Illinois Health Connect Provider Services Trainer Danielle Parrillo staffed a booth in the exhibit hall at an Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) and Chicago Medical Society CME event titled "Time For a Checkup: Improving the Business Side of Your Practice," which was held November 29 in Des Plaines.
It was the second consecutive year IHC attended this event. Ms. Parrillo educated primary care providers and specialists in attendance about the IHC program.
The learning objectives for the event included: assessing important trends in managed care contracting, building and sustaining a productive and positive work environment and distinguishing hidden sources of stress in a practice and learning how to eliminate them.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Updated HFS co-payment chart is available online
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) recently issued a Provider Release that clarifies the client cost sharing changes that have resulted from the Saving Medicaid Access and Resources Together (SMART) Act.
HFS has also amended its client co-payment chart for All Kids (Assist, Share, Premium Level 1, Premium Level 2), Medicaid Adults, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, Illinois Healthy Women and Illinois Veterans Care.
The All Kids website also has a co-payment chart for clients that includes co-payment information for All Kids Share, All Kids Premium Level 1 and All Kids Premium Level 2. There is also a printable version. All Kids Assist co-payment information is not included. All Kids Assist clients do not have co-payments for office or clinic visits.
There are never co-payments for well child visits, immunizations, preventive visit for clients of all ages, diagnostic services or family planning. Family planning related services require a co-payment for office visits.
Starting with dates of service on and after July 16, 2012, HFS will deduct all co-payments from provider reimbursements.
IHC encourages all providers to sign up to receive HFS Provider Releases via E-mail as HFS no longer mails these notices. To sign up for E-mail notification, go to http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/provrel/ and select the appropriate categories.
November 29 UPDATE: This entry was originally posted on August 21, 2012. It was updated to notify providers of the new All Kids co-payment chart for clients and to clarify that there are not co-payments for preventive visits, regardless of age.
HFS has also amended its client co-payment chart for All Kids (Assist, Share, Premium Level 1, Premium Level 2), Medicaid Adults, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, Illinois Healthy Women and Illinois Veterans Care.
The All Kids website also has a co-payment chart for clients that includes co-payment information for All Kids Share, All Kids Premium Level 1 and All Kids Premium Level 2. There is also a printable version. All Kids Assist co-payment information is not included. All Kids Assist clients do not have co-payments for office or clinic visits.
There are never co-payments for well child visits, immunizations, preventive visit for clients of all ages, diagnostic services or family planning. Family planning related services require a co-payment for office visits.
Starting with dates of service on and after July 16, 2012, HFS will deduct all co-payments from provider reimbursements.
IHC encourages all providers to sign up to receive HFS Provider Releases via E-mail as HFS no longer mails these notices. To sign up for E-mail notification, go to http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/provrel/ and select the appropriate categories.
November 29 UPDATE: This entry was originally posted on August 21, 2012. It was updated to notify providers of the new All Kids co-payment chart for clients and to clarify that there are not co-payments for preventive visits, regardless of age.
Printable co-payment chart available for All Kids clients
There is an updated co-payment chart on the All Kids website. It was updated to reflect the changes to your benefits.
This new chart can be printed out. It does not have All Kids Assist information. It has co-pays listed for All Kids Share. It also has co-pays for All Kids Premium Level 1 and Premium Level 2.
All Kids Assist clients do not have a co-pay for office or clinic visits.
There are never co-pays for well child visits. There are never co-pays for immunizations. This is true for all levels of All Kids.
For more information, call the All Kids Hotline at 1-866-255-5437 (TTY 877-204-1012).
This new chart can be printed out. It does not have All Kids Assist information. It has co-pays listed for All Kids Share. It also has co-pays for All Kids Premium Level 1 and Premium Level 2.
All Kids Assist clients do not have a co-pay for office or clinic visits.
There are never co-pays for well child visits. There are never co-pays for immunizations. This is true for all levels of All Kids.
For more information, call the All Kids Hotline at 1-866-255-5437 (TTY 877-204-1012).
