tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26139307272777558112011-08-07T06:46:13.863-07:00Software Partner for North Carolina Home Health care agencies.SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comBlogger691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-80658540681391069632010-11-09T13:29:00.000-08:002010-11-09T13:29:44.946-08:00

CCME posted a notice November 2, 2010 asking providers to help update contact data for recipients. Our guess is that they are finding out, the hard way, about yet another challenge which providers handle every day in providing services to their consumers. Here is the text of the announcement on QiReport: 11/2/2010 - When CCME is conducting annual assessments for recipients, we have found

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-50316277855435385992010-11-01T14:16:00.000-07:002010-11-01T14:16:21.491-07:00

On October 29, 2010 North Carolina Division of Medical Assistance published two new proposed Clinical Coverage Policies for In Home Care Adults (IHCA) and In Home Care Children (IHCC), which are intended to replace the existing PCS/PCS Plus program. DMA is looking to close down the existing PCS and PCS Plus programs as soon as possible after January 1, 2011. The new replacement Policies have

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-62813856819162389092010-08-17T08:37:00.000-07:002010-08-17T08:37:19.048-07:00

CCME finally admitted today what providers have been saying for weeks- that fax transmissions which CCME thought it had sent to providers may not have been received due to a “fax failure”.  Also, when the provider who was supposed to have gotten the referral did not respond in 48 hours, CCME apparently did not in all cases refer the consumer to another agency.  Providers in such cases who were

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-39695679091009085302010-08-16T09:11:00.000-07:002010-08-16T09:11:43.206-07:00

DMA confirmed today that, prior to this week,  the “end dates” for Medicaid benefits from PCS recipients were calculated wrong by CCME due to a miss-communication with the programmer about what the effective end dates should be.  This error affected 100% of the 1,089 individuals who were sent cut-off letters, and was brought to DMA’s and CCME’s attention by SembraCare. A fix has been devised

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-27225306122597291382010-06-09T06:36:00.001-07:002010-06-09T06:36:25.509-07:00

On June 15, 2010, from 9 am to 10 am, and on June 17, 2010, from 2 pm to 3 pm,  CCME will present a Webinar called “PCS Independent Assessment......continuing the journey”. This Webinar will explain the independent assessments now being issued, provide information about care plans which providers must prepare, and will touch briefly on billing issues. For Registration and additional information

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-15637434310807278482010-05-24T08:33:00.000-07:002010-06-01T08:34:05.977-07:00

Concerned about the effect of the 2010-2011 Budget Bill on PCS?  The Budget Bill is working its way through the North Carolina Legislature and is already through the Senate.   While most observers expect major changes before a final version is hammered out, PCS provider agencies should pay close attention to the details.  A provision in the Senate-passed budget plan would eliminate PCS services

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-55862180279743673532010-05-13T11:09:00.001-07:002010-05-13T11:09:39.820-07:00

On May 19, 2010 CCME will conduct a Webinar called "Charting a New Course in Personal Care Services". This Webinar will cover changes in the PCS rules and other important information, and is designed for PCS providers and those who refer Medicaid recipients for PCS services. For Registration and additional information you should visit  www.qireport.net and click the Tab for “Learn More”.  CCME

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-28715244414507253172010-04-13T12:21:00.000-07:002010-04-13T12:21:41.259-07:00

DMA is reemphasizing the need to remove prohibited tasks from care plans by April 30, 2010.   We quote: The new PCS and PCS-Plus Clinical Coverage Policy 3C includes changes required by Session Law 2009-451 (Senate Bill 202). Section 10.68A.(a)(3) of Senate Bill 202 mandated the addition of the following items to the list of tasks that are not covered by the Medicaid PCS program:      •   

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-24218427847082636142010-04-13T12:18:00.000-07:002010-04-13T12:18:25.925-07:00

There is a new hours scoring proposal posted at http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma/mpproposed/PCSProposedServiceAuthGrid.pdf  Your opportunity to comment on this proposal expires April 16, 2010.  If you have an opinion, don’t be silent; please let it be known! Please remember to always check the news that is posted on the QiReport.net website at https://www.qireport.net.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-64348281098556654662010-03-26T13:20:00.000-07:002010-03-26T13:21:08.484-07:00

DMA Has Sent the Following Data to Doctors About the April 1, 2010 Implementation of Independent Assessment, Prior Authorization, and New Clinical Coverage Policy for Medicaid Personal Care Services (PCS) and PCS-Plus Independent Assessment The Carolinas Center For Medical Excellence (CCME) will conduct new referral assessments and continuing service and change of status reassessments for PCS

