"Meeting community needs...one person at a time"
SMC Provider Network Communication 
Issue: #137   
April 30, 2014
    
Quick Links
  
  
AlphaMCS System Status - 4/30/2014  9:00 a.m.
System issues Tuesday 4/29/14 
Due to unexpected AlphaCM hardware issues with the AlphaMCS servers, the AlphaMCS system was down from approximately 2:00p.m. - 11:45p.m. yesterday, 4/29/2014. We understand the impact this has and greatly apologize for the inconvenience. Due to these issues, it prevented providers from entering claims on a check write cutoff day. Therefore, the decision has been made to extend the deadline for entering claims until close of business today, 4/30/2014, for check write date 5/6/2014.
  
AlphaCM has assured SMC that the AlphaMCS system has been restored to full operation. SMC will continue to monitor the AlphaMCS system and its availability and operability throughout the day.  
  
If providers experience any technical issues, please feel free to call the SMC helpdesk - (828)586-5501 x1500.
  
Western Carolina University - Biltmore Park Campus would like your feedback

 

Please take a few moments to participate in a survey on Western Carolina University's Biltmore Park instructional site. Your participation in this brief survey is part of a strategic planning process designed to help WCU articulate a vision for WCU's Biltmore Park facilities that meet current and future professional, enrichment, and graduate program needs that are consistent with regional trends and with WCU's academic mission as a regionally engaged university.

 

Whether you have attended one of the forums recently held, or you have not already had an opportunity to provide your input on the future of WCU at Biltmore Park, we encourage you to complete the survey.

 

Survey: https://wcu.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_egngbCG3BvjRpCR

 

Deadline: Tuesday, May 13, 2014

 

WCU Programs at Biltmore Park: If you have questions about the survey or the strategic planning process for WCU Programs at Biltmore Park, please contact Dr. Doug Keskula, Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences (drkeskula@email.wcu.edu; 828.227.7271), or Dr. Carol Burton, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies (burton@email.wcu.edu; 828.227.7497), co-chairs of the planning committee.     

Ethics & Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

Training: May 12, 2014  (9:00 - 4:00)

Location: WCU Campus at Biltmore Park

 

Presented by: Smoky Mountain LME/MCO in partnership with The Developmental Disabilities Training Institute
  
Instructor: Susie Eguez, M.Ed. - Clinical Instructor of the Developmental Disabilities Training Institute within the Jordan Institute for Families of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work.
  
Intensive In-Home Services (IIHS)       
Update April 24, 2014
Smoky Mountain Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization (Smoky) intends to ensure that enrollees in the NC Medicaid 1915(b)/(c) Waiver Health Plan have access to a network of clinically and financially viable providers which promote integrated and comprehensive care.

Smoky continues to face diminished funding allocations, including state and local funds which are used to serve indigent consumers.  Recognizing the diminished funding imbalance between the number of individuals needing care (indigent population) and the funding available to pay for care (state and local funds), the reality requires Smoky to carefully employ strategies to create the greatest service benefit for the consumer community. To this end, Smoky will:
  • Develop strategies to maximize the use of state and local funds through the further development of comprehensive care centers that can efficiently scale essential services for indigent consumers.
  • Promote greater efficiency in the service delivery of comprehensive care centers by consolidating state and local funds into a limited number of these organizations in each region.

To meet these objectives, Smoky has made the determination to re-align the delivery of Intensive In-Home Services (IIHS) within our counties to ensure the sustainability, quality and integrity of our network providers.  Smoky is taking this action to promote stable access to IIHS, and reduce the fragmentation of care for youth in need of this service.   

 
Smoky has given formal notification to affected providers as of April 3, 2014, with a full transition of care for youth receiving this service by the contract amendment date of June 30, 2014.


The Smoky Provider Network, Utilization Management and Customer Service departments are working closely with affected providers to ensure a smooth transition of care for the youth and their families receiving Intensive In-Home Services.  


Providers can contact their personal Account Specialists with questions.


Consumers should contact the Smoky Customer Services line at 1-800-849-6127. 

 

How to read SAR Justifications in Alpha
Attn: All Providers
  
Once a decision has been made on a SAR, providers have the ability to review communication (e.g. reason for SAR approval, partial approval or denial, clinical recommendations, requested information for submission on next SAR, etc.) from Care Managers directly in the SAR module of MyMCSportal. Click here to learn more.
Training - NC Council of Community Programs
Upcoming trainings in Raleigh - Training Flyer
  

May 13: Screening and Treatment Planning for Individuals with Co-Occurring Disorders (6 hours of APA, NBCC or ASWB CEUs)

 

May 14: Documentation Training Focused on Non-licensed Staff

 

May 20-22: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

 

June 3-4: Clinical Supervision in Behavioral Healthcare (12 hours of APA, NBCC or ASWB CEUs)

Routine Monitoring Training for LIPs 

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2014  (10:00 - 12:00)

Location: Double Tree Inn, Biltmore

 

Smoky Mountain LME/MCO is excited to offer this introduction to the new tools for Routine Monitoring of Licensed Independent Practioners.
  
Target audience: Licensed Independent Practitioners in the Smoky Mountain network. Read the flyer for registration and training details.
t3 Think Teach Transform - onlineTrainings
Upcoming trainings starting in May include:
  • Beyond the Basice - Motivational Interviewing (15 hrs CEU credits)
  • Housing First - (10 hours CEU credits)
Both courses are instructor-led online courses. Find out how to register.
Expand Your Toolbox

Expand Your Toolbox

...a series for Parents, Teachers and Support Staff 

providing intensive training experience for parents and teachers who want to increase their knowledge and acquire specific intervention skills to maximize success of their children with behavioral challenges, social interactions, sensory issues and speech delays.
May 9, 2014     9:00 - 3:30
Strategies for Disrupting Behavior & Social Skills
All sessions presented by experts in their field.
Click here for more information.

Smoky Mountain Center's Access Call Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide information, screening, triage and referrals for mental health, substance abuse and intellectual/developmental disability services. The toll-free phone number is 1-800-849-6127.