NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE MANAGEMENT
Tentative Agenda
WORKFORCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Brynhild Haugland Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
9:00 a.m. Call to order
Roll call
Consideration of the minutes of the previous meeting
Comments by the chairman
9:05 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of information regarding:
• A tentative survey of center of excellence private sector partners;
• Followup information on the Wyoming Hathaway scholarship program; and
• 2009 legislation related to 2007-08 interim Workforce Committee consultant
recommendations
9:20 a.m. Status report by representatives of the North Dakota Youth Council regarding the
council's activities
9:45 a.m. Committee discussion regarding the status and uses of the foundation aid stabilization
fund
10:00 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. Receipt of information from Mr. Peter A. Birkeland, Chief Financial Officer, RAIN Source
Capital, St. Paul, Minnesota, and Mr. Ryan A. Rauschenberger, Deputy Tax
Commissioner, regarding:
• Access to angel and seed capital in North Dakota;
• Access to angel and seed capital in other states and regions;
• Best practices in increasing access to angel and seed capital; and
• The possibility of allowing the sale or transfer of angel and seed capital tax credits,
including challenges and how other states have addressed these challenges
Comments by interested persons
Committee discussion
11:30 a.m. Presentation by Ms. Andrea Holl Pfennig, Division of Community Services, Department
of Commerce, of the annual renaissance zone progress report
Committee discussion
12:00 noon Luncheon recess
1:00 p.m. Presentation of a proposal for creating a North Dakota Technology Development
Corporation by Dr. Phyllis E. Johnson, Vice President for Research and Economic
Development, University of North Dakota
Comments by interested persons
Committee discussion
2
2:00 p.m. Presentation of the North Dakota University System's strategic plan by Mr. William G.
Goetz, Chancellor, North Dakota University System, and by other interested persons
3:00 p.m. Comments by interested persons
Committee discussion and directives
4:00 p.m. Adjourn
The committee will resume activities at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2010, in the House
chamber in a joint committee meeting with the Education Committee and Higher Education
Committee.
Committee Members
Senators Tony S. Grindberg (Chairman), Tim Flakoll, Ray Holmberg, Karen K. Krebsbach, Dave
Nething, Larry J. Robinson, Mac Schneider, Tom Seymour, Ryan M. Taylor
Representatives Donald L. Clark, Eliot Glassheim, Nancy Johnson, Lee Kaldor, Lisa Meier, Corey
Mock, Lee Myxter, Michael R. Nathe, Ken Svedjan, Clark Williams
Staff Contact: Jennifer S. N. Clark, Counsel
Professor Emeritus -- Dr. Tom Seymour from West Fargo, North Dakota -- Professor, Minot State University, MSU Faculty Regents Award (2015) -- PAST Peer Reviewer (Higher Learning Commission - Chicago); - Author and Presenter Board of Directors, SRT Communications, Inc and Minot City Alderman - Ward 5 (2010-June, 2016) PAST - Editor-in-Chief (North Dakota State Senator (2002-2010) 2017-Cass County Electric Cooperative- Board of Directors
Friday, March 19, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Enbridge Oil Legislative Open House in Minot, North Dakota Today
Thank you for letting us know that you will attend the Enbridge North Dakota Open House Celebration on March 18. The attire for the event is business casual.
If your plans change, please contact: Lenell Klein at (701) 857-0827 or Lenell.klein@enbridge.com.
EVENT AGENDA
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Meet & greet at Holiday Inn – Riverside,
2200 East Burdick Expressway, Minot, ND
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Visit to Enbridge Station for photos
11:45 – 1:00 p.m. Celebration luncheon at Holiday Inn - Riverside
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Holiday Inn - Riverside
2200 East Burdick Expressway, Minot
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Open House Luncheon
If your plans change, please contact: Lenell Klein at (701) 857-0827 or Lenell.klein@enbridge.com.
EVENT AGENDA
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Meet & greet at Holiday Inn – Riverside,
2200 East Burdick Expressway, Minot, ND
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Visit to Enbridge Station for photos
11:45 – 1:00 p.m. Celebration luncheon at Holiday Inn - Riverside
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Holiday Inn - Riverside
2200 East Burdick Expressway, Minot
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Open House Luncheon
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Dickinson State University Announces - North Dakota
Tickets are now on sale for the new Sneak Pique production of Arsenic & Old Lace, a hilarious play being performed at the Odd Fellows Lodge by an all-star cast of community actors on April 8, 9 & 10 at 7:00 p.m. $11 tickets, all of which are reserved, are available by calling the DSU Foundation at (701) 483.2004 or by going to 230 8th Avenue West. All credit cards are accepted. An elaborate set has been assembled and the audience will be limited to 60 persons to maximize comfort for the attendees. Proceeds go toward DSU theater and music scholarships.