Monday, November 26, 2012
New website offers consolidated tobacco cessation resources
BeTobaccoFree is a new online resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides the most up to date information about tobacco, health statistics and evidence-based methods on how to quit using tobacco.
The Quit Now page includes a live chat feature, mobile apps, a toll-free quitline number, a quitting guide, as well as resources for parents, educators and healthcare professionals.
The Quit Now page includes a live chat feature, mobile apps, a toll-free quitline number, a quitting guide, as well as resources for parents, educators and healthcare professionals.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Call to see if you qualify for non-emergency transportation
If it is hard for you to get to medical appointments because you do not have a car or cannot afford the gas, you may be able to get a ride with your medical card. This is not for ambulance services.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) covers non-emergency transportation to the nearest possible provider only. To see if you qualify for non-emergency transportation, call 1-877-725-0569 (TTY: 877-204-1012). Call between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
You must call at least two business days before your trip. You will need to have your HFS medical card when you call. You will be asked for the name of the doctor or clinic and the address. You will be asked for the reason for the appointment as well as the date and time of appointment.
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) covers non-emergency transportation to the nearest possible provider only. To see if you qualify for non-emergency transportation, call 1-877-725-0569 (TTY: 877-204-1012). Call between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
You must call at least two business days before your trip. You will need to have your HFS medical card when you call. You will be asked for the name of the doctor or clinic and the address. You will be asked for the reason for the appointment as well as the date and time of appointment.
Monday, November 19, 2012
You can update your address with DHS online
It is important to update the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) when you move. This will ensure that your medical card is mailed to your new address.
You can update your address online using this form. A Spanish form is also available. To complete the form, you will need to enter all information with a star (*) next to it. This includes name, new address, date of birth and social security number.
Cases cannot be transferred to another state. You must call your DHS office to close your case. Once case is closed, you must apply for benefits with new state.
To report a change in income or family size, call DHS at 1-800-720-4166. You can also report these changes in person at a DHS office. To find your local DHS office online, use the Office Locator at the bottom of the DHS home page.
You can also update your address and phone number with Illinois Health Connect. This will ensure your Primary Care Provider (PCP) at your medical home can reach you. Call 1-877-912-1999 to speak with IHC about these changes.
You can update your address online using this form. A Spanish form is also available. To complete the form, you will need to enter all information with a star (*) next to it. This includes name, new address, date of birth and social security number.
Cases cannot be transferred to another state. You must call your DHS office to close your case. Once case is closed, you must apply for benefits with new state.
To report a change in income or family size, call DHS at 1-800-720-4166. You can also report these changes in person at a DHS office. To find your local DHS office online, use the Office Locator at the bottom of the DHS home page.
You can also update your address and phone number with Illinois Health Connect. This will ensure your Primary Care Provider (PCP) at your medical home can reach you. Call 1-877-912-1999 to speak with IHC about these changes.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Break the pattern of domestic violence today
Get help if you are suffering from domestic violence. Get help now!
Speak with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) at your medical home. Talk with someone you trust. Call 911 in an emergency.
Domestic violence includes all harmful acts within the family or in an intimate relationship. The abuse can be physical or mental. It can happen with relationships of any age.
Children who witness this violence are harmed. Intimate violence can lead to depression. It can lead to substance abuse. It can lead to suicide.
You can get help. Call the DHS Domestic Violence Hotline if you are not in immediate danger. The number is 1-877-863-6338.
Speak with your Primary Care Provider (PCP) at your medical home. Talk with someone you trust. Call 911 in an emergency.
Domestic violence includes all harmful acts within the family or in an intimate relationship. The abuse can be physical or mental. It can happen with relationships of any age.
Children who witness this violence are harmed. Intimate violence can lead to depression. It can lead to substance abuse. It can lead to suicide.
You can get help. Call the DHS Domestic Violence Hotline if you are not in immediate danger. The number is 1-877-863-6338.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Adults can get well visits too!
