using another Vendor’s software should work with their system representatives or vendors to ensure the field complies with these instructions.
Valid data for the ‘Medicare Treatment Authorization’ field
The following list represents the current valid data used in the “Medicare Treatment Authorization field”; any other data (other than blanks or the valid data values listed below) will be returned to the provider (RTP) with reason code 30729.
Valid data in the loop 2300 REF02 (REF01=G1) segment for the ASC X12 837 claim may be any of the following values:
- Unique Tracking Number (UTN) = FIRST TWO POSITIONS OF UTN MUST BE ALPHA-NUMERIC AND NOT CONTAIN SPACES, THIRD POSITION OF UTN IS AN A OR H, LAST 11 POSITIONS OF UTN MUST BE NUMERIC AND NOT CONTAIN SPACES.
- TRIAL 49
- SPN66
- 64
- 56
- A/B REBILLING
- 54
- SPN65
- 07
- 08
- Valid 18-byte OASIS Treatment Number for Home Health claims
Webinar: Farmers and Ranchers: Making a Smart Choice for Health Insurance
Date: January 28, 2015
Time: 1:00-2:30 pm MT
Presented by national expert Dr. Roberta Riportella of the Kansas State University Extension
A panel of experts have been invited to answer questions, including:
Webinar Link: https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/acafarmers/
Call-in Number: 888-469-1349/ Participant Passcode: 5724564
Time: 1:00-2:30 pm MT
Presented by national expert Dr. Roberta Riportella of the Kansas State University Extension
A panel of experts have been invited to answer questions, including:
- v IRS
- v SBA
Webinar Link: https://hrsaseminar.adobeconnect.com/acafarmers/
Call-in Number: 888-469-1349/ Participant Passcode: 5724564
Attention All IACS Users!
Important Message Regarding IACS System Access Changes Coming Soon!
The CMS Individual Authorized Access to the CMS Computer Services (IACS) system access will be changing to a new platform called Enterprise Identity Management (EIDM) during the First Quarter of 2015. Please monitor the Novitas website for additional information on this change that will be forthcoming.
This change will affect and impact your business. Find out what you will need to do to ensure your access to the new system is available prior to this change below!
What is EIDM?
CMS has established the Enterprise Identity Management (EIDM) website to provide our Business Partners with a means to apply for, obtain approval, and receive a single User ID they can use to access one or more CMS applications.
How Does This Impact You?
Your existing accesses under IACS will be transitioned over and supported by the CMS EIDM System, during the First Quarter of 2015. See current IACS Applications that will be supported by EIDM below!
What You Need To Do
If you have an IACS User ID and password, you do not have to register again for a User ID and password. Continue to use your IACS User ID and password when you log in.
If you do not currently have access to IACS, and you are registering for one of the applications below prior to this transition, please continue to use the IACS registration procedures detailed on CMS website. If you choose to wait until after this transition, you will need to wait and register within the EIDM system.
How Will Novitas Solutions Assist You?
Novitas Solutions can only support and assist with questions regarding the Novitasphere Portal Application. Questions pertaining to applications other than the Novitasphere Portal must be directed to the helpdesk assigned for that application. Included below is a list of all applicable contact information.
Bundled Payments EFT
Bundled Payments EFT Help Desk
BundledPayments@cms.hhs.gov
COB
MAPD Help Desk
800-927-8069
mapdhelp@cms.hhs.gov
Monday - Friday 6am - 9pm EST
CPC
CPC Help Desk
800-381-4724
cpcisupport@telligen.org
Monday - Friday 6am - 10pm EST
Saturday 8am - 12pm EST
CSR
MAPD Help Desk
800-927-8069
mapdhelp@cms.hhs.gov
Monday - Friday 6am - 9pm EST
The CMS Individual Authorized Access to the CMS Computer Services (IACS) system access will be changing to a new platform called Enterprise Identity Management (EIDM) during the First Quarter of 2015. Please monitor the Novitas website for additional information on this change that will be forthcoming.
This change will affect and impact your business. Find out what you will need to do to ensure your access to the new system is available prior to this change below!
What is EIDM?
CMS has established the Enterprise Identity Management (EIDM) website to provide our Business Partners with a means to apply for, obtain approval, and receive a single User ID they can use to access one or more CMS applications.
How Does This Impact You?
Your existing accesses under IACS will be transitioned over and supported by the CMS EIDM System, during the First Quarter of 2015. See current IACS Applications that will be supported by EIDM below!