Don't miss the DSU Cowboy Challenge beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the DSU Indoor Ag Arena on March 27. DSU Rodeo Team members will compete against the midwest's best high school rodeo competitors. The event is sponsored by Rotary International, Wylie Bice Trucking, the Days Hotel and DSU. In addition, the event will feature the DSU Rodeo Olympics consisting of DSU athletes participating in a calf dressing. It'll be a fun day of rodeo!
The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee in conjuction with its sponsors, including DSU, is promoting National Ag Day on March 20. Please go to agday.org and learn about how important agriculture is to your daily life. You'll be glad you did.
Dickinson State University
230 Eighth Avenue West
Dickinson, ND 58601
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Don't miss the DSU Cowboy Challenge beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the DSU Indoor Ag Arena on March 27. DSU Rodeo Team members will compete against the midwest's best high school rodeo competitors. The event is sponsored by Rotary International, Wylie Bice Trucking, the Days Hotel and DSU. In addition, the event will feature the DSU Rodeo Olympics consisting of DSU athletes participating in a calf dressing. It'll be a fun day of rodeo!
The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee in conjuction with its sponsors, including DSU, is promoting National Ag Day on March 20. Please go to agday.org and learn about how important agriculture is to your daily life. You'll be glad you did.
Dickinson State University
230 Eighth Avenue West
Dickinson, ND 58601
If you wish to be removed from this group's mailing list, click here
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Future Roadmap for K-12 Education
Dear ED Review subscribers,
The Obama Administration has released its blueprint for revising the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to help states raise expectations of students and reward schools for producing dramatic gains in student achievement.
The blueprint provides incentives for states to adopt academic standards that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and create accountability systems that measure student growth toward meeting the goal that all children graduate and succeed in college.
As the President said in his weekly radio and Internet address, “Unless we take action -- unless we step up -- there are countless children who will never realize their full talent and potential. I don’t accept that future for them. And I don’t accept that future for the United States of America.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/blueprint/.
The Obama Administration has released its blueprint for revising the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to help states raise expectations of students and reward schools for producing dramatic gains in student achievement.
The blueprint provides incentives for states to adopt academic standards that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and create accountability systems that measure student growth toward meeting the goal that all children graduate and succeed in college.
As the President said in his weekly radio and Internet address, “Unless we take action -- unless we step up -- there are countless children who will never realize their full talent and potential. I don’t accept that future for them. And I don’t accept that future for the United States of America.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/blueprint/.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sandi Tabor Leads Bismarck-Mandan Development Corporation
BMDA Chair sets 2010 Executive Committee - Ms. Sandi Tabor, 2010 BMDA Chair, has appointed the Executive Committee for the year. The 2010 elected officers are Sandi Tabor – Chair; Mathew Reichert – Chair-elect; Jeff Ubl – Secretary; John Mongeon – Treasurer; and, Dick Hedahl - Immediate Past Chair. In addition to the elected officers, each incoming Chair appoints six board members-at-large. This year’s at-large appointees are Ron Day – Tesoro Mandan Refinery; John Giese – Wells Fargo Bank; Niles Hushka – Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson; Pamela Schmidt – The SIA Companies; Jerry Splonskowski – Northwest Contracting; and, Dan Ulmer – Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Also serving on the Executive Committee in advisory capacities are Becky Thiem – Legal Counsel and Marv Heinert – Accounting Counsel.
The remaining elected members of the 2010 Full Board of Directors are:
Timothy Atkinson - ND Guaranty & Title
Dr. Craig Lambrecht - Medcenter One
Brad Ballweber - Northern Improvement
Dave Patience - Swenson, Hagen & Co.
Chris Baumgartner - Basin Electric
David Raatz - Applied Engineering, Inc.
Robert O. Black - Unisys Corporation
T.J. Russell - Cloverdale Foods Co.
Bonnie Dahl - Aetna
Matt Sagaser - Bobcat Company
Jeffrey Erickson - Security First Bank
William Shalhoob - Select Inn
Jay C. Feil - Starion Financial
Derek Shaffer - Knife River Corporation
Dennis Haider - Montana Dakota Utilities Co.
