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For each of the 2007 Focused Initiatives, a work plan that includes the strategies to be completed in 2007 was developed. During the 2nd quarter of the year, the strategy implementation teams initiated activities necessary to complete the strategies by the dates indicated. View the 2007 work plan for each Focused Initiative.
The following report highlights some of the actions that were initiated during the 2nd quarter and includes information on the status of all strategies included in the work plan at the end of the 2nd quarter. For additional information related to ASHA's Focused Initiatives please contact Stan Dublinske, Senior Advisor for Planning at sdublinske@asha.org.
2nd Quarter Highlights
- ASHA's Model Benefits for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology was updated and posted to the ASHA Web site.
- The Legislating Health Plan Coverage packet was also posted to the ASHA Web site both on the members-only and public side. The packet was advertised in the GRPP Advocates and Access SLP e-zines.
- A State Advocates for Reimbursement (STAR) Network meeting was held prior to the ASHA State Policy Workshop. The agenda included drafting a 3-year strategic plan, reviewing the STAR grants, approaches to negotiation, and appealing claims denials. Twenty-two STAR network members attended the meeting.
- A presentation proposal was submitted to the BC/BS Association Best Practices annual meeting on the use of telepractice in an interdisciplinary setting using NOMS as one outcome measure.
- The Milliman actuary is preparing a proposal for ASHA related to writing a white paper regarding the return on investment from health plan coverage for comprehensive speech and hearing services.
- Seminars have been presented in Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, New York, and South Carolina on negotiating for private health plan coverage for speech-language pathology and audiology coverage.
- Conference calls have been held with the Medicare Intermediaries and Carriers (MICS) Network. Representatives provided suggestions in development of comments to two intermediaries regarding dysphagia and SLP draft Local Coverage Determinations. Guidance has been provided to those aware of unreasonable denials regarding Medicare national policy on cognitive-communicative therapy.
- A PowerPoint presentation that informs professionals about materials related to Audiologic Rehabilitation (AR) and reimbursement for audiologic rehabilitation can be accessed at: http://www.asha.org/members/aud/ and has been included in Have You Heard a resource book on AR.
- Members of the School Finance Committee (SFC) gave presentations at the Virginia, New York, Nevada, and Georgia Speech Language Hearing Association annual meetings.
There are 28 strategies in the Reimbursement in Health and Education work plan. Following is the status for the 1st and 2nd quarters.
|
Quarter |
Not Started |
25%
Complete |
50%
Complete |
75%
Complete |
100%
Complete |
Eliminated |
|
1st |
2 |
24 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
2nd |
0 |
7 |
11 |
2 |
8 |
0 |
|