Calling ALL SUD Providers - Plan to Attend Upcoming Quarterly Provider Forum
The quarterly SUD Provider Forum is designed for all SUD providers serving Health First Colorado members or those interested in learning more about serving Health First Colorado members. Other stakeholders interested in provider concerns are welcome to attend. Updates to services rules and resources are provided along with guidance about processes and procedures. The next SUD Provider Forum will be held on July 6, 2022. Register in advance or immediately prior to the forum using Zoom Registration for July 6, 2022, at 2 p.m.

July 6, 2022 Provider Forum Topics
  • Presentation: Use of Contingency Management- JK Costello, MD, MPH 
  • Discussion: How are Providers coding for PHP level of Care?
  • LACs covered as Licensed BH Service Providers (provider type 38) 
  • Questions, Concerns, Open Discussion

Presentations on topics requested by providers are offered. Providers are encouraged to send questions and concerns for discussion in advance to [email protected] or ask live at the forum. Forums are held quarterly and the schedule will be posted in November. You must register to attend each forum.
 
CMS Approved 1115 SUD Waiver 
CMS has officially accepted Colorado’s monitoring protocol and evaluation design. The Official Acceptance Letter, Finalized Evaluation Design and Monitoring Protocol are all posted on the Department's SUD webpage.

Fentanyl Bill Signed
HB22-1326 was signed into law by Colorado Governor Jared Polis on May 25, 2022. A few highlights of this bill include:
  • Hospitals and ERs will be able to dispense take home buprenorphine. 
  • Individuals arrested for possession will all receive evaluations for treatment.
  • A fentanyl prevention and education campaign.

USCS Manual Update 
The latest Uniform Services Coding Standards (USCS) Manual will be posted July 1. This edition of the coding manual has significant edits, including a new coding page format, as well as several new appendices for ease of reference. The “guidance pages” at the front of the manual have been substantially revised as well to provide more information and more clearly explain the Medicaid Capitated Behavioral Health Benefit. 

Update on SUD Utilization Management (UM) Quarterly Report
Data from the fourth quarter of Demonstration Year 1 will be included as part of an annual report this quarter. The SUD Utilization Management Quarterly Report will be available on July 1.This report will provide data that covers the entire first year of the expanded SUD benefit under our SUD 1115 Waiver.  

SUD Webpage updates are Live!
Visit the new and improved SUD webpage- Ensuring Full Continuum SUD Benefits to find important, up-to-date information about the SUD program at Health First Colorado. Your feedback, ideas and questions are welcome and can be shared with us at [email protected]