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| Posted on: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 |
| Medicaid Rate Update 12-20-11 |
Medicaid Rate Update 12-20-11
New rates posted to the HHSC website: http://hhsc.state.tx.us/rad/rate-packets.shtml
Calendar Fee Review (.pdf): CFR Attachments (.zip) (updated 12-20-11)
The proposed reimbursement rates presented at the Nov. 21, 2011 rate hearing, to be implemented 1/1/12 will not be implemented.
HHSC will be publishing guidance shortly about the next rate hearing that will be conducted on January 18, 2012 in the public hearing room of the Brown-Healy Building at HHSC, beginning at 9:00am.
Interested members may continue to monitor the HHSC website at: http://hhsc.state.tx.us/rad/rate-packets.shtml where all guidance about the rate hearing and the proposed rates to be effective on 3-01-2012 will be published.
TSHA members may also continue to monitor our TSHA Website and check under Advocacy for the latest information. As the Medicaid Task Force continues to gather data and analyze the proposed rates we will post the information to our advocacy website.
Medicaid Task Force and Legislative Team
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| Posted on: Monday, November 21, 2011 |
| 2012 Convention & Membership Information |
TSHA 2012 Membership Renewals
Dues are tax deductible for 2011 if paid before December 31!
TSHA membership runs on a calendar year (January-December). If you have not renewed your membership for 2012, you can renew online with a credit or debit card. Click here to renew your membership: https://www.txsha.org/members/membership_renewal_app.aspx. Click here to look up your member number: http://www.txsha.org/members/tsha_number_lookup.aspx.
Win an Apple iPad 2
In case you missed it, we are having a TSHA Member-Get-A-Member Campaign. Here’s how it works:
1. Direct your colleagues to the TSHA Member Information and Benefits Page (http://www.txsha.org/members/benefits.aspx) which would allow them to review the benefits and join TSHA online right away!
2. You can email your colleagues the link to the TSHA New Membership Application (https://www.txsha.org/members/membership_app.aspx). Make sure they include your TSHA Membership Number in the “Referred By” space on the application to enter you in the Apple iPad 2 drawing.
The TSHA Member-Get-A-Member Campaign ends on January 31, 2012. For more information, click here (http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=4110726b3fe654dbf8b7257e8&id=4cd74d3291).
TSHA 2012 Annual Convention: Remember Our Mission
Registration for the 56th Annual Convention is now open! The TSHA 2012 Annual Convention will be held March 8-10, 2012, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Join us for over 185 sessions, 200 exhibits, job placement, and special guest Keynote Speaker: Rick Lavoie! Professionals register online (https://www.txsha.org/convention/pro_registration.aspx); students register online (https://www.txsha.org/convention/stu_registration.aspx).
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| Posted on: Thursday, November 17, 2011 |
| Medicaid Information |
Review:
Health and Human Services (HHSC) met with stakeholders to review a proposed methodology for all service delivery models for acute care services (Speech, OT, PT). New rates were posted and are significantly reduced from the current fee schedule for Medicaid.
Members:
* The Texas-Speech-Language-Hearing Association, on behalf of speech-language pathologists across settings, will be providing testimony at the hearing on November 21, 2011 regarding Medicaid rate cuts. (See full info below on rate hearing). - 9 am & 1pm in the Public Hearing Room of the Winters Building, 701 West 51st Street, Austin ,TX.
* Health and Human Services Commission wants to hear from us as to why the rates are not feasible for the businesses providing speech-language services.
* This is not a venue to discuss quality of care, treatment protocols, and/or potential abuses of the system.
* This is not the venue to discuss competing delivery settings.
* When you testify, you are representing yourself, your practice, and/or the company you work for.
* These links provide information on how to communicate professionally and appropriately with HHSC during the hearing.
http://www.ctkidslink.org/action_howtestify.html
http://www.howcast.com/videos/425761-how-to-give-written-testimony
Position:
The proposed rate reductions will require speech-language pathologists in all service settings to provide speech-language services that are below cost which will threaten access to care of speech therapy services; therefore, they are devastating to the disabled and medically fragile children in Texas that the Medicaid program is designed to serve.
