July 2013 Client Newsletter
CPB Appointment System benefits
The CPB appointment system has several benefits beyond just the electronic appointments.
It also offers automated eligibility & benefits verification. The system can be set to automatically check all patients on the schedule 2-3 days in advance in a batch mode and present you with a report in the morning. This provides verification the patient is still covered, the amount of their co-pay, co-insurance, deductibles, etc. During this time of HIGH deductible plans, the information provided is critical to collecting known patient balances on the day of service. And CPB covers this cost!
A second option available for clients using our appointment system is automated patient call reminders. If you are interested in exploring this, please give Rich a call.
Therapy caps - significant change
In the past, when a patient exceeded their Therapy Cap, Medicare made them responsible for the balance. Effective January 1, 2013 Medicare (MM8321) changed to making the provider responsible for the balance unless the provider has a properly executed ABN. Failure to getting an ABN means the patient cannot be billed and the provider will have given free care. If you obtain an ABN, a copy must accompany the charges so the proper modifier can be added.
CAQH
Just a reminder that CAQH asks that you re-attest three (3) times per year. To do that:
1. Log onto the Online Application System (https://upd.caqh.org/oas) using your Username and Password.
2. Check the Attachments tab to see if any supporting documents (e.g., DEA certificate or proof of professional liability insurance) need to be updated. If so, please be sure to update the appropriate expiration date by going to that section(s), updating the field(s), and click the "Audit" button at the bottom of page.
3. Go to the Audit tab and select Run Audit.
4. Go to the Attest tab, and follow the quick 3-step attestation process to finalize your updates.
Tips:
- You can always click on the Answer tab to make any additional changes. Just remember to follow the above process afterwards to finalize your edits.
- Be sure to send in any supporting documents (e.g., DEA certificate or proof of professional liability insurance) that need to be updated. You do not need to send an updated Authorization, Attestation and Release form. For other documents, print the personalized Fax Cover Sheet from the Attachment section, attach your updated documents, and either fax to 866-293-0414 (toll free) or complete the generic email coversheet from the Attachment section, save and email with your document images to supportingdocsupd@acsgs.com.
For assistance, you can contact the Provider Help Desk at caqh.updhelp@acsgs.com or 888-599-1771 (Help Desk hours: 7am-9pm ET Monday - Thursday and 7am-7pm ET on Fridays). Be sure to have your CAQH Provider ID available when you call.
HHS launches Health Insurance Marketplace educational tools
In case any of your patients begin to ask about the new "Obamacare" insurance program which begins on 1/1/14, here is a website you can send them to: https://www.healthcare.gov . A 24-hours-a-day consumer call center is also available to help Americans prepare for open enrollment and ultimately sign up for private health insurance. That number is: 800-318-2596.
For Spanish speaking consumers, that website is: https://www.cuidadodesalud.gov/es