Adults can fall into the bad habit of only going to the doctor when they are sick. But, it is just as important for adults to schedule annual well visits as it is for children to do so.
HFS Medical Card holders can get one well visit per year. If you would like help scheduling this appointment, call Illinois Health Connect at 877-912-1999, extension 2.
An adult well visit allows your primary care provider (PCP) to check your health and catch any problems as early as possible. Your PCP will ask questions about your family health history. You will get advice on healthy living. Your blood pressure and cholesterol will be checked.
During your well visit, talk to your PCP about any medications (and herbs) you take. You should ask questions about any health concerns you have.
If you are due for immunizations (shots), you can get those shots at this visit. Many adults assume that the shots they got as kids will protect them as adults. This may not be the case. Adults often need updated vaccinations.
Some adults did not get all of their shots as kids. Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children. Immunity can begin to fade over time. Adults become more at risk for serious disease caused by common infections such as the flu. Ask you doctor if you are due for adult vaccines.
Your PCP may also give you other tests and send you to a specialist if needed. For example, some women may be sent for a mammogram (an X-ray of the breasts). Some men may be sent for a prostate exam.
HFS Medical Card holders can get one well visit per year. If you would like help scheduling this appointment, call Illinois Health Connect at 877-912-1999, extension 2.
An adult well visit allows your primary care provider (PCP) to check your health and catch any problems as early as possible. Your PCP will ask questions about your family health history. You will get advice on healthy living. Your blood pressure and cholesterol will be checked.
During your well visit, talk to your PCP about any medications (and herbs) you take. You should ask questions about any health concerns you have.
If you are due for immunizations (shots), you can get those shots at this visit. Many adults assume that the shots they got as kids will protect them as adults. This may not be the case. Adults often need updated vaccinations.
Some adults did not get all of their shots as kids. Newer vaccines were not available when some adults were children. Immunity can begin to fade over time. Adults become more at risk for serious disease caused by common infections such as the flu. Ask you doctor if you are due for adult vaccines.
Your PCP may also give you other tests and send you to a specialist if needed. For example, some women may be sent for a mammogram (an X-ray of the breasts). Some men may be sent for a prostate exam.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Everyone should get a flu shot, including adults
If you have not had a flu shot this year, talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP). Everyone should get a flu shot every year.
The Chicago Department of Public Health offers an online tool that shows you where you can get a flu shot.
The flu shot can help prevent you from getting the flu. Some people, including older adults, are at higher risk of getting the flu. It is especially important for those with a newborn to get a flu shot. This will protect the baby.
If possible, you should get the flu shot as soon as it is available. The flu shot will not give you the flu.
Washing your hands often will help prevent the flu. This prevents the spread of germs. Other ways to boost your immune system are exercise, proper sleep and a healthy diet.
The HFS medical card covers all medically necessary vaccines for adults. This includes flu shots.
Ask your PCP about other vaccines you may need. Your PCP will review your medical record. If other shots are needed, your HFS medical card will cover them.
The Chicago Department of Public Health offers an online tool that shows you where you can get a flu shot.
The flu shot can help prevent you from getting the flu. Some people, including older adults, are at higher risk of getting the flu. It is especially important for those with a newborn to get a flu shot. This will protect the baby.
If possible, you should get the flu shot as soon as it is available. The flu shot will not give you the flu.
Washing your hands often will help prevent the flu. This prevents the spread of germs. Other ways to boost your immune system are exercise, proper sleep and a healthy diet.
The HFS medical card covers all medically necessary vaccines for adults. This includes flu shots.
Ask your PCP about other vaccines you may need. Your PCP will review your medical record. If other shots are needed, your HFS medical card will cover them.
IHC Provider Portal offers update request function
The Illinois Health Connect Provider Portal has been updated with two enhancements that enable IHC providers to request updates to their provider information through online submission.
Providers can now request changes to their Location of Service Information, such as office contact information, office hours and location of service indicators. Changes to address or panel restrictions require signed documents and cannot be updated online.