* The current rate reduction goes too far, too fast, and jeopardizes access to care for disabled children across the State of Texas.
* The proposed rate cuts are in addition to the legislative mandate of 7% and 10% cuts to CHIPS. Speech-language pathologists have already been part of the solution and have taken our cuts.
* The new proposed methodology cuts rates up to 50% depending on provider type and will be implemented effective January 1, 2012.
* The proposed rate methodology is devastating to therapy providers in all settings. It devalues the evaluation and treatment services speech-language pathologists provided to the vulnerable, disabled children on Medicaid.
* The rate cuts will result in reduced access to care for thousands of children across the State of Texas who currently receive speech-language therapy.
* Speech-language pathologists are part of the Texas health safety net for children. The long - term costs of the hospitalizations, institutionalizations, the lack of production from both the children and their family members greatly outweigh the short - term costs.
* Longitudinal data on disadvantaged children who participated in an early intervention program showed that they had 50% reduction in need for special education services through end of high school (Berrueta-Clement, 1984).
* With speech-language pathology out-patient assessment and intervention, hospital costs can be spared for aspiration pneumonia, frequent pulmonary issues, fevers because speech-language pathologists are able to diagnose aspiration or those at risk for aspiration based on symptoms that we are trained to notice.
* “Treating an individual’s speech-language, hearing or swallowing disorder improves health status and is therefore, medically necessary” (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2004).
* There is a large body of research linking speech and language difficulties in early childhood to later literacy problems (Anthony et al, 2011).
* The cost comparison of out-patient therapy vs. hospital stay
o 6 months of therapy: average of 2 session per week for 26 weeks = approximately $7000-$9000.
o An average one night hospital stay ranges in price from $3,000-$5,000, over a 6 month period (182 days) = $546,000-$910,000.
* This is very much an elimination of benefits, not a rate reduction. The impact of the proposed payment rates will be devastating.
* Decreasing the rate will reduce access to speech-language pathology services for children with disabilities, placing many at risk for life-long disabilities including communication impairments (Moore, et al., 2011).
* There are two groups of children who have Medicaid and are receiving SLP services.
o Group 1. Severely disabled: There is an established moral and ethical obligation to treat severely disabled children so they can meet their potential, communicate their needs and wants, and significantly reduce their needs for hospitalizations and institutionalization.
o Group 2. Mild to moderately disabled: The treatment of this group is financially logical. These children will experience the benefit of greater education, jobs, earnings abilities, and tax-payer status.
* TSHA is currently collecting data, which will take us 6 to 9 months. We are asking that these rate reductions be postponed until data is collected.
* TSHA will be informing our State legislators of TSHA’s position statement regarding the Medicaid rate reductions.
Information on Rate Hearing:
As described in the briefing packages posted on the HHSC Rate Analysis website at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/rad/rate-packets.shtml, two public rate hearings are scheduled for Monday, November 21, 2011, the first at 9 a.m. for Home Health Agency and Nursing Facility Therapy Services and the second at 1:00 p.m. for Independent Practitioners and Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities/Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORF/ORF) Therapy Services, in the Public Hearing Room at the Health and Human Services Commission Winters Building located at 701 W. 51st St., Austin, Texas, for the following Medicaid rates that are proposed to be effective January 1, 2012
November 21st at 9 a.m. – Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review – Therapy Services provided by Home Health Agencies and Nursing Facilities
November 21st at 1 p.m. – Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review – Therapy Services provided by Independent Practitioners and Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities/Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
Notices for the rate hearing topics above were published in the November 4, 2011, issue of theTexas Register and are currently posted on the HHSC Meetings and Events website at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/news/meetings.asp. The rate packets are currently posted on the HHSC Rate Analysis website at http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/rad/rate-packets.shtml.