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-39109585202299492352010-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:002010-03-24T11:20:43.103-07:00

Gov. Bev Perdue today announced measures cracking down on Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse that costs taxpayers millions of dollars each year.  These include:  newly created Medicaid SWAT teams, with specially trained investigators,  better use of computer technology to detect and prevent abuse,  a campaign to encourage the public and providers to report suspected Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse,

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-11180315149862373762010-02-05T11:34:00.000-08:002010-02-05T11:37:25.830-08:00

DMA and the DHHS Controller's Office are suspending mandatory cost reporting effective December 31, 2009, including reports for community based personal care services. See the memo explaining this.Please note that this is a suspension, not a complete elimination, of the cost reporting requirement, and that reports which were due prior to December 31, 2009 must still be filed. Providers still need

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-48058252530117607982010-02-01T06:58:00.000-08:002010-02-01T08:02:24.030-08:00

The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance will hold a public hearing for Medical Assistance Eligibility, Provider Enrollment, Provider Performance Bond rules published January 4, 2010The public hearing will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 17, at Dorothea Dix Campus, Kirby Building room 132 (1985 Umstead Drive, Raleigh, NC 27603).Verbal comments will be

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-9157394769375057632010-02-01T06:56:00.000-08:002010-02-01T06:58:26.414-08:00

DMA announced in the February 2010 Medicaid Bulletin that the IAE (CCME) has finished the reviews of the PACT forms submitted by the January 8, 2010 deadline, and that the mailing of prior authorization and hours determination letters is being "voluntarily delayed" pending the outcome of the AHHC lawsuit.Furthermore, DMA plans to begin performing the IAE reassessments in March 2010: "

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-39946567882473863902010-01-21T08:56:00.000-08:002010-01-21T09:11:47.375-08:00

SembraCare is sponsoring two Home Care Agency Meetings, January 26, 2010 in Lumberton, NC, and January 28, 2010 in Statesville, from 10 am to 12:30 pm. These are open to Licensed Home Care Agencies, there is no cost or obligation for attending these meetings, and you are invited to have two representatives attend. Just let us know you are coming! The Agenda is below.Statesville LOCATION:Holiday

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-46440347281033457862010-01-12T08:40:00.000-08:002010-01-12T08:50:29.446-08:00

On behalf of DMA, CSC is currently carrying out a 12-month process to verify provider information and conduct credentialing activities for enrolled Medicaid providers. Because of ongoing discussions with provider associations related to the Medicaid Provider Participation Agreement, DMA has agreed to extend the time allotted for providers to return the required information to CSC. Providers have

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-72480172312622630602010-01-11T10:48:00.000-08:002010-01-11T10:52:54.459-08:00

Month Electronic Cut-Off Date Checkwrite Date January 1/7/10 1/12/10 1/14/10 1/20/10

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-49404751744141993562009-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:002009-12-18T06:04:38.637-08:00

Attention: All ProvidersMedicaid Recipient Appeal Process/Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and TreatmentMedicaid Recipient Appeal Process/Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) seminars are scheduled for the month of February 2010. Seminars are intended to address Medicaid recipient appeal process when a Medicaid service is denied, reduced or terminated. The

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-3955101622981386252009-08-07T09:54:00.000-07:002009-08-07T10:00:03.709-07:00

Medicaid Identification Cards Once A YearUpon approval of the State budget, the N.C. Medicaid Program will begin issuance of one Medicaid identification (MID) card per year to each recipient. The effective date of this change may be as early as September 8, 2009. The annual cards will be printed on gray card stock; DMA will no longer have blue, pink, green, and buff-colored MID cards. The cards

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-4790748766694568642009-07-24T08:42:00.000-07:002009-07-24T08:45:07.398-07:00

The North Carolina General Assembly ended this week with no Budget deal in sight, as Governor Perdue made clear she would not sign a Budget bill containing an income tax surcharge as a way to pay for needed state services. NC House and Senate leaders, who had been building support for their compromise money package, declared they would need another budget deadline extension – the current one

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-34773742202886504362009-05-20T10:34:00.000-07:002009-05-20T10:40:11.090-07:00