To request Location of Service Information changes, navigate to the Provider Portal from the MEDI Home Page and click on the Location of Service Information link. Then click on the "Edit" button next to the location of service you wish to update. The name, phone number and email address of the person submitting the changes are required fields.
You will receive a confirmation email listing the changes submitted. The IHC Provider Services Help Desk will follow up with the provider office within three business days to verify the changes.
It is also now possible to change the MEDI Contact Phone Number that displays in MEDI client eligibility searches for the assigned Primary Care Provider. From the Provider Portal menu, click on the Provider Settings link. Then enter the new 10-digit phone number you want to display in MEDI client searches and click the "Update MEDI Contact Number" button to submit. HFS will update this phone number within two business days. Please note, providers can only have one phone number listed in MEDI.
MEDI access is required to navigate to the IHC Provider Portal. Step-by-step screenshots on how to register for MEDI are available online, and IHC Provider Services Representatives can assist you with MEDI registration and training.
Providers can now request changes to their Location of Service Information, such as office contact information, office hours and location of service indicators. Changes to address or panel restrictions require signed documents and cannot be updated online.
To request Location of Service Information changes, navigate to the Provider Portal from the MEDI Home Page and click on the Location of Service Information link. Then click on the "Edit" button next to the location of service you wish to update. The name, phone number and email address of the person submitting the changes are required fields.
You will receive a confirmation email listing the changes submitted. The IHC Provider Services Help Desk will follow up with the provider office within three business days to verify the changes.
It is also now possible to change the MEDI Contact Phone Number that displays in MEDI client eligibility searches for the assigned Primary Care Provider. From the Provider Portal menu, click on the Provider Settings link. Then enter the new 10-digit phone number you want to display in MEDI client searches and click the "Update MEDI Contact Number" button to submit. HFS will update this phone number within two business days. Please note, providers can only have one phone number listed in MEDI.
MEDI access is required to navigate to the IHC Provider Portal. Step-by-step screenshots on how to register for MEDI are available online, and IHC Provider Services Representatives can assist you with MEDI registration and training.
Improve your health and avoid Type-2 diabetes
November is American Diabetes Month. Making lifestyle changes is the best way to reduce your risk of developing this chronic disease.
Be active. Exercise more often. Make healthy, nutritious choices when you eat. Limit alcohol use. Quit smoking.
Diabetes is a serious disease. An unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to Type-2 diabetes.
Many people have diabetes and don't know it. This can lead to serious health problems. Some examples are heart attack, stroke, amputation, blindness or kidney failure. A simple blood test can determine if you have diabetes.
Diabetes can be treated. If you are diabetic, talk to your PCP at your medical home. Your PCP will help you manage your disease.
Schedule an annual check-up with your Primary Care Provider (PCP). If you don't know who your PCP is, call Illinois Health Connect at 877-912-1999.
Be active. Exercise more often. Make healthy, nutritious choices when you eat. Limit alcohol use. Quit smoking.
Diabetes is a serious disease. An unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to Type-2 diabetes.
Many people have diabetes and don't know it. This can lead to serious health problems. Some examples are heart attack, stroke, amputation, blindness or kidney failure. A simple blood test can determine if you have diabetes.
Diabetes can be treated. If you are diabetic, talk to your PCP at your medical home. Your PCP will help you manage your disease.
Schedule an annual check-up with your Primary Care Provider (PCP). If you don't know who your PCP is, call Illinois Health Connect at 877-912-1999.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Illinois Health Connect helps sponsor IAFP annual meeting
Making a fifth consecutive appearance as conference exhibitor, Illinois Health Connect participated in the Illinois Academy of Family Physicians Annual Meeting on November 9 in Itasca.
IHC Quality Assurance Nurse Greta Bradley, RN, and IHC Provider Training Specialist Danielle Parrillo staffed a booth in the exhibit hall, speaking to family physicians from across the state and the country about the IHC program.
Illinois Health Connect was a platinum sponsor of the meeting.
IHC Quality Assurance Nurse Greta Bradley, RN, and IHC Provider Training Specialist Danielle Parrillo staffed a booth in the exhibit hall, speaking to family physicians from across the state and the country about the IHC program.