As indicated in the notices, written comments regarding the proposed payment rate may be submitted instead of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 5 p.m. the day of the hearing. Written comments may be sent by U.S. mail, overnight mail, special delivery mail, hand delivery, fax or e-mail:
U.S. Mail
Attention: Rate Analysis
HHSC Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400
P.O. Box 85200
Austin, Texas 78708-5200
Overnight mail, special delivery mail or hand delivery
Attention: Rate Analysis
HHSC Rate Analysis, Mail Code H-400
Braker Center, Building H
11209 Metric Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78758-4021
Phone number for package delivery: 512-491-1445
Fax: Attention: Rate Analysis at 512-491-1998
E-mail: esther.brown@hhsc.state.tx.us
Persons with disabilities who wish to attend the hearing and require auxiliary aids or services should call Rate Analysis at 512- 491-1445 at least 72 hours before the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Who Represents You?:
This website will link you to your local Senators and Representatives: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/
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| Posted on: Thursday, November 03, 2011 |
| TSHA Wants to Hear from You! |
TSHA WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Call for Nominations to the TSHA Executive Board (2012-2013)
Deadline: December 1, 2011
Submit your nominations on/before December 1, 2011, for the following positions on the
TSHA 2012-2013 Executive Board: Vice President for Research & Development, Vice President
for Social & Governmental Policy, and Vice President for Educational & Scientific Affairs.
Online nomination forms are available at:
http://www.txsha.org/_pdf/Forms/CallforNominations2012-2013.pdf
Questions? Contact Maggie Thompson, Chair, TSHA Nominations & Elections Committee
832.443.5004 • margaretx2@aol.com.
Call for Honors and Awards of the Association (2012)
Deadline: December 1, 2011
Submit your nominations on/before December 1, 2011, for the following Honors and Awards of the Association: Hall of Fame Award, Jack L. Bangs Award, Award of Honors, Public Service Award, Certificate of Appreciation, Advocate/Legislator of the Year, and TSHA nominees
for various ASH Foundation Awards.
Online nomination forms are available at:
http://www.txsha.org/_pdf/Forms/CallforHonorsandAwards.pdf
Questions? Contact Rae Wingate, Chair, TSHA Honors & Awards Committee
940.368.0041 • wingate@unt.edu
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| Posted on: Tuesday, September 27, 2011 |
| TSHA 2012 Membership Renewal |
Re: TSHA 2012 Membership Renewal
It’s time again to renew your membership investment in the Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA). TSHA is the recognized professional membership resource in Texas for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and consumers with speech, language, or hearing disorders. TSHA currently represents more than 5,500 professionals and students. The TSHA Executive Board sincerely thanks you for your support and continued commitment to TSHA.
TSHA dues are renewed each year from September 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 for the upcoming calendar year. Discounts will be given this year if you renew your membership online. The dues structure for 2012 is:
Active: $85 online or $95 mail/fax/phone
Associate: $80 online or $90 mail/fax/phone
Affiliate: $50 online or $60 mail/fax/phone
Student: $25 online or $25 mail/fax/phone
Life: Free
TOP TEN TSHA Membership Benefits:
1. TSHA CE Registry
2. Publications
3. Continuing Education
4. Speech Impairment Eligibility Guidelines
5. Online Ethics Course
6. Legislative Advocacy
7. Online Membership Directory
8. Networking Opportunities
9. Career Awareness
10. Use of Public Information Exhibit for Career Fairs and Workshops
And so much more!
Click here to view the complete list of membership benefits: http://www.txsha.org/members/benefits.aspx
Renew your TSHA membership today and continue enjoying the benefits of membership combined with the knowledge that you are supporting the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology! Contact TSHA at 1-888-SAY-TSHA or visit www.txsha.org for more information.
Renew your membership online and save: https://www.txsha.org/members/membership_renewal_app.aspx
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| Posted on: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 |
| Deadline Approaching: TSHA 2012 Convention Call for Papers (CFP) |
The Call for Papers submission for presentations at the TSHA 56th Annual Convention is available online. The convention will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio on March 8-10, 2012.
Fill out the CFP online at http://www.txsha.org/continuing_education/call_for_papers.aspx.