Many who have given an “exit interview” to their company have described it with a shrug of the shoulders and a “for what it’s worth.” Exit interviews have an almost mythical reputation for being a waste of time. Did anything ever change at a company as a result of what comes out of an exit interview? Inc. magazine interviewed Michael Bloomberg, before he was Mayor of New York and Bloomberg said

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-60955956049358569342009-05-13T05:58:00.000-07:002009-05-13T06:02:07.827-07:00

Home Care agencies who have been following the budget crisis in North Carolina might want to peruse the latest (May 6, 2009) discussion of projected Revenue, available online. Dr. Barry Boardman, of the Fiscal Research Division of the General Assembly, citing consensus estimates, projects as follows:“Revised consensus numbers suggests if normallong-term growth resumes in 2011-12, then it willbe

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-78742663400506145482009-04-29T07:33:00.001-07:002009-04-29T07:33:52.106-07:00

The Raleigh News and Observer reports that today Governor Perdue, having looked over the revenue collections from April 15, has decided that the 2008-2009 deficit is about a billion dollars worse than feared and has ordered that all state workers will have their annual pay reduced ½ % , including judges, legislators and administrative personnel. Also, there will be unpaid time off – furloughs.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-90841863627235130312009-04-22T12:21:00.000-07:002009-04-22T12:22:34.881-07:00

North Carolina Home Care agencies providing Medicaid Private Duty Nursing services should check out the new Proposed Clinical Policy 3E for PDN services, available on DMA’s website here.Among the changes is a limitation in total daily hours of service to 16 hrs per day, with the possibility of added hours in exceptional circumstances. [As you may be aware, this change is in the current Senate

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-784654820377256882009-04-21T06:28:00.000-07:002009-04-21T06:30:58.202-07:00

Budget concerns continue to rise for North Carolina Home Care agencies. A review of the Senate approved budget for fiscal year 2009-2010 reveals that the Senate proposal – the latest version – is to cut $55 million from the Personal Care Services program during the next fiscal year by beginning reductions on October 1, 2009. This is referred to by the Legislature as a “15% cut” – meaning that 55

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-19764817415237851002009-03-19T07:02:00.000-07:002009-03-19T07:13:25.029-07:00

Welcome to the brave new world of budget cutting, as brought to you by the North Carolina General Assembly, Medicaid, and the Governor’s office. The world of in home personal care services is always changing and becoming more challenging with slow or no rate increases, costs challenges, and regulatory challenges. We can expect finances to get tighter as the federal minimum wage goes to $7.25

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-18913177450937897562009-02-19T13:32:00.000-08:002009-02-19T14:03:06.273-08:00

The bill (House Bill 177) would require any business with 10 or more employees to accrue and pay sick time.Sick time shall begin to accrue at the commencement of employment. Paid sick time shall accrue at the rate of one hour of pay for every 30 hours worked The maximum accrual is 56 hours. This bill would apply to most if not all home care agencies who have employees (as opposed to bona fide

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-45722736744225170332009-02-06T06:49:00.000-08:002009-02-06T06:51:11.441-08:00

North Carolina’s Division of Health Service Regulation (formerly called the Division of Facility Services) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on February 3, 2009, concerning a contract to test the qualifications of CNA’s and Medication aides who assist clients in regulated facilities – including the home care environment. This RFP reveals DHSR’s thinking about home care CNA’s and what they

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-67324030599026102752009-01-12T19:54:00.000-08:002009-01-12T20:07:40.539-08:00

According to this, May is the end of the road for using for the Medicaid provider numbers for billing. We hear May 5th is the actual date. This is only for billing as of now. This year's cost report will still need to use provider numbers as the state's system is tied heavily to the MPN numbers.var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-28931464695255115532009-01-07T19:38:00.000-08:002009-01-12T19:59:02.632-08:00

The third and final part of Home Health Care Aides article is up and it makes for a great read. Regardless of if you're in need of an home care worker or if you are an owner or manager of a home care agency, it's worth a read along with the first and second articles. We think this quote is a great starting point for all workers in this industry.The place to start is to recognize that certified

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-70267696075818307662009-01-07T19:14:00.000-08:002009-01-12T19:58:46.696-08:00

Governor-elect Beverly Perdue on Tuesday named Lanier Cansler, a lobbyist and former legislator, as secretary of the beleaguered state Department of Health and Human Services.Cansler, who served as DHHS deputy secretary from 2001 to 2005, has been a partner in the Cansler Fuquay Solutions lobbying and consulting firm for the past four years. The firm represented Computer Sciences Corp., which