Illinois Health Connect was a platinum sponsor of the meeting.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Call your PCP before using the emergency room!
Your medical card will pay for emergency services at the emergency room (ER). It is important that you use the ER only for an emergency.
There is now a co-payment for using the ER for non-emergency services. You will be charged a higher co-payment if it is not an emergency.
Adults will pay $3.65. Children also have increased co-payments. A co-payment chart is posted on All Kids Web site.
All Kids Assist children will pay $3.65. All Kids Share children will pay $10 for non-emergency. All Kids Premium Level 1 children will pay $25 for non-emergency.
If you are not sure you have an emergency, you should call your Primary Care Provider (PCP) first. If the problem is not serious, make an appointment to see your PCP. Only go to the ER if the problem is serious.
An emergency is a health problem that is life threatening or one that will seriously affect your health if not treated right away. Examples are chest pains, poisoning, or seizures. An emergency can be from an accident or sudden illness.
Talk to your PCP during your regular check-ups about what to do if you need medical advice when the office is closed. Your PCP will tell you how to contact the "on-call" doctor or nurse.
If you are unable to reach your PCP after hours or 24 hours on weekends, you can call the Illinois Nurse Helpline at 1-877-912-1999 (TTY 1-866-565-8577). During the week, the Illinois Nurse Helpline is open from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. The call is free. The nurse will answer your medical questions and give you information to help you decide if you need to go to the Emergency Room or call 9-1-1 (if available in your area).
In an emergency, you can use any hospital or other emergency provider. If you need a list of emergency providers in your area, call Illinois Health Connect at 1-877-912-1999 (TTY: 1-866-565-8577). This call is free.
There is now a co-payment for using the ER for non-emergency services. You will be charged a higher co-payment if it is not an emergency.
Adults will pay $3.65. Children also have increased co-payments. A co-payment chart is posted on All Kids Web site.
All Kids Assist children will pay $3.65. All Kids Share children will pay $10 for non-emergency. All Kids Premium Level 1 children will pay $25 for non-emergency.
If you are not sure you have an emergency, you should call your Primary Care Provider (PCP) first. If the problem is not serious, make an appointment to see your PCP. Only go to the ER if the problem is serious.
An emergency is a health problem that is life threatening or one that will seriously affect your health if not treated right away. Examples are chest pains, poisoning, or seizures. An emergency can be from an accident or sudden illness.
Talk to your PCP during your regular check-ups about what to do if you need medical advice when the office is closed. Your PCP will tell you how to contact the "on-call" doctor or nurse.
If you are unable to reach your PCP after hours or 24 hours on weekends, you can call the Illinois Nurse Helpline at 1-877-912-1999 (TTY 1-866-565-8577). During the week, the Illinois Nurse Helpline is open from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. The call is free. The nurse will answer your medical questions and give you information to help you decide if you need to go to the Emergency Room or call 9-1-1 (if available in your area).
In an emergency, you can use any hospital or other emergency provider. If you need a list of emergency providers in your area, call Illinois Health Connect at 1-877-912-1999 (TTY: 1-866-565-8577). This call is free.
ICAHN conference offers great opportunity for dialogue
Illinois Health Connect Provider Training Specialist Danielle Parrillo and IHC Quality Assurance Nurse Amy Calvin, RN, participated as exhibitors in the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network's 12th Annual Critical Access Hospital Conference. It was the first time IHC has attended the conference, which was held November 8 in Springfield.
It was a great opportunity to meet with hospital executives, hospital management and clinical leaders. Ms. Parrillo and Ms. Calvin answered questions about IHC and the IHC staffers left the conference with a better understanding of how critical access hospitals and the IHC program can collaborate in the future.