What You Need To Do
If you have an IACS User ID and password, you do not have to register again for a User ID and password. Continue to use your IACS User ID and password when you log in.
If you do not currently have access to IACS, and you are registering for one of the applications below prior to this transition, please continue to use the IACS registration procedures detailed on CMS website. If you choose to wait until after this transition, you will need to wait and register within the EIDM system.
How Will Novitas Solutions Assist You?
Novitas Solutions can only support and assist with questions regarding the Novitasphere Portal Application. Questions pertaining to applications other than the Novitasphere Portal must be directed to the helpdesk assigned for that application. Included below is a list of all applicable contact information.
Bundled Payments EFT
Bundled Payments EFT Help Desk
BundledPayments@cms.hhs.gov
COB
MAPD Help Desk
800-927-8069
mapdhelp@cms.hhs.gov
Monday - Friday 6am - 9pm EST
CPC
CPC Help Desk
800-381-4724
cpcisupport@telligen.org
Monday - Friday 6am - 10pm EST
Saturday 8am - 12pm EST
CSR
MAPD Help Desk
800-927-8069
mapdhelp@cms.hhs.gov
Monday - Friday 6am - 9pm EST
DMEPOS
CBIC Help Desk
877-577-5331
cbic.admin@palmettogba.com
ECRS
EDI Help Desk
646-458-6740
ecrshelp@ehmedicare.com
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm EST
CBIC Help Desk
877-577-5331
cbic.admin@palmettogba.com
ECRS
EDI Help Desk
646-458-6740
ecrshelp@ehmedicare.com
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm EST
Gentran
Gentran support
866-440-3805
mcare@cms.hhs.gov
HPG
MCARE Help Desk
866-440-3805
mcare@cms.hhs.gov
Internet Server
Internet Server support
ISV-Support@cms.hhs.gov
MDR
MAPD Help Desk
800-927-8069
mapdhelp@cms.hhs.gov
6am - 9pm EST
MED
EUS Help Desk
866-484-8049
866-523-4759 TTY/TDD
eussupport@cgi.com
7am - 7pm EST
myCGS
CGS DME JC Provider Call Center
1-866-270-4909
cgs.dme.mac.email.inquiries@cgsadmin.com
Monday - Friday 7am - 5pm CST
Novitasphere
Novitasphere Helpdesk
855-880-8424
websiteEDI@novitas-solutions.com
Monday - Friday 8am – 4pm EST
PQRS/eRx
QNet Help Desk
866-288-8912
qnetsupport@sdps.org
6am - 6pm EST
PS&R/STAR
EUS Help Desk
866-484-8049
866-523-4759 TTY/TDD
eussupport@cgi.com
7am - 7pm EST
PV/PQRS Registration System
Primary: QualityNet Helpdesk
Secondary: PV Helpdesk
Primary: 1-866-288-8912
qnetsupport@sdps.org
Secondary: 1-888-734-6433
pvhelpdesk@cms.hhs.gov
Monday - Friday 8am – 8pm EST
The SPOT
FCSO Helpdesk
904-791-8550
FCSOSpotHelp@FCSO.com
VMS Client Letter
VMS Help Desk
410-832-8308 (select option 1)
THD@vips.com
Monday – Friday 7am to 7pm EST
Gentran support
866-440-3805
mcare@cms.hhs.gov
HPG
MCARE Help Desk
866-440-3805
mcare@cms.hhs.gov
Internet Server
Internet Server support
ISV-Support@cms.hhs.gov
MDR
MAPD Help Desk
800-927-8069
mapdhelp@cms.hhs.gov
6am - 9pm EST
MED
EUS Help Desk
866-484-8049
866-523-4759 TTY/TDD
eussupport@cgi.com
7am - 7pm EST
myCGS
CGS DME JC Provider Call Center
1-866-270-4909
cgs.dme.mac.email.inquiries@cgsadmin.com
Monday - Friday 7am - 5pm CST
Novitasphere
Novitasphere Helpdesk
855-880-8424
websiteEDI@novitas-solutions.com
Monday - Friday 8am – 4pm EST
PQRS/eRx
QNet Help Desk
866-288-8912
qnetsupport@sdps.org
6am - 6pm EST
PS&R/STAR
EUS Help Desk
866-484-8049
866-523-4759 TTY/TDD
eussupport@cgi.com
7am - 7pm EST
PV/PQRS Registration System
Primary: QualityNet Helpdesk
Secondary: PV Helpdesk
Primary: 1-866-288-8912
qnetsupport@sdps.org
Secondary: 1-888-734-6433
pvhelpdesk@cms.hhs.gov
Monday - Friday 8am – 8pm EST
The SPOT
FCSO Helpdesk
904-791-8550
FCSOSpotHelp@FCSO.com
VMS Client Letter
VMS Help Desk
410-832-8308 (select option 1)
THD@vips.com
Monday – Friday 7am to 7pm EST
Webinar: Rural Healthcare Marketing in a Digital World
Rural Healthcare Marketing in a Digital World
Thursday, January 15, 2015
12:00-1:00 pm Central Time
"Our patients aren't online." This is a common roadblock rural healthcare marketers face when trying to expand digital marketing efforts. However, according to a Pew Research Center Internet Project, 87 percent of U.S. adults use the Internet on a regular basis, including 83 percent of people in rural communities.