The CFP submission deadline is Friday, August 12, 2011. To be considered for a convention session, the CFP must be completed and submitted with three learner outcomes, an abstract, a program summary, and supporting evidence based references and/or practices. Notification of acceptance or rejection to the primary speaker will occur by September 30, 2011.
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| Posted on: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 |
| TSHA: Important News |
TSHA 2012 Convention Call for Papers (CFP) is Online
Submission Deadline: Friday, August 12, 2011
The Call for Papers submission for presentations at the TSHA 56th Annual Convention is now available online. The convention will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio on March 8-10, 2012.
Fill out the CFP online at http://www.txsha.org/continuing_education/call_for_papers.aspx
The CFP submission deadline is Friday, August 12, 2011. To be considered for a convention session, the CFP must be completed and submitted with three learner outcomes, an abstract, a program summary, and supporting evidence based references and/or practices. Notification of acceptance or rejection to the primary speaker will occur by September 30, 2011.
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Notice of Proposed TSHA 2012 Membership Dues Increase
During the annual TSHA Budget Meeting on July 12, 2011, the TSHA Executive Board voted to consider a dues increase of $5.00 for Active, Associate, and Affiliate members who pay or renew their TSHA 2012 membership online and a $15.00 increase for those members who mail or fax in their renewal. The recommended TSHA 2012 membership dues are as follows: Active: $85 (online), $95 (mail/fax); Associate: $80 (online), $90 (mail/fax); and Affiliate: $50 (online), $60 (fax/mail).
Please note: TSHA has not realized a membership dues increase since 2007, and then only by $5.00. Obviously, our efforts during the legislative session were expensive, but we prevailed with no substantive change to the licensure for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The proposed increases will take effect with your 2012 dues renewal and are needed for TSHA to continue many member benefits including: online CE Ethics course, a premier convention and continuing education program, CE registry (free to members), and an outstanding communications program to keep you informed, including the Communicologist and blast emails on topics of interest.
Questions and/or comments regarding this proposed dues increase are welcomed and should be addressed to: April Smith, TSHA President, aprils@greaterlearninglp.com, 210.349.1415, prior to September 14, 2011.
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Medicare Repeals Videostroboscopy Supervision Rules
Source: Lemmietta G. McNeilly, PhD, CCC-SLP, CAE, ASHA Fellow
Chief Staff Officer, Speech-Language Pathology, ASHA
As of October 1, 2011, Medicare will no longer require speech-language pathologists performing videostroboscopy (CPT 31579) or nasopharyngoscopy (CPT 92511) to be supervised by physicians. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) had instituted a requirement on January 1, 2011, that a physician be in the room supervising an SLP performing the procedures. This onerous requirement, as a national Medicare policy, will be eliminated in October.
A letter from CMS Administrator Donald Berwick acknowledged that “while physicians perform these diagnostic procedures, speech pathologists also perform these procedures to evaluate and treat a patient’s functional/use problems.” Berwick’s letter removed all supervision levels previously assigned to the procedures, effective October 1. Thus, a properly trained SLP performing videostroboscopy or nasopharyngoscopy will not need to have a physician on the premises or exercising supervision.
Because no national supervision level is established, individual Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) may establish local supervision requirements for these procedures in their speech-language pathology local coverage determinations. Moreover, it does not diminish the vital role of the otolaryngologists. Please refer to ASHA’s Preferred Practice Patterns for Voice, which state in part, “All patients/clients with voice disorders are examined by a physician, preferably in a discipline appropriate to the presenting complaint…” (www.asha.org/docs/html/PP2004-00191.html#sec1.3.34)
The CMS decision regarding videostroboscopy and nasopharyngoscopy does not affect fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) or other endoscopy procedures. Supervision levels for FEES continue to be determined by MACs.
For further information, contact reimbursement@asha.org.
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| Posted on: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 |
| When Renewing your License |
When renewing your State of Texas license, the Jurisprudence Exam Certificate of completion can be scanned and e-mailed directly to the State Board of Examiners instead of being faxed. The e-mail address is: speech@dshs.state.tx.us. This e-mail address goes directly to the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The fax number is used by multiple boards.
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