It was a great opportunity to meet with hospital executives, hospital management and clinical leaders. Ms. Parrillo and Ms. Calvin answered questions about IHC and the IHC staffers left the conference with a better understanding of how critical access hospitals and the IHC program can collaborate in the future.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Providers can now send prior approval requests online without MEDI
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has developed an online entry system for Prior Approval (PA) requests to exceed the Four Prescription Per Month policy. It is available on the Four Prescription Limit page of the HFS Web site.
The new online entry system does not require a login or password and allows providers to enter multiple drugs in one submission. Providers can also check the status of a PA request online.
Providers can continue to use the HFS MEDI System to enter and check the status of PA requests submitted through MEDI. Illinois Health Connect highly encourages providers to use MEDI for PA requests.
If online submission is not possible at your office, HFS continues to accept submissions via fax and phone. However, the fax and phone submissions will require an additional four hours for data entry once received.
The new online entry system does not require a login or password and allows providers to enter multiple drugs in one submission. Providers can also check the status of a PA request online.
Providers can continue to use the HFS MEDI System to enter and check the status of PA requests submitted through MEDI. Illinois Health Connect highly encourages providers to use MEDI for PA requests.
If online submission is not possible at your office, HFS continues to accept submissions via fax and phone. However, the fax and phone submissions will require an additional four hours for data entry once received.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
HFS provides answers to questions from billing webinars
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has provided answers to questions from participants of the two billing Webinars HFS presented in September.
HFS issued a Q&A document for both presentations: the HFS Billing Overview and Updates for Practitioners presentation from September 19 as well as the HFS Billing Overview and Updates for Encounter Clinics presentation from September 26.
If you would like to receive email notifications for future Illinois Health Connect Webinars, you can enroll on the IHC Webinar page.
HFS issued a Q&A document for both presentations: the HFS Billing Overview and Updates for Practitioners presentation from September 19 as well as the HFS Billing Overview and Updates for Encounter Clinics presentation from September 26.
If you would like to receive email notifications for future Illinois Health Connect Webinars, you can enroll on the IHC Webinar page.
Monday, November 5, 2012
IHC team presents at IPHCA leadership conference
Illinois Health Connect Quality Assurance Manager Cari VonderHaar and Carmen Vergara, who is the Clinical Quality Improvement Cordinator at Centro de Salud Esperanza, gave a presentation entitled "Population-Based Healthcare and Illinois Health Connect Quality Tools" at the Illinois Primary Health Care Association 30th Annual Leadership Conference, which was held October 17-19 in Lake Geneva, Wisc.
IHC Medical Director Dr. Margaret Kirkegaard assisted them with the presentation.
While controlling cost has been the central theme of Medicaid reform in Illinois, the healthcare community remains committed to providing high quality care. One of the cardinal features of the medical home model is implementation of population-based management strategies. In addition to reviewing the attributes of the medical home that contribute to population-based management, this panel discussion provided a broad overview of the Bureau of Primary Care's Uniform Data Systems.
IHC provides multiple Quality Tools to assist the medical home with population-based management. This presentation demonstrated how to access and described the features of the IHC Quality Tools, including IHC Panel Rosters, the IHC Provider Profiles, the IHC Bonus Payment Program and Claims History.
Ms. Vergara described the outreach and quality improvement strategies used at Centro de Salud Esperanza as well as their outcomes utilizing IHC Quality Tools.
IHC Medical Director Dr. Margaret Kirkegaard assisted them with the presentation.
While controlling cost has been the central theme of Medicaid reform in Illinois, the healthcare community remains committed to providing high quality care. One of the cardinal features of the medical home model is implementation of population-based management strategies. In addition to reviewing the attributes of the medical home that contribute to population-based management, this panel discussion provided a broad overview of the Bureau of Primary Care's Uniform Data Systems.
IHC provides multiple Quality Tools to assist the medical home with population-based management. This presentation demonstrated how to access and described the features of the IHC Quality Tools, including IHC Panel Rosters, the IHC Provider Profiles, the IHC Bonus Payment Program and Claims History.
Ms. Vergara described the outreach and quality improvement strategies used at Centro de Salud Esperanza as well as their outcomes utilizing IHC Quality Tools.
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