So rural healthcare marketing efforts should be focusing on websites, SEM, SEO, social media and online reputation management. Because even if your facility isn't active online, other people may still be talking about you-and you might not like what they are saying.
Join Mike Milligan, president of Legato Healthcare Marketing, to learn how to not only build your brand in today's digital world, but also how to protect it. He'll discuss leveraging online elements like your website and online advertising-platforms where you determine the message-as well as managing your brand on social media and review sites, places where you can't always control what is being said.
After the presentation, you'll have a solid foundation-and the support you need-for taking your healthcare marketing online.
Learn more and register now.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
12:00-1:00 pm Central Time
"Our patients aren't online." This is a common roadblock rural healthcare marketers face when trying to expand digital marketing efforts. However, according to a Pew Research Center Internet Project, 87 percent of U.S. adults use the Internet on a regular basis, including 83 percent of people in rural communities.
So rural healthcare marketing efforts should be focusing on websites, SEM, SEO, social media and online reputation management. Because even if your facility isn't active online, other people may still be talking about you-and you might not like what they are saying.
Join Mike Milligan, president of Legato Healthcare Marketing, to learn how to not only build your brand in today's digital world, but also how to protect it. He'll discuss leveraging online elements like your website and online advertising-platforms where you determine the message-as well as managing your brand on social media and review sites, places where you can't always control what is being said.
After the presentation, you'll have a solid foundation-and the support you need-for taking your healthcare marketing online.
Learn more and register now.
Proper use of ‘Medicare Treatment Authorization’ field
The “Medicare Treatment Authorization” field must contain blanks or valid Medicare data, or the claim will be returned to the provider (RTP) for correction starting January 5, 2015.
Starting January 5, 2015, the “Medicare Treatment Authorization” field must contain blanks or valid Medicare data in the first 14 bytes of the treatment authorization field for direct data entry (DDE) and hardcopy claims and at the loop 2300 REF02 (REF01=G1) segment for the ASC X12 837 claim.
Institutional claims submitted without blanks or valid data (see list below) will be returned to the provider with reason code 30729 for correction. Providers should work with their system representatives or vendors to ensure the field complies with these instructions.
Valid data for the ‘Medicare Treatment Authorization’ field
The following list represents the current valid data used in the “Medicare Treatment Authorization field”; any other data (other than blanks or the valid data values listed below) will be returned to the provider (RTP) with reason code 30729.
Valid data in the loop 2300 REF02 (REF01=G1) segment for the ASC X12 837 claim may be any of the following values:
Starting January 5, 2015, the “Medicare Treatment Authorization” field must contain blanks or valid Medicare data in the first 14 bytes of the treatment authorization field for direct data entry (DDE) and hardcopy claims and at the loop 2300 REF02 (REF01=G1) segment for the ASC X12 837 claim.
Institutional claims submitted without blanks or valid data (see list below) will be returned to the provider with reason code 30729 for correction. Providers should work with their system representatives or vendors to ensure the field complies with these instructions.
Valid data for the ‘Medicare Treatment Authorization’ field
The following list represents the current valid data used in the “Medicare Treatment Authorization field”; any other data (other than blanks or the valid data values listed below) will be returned to the provider (RTP) with reason code 30729.
Valid data in the loop 2300 REF02 (REF01=G1) segment for the ASC X12 837 claim may be any of the following values:
- Unique Tracking Number (UTN) = FIRST TWO POSITIONS OF UTN MUST BE ALPHA-NUMERIC AND NOT CONTAIN SPACES, THIRD POSITION OF UTN IS AN A OR H, LAST 11 POSITIONS OF UTN MUST BE NUMERIC AND NOT CONTAIN SPACES.