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-85995116454067206942009-01-07T18:52:00.000-08:002009-01-12T19:58:27.179-08:00

Just wanted to point out an article just published on how to hire a home health aide from the consumer's point of view and a quote from that article:The first person you hire, or even the second or third person may not be the right one. Don't get discouraged, the right match is out there. Do not settle for someone that does not meet all your expectations.So as an agency owner, please do not get

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-55882112188011761792008-12-31T12:30:00.000-08:002009-01-12T19:58:03.012-08:00

Computer Sciences Corp has outbid Electronic Data Systems (EDS) to become North Carolina’s new Medicaid processor. CSC has only one other Medicaid customer, the state of New York. See the rest of the article here.var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-40017481889826942892008-12-11T11:43:00.000-08:002009-01-12T20:33:53.535-08:00

The Division of Medical Assistance will provide an additional check write in December to assist providers with cash flow. This will result in changes in our published check write dates.The new cut off and check write dates are as follows:Electronic Cut-Off Date: 12/18/08 (Thur.) Check write: 12/23/08 (Tues.)Electronic Cut-Off Date: 12/23/08 (Tues.) Check write: 12/30/08 (Tues.)var gaJsHost

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-90293374840078758322008-10-31T11:23:00.000-07:002008-10-31T11:26:38.093-07:00

Due to Thanksgiving falling on Thursday, cutoff will be on a Wednesday (11/26/2008) so please be prepared and adjust your schedules accordingly.var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-87084129898992857212008-10-29T09:07:00.000-07:002008-10-31T11:20:33.229-07:00

A quick thank you to all of those that we met and talked to at AHHC's Wilmington show. It was a pleasure to talk to all and hope to see you again in Durham.var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));var pageTracker = _gat._

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-69317129804196719702008-10-24T10:39:00.000-07:002008-10-31T11:14:56.279-07:00

2009 Checkwrite Schedule Please refer to the following table for the 2009 Checkwrite Schedule. Month Electronic Cut-Off Date Checkwrite Date January 1/8/09 1/13/09 1/15/09 1/21/09 1/22/09 1/29/09 1/29/09 2/3/09 February 2/5/09 2/10/09 2/12/09 2/18/09 2/19/09 2/26/09 2/26/09 3/3/09 March 3/5/09 3/10/09 3/12/09 3/17/09 3/19/09 3/26/09 April 4/2/09 4

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-11074458408507326222008-10-12T10:29:00.000-07:002008-10-31T10:38:55.142-07:00

As many of you may now know, DMA has a rate freeze on through June 1 2009. This will impact personal care - community and adult care home and all CAP programs. var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));var pageTracker = _

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-3587596520594914272008-10-06T11:16:00.000-07:002008-10-31T11:20:53.936-07:00

In October 2008, DMA began holding combined Personal Care Services (PCS)/PCS-Plus training sessions in their office in Raleigh. The purpose of the sessions is to provide a policy orientation for registered nurses (RNs) who are new to the PCS program and who conduct PCS and/or PCS-Plus assessments of Medicaid recipients. The training for novice PCS nurses includes a review of the policy

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-66369943276402913822008-08-07T12:20:00.000-07:002008-10-31T07:32:14.026-07:00

Quick Tip:Employers who classify workers as independent contractors must file Form 1099 reporting compensation paid to those individuals. If a worker is found to be an employee rather than a contractor, the fact that the employer filed a 1099 would reduce the damages to one year of taxes, instead of three.If the employer has a "colorable argument" that the person was a contractor and filed a 1099

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-17293730159776390072008-06-12T10:16:00.000-07:002008-10-31T07:32:35.005-07:00

This is a reminder to our customers that use SembraCare for their background checks that we can only process the background checks for those prospective employees who have been in the state longer than 5 years. If your prospective employee has been in the state less than 5 years, a national background check has to be done. Currently, only the SBI can process this background check. To recap

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-22572703552515010932008-06-10T08:38:00.000-07:002008-10-31T07:33:04.675-07:00

SembraCare encourages all it's clients and other agencies to join AHHC. For more info and the benefits of membership please see this.var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E"));var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-552748-1"

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-24788678852004447572008-06-05T08:35:00.000-07:002008-10-31T07:33:21.161-07:00

The 14 regional training sessions scheduled for May 26, 2008 through July 11, 2008, on the new N.C. Medicaid Uniform Screening Tool (MUST) have been cancelled. DMA has delayed implementation and rollout of the MUST.var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www.");document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-17099779868426952682008-06-01T13:35:00.000-07:002008-06-10T08:35:35.432-07:00