Fr. James Shea - University of Mary
Steve Herman - AAction Movers
Larry Skogen - Bismarck State College
Kyle Holwagner - Daniel Companies
Bruce Strinden - Newman Signs/Morton Co.
Tim Hennessey - US Bank
Cedric Theel - Cedric Theel, Inc.
Chuck Huber - Bismarck Realty
Dan Vondracheck - Fireside Office Solutions
Dick Johnsen - Johnsen Trailers
Jerry Willer - Kirkwood Bank & Trust
Wally Keller - Jobbers Moving & Storage
Andrew Wilson - St. Alexius Medical Center
Brian Kroshus - Bismarck Tribune
The ex-officio members of the 2010 Full Board of Directors are:
Kevin Glatt - Burleigh County
Paul E. Trauger - Morton County
Paul Johnson - Bismarck Public Schools
Wilfred Volesky - Mandan Public Schools
Kelvin Hullet - Bismarck-Mandan Chamber
Bill Wocken - City of Bismarck
Jim Neubauer - City of Mandan
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
March SCORE Workshop "Starting or Expanding a Business - A Plan For Success" - The final SCORE-SBA sponsored workshop for this season will be held Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at the Bank of North Dakota in Bismarck. Sessions start at 6:30 PM and and the cost is $20.00 per person. To register call 328-5861 or email score365@btinet.net
Core topics covered at this session include: “The Business Plan” by SCORE Counselor and Volunteer Duane Sorby; “Financing for Your Small Business” by Dakota Community Bank Business Lender Darin Hanson; and, “Communicating with Customers through Facebook and Twitter” with Cindy Sanford and Catherine Dalzell from the Center For Technology and Business.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Data Center World - This week, Russ and Brian exhibited with the North Dakota Department of Commerce at Data Center World 2010 in Nashville, the largest trade show in the world focusing on data centers. Bismarck-Mandan has drawn the attention of several data center site searches in the past as we have several of the key elements needed to locate a data center: water, power and fiber. Staff will continue to market the community to prospective data center clients as well as work with our existing companies who may be looking to build or expand their own data centers.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Innovative Solutions, LLC - On Thursday, Russ and Brian had lunch with Mr. Evan Anderson to discuss the formation of his new company, Innovative Solutions, LLC. Evan was formerly the director of Widget Works, a division of Applied Engineering, prior to the establishment of his new company last month. While Widget Works will remain in existence as a part of Applied Engineering here in Bismarck, Innovate Solutions, LLC will provide design, prototyping, automation, and manufacturing services to a wide variety of customers throughout the area.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
City of Mandan Presentation - BMDA will make a formal presentation about their 2009 activities to the City Commission on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. This formal report will include information from BMDA’s annual report, along with the 2009 reports for both the primary sector and the retail/service sector business retention and expansion programs.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mandan Retail and Service Business Retention & Expansion - This past week Richard and Mandan Development Direct Ellen Huber completed two additional onsite visits with retail and service sector businesses in Mandan. This brings the total number of visits completed or scheduled this year to ten, or 20% of the 2010 goal of 50 visits.
Feel free to contact Richard at the BDMA office if you are a Mandan retail or service sector business and want to participate in the program.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BMDA members – BMDA welcomes the following new members:
Ubl Design Group
3301 Winnipeg Drive
Bismarck ND 58503
Contact: Jeff Ubl
Superior Silk Screen
1030 South 18th
Bismarck ND 58504
Contact: Dwight Hegel
County West Real Estate
1720 Burnt Boat Drive, Suite 2
Bismarck ND 58503
Contact: Bill Clairmont
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Department of Commerce employee alerts – The ND Department of Commerce continues to offer “employee alerts” to businesses interested in receiving resumes of individuals currently living outside of North Dakota who are interested in employment opportunities in the state. If your business is interested in receiving resumes’ from the DOC via these e-mail employee alerts, please contact Sarah Johnson at the DOC and ask her to include you or someone else from your organization on the employee alert distribution list. You will then begin to receive the resumes’ directly whenever the DOC sends them out. Sarah can be reached at 701-328-7264 or sakjohnson@nd.gov.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jobs available in the oil patch - If you are interested in the jobs in the oil patch, whether just out of curiosity or because you might know someone who might be looking for a job, this week’s list of openings can be viewed HERE. For these and other employment opportunities in Bismarck-Mandan and throughout the state, go to www.jobsnd.com.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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The remaining elected members of the 2010 Full Board of Directors are:
Timothy Atkinson - ND Guaranty & Title
Dr. Craig Lambrecht - Medcenter One
Brad Ballweber - Northern Improvement
Dave Patience - Swenson, Hagen & Co.