- TRIAL 49
- SPN66
- 64
- 56
- A/B REBILLING
- 54
- SPN65
- 07
- 08
- Valid 18-byte OASIS Treatment Number for Home Health claims
Join us for Upcoming Swing Bed Webinars
Swing Bed Part I - Fri, Jan 30, 2015 - 11:00 AM MST
Click here to register
Join the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) for Part I in a 2-part webinar series on Swing Bed usage in Critical Access Hospitals. Utilizing swing beds in Critical Access Hospitals provides a viable option at the local community level for patients in need of skilled care. Additionally, swing bed usage for rehabilitation can strengthen relationships between Critical Access Hospitals and larger tertiary facilities subject to Inpatient Rehab Facility rules that limit treatment for specified conditions.
During the CAH Swing Bed Webinar Part I, experts from the Joffit Group will cover a comprehensive overview of Medicare Swing Bed regulations for CAH Swing Beds including:
Swing Bed Part II - Feb 2, 2015 - 11:00 AM MST
Click here to register
Join the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) for Part II in our 2-part webinar series on Swing Bed usage in Critical Access Hospitals. Utilizing swing beds in Critical Access Hospitals provides a viableoption at the local community level for patients in need of skilled care. Additionally, swing bed usage for rehabilitation can strengthen relationships between Critical Access Hospitals and larger tertiaryfacilities subject to Inpatient Rehab Facility rules that limit treatment for specified conditions.
During this CAH Swing Bed Webinar Part II, experts from the Joffit Group will cover:
Click here to register
Join the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) for Part I in a 2-part webinar series on Swing Bed usage in Critical Access Hospitals. Utilizing swing beds in Critical Access Hospitals provides a viable option at the local community level for patients in need of skilled care. Additionally, swing bed usage for rehabilitation can strengthen relationships between Critical Access Hospitals and larger tertiary facilities subject to Inpatient Rehab Facility rules that limit treatment for specified conditions.
During the CAH Swing Bed Webinar Part I, experts from the Joffit Group will cover a comprehensive overview of Medicare Swing Bed regulations for CAH Swing Beds including:
- Introduction
- Overview of Critical Access Hospital Program
- Overview of Financial Benefit
- Benefit and Eligibility Criteria for Swing Bed
- Staff and Physician Information
- Patient Transfer Process
- Post-Acute Care Transfer Payment Policy
- Patient and Family Swing Bed Information
- Provisions of Clinical Care and Documentation Requirements
Swing Bed Part II - Feb 2, 2015 - 11:00 AM MST
Click here to register
Join the Colorado Rural Health Center (CRHC) for Part II in our 2-part webinar series on Swing Bed usage in Critical Access Hospitals. Utilizing swing beds in Critical Access Hospitals provides a viableoption at the local community level for patients in need of skilled care. Additionally, swing bed usage for rehabilitation can strengthen relationships between Critical Access Hospitals and larger tertiaryfacilities subject to Inpatient Rehab Facility rules that limit treatment for specified conditions.
During this CAH Swing Bed Webinar Part II, experts from the Joffit Group will cover:
- Characteristics of a Successful Program/Best Practices
- Provider Engagement
- Case Studies
- FAQs
ACA Implementation News--January 8, 2015
The latest issue of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing’s ACA Implementation News is now available online here. Please feel free to forward this along to your colleagues that may find the content of interest.
If you would like to receive ACA Implementation News or our ACA Communication Updates please click here.
If you would like to receive ACA Implementation News or our ACA Communication Updates please click here.
New Policy Brief: EHR Incentive Payments
New Flex Monitoring Team Policy Brief Examines CAHs' Receipt of EHR Incentives
This policy brief describes current Critical Access Hospital (CAH) participation in the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive programs and compares CAH participation by state.
Monitoring CAH progress in achieving Meaningful Use (MU) is not the role of the Flex Program and Flex Program funds cannot be used to help CAHs achieve MU; however, Flex Programs can share the information in this policy brief with other state stakeholders to increase awareness of the need to help CAHs achieve MU, since CAHs will be subject to Medicare payment reductions if they do not successfully demonstrate meaningful use by 2015. Particular attention should be focused on smaller CAHs that may be facing greater challenges in achieving MU than their larger counterparts.
Download the full policy brief (.pdf)
This policy brief describes current Critical Access Hospital (CAH) participation in the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive programs and compares CAH participation by state.