Effective August 1, 2008, all individual providers will be required to maintain only one service-specific MPN to ensure that claims process correctly when billing with National Provider Identifiers. North Carolina DMA will end-date all but one of the provider’s MPNs. Providers who have multiple MPNs will be notified by mail 30 days prior to this action.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-13554034074017365792008-06-01T11:05:00.000-07:002008-06-10T08:33:48.774-07:00

All providers are encourage to submit their NPI, Medicaid Provider Number (MPN), and taxonomy on all claims until they receive an NPI Provider Ready letter confirming that their claims are being received correctly.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-8092482062822187432008-05-23T10:11:00.000-07:002008-06-10T08:32:55.000-07:00

Questions or concerns about NPI? EDS Provider Services has added staff to handle NPI phone calls and research NPI issues. Callers will hear an option for the NPI Help Desk when contacting EDS Provider Services (1-800-688-6696 or 919-851-8888).

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-56455178500133931012008-05-23T09:31:00.000-07:002008-06-10T08:32:10.772-07:00

Effective TODAY, all claims must contain a National Provider Identifier (NPI). N.C. Medicaid will no longer accept claims submitted without an NPI on or after May 23, 2008. Unless the provider is atypical, failure to use the NPI by this date will result in a claim denial.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-57122968960534447792008-05-06T16:18:00.000-07:002008-05-23T09:10:11.542-07:00

The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence announces continuing provider training for Personal Care Services. The sessions are scheduled for June 2008. Training is recommended for registered nurses, agency administrators, and agency owners who have knowledge of the PCS program and DMA policies. Preregistration is required.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-27522370102069289012008-05-06T15:32:00.000-07:002008-05-22T12:57:58.299-07:00

Personal Care Services Cost Report training for the 2007 cost reports are scheduled for June 2008. Cost reports are due July 25, 2008. The sessions are intended to provide instructions on the completion of the cost report. Due to the small size of the training site, preregistration is required. The registration form, the 2007 PCS Cost Report schedule, an instruction manual, and other related

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-6726853502307932982008-05-01T09:55:00.000-07:002008-05-22T12:56:55.296-07:00

Effective July 1, 2008, NC Medicaid will require providers to list the 11-digit National Drug Codes as well as HCPCS codes and units on professional claims. Claims will be reimbursed in the same manner.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-87821278122148865182008-04-05T13:54:00.000-07:002008-05-22T12:55:35.126-07:00

Regional training sessions for the new Uniform Screening Program (USP) and the NC Medicaid Uniform Screening Tool (MUST) application have been scheduled. These sessions will help educate providers on changes to procedures and processes due to the implementation of this new web-based tool. All MUST screeners and users of the USP will be considered qualified after completing MUST regional

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-26860212283969664332008-03-10T12:53:00.000-07:002008-05-22T12:54:29.971-07:00

Providers: there is a new process for submitting refunds to NC Medicaid. The new Provider Refund Request form is available at the DMA website, under the heading “Claim and Claim Adjustments.”

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-49265365494973833072008-02-06T10:24:00.000-08:002008-02-15T10:25:46.673-08:00

The Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence will offer provider training for Personal Care Services in March 2008. Training is recommended for registered nurses, agency administrators and agency owners who have a working knowledge of the PCS program and DMA policies. Dates and locations will be posted on CCME’s Web site under “Upcoming Events.”

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-4394998792415901762008-02-02T11:27:00.000-08:002008-02-15T10:26:55.417-08:00

Basic Medicaid seminars will be held in April 2008. Seminars are intended to educate providers on the basics of Medicaid billing. See the North Carolina Medicaid February bulletin for more information.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-53785636444589555702008-02-01T16:27:00.000-08:002008-02-15T10:28:26.163-08:00

In the January 2008 provider bulletin, DMA announced that claims would deny effective March 1, 2008, if the NPI, Medicaid provider number and/or taxonomy was missing. DMA has decided not to implement this policy effective March 1. DMA still requires that all submitted claims contain the Medicaid Provider Number, NPI, and Taxonomy. This data is needed to ensure

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-25682939477378711372008-01-19T09:25:00.000-08:002008-05-22T13:00:42.857-07:00

