Please see below for
upcoming calls and webinars this week scheduled, so far. We are also including the latest LME/MCO updates.
Are you looking for online training? Take moment to see what Benchmarks' Online Training Library has to offer! Any questions at all, please reach out to Paige Wiggs, Benchmarks' Online Training Guru!
Take care of each other and stay safe and healthy!
Are you providing telehealth services by phone or video? Don't have access to your fax machine or your typical workflow for referring patients to QuitlineNC?
That's ok! You can still provide top notch evidence-based tobacco use treatment and referrals to the QuitlineNC... at a time when it's more important than ever to help your patients decrease their susceptibility to infection and potential for severe symptoms by becoming tobacco free. Join us on this FREE webinar to learn:
-What are the services the QuitlineNC offers right now
-Why is it still a good time to quit, even with COVID-19
-How to refer using: EHR, secured emails, and good ol' fax
-Enrolling in QuitlineNC services with your patient ONLINE
-Using social media to increase your patients' utilization of QuitlineNC
Monday: May 4, 2020
Practical Health Guidance: Using Telehealth Sessions Effectively for Your Healthcare Needs
Independent Living Initiative (ILI) Training is available each Wednesday from 1:00pm-3:00pm. These sessions will introduce Alliance contracted providers to the web-based ILI Housing application and is required for providers who want to apply for assistance for members who are facing a financial housing crisis. The training covers the criteria and eligibility requirements of the Independent Living Initiative funds. At the end of the training, providers will be able to apply for ILI Housing assistance on behalf of their clients. This training is also useful for those who are already registered in the database but would like a refresher course. If you are interested in attending a session, please contact Manuel Hyman at
mhyman@AllianceHealthPlan.org.
On Thursday April 16, 2020, the Division of Health Benefits (NC
Medicaid) issued
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #46: Behavioral Health Service Flexibilities. This special bulletin builds upon flexibilities and guidance that Alliance has previously shared. Alliance has worked hard to advocate for flexibilities to ensure service delivery to those most vulnerable.
As such,
Special Bulletin #46 serves as a replacement and clarification to some previously posted flexibilities and guidance. Please note, Alliance is currently working through the setup of using COVID-19 related GT and CR modifiers and we will issue further clarification and guidance by the end of the week.
On Thursday, April 23, 2020 the Division of Health Benefits (NC
Medicaid) issued Special Bulletin COVID-19 #59: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications-Outpatient Behavioral Health Services.
In addition to previous flexibilities published in COVID-19 Special
Medicaid Bulletins #9, #19, and #46, the Department is issuing guidance on allowing telephonic outpatient psychotherapy, in addition to the telehealth flexibilities previously added. As clinically appropriate, services may still be offered via HIPAA-compliant, real-time, two-way interactive audio and video telehealth appointment to proceed with the behavioral health intervention(s). Please note, Alliance will be paying the rate according the base rate published on our website.
April 22, 2020: NC Incident Response Improvement System Provider Updates
Cardinal Innovations Healthcare has updated its procedures and policies for processing N.C. Incident Response Improvement System (IRIS) incidents.
As of April 15, 2020, the IRIS system requires the Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations (LME/MCOs) to process IRIS incidents as follows to request additional information from providers. Requests for additional information, revisions to reports, etc. will be requested within the MCO's comments section in addition to the provider being notified via email to the supervisor noted within the IRIS report. This update to processing will ensure IRIS incidents are processed within a timely fashion.
The initial request to providers will be followed up by assigned Quality Management (QM) staff via email to provider in addition to documentation placed in IRIS incident under MCO comments outlining needed information.
The provider is expected to follow up on requests within 72 hours and/or (three business days).
The second request to providers will be followed by assigned QM staff via email to a provider in addition to documentation placed in IRIS incident under MCO comments outlining needed information. Read More.....
Deadline for providers to request to be placed on mailing list: Monday, May 18, 2020
Proposals Due: Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Interview: Friday, September 4, 2020
Tool for Measurement of ACT (TMACT) and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Fidelity Evaluations during the COVID-19 Response (JCB #361)
SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #56: Key Federal Funding Available for Health Care Providers and Hospitals
Modifications to Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Clinical Coverage Policies
Recent Additions to Trillium's COVID-19 Webpage
April 24, 2020:
COVID-19 Appendix K Retainer Payment Request Form
The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has approved the Appendix K Emergency Preparedness and Response Waiver Request submitted by N.C. DHHS. One of the temporary flexibilities permitted by CMS allows Vaya to provide retainer payments to provider agencies for direct care workers to address emergency-related issues. If you think you meet the Appendix K requirements to request a retainer payment for your direct care worker, please complete the
COVID-19 Appendix K Retainer Payment Request Form.
Billing and Documentation Guide for COVID-19 Telehealth and Clinical Policy Modifications Vaya is providing the following guidance for contracted providers to ensure appropriate billing and documentation of services delivered under policy modifications during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Requirements are effective retroactively for services delivered on or after March 10, 2020.
Hope4healers Needs Licensed Mental Health Professionals to Support Healthcare Workers The Hope4Healers Helpline, a new N.C. DHHS initiative in partnership with the N.C. Psychological Foundation, is seeking volunteer licensed mental health professionals to provide pro bono mental health support for healthcare workers. Learn more
in a letter from DHHS and in the
DHHS volunteer guidelines.
The
Hope4Healers Helpline provides mental health and resilience supports for healthcare professionals, emergency medical specialists, first responders and other staff who work in healthcare settings, and their families. Assistance is available 24/7 at 919-226-2002.
Innovations Provider Appendix K Presentation A presentation with information shared during the April 9, 2020, Q&A Webinar for Vaya Innovations Providers is now available.
View presentation here.
Guidance on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Due to ongoing shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a limited supply in North Carolina, the State Emergency Response Team has issued guidance on the use of PPE. This includes alternate use and potential strategies to assist when supplies are running low.