Chris Baumgartner - Basin Electric
David Raatz - Applied Engineering, Inc.
Robert O. Black - Unisys Corporation
T.J. Russell - Cloverdale Foods Co.
Bonnie Dahl - Aetna
Matt Sagaser - Bobcat Company
Jeffrey Erickson - Security First Bank
William Shalhoob - Select Inn
Jay C. Feil - Starion Financial
Derek Shaffer - Knife River Corporation
Dennis Haider - Montana Dakota Utilities Co.
Fr. James Shea - University of Mary
Steve Herman - AAction Movers
Larry Skogen - Bismarck State College
Kyle Holwagner - Daniel Companies
Bruce Strinden - Newman Signs/Morton Co.
Tim Hennessey - US Bank
Cedric Theel - Cedric Theel, Inc.
Chuck Huber - Bismarck Realty
Dan Vondracheck - Fireside Office Solutions
Dick Johnsen - Johnsen Trailers
Jerry Willer - Kirkwood Bank & Trust
Wally Keller - Jobbers Moving & Storage
Andrew Wilson - St. Alexius Medical Center
Brian Kroshus - Bismarck Tribune
The ex-officio members of the 2010 Full Board of Directors are:
Kevin Glatt - Burleigh County
Paul E. Trauger - Morton County
Paul Johnson - Bismarck Public Schools
Wilfred Volesky - Mandan Public Schools
Kelvin Hullet - Bismarck-Mandan Chamber
Bill Wocken - City of Bismarck
Jim Neubauer - City of Mandan
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
March SCORE Workshop "Starting or Expanding a Business - A Plan For Success" - The final SCORE-SBA sponsored workshop for this season will be held Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at the Bank of North Dakota in Bismarck. Sessions start at 6:30 PM and and the cost is $20.00 per person. To register call 328-5861 or email score365@btinet.net
Core topics covered at this session include: “The Business Plan” by SCORE Counselor and Volunteer Duane Sorby; “Financing for Your Small Business” by Dakota Community Bank Business Lender Darin Hanson; and, “Communicating with Customers through Facebook and Twitter” with Cindy Sanford and Catherine Dalzell from the Center For Technology and Business.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Data Center World - This week, Russ and Brian exhibited with the North Dakota Department of Commerce at Data Center World 2010 in Nashville, the largest trade show in the world focusing on data centers. Bismarck-Mandan has drawn the attention of several data center site searches in the past as we have several of the key elements needed to locate a data center: water, power and fiber. Staff will continue to market the community to prospective data center clients as well as work with our existing companies who may be looking to build or expand their own data centers.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Innovative Solutions, LLC - On Thursday, Russ and Brian had lunch with Mr. Evan Anderson to discuss the formation of his new company, Innovative Solutions, LLC. Evan was formerly the director of Widget Works, a division of Applied Engineering, prior to the establishment of his new company last month. While Widget Works will remain in existence as a part of Applied Engineering here in Bismarck, Innovate Solutions, LLC will provide design, prototyping, automation, and manufacturing services to a wide variety of customers throughout the area.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
City of Mandan Presentation - BMDA will make a formal presentation about their 2009 activities to the City Commission on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. This formal report will include information from BMDA’s annual report, along with the 2009 reports for both the primary sector and the retail/service sector business retention and expansion programs.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Mandan Retail and Service Business Retention & Expansion - This past week Richard and Mandan Development Direct Ellen Huber completed two additional onsite visits with retail and service sector businesses in Mandan. This brings the total number of visits completed or scheduled this year to ten, or 20% of the 2010 goal of 50 visits.
