Nov 2019 Update on Pennsylvania EVV Implementation
As 2020 approaches and we draw closer to full implementation of the 21st Century cures act, Alora continues to monitor on a state by state basis how the EVV adoption process is unfolding. While many states are already up and running with their electronic visit verification system, others have petitioned for postponements or long-term delays. Here are the latest EVV updates in several states:
Advocates for home health care have achieved a significant triumph regarding the ongoing struggle against implementation of RCD (Review Choice Demonstration).
After a series of sessions reviewing the matter, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an official statement this past Monday that the RCD will be delayed until March 2, 2020. Originally, implementation of the demonstration was slated to start in Texas on December second of 2019. This would have resulted in home health care providers in the Lone Star state being forced to simultaneously navigate RCD while also dealing with the equally intimidating PDGM (Patient-Driven Groupings Model).
PDGM is a topic that is top of mind for many in the home health and home care industry. This informational PDGM Webinar which was presented by Alora Home Health Software, is focused on handling payments, answering questions, and easing your fears.
Titled "THE PDGM STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR ULTIMATE PAYMENT RESULTS in 2020," this webinar brings together a team of experts to delve into all things PDGM. The intent of this session is to help home health care professionals overcome any fears and conquer PDGM. The webinar was sponsored and produced by Alora Home Health Software and featured:
- Guest Speakers from ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care) - Guest Speakers from Imark Billing - Q&A with knowledgable PDGM & Home Health Experts
Wise planning in 2019 can help prepare home health agencies for the massive PDGM changes scheduled for 2020.
Technology – Home health agencies are still figuring out the exact formula for successfully leveraging technology solutions into their care delivery and business models. However, the pieces are starting to come together. And, it’s clear that technology will play a bigger role in 2020 and beyond.
Up-to-date EHR (Electronic Health Records) technology will be critical in the era of PDGM. EHR will help to reduce your staff’s burdensome clinical documentation tasks. It will also ensure that reimbursements are properly billed based on clinical grouping, and that co-morbidity bumps are reflected.
RPM (Remote Patient Monitoring) and “Virtual Care” will also enable your agency to operate more cost effectively and can even provide additional reimbursement opportunities. PDGM guidelines will allow for reimbursement on some “virtual visits.” The technology may also help to offset the loss in therapy billing by providing a cost-effective alternative to in-person sessions.
Staff – The prospect of higher labor costs can be scary for home health agency owners and management. However, PDGM may warrant additional hires—especially when it comes to clinical documentation. This may be case of not being “penny wise and pound foolish.” Accurate billing will be even more critical once PDGM is in force, and a small investment in staff could yield big returns in reimbursements.
In the end, PDGM presents complex challenges to home health agencies. However, it may also provide opportunity. Forward-thinking companies need to act now and create a plan for 2020. Successes will likely result from technological solutions combined with a realignment of staffing resources.
For more information on PDGM or home health software engineered for the changing landscape of homecare, visit us at http://www.alorahealth.com or call 1-800-954-8250
In the latest homecare news, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will delay the implementation of Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) so agencies have adequate time to adapt to the upcoming Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) prior to implementation of RCD. In one state however, CMS is not delaying implementation.
