Greetings Dr.
December 17, 2010 - Issue 12 |
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 Hot / Cold Pack Policy Clarified | |
Following receipt of a number of recent provider inquiries, ChiroCare has conducted a payment eligibility review for the application of hot and cold packs and has confirmed that CPT 97010 is no longer a reimbursable code. In follow up, ChiroCare has removed 97010 from the Patient Choice Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2011. This change is supported by CMS guidelines as posted on page 2 of their Medicare Outpatient Therapy Billing document and the policies of our contracted health plan customers.
Additionally, because the service is recognized as a non-billable code, rather than a billable code that is not covered, charges associated with 97010 may not be billed to the patient, even if the member agrees to financial responsibility in writing. We are currently working to update our policies to include clarification related to this and other bundled codes. |
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Dr. Leo Bronston Obtains NCQA Approval With ChiroCare Tools | |
ChiroCare would like to congratulate Field Advisory Group member, Dr. Leo Bronston, whose Back Pain Recognition Program (BPRP) application was recently approved by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA developed the BPRP to recognize providers who consistently deliver high-value, patient-centered care to those who suffer from acute low back pain. The program is designed to recognize care models that include -and document - comprehensive assessments, appropriate use of radiology, patient education and shared decision-making.
As described in the Q3 2010 Letter From the President and our March Newsletter, ChiroCare is developing tools to support network providers' recognition through BPRP because of the unmatched respect NCQA has within the health care industry. Through NCQA's recognition of a greater volume of chiropractic providers, ChiroCare believes the perceived value of chiropractic services, and therefore chiropractic providers, will be improved among other provider types, health plans, payors and consumers.
Along with other pilot participants, Dr. Bronston's data collection and submission experience will be utilized to review, and improve supporting forms and check lists that ChiroCare has developed to assist providers who are interested in pursuing this impressive recognition. Look for additional information about these tools and exclusive NCQA BPRP opportunities to be distributed by ChiroCare early next year.
For additional information regarding NCQA's back pain program, click here.
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Details on Expanded State Benefit | |
As mentioned in our November newsletter, the Medicaid programs offered by HealthPartners and UCare will be adjusted on January 1, 2011. Final details regarding the state's coverage of exams for most Medicaid patients will be distributed during the week of December 26 via a Provider Alert. Please note that along with this expanded benefit, the state is requiring that Category A providers be subject to new authorization requirements if / when their affected patients meet a certain care threshold. Please watch your email for this important communication and ensure that all providers and staff in your office understand the full impact of the changes.
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2011 Plan Summaries and Fee Schedules |
To align with ChiroCare's commitment to decreasing unnecessary administrative costs and the environment, 2011 Plan Summaries and Fee Schedules will NOT be distributed via hard copy. Instead, updated copies will be posted to ChiroCare Connect during the week of December 26th. Please log on to ChiroCare Connect before the New Year to obtain updated administrative and reimbursement information.
If you have not already created a ChiroCare Connect account, it's simple. Go to the ChiroCare Connect home page and select "register" at the bottom left corner. From there, simply follow the system prompts to set up your account in less than 5 minutes.
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Discounted History Theatre Tickets Offer | |
Looking for a fun way to celebrate the holidays with your office staff or family? ChiroCare has negotiated a discounted rate for tickets to the History Theatre in St. Paul during this holiday season and is extending that offer to its contracted providers and their staff. The discount, $5 off standard tickets, or $7 per ticket for groups of 12 or more, is applicable to their upcoming shows which include:
- The Christmas Schooner
- Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story
- A Tale of Twin Cities
- Adrift on the Mississippi
- American as Curry Pie
Additional information about each of these programs can be found at www.historytheatre.com.
Standard ticket prices vary by show and age of attendee but range from $10 to $32. Please note that the discount does not apply to tickets for college students or children which are already reduced.
To order up to 11 tickets, call the box office at 651-292-4323. For orders of 12 or more, contact Jill Vaughn at 651-292-4320 or jvaughn@historytheatre.com. To obtain the discounted price, simply mention that you are part of Chiropractic Care of Minnesota when ordering your tickets.
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Holiday Schedule | |
In recognition of the upcoming holiday season, please note that both the ChiroCare's administrative and executive offices will be closed the following days:
- Thursday, December 23rd
- Friday, December 24th
- Friday, December 31st
We wish you, your staff and families a happy and safe holiday season.
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Fast Facts | |
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Nov 2010 |
Performance Goal | |
Average speed to answer the phone |
18 seconds |
Less than 30 seconds | |
Volume of calls answered within 30 seconds |
90% |
Minimum of 80% | |
Call abandonment rate |
2.0% |
Less than 3% | |
Volume of all claims received electronically*
*Per MN Statute 62J.536 all providers in MN are to be submitting claims electronically as of 12/15/09 |
89% |
Minimum of 90% |
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To access some of the links and materials referenced above, your system must be able to open PDF documents. If you are not able to open PDF documents, you may download Adobe Reader for free by going to http://get.adobe.com/reader. |
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