Feel free to contact Richard at the BDMA office if you are a Mandan retail or service sector business and want to participate in the program.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BMDA members – BMDA welcomes the following new members:
Ubl Design Group
3301 Winnipeg Drive
Bismarck ND 58503
Contact: Jeff Ubl
Superior Silk Screen
1030 South 18th
Bismarck ND 58504
Contact: Dwight Hegel
County West Real Estate
1720 Burnt Boat Drive, Suite 2
Bismarck ND 58503
Contact: Bill Clairmont
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Department of Commerce employee alerts – The ND Department of Commerce continues to offer “employee alerts” to businesses interested in receiving resumes of individuals currently living outside of North Dakota who are interested in employment opportunities in the state. If your business is interested in receiving resumes’ from the DOC via these e-mail employee alerts, please contact Sarah Johnson at the DOC and ask her to include you or someone else from your organization on the employee alert distribution list. You will then begin to receive the resumes’ directly whenever the DOC sends them out. Sarah can be reached at 701-328-7264 or sakjohnson@nd.gov.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jobs available in the oil patch - If you are interested in the jobs in the oil patch, whether just out of curiosity or because you might know someone who might be looking for a job, this week’s list of openings can be viewed HERE. For these and other employment opportunities in Bismarck-Mandan and throughout the state, go to www.jobsnd.com.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Contact Us Sitemap Links Home
Click here to unsubscribe from the BMDA Newsletter
Site created and maintained by K2 Interactive | Copyright @ 2008
Trouble seeing this email? Click here.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Manufacturing in North Dakota
Keeping Manufacturing in U.S. Is America's Top Economic Priority
The best way for the United States to create more jobs is by saving the manufacturing sector, according to the American public. An "open-ended" poll of Americans taken by Gallup on November 20-22, 2009, asked: "In your opinion, what would be the best way to create more jobs in the United States?" Here is how people voluntarily answered the question:
Keep manufacturing jobs here/stop sending them overseas, 18 percent
Lower taxes, 14 percent
Do more to help small businesses, 12 percent
Create more green jobs, 12 percent
Create more infrastructure work, 10 percent
Reduce government regulation, 7 percent
More stimulus money, 4 percent
Higher taxes on imports/Buy American, 4 percent
read full story »
Webinar Series
The People Side of Lean Transformation webinar series continues to build!
HR expert, Mike Hoseus guided the companies in the development of their philosophy, values, vision and mission to support a Lean Enterprise. He reviewed how a horizontal organizational structure functions across the Enterprise and is effective in fully utilizing the Lean tools. In the March webinar he will cover the hiring and promotion of the right people with the right skills to develop a solid foundation for your Lean Enterprise.
We invite your company to participate in the March webinar, or any of the remaining webinars in the series. Each webinar is an individual program, so it is no problem if you missed any. Each webinar includes detailed information on getting started, taking the next steps, removing barriers to change and sustaining the change.
Following each webinar, you will be assigned homework to assess your organization's current state and begin the process of change. Then HR expert, Mike Hoseus, or Training Within Industry (TWI) expert, Terry Cox, will participate in a personal company video meeting with your organization to discuss the issues, barriers or concerns your company has identified.
This series is designed to help your organization begin transformation and support your efforts to make the changes necessary. For the single registration fee your company may have as many people as you want participate in the program.
For more information or to register, click here.
Webinar 2 — "Hiring and Promotion Systems for the Lean Enterprise"
Monday, March 29 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central Time)
Webinar 3 — "Orientation and Training Systems for the Lean Enterprise"
Wednesday, April 28 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 4 — "Training Within Industry: Job Instruction"
Wednesday, May 19 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 5 — "Training Within Industry: Job Methods"
Wednesday, June 16 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 6 — "Team Member Engagement Process"
Wednesday, July 14 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 7 — "Strategy Deployment & Floor Management Development System"
Wednesday, August 25 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 8 — "Training Within Industry: Job Relations"
Wednesday, September 22 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 9 — "Training Within Industry: Job Safety"
Wednesday, October 20 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
DEADLINE 9/22/10 —
Dakota MEP-USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program
Dakota MEP was awarded a $190,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) to help small manufacturers in the rural communities improve their performance.
This program was developed as a result of feedback from manufacturers in the Dakotas. They identified areas of concern and issues which needed to be addressed, including communication and accessibility to expertise. This partnership with Dakota MEP and USDA provides an opportunity to better serve manufacturers in North and South Dakota.
The funds can be used to help you with:
Growing Sales
Family Business Planning
Employee Development
Productivity Improvements
ISO Requirements
Supply Chain Development
other areas
Please contact Dan Halverson at 701-328-5472 or 1-866-297-8250 or
by e-mail at danh@dakotamep.com if you have any questions. or to schedule your FREE ASSESSMENT.
Terry Cox to present at TWI training events
Dakota MEP Senior Business Advisor, Terry Cox, will be presenting at the Innovation Insights LEARNING session, in St. Brieux, SK, Canada, in April and at the TWI Summit in Las Vegas, NV in May. He will also be presenting four webinars as part of The People Side of Lean Transformation webinar series. Please see article above for more information.