In May 2007, Congress passed legislation requiring that prescriptions for all Medicaid outpatient drugs be written on tamper-resistant prescription pads, to be implemented April 1, 2008. The NC Division of Medical Assistance has published guidance regarding this law, available at the DMA’s website.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-3795997381804113882008-01-10T08:33:00.000-08:002008-05-23T08:34:11.026-07:00

Providers are now required to include the last four digits of their ZIP codes in the billing address and service facility location address fields on all claims. Once NPI is implemented, the ZIP+4 will be necessary for claims processing.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-77395284272974274702008-01-05T11:34:00.000-08:002008-05-23T08:35:22.553-07:00

In February 2008, NC Medicaid will sponsor seminars discussing the implementation of National Provider Identifier (NPI). Providers who would like more information on NPI are encouraged to attend. For more details see the NC Medicaid January bulletin.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-49796753971850766612007-11-01T12:35:00.001-07:002008-05-23T08:36:52.360-07:00

Starting November 1, 2007, DMA will implement changes that were mandated by several legislative actions. Among the changes is a limitation of $500.000 in home equity and an increased look back period to 60 months. See the North Carolina Medicaid November bulletin for more info.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-16877749511979903212007-07-09T09:36:00.000-07:002008-05-23T08:39:58.358-07:00

Some Pictures of the July 2007 Tradeshow including the Nintendo Wii Winner

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-32815151330283105822007-05-02T08:25:00.000-07:002008-05-23T08:46:35.974-07:00

SembraCare has updated all PCS-PACT forms to match the latest government forms. Please take a look at www.pcspact.com to try it out!

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-44025765295195472422007-03-31T11:46:00.000-07:002008-05-23T08:47:32.367-07:00

SembraCare release's new software to reflect all the many new changes on the PCS-Pact form. pcspact.com is currently not updated as we take care of all our current clients first. Keep on eye on pcspact.com for when the new changes will take place over there.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-7712859232642303582007-02-14T08:48:00.000-08:002008-05-23T08:49:12.349-07:00

SembraCare will be attending the 35th annual convention and expo on May 14th and 15th. Please click here for more info.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-38216129974653781702006-12-12T13:35:00.000-08:002008-05-23T12:51:22.659-07:00

SembraCare's team got to meet with the Stanley Cup. As you may know SembraCare has some tickets with the Carolina Hurricanes and any of our customers are always invited to call and see if some tickets are available if they are to be in Raleigh. Here are some of our employees with Lord Stanley's Cup.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-15012375474340731652006-10-31T12:45:00.000-08:002008-05-23T12:49:45.142-07:00

SembraCare attended the AHHC's fall conference in Wilmington, NC on October 30th and 31st. Below are a couple of pictures of our new booth along with the winner of the booth prize. Please be sure to take a moment at next years conference and stop by and say hello.

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-19769444379380289282006-08-26T12:51:00.000-07:002008-05-23T12:56:32.226-07:00

SembraCare will try and post occasional articles of interest in North Carolina Home Healthcare market. These will be short articles of some of the tidbits you can come to expect as our company grows into our role of a Solutions company for the NC Medicaid Home Healthcare market. Click here for the first article on workers' compensation issues in the North Carolina home

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-64033429379214894382006-06-19T14:55:00.000-07:002008-05-23T13:06:21.848-07:00

SembraCare has moved! SembraCare has relocated to become the main tenant anchor at 4000 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 100, Raleigh NC 27612. The building is within visual distance of Crabtree Mall and less than one mile from the new soleil center that is to be built later. The move went easy thanks to the planning of all members involved. We will post pictures of our

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-43335520808712278762006-06-05T15:57:00.000-07:002008-05-23T13:05:22.742-07:00

SembraCare has completed their move to Level 3's Co-location facility. This enabled us to increase our bandwidth and add to our already reliable services. Level 3's facilities include a fault-tolerant secure environment and physical and network security. SembraCare's servers are now connected to the mainstream backbone of the internet on a 360 gigabit internet router (

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2613930727277755811.post-38760839090721442362006-05-03T17:06:00.000-07:002008-05-23T13:08:52.132-07:00

SembraCare is back from a successful conference. On May 1st and 2nd, SembraCare attended AHHC's 34th Annual Convention and Exposition. We saw many new faces as well as many old friends and for that we thank you. For those of you who are SembraCare clients but could not attend, please contact us for any new material handouts or new knowledge so we may pass that along to you. Below are

SembraCarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12345132253474460196noreply@blogger.com