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Issue Focus: Reimbursement
Headlines | Featured Question
Upcoming Events | Shop Online
Access SLP Health Care is a bimonthly e-newsletter that addresses the specific needs of speech-language pathologists working in health care. To subscribe, send a blank email with the word "subscribe" in the subject line to: Access-SLPhealthcare-request@lists.asha.org.
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We hope you find Access SLP Health Care informative, practical, and easy to use. Check out the information, resources, services and education opportunities you need to help you succeed. ASHA...working to keep you connected.
Headlines
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Analysis: 2005 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (members only)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has recently released reimbursement rates for Part B services as well as other policy changes. ASHA's detailed analysis describes how these changes will affect SLPs.
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New Medical Necessity Document (members only)
Health plans will only pay for services that meet their medical necessity standards, which are generally defined as services that are reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of an illness or injury. Clinicians must document how their services meet this requirement. Learn more about this free ASHA product.
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Improve Insurance Coverage of Speech-Language Pathology Services
SLPs and audiologists should be sure that their own health plans offer speech, language, and hearing benefits, and be prepared to advocate for improved coverage. Download a "checklist" that will help you approach your employer for coverage. (members only)
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Take Action - Separate SLP and PT in Medicare Outpatient Statute
Take 5 minutes to help advance legislation that allow SLPs to directly bill the Medicare program. Contact your members of Congress and ask that they support this legislation. You can make a difference: visit ASHA's advocacy site.
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Featured Question – Documentation
Has ASHA developed a template for documentation that will guarantee reimbursement?
No one documentation template can guarantee payment and ASHA has not developed such templates. There are so many variables that play into documentation, such as patient population, facility type, payer requirements, and personal preferences, that it is difficult to design a template that will meet all members' needs.
But, ASHA has developed resources to help members streamline their documentation and write reports and progress notes that will increase the likelihood of securing payment. In general, to document for successful reimbursement, you must record the need for your services as well as the progress and outcomes. The key points for Medicare and private payers are medical necessity, the need for skilled speech-language pathology services, and functional improvement. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service found that 45% of the claims paid in error resulted from insufficient documentation. Access a report summary [PDF].
Not an ASHA Member? Find out about the benefits of membership enjoyed by over 115,000 professionals, and apply today.
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Reimbursement Sessions at the ASHA Convention
This year's theme "United in Science and Service" links the importance of evidence-based practice and the use of research and theory to guide clinical services. Nov. 18-20 (one week prior to Thanksgiving).
- Negotiating Private Health Plan Coverage - A Process (SC16)
Friday, Nov. 19, 1-4 p.m.
- Show Me the Money - Breaking the Reimbursement Code (Part I) (0136)
Thursday, Nov. 18, 1-2 p.m.
- Show Me the Money - Breaking the Reimbursement Code (Part II): Speech-Language Pathology (0139)
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
- SLPs Combining Clinical and Business Skills for Success (0143)
Friday, Nov. 19, 8-10 a.m.
- What You Need to Know to be Paid (0148)
Friday, Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Reimbursement Resources at Your Fingertips (0156 Poster 8)
Friday, Nov. 19, 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon
- Effective Documentation Strategies to Meet Medicare Requirements (0171 Poster 5)
Saturday, Nov. 20, 3:30- 5:00 p.m.
ASHA Health Care 2005
Dementia, Vocal Pathologies, and Pediatric Dysphagia
Clinical approaches for SLPs in health care settings
Join us in the desert! The ASHA Health Care 2005 Conference will be held Feb. 19-20, 2005, in Palm Springs, CA. This three-track program will provide attendees access to clinically relevant, up-to-date information in the areas of dementia, voice, and pediatric dysphagia. Take advantage of the early-bird registration discount by registering before January 17, 2005.
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Shop Online: Products for Your Practice
Take a look at ASHA's line of health care-related products, including posters and informational brochures, as well as reference materials about reimbursement and practice management. Browse and buy online, or call ASHA Product Sales toll-free, 1-888-498-6699.
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Coming this month - Business Matters: A Guide for Speech-Language Pathologists
...your ideal resource for SLP business practices. Perfect for students, professors, clinicians, and supervisors.
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Subscribe to E-Mail Alerts for Journals
Take advantage of a new ASHA benefit! Receive an e-mail alert when new issues of each of the four ASHA journals are posted on the Web.
Remember: To continue receiving this free bimonthly e-newsletter, send a blank email with the word "subscribe" in the subject line to Access-SLPhealthcare-request@lists.asha.org.
Next issue of Access SLP Health Care coming in January 2005!
Address comments and suggestions for future topics, information or resources to AccessSLP@asha.org.
ASHA Foundation | ASHA Journals | Division 11 - Administration and Supervision | Coding & Reimbursement (a Member Benefit) | SLPs in Health Care (a Member Benefit) | Office of Multicultural Affairs
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