Industries and businesses that adopt the Training Within Industry (TWI) way of training consistently increase productivity, reduce training time and improve morale and safety.
At the Innovation Insights LEARNING session, Terry will be providing an Introduction to TWI; a dynamic program which uses a learn-by-doing approach, teaching essential skills for supervisors and team leaders from all types of industries and businesses.
TWI is delivered in four distinct modules:
Job Relations Training (JR): Building a positive work environment, increasing cooperation and motivation, and effectively resolving conflict
Job Instruction Training (JI): Effectively and efficiently training employees to do a job correctly, safely and conscientiously
Job Methods Training (JM): Continuously improving the way jobs are performed
Job Safety Training (JS): Proactively creating and ensuring a safe workplace.
During the TWI Summit, Terry will be presenting a 10-hour program on Job Instruction. Demands of developing a flexible workforce and training employees require standardized best practices.
The Job Instruction method teaches preparing the operator to learn, giving a proper demonstration from a breakdown, observing the operator perform the task, and tapering off coaching with proper follow-up.
Benefits experienced when practicing Job Instruction are reduced training time, less scrap and rework, fewer accidents, and increased job satisfaction.
Terry has also been working with many smaller manufacturing companies in the rural Dakotas with assistance from a USDA grant (please see story above), to apply the TWI Job Instruction process to establish standard work within these companies. Part of the project also includes developing a "timetable for training", providing a complete business assessment, developing an implementation plan, calculation of the benefits and impacts of the project, and providing at the minimum one full day of follow-up with the client at a later date to keep them on track.
If you are interested in learning more about TWI opportunities for your company, please contact Terry at 701-412-3320, or terryc@dakotamep.com.
ExporTech Program Begins in April
Space is filling up fast - limited to 8 companies
The ExporTech program is designed to help your company enter or expand into global markets, by assisting in the development of a customized international growth plan. Utilizing a team of exporting resources and experts, we help your company move quickly beyond just planning, into actual export sales.
The program is intended for executives of small and mid-size product companies, and is aimed at both new-to-export companies and those that have done some exporting, but have not fully exploited global opportunities.
Benefits of ExporTech: • Resources to help you rapidly move from planning to actual sales and payment • International strategies and success factors based on real-world company research • A robust export plan in just three months • Connection with reputable resources and expert consultants • Accelerated speed to market, actual leads and sales
The first sessions will be held April 20, in Jamestown, N.D. and April 21, in Grand Forks, N.D.
For more information or to register, contact Clint at 701-412-6695, clintr@dakotamep.com or you may visit www.dakotamep.com and click on Events.
The Truth About Sales and Quality
By: Miriam Boudreaux, reprinted from "Quality Digest Daily", an electrinic publication from Quality Digest magazine (www.qualitydigest.com)
ISO 9001 and other quality initiatives can improve your processes, but can they also improve your slaes?
When a quality management system (QMS) is implemented, results are evident immediately: reduction in warranty cost, reduction in rework, reduction in scrap, higher profit margins, etc. Would you agree that ISO 9001 and other quality initiatives such as lean, Six Sigma, and 5S can significantly improve any company's processes—if requirements are correctly implemented? Why, if you know that a good quality management system impoves your processes, are you reluctant to include all company processes in this system? Why would most companies barely include sales on any quality initiatitves? If and only if you apply the same ISO quality standards and quality concepts to the entire sales process, inside and outside sales, you stand to see significant improvements.
read more »
How to Survive Your Survival
The keys to successfully shifting into growth mode.
Here's the good news: So far, you've been able to survive one of the worst economic downturns in American history. Before you congratulate yourself, you need to face the bad news. The very things that have enabled you to survive will cause your downfall if you don't shift into growth mode now. Regardless of how far along you believe it to be, there is broad consensus that a recovery has begun. What remains unclear is just how fast and how far this recovery will go. Strategic change is the operative phrase, and as a leader, creating strategic change is your number one job.
read more »
Calendar of Events
Click here to view the Dakota MEP Calendar.
Contact Us
Email: info@dakotamep.com
Phone: 701.328.5476
Toll Free: 1.866.297.8250
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
To subscribe to Become More, Dakota MEP's newsletter, click here.
Dakota MEP
Board of Directors
Dan Antrim
Bobcat/Doosan Infracore
Bryan Bossert
Phoenix International
Bart Brost
Showplace Wood Products
Cuck Crary
J5 Oil & Transport Co.
