Archive for the News Category

ICD-10 Compliance Date of October 1, Fast Approaching

On October 1, 2015, the use of ICD-10 codes will be required for everyone covered by the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA). The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) includes standardized codes for medical conditions and procedures. These medical codes, used for diagnoses and billing, have not been updated in more than 35 years.

To help in the transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Quick Start Guide, which includes five suggested steps:

  1. Make a plan
  2. Train your staff
  3. Update your processes
  4. Talk to your vendors and health plans
  5. Test your systems and processes

Click here for the full ICD-10 Quick Start Guide:

Additionally, the National PACE Association (NPA) has created two tools to assist Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) organizations in the transition:

  • ICD-9 to ICD-10 crosswalk based on the current NPA Model ICD-9 superbill
  • Standalone PACE-specific ICD-10 superbill

Both documents are available to NPA members only on the NPA website.

Health Dimensions Group consultants are well-versed in the ICD-10 transition process and are available to assist PACE organizations successfully transition their programs. Contact Brent Feorene to discuss what Health Dimensions Group can do to assure your organization is compliant for the October 1 deadline.

About Health Dimensions Group

Health Dimensions Group offers industry-leading expertise in consulting and management services to hospitals, health systems, and long-term care and senior living providers across the country, and is a National PACE Association Technical Assistance Center. Our technical assistance team has the expertise to assist prospective PACE sponsors and operational PACE programs in the operations and growth of their programs, from feasibility through successful start-up and implementation. For more information, visit our website at www.healthdimensionsgroup.com or contact Brent Feorene, vice president of integrative delivery models, at brentf@hdgi1.com or 440.871.2756.

CMS Releases New Instructions on Submitting Initial Application or Service Area Expansion Application

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released revised instructions for submitting an initial application or a service area expansion application under the Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. The new guidance supersedes all previous application guidance. The changes will be incorporated into the future update to Chapter 17 of the PACE Manual and become effective immediately. For Calendar Year 2015, there are two quarterly application time frames remaining: July 6–10 and October 5–9.

It should be noted the Part D application is now required to be submitted with the initial application—previously, the Part D application could have been submitted following submission of the initial application.

Click here to download the application.

About Health Dimensions Group

Health Dimensions Group offers industry-leading expertise in consulting and management services to hospitals, health systems, and long-term care and senior living providers across the country, and is a National PACE Association Technical Assistance Center. Our technical assistance team has the expertise to assist prospective PACE sponsors and operational PACE programs in the operations and growth of their programs, from feasibility through successful start-up and implementation. For more information, visit our website at www.healthdimensionsgroup.com or contact Brent Feorene, vice president of integrative delivery models, at brentf@hdgi1.com or 440.871.2756.

 

How to Survive (or Thrive) as a Skilled Nursing Facility Operating Outside Formal Networks

Are you an independent skilled nursing facility (SNF) operator in a market where you are not a part of your local hospital’s or health system’s formal network? The future is not as bleak as you may think. The Sky Is Not Falling! As an independent SNF operator attending trade organization meetings or education sessions in the last several years, you have likely heard that the sky is falling and that if you do not formally partner with a hospital or health system, the future of your business is dire. While partnering and integrating with hospitals and health systems is a solid strategic direction, there are other ways to ensure the success of your SNF while continuing to operate as an independent provider, meeting revenue goals and providing high-value, quality care.

Click here to read the entire article.

   
 
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