Monitoring CAH progress in achieving Meaningful Use (MU) is not the role of the Flex Program and Flex Program funds cannot be used to help CAHs achieve MU; however, Flex Programs can share the information in this policy brief with other state stakeholders to increase awareness of the need to help CAHs achieve MU, since CAHs will be subject to Medicare payment reductions if they do not successfully demonstrate meaningful use by 2015. Particular attention should be focused on smaller CAHs that may be facing greater challenges in achieving MU than their larger counterparts.
Download the full policy brief (.pdf)
Critical Access Hospital Relief Act Introduced
Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Greg Walden (R-OR), David Loebsack (D-IA) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced the H.R. 169, the Critical Access Hospital Relief Act. This bill would eliminate the current Condition of Payment requirement that physicians at Critical Access Hospitals certify, at the time of admission, that Medicare and Medicaid patients will not be at the facility for more than 96 hours. This important legislation will go far in helping alleviate unnecessary red-tape for Critical Access Hospitals throughout the nation.
View article here
View article here
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Many RHCs to be classified as Marketplace Essential Community Providers beginning in 2016
FORHP is pleased to note that CMS recently agreed to include RHCs on the 2016 list of Essential Community Providers (ECPs), which Marketplace/Exchange plans use when setting up their provider networks. However, not all RHCs are on the list because of the qualification requirements. To determine whether your RHC is on the list and learn how to get on the list, please read the following:
For the 2016 Marketplace benefit year, CMS has released a draft updated list of ECPs to assist Qualified Health Plan (QHP) issuers in complying with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. ECPs are defined as providers who serve predominantly low-income, medically underserved individuals. Visit http://www.cms.gov/cciio/programs-and-initiatives/health-insurance-marketplaces/qhp.html and scroll down to the section titled “Other QHP Application Resources” to view the draft list and a description of the list (3rd and 4th bullets).
A Medicare-certified RHC is included on the 2016 ECP list if it meets the following two requirements:
1) Based on attestation, it accepts patients regardless of ability to pay and offers a sliding fee schedule, or is located in a primary care Health Professional Shortage Area (geographic, population, or automatic); and
2) Accepts patients regardless of coverage source (i.e., Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, Marketplace plan, etc.).
More than 3,300 RHCs currently meet these requirements and are included on the 2016 list. In addition, any RHC that is not currently on the list is eligible to be added to a future version of the list by completing an attestation form (the same form used for automatic HPSA designation) available at: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/hpsas/certofeligibility.pdf. More info about the RHC auto HPSA designation process is available at: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/hpsas/ruralhealthhpsa.html.
In addition, CMS is providing an opportunity to make corrections to the draft list. Public comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. EST on January 9 to improve the accuracy of the list. CMS considers the following to be within the scope of request for comments:
· Detailed corrections to the draft ECP list, including documentation that points CMS to a valid source of data that supports the correction; and
· Additions to the draft ECP list that contain sufficient data for inclusion in the list, as well as documentation that points CMS to a valid source of data that confirms that the added entity is a member of one of the ECP groups listed in the “Description and Purpose of the Draft HHS List of ECPs” document posted at the above link.
Corrections or additions should be sent to the ECP electronic mailbox at: EssentialCommunityProviders@cms.hhs.gov. Commenters should write in the subject line of the email the following: “Comments on draft ECP list.”
For the 2016 Marketplace benefit year, CMS has released a draft updated list of ECPs to assist Qualified Health Plan (QHP) issuers in complying with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act. ECPs are defined as providers who serve predominantly low-income, medically underserved individuals. Visit http://www.cms.gov/cciio/programs-and-initiatives/health-insurance-marketplaces/qhp.html and scroll down to the section titled “Other QHP Application Resources” to view the draft list and a description of the list (3rd and 4th bullets).
A Medicare-certified RHC is included on the 2016 ECP list if it meets the following two requirements:
1) Based on attestation, it accepts patients regardless of ability to pay and offers a sliding fee schedule, or is located in a primary care Health Professional Shortage Area (geographic, population, or automatic); and
2) Accepts patients regardless of coverage source (i.e., Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, Marketplace plan, etc.).
More than 3,300 RHCs currently meet these requirements and are included on the 2016 list. In addition, any RHC that is not currently on the list is eligible to be added to a future version of the list by completing an attestation form (the same form used for automatic HPSA designation) available at: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/hpsas/certofeligibility.pdf. More info about the RHC auto HPSA designation process is available at: http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/shortage/hpsas/ruralhealthhpsa.html.
In addition, CMS is providing an opportunity to make corrections to the draft list. Public comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. EST on January 9 to improve the accuracy of the list. CMS considers the following to be within the scope of request for comments:
· Detailed corrections to the draft ECP list, including documentation that points CMS to a valid source of data that supports the correction; and
· Additions to the draft ECP list that contain sufficient data for inclusion in the list, as well as documentation that points CMS to a valid source of data that confirms that the added entity is a member of one of the ECP groups listed in the “Description and Purpose of the Draft HHS List of ECPs” document posted at the above link.
Corrections or additions should be sent to the ECP electronic mailbox at: EssentialCommunityProviders@cms.hhs.gov. Commenters should write in the subject line of the email the following: “Comments on draft ECP list.”
SAMHSA's Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center
National Center for PTSD: Animated Whiteboard Videos on PTSD
The Web revolutionized how people learn and share information. Since launching www.ptsd.va.gov in 1995, we continue to expand our online resources to reach trauma survivors wherever they are and whenever they need help. Check out our new whiteboards; short animated videos that combine narration with hand-drawn images. The series can also be found and shared easily on YouTube.
View the videos…
Read the full newsletter…
View the videos…
Read the full newsletter…
THE Consortium Webinar January 15th
Register for THE Consortium Webinar taking place on January 15th by clicking here!
This webinar is FREE to hospitals participating in the Colorado FY2014 SHIP grant program as well as CRHC members. Not sure if you’re a member? Click here to see the list of current members. Members use coupon code “MEMBER” at checkout!
Note from the Instructor: CMS Makes Big Changes to the RAC Program
This week’s note is about changes in the RAC program. Click here for more information and an in-depth analysis.
FREE Self-Management Program for Older Adults with Chronic Disease in Colorado
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a six-week, peer-led, evidence-based workshop developed at Stanford University.
Through a grant held by the Colorado Department of Human Services, State Unit on Aging, this workshop is currently offered free of charge to Coloradans age 60 and older with a chronic health condition or age 18 and older with a disability.
CDSMP gives participants the tools they need to set achievable goals, reduce stress, eat healthier foods and increase their physical activity. The program also cuts health care costs, reducing hospitalizations and physician visits.
Workshops are offered in counties across the state. For a full schedule, go to selfmanagementcolorado.org.
Through a grant held by the Colorado Department of Human Services, State Unit on Aging, this workshop is currently offered free of charge to Coloradans age 60 and older with a chronic health condition or age 18 and older with a disability.
CDSMP gives participants the tools they need to set achievable goals, reduce stress, eat healthier foods and increase their physical activity. The program also cuts health care costs, reducing hospitalizations and physician visits.
Workshops are offered in counties across the state. For a full schedule, go to selfmanagementcolorado.org.
Article from he Arizona Telemedicine Program Blog
8000 Cases and 165 Consultants: The Story of Phyllis Webster, A Telemedicine Case Coordinator
Graduate school or full-time job?
That was the question Phyllis Webster was pondering after getting her bachelor’s degree in cultural and biological anthropology from the University of Arizona. In late 1996, she opted for full-time job, as a research specialist with the newly formed Arizona Telemedicine Program (ATP).
Graduate school or full-time job?
That was the question Phyllis Webster was pondering after getting her bachelor’s degree in cultural and biological anthropology from the University of Arizona. In late 1996, she opted for full-time job, as a research specialist with the newly formed Arizona Telemedicine Program (ATP).
Holding of 2015 Date-of-Service Claims for Services Paid Under the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
Holding of 2015 Date-of-Service Claims for Services Paid Under the 2015 Medicare Physician Fee
Schedule On November 13, 2014, the CY 2015 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule was published in the Federal Register. In order to implement corrections to technical errors discovered after publication of the MPFS rule and process claims correctly, Medicare Administrative Contractors will hold claims containing 2015 services paid under the MPFS for the first 14 calendar days of January 2015 (i.e., Thursday January 1 through Wednesday January 14). The hold should have minimal impact on provider cash flow as, under current law, clean electronic claims are not paid sooner than 14 calendar days (29 days for paper claims) after the date of receipt.
HCPF At a Glance Newsletter for December
Please find the link to the December edition of At a Glance below. This Department of Health Care Policy and Financing publication provides information on major initiatives including policy changes and program updates. Please feel free to share it with your colleagues.
2014 At a Glance Newsletters
2014 At a Glance Newsletters
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