Brian Dahl
Amity Technology, LLC
Don Hedger
Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing
Dan Hoefs
Padgett Business Services
Marianne Von Seggern
Bell Incorporated
Kari Warberg Block
Earth-Kind, Inc.
Tammy Wierenga
Raven Industries, Inc.
Dakota MEP
Staff
Randy Schwartz
CEO
DeAnn Berg
Administrative Services Director
Terry Cox
Senior Business Advisor
Brian Feist
Technical Assistant
Dan Halverson
Client Development
Kristen Halden
Business Advisor
Wes Kelly
Senior Business Advisor
Linda Liebert-Hall
Partnership Development
Roger Oliver
Operations Director
Clint Rossland
Business Advisor
Terry Sampson
Client Development
Laurie Schaffer
Marketing Specialist
Darcy Vaughan
Administrative Services Assistant
Mark Volesky
Senior Business Advisor
Dakota MEP
Job Opportunity
Growth Services Specialist
The Growth Services Specialist is responsible for leading the provision of business development, growth related and technology services to help client companies improve existing business opportunities (i.e. customers, markets, products and services) and/or to develop new ones.
For more information, please contact Randy Schwartz at 701-328-5471 or by e-mail randys@dakotamep.com.
Dakota MEP is a leadership organization that provides value to those companies dedicated to creating new opportunities for their people and organization. We strive to maximize enterprise performance - including growth, innovation, productivity and productivity. Working with partners who share this mission, we specialize in helping companies develop best practices and supporting strategies which enable them to better compete today and tomorrow.
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Copyright © 2009 Dakota MEP. All rights reserved.
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From: Dakota MEP, 1929 N. Washington Street, Suite M, Bismarck, ND 58501
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The best way for the United States to create more jobs is by saving the manufacturing sector, according to the American public. An "open-ended" poll of Americans taken by Gallup on November 20-22, 2009, asked: "In your opinion, what would be the best way to create more jobs in the United States?" Here is how people voluntarily answered the question:
Keep manufacturing jobs here/stop sending them overseas, 18 percent
Lower taxes, 14 percent
Do more to help small businesses, 12 percent
Create more green jobs, 12 percent
Create more infrastructure work, 10 percent
Reduce government regulation, 7 percent
More stimulus money, 4 percent
Higher taxes on imports/Buy American, 4 percent
read full story »
Webinar Series
The People Side of Lean Transformation webinar series continues to build!
HR expert, Mike Hoseus guided the companies in the development of their philosophy, values, vision and mission to support a Lean Enterprise. He reviewed how a horizontal organizational structure functions across the Enterprise and is effective in fully utilizing the Lean tools. In the March webinar he will cover the hiring and promotion of the right people with the right skills to develop a solid foundation for your Lean Enterprise.
We invite your company to participate in the March webinar, or any of the remaining webinars in the series. Each webinar is an individual program, so it is no problem if you missed any. Each webinar includes detailed information on getting started, taking the next steps, removing barriers to change and sustaining the change.
Following each webinar, you will be assigned homework to assess your organization's current state and begin the process of change. Then HR expert, Mike Hoseus, or Training Within Industry (TWI) expert, Terry Cox, will participate in a personal company video meeting with your organization to discuss the issues, barriers or concerns your company has identified.
This series is designed to help your organization begin transformation and support your efforts to make the changes necessary. For the single registration fee your company may have as many people as you want participate in the program.
For more information or to register, click here.
Webinar 2 — "Hiring and Promotion Systems for the Lean Enterprise"
Monday, March 29 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central Time)
Webinar 3 — "Orientation and Training Systems for the Lean Enterprise"
Wednesday, April 28 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 4 — "Training Within Industry: Job Instruction"
Wednesday, May 19 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 5 — "Training Within Industry: Job Methods"
Wednesday, June 16 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 6 — "Team Member Engagement Process"
Wednesday, July 14 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 7 — "Strategy Deployment & Floor Management Development System"
Wednesday, August 25 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 8 — "Training Within Industry: Job Relations"
Wednesday, September 22 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
Webinar 9 — "Training Within Industry: Job Safety"
Wednesday, October 20 • 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (central time)
DEADLINE 9/22/10 —
Dakota MEP-USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program
Dakota MEP was awarded a $190,000 USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) to help small manufacturers in the rural communities improve their performance.
This program was developed as a result of feedback from manufacturers in the Dakotas. They identified areas of concern and issues which needed to be addressed, including communication and accessibility to expertise. This partnership with Dakota MEP and USDA provides an opportunity to better serve manufacturers in North and South Dakota.
The funds can be used to help you with:
Growing Sales
Family Business Planning
Employee Development
Productivity Improvements
ISO Requirements
Supply Chain Development
other areas
Please contact Dan Halverson at 701-328-5472 or 1-866-297-8250 or
by e-mail at danh@dakotamep.com if you have any questions. or to schedule your FREE ASSESSMENT.
Terry Cox to present at TWI training events
Dakota MEP Senior Business Advisor, Terry Cox, will be presenting at the Innovation Insights LEARNING session, in St. Brieux, SK, Canada, in April and at the TWI Summit in Las Vegas, NV in May. He will also be presenting four webinars as part of The People Side of Lean Transformation webinar series. Please see article above for more information.
Industries and businesses that adopt the Training Within Industry (TWI) way of training consistently increase productivity, reduce training time and improve morale and safety.
At the Innovation Insights LEARNING session, Terry will be providing an Introduction to TWI; a dynamic program which uses a learn-by-doing approach, teaching essential skills for supervisors and team leaders from all types of industries and businesses.
TWI is delivered in four distinct modules:
Job Relations Training (JR): Building a positive work environment, increasing cooperation and motivation, and effectively resolving conflict
Job Instruction Training (JI): Effectively and efficiently training employees to do a job correctly, safely and conscientiously
Job Methods Training (JM): Continuously improving the way jobs are performed
Job Safety Training (JS): Proactively creating and ensuring a safe workplace.
During the TWI Summit, Terry will be presenting a 10-hour program on Job Instruction. Demands of developing a flexible workforce and training employees require standardized best practices.
The Job Instruction method teaches preparing the operator to learn, giving a proper demonstration from a breakdown, observing the operator perform the task, and tapering off coaching with proper follow-up.
Benefits experienced when practicing Job Instruction are reduced training time, less scrap and rework, fewer accidents, and increased job satisfaction.
Terry has also been working with many smaller manufacturing companies in the rural Dakotas with assistance from a USDA grant (please see story above), to apply the TWI Job Instruction process to establish standard work within these companies. Part of the project also includes developing a "timetable for training", providing a complete business assessment, developing an implementation plan, calculation of the benefits and impacts of the project, and providing at the minimum one full day of follow-up with the client at a later date to keep them on track.
If you are interested in learning more about TWI opportunities for your company, please contact Terry at 701-412-3320, or terryc@dakotamep.com.
ExporTech Program Begins in April
Space is filling up fast - limited to 8 companies
The ExporTech program is designed to help your company enter or expand into global markets, by assisting in the development of a customized international growth plan. Utilizing a team of exporting resources and experts, we help your company move quickly beyond just planning, into actual export sales.
The program is intended for executives of small and mid-size product companies, and is aimed at both new-to-export companies and those that have done some exporting, but have not fully exploited global opportunities.
Benefits of ExporTech: • Resources to help you rapidly move from planning to actual sales and payment • International strategies and success factors based on real-world company research • A robust export plan in just three months • Connection with reputable resources and expert consultants • Accelerated speed to market, actual leads and sales
The first sessions will be held April 20, in Jamestown, N.D. and April 21, in Grand Forks, N.D.
For more information or to register, contact Clint at 701-412-6695, clintr@dakotamep.com or you may visit www.dakotamep.com and click on Events.
The Truth About Sales and Quality
By: Miriam Boudreaux, reprinted from "Quality Digest Daily", an electrinic publication from Quality Digest magazine (www.qualitydigest.com)
ISO 9001 and other quality initiatives can improve your processes, but can they also improve your slaes?
When a quality management system (QMS) is implemented, results are evident immediately: reduction in warranty cost, reduction in rework, reduction in scrap, higher profit margins, etc. Would you agree that ISO 9001 and other quality initiatives such as lean, Six Sigma, and 5S can significantly improve any company's processes—if requirements are correctly implemented? Why, if you know that a good quality management system impoves your processes, are you reluctant to include all company processes in this system? Why would most companies barely include sales on any quality initiatitves? If and only if you apply the same ISO quality standards and quality concepts to the entire sales process, inside and outside sales, you stand to see significant improvements.
read more »
How to Survive Your Survival
The keys to successfully shifting into growth mode.
Here's the good news: So far, you've been able to survive one of the worst economic downturns in American history. Before you congratulate yourself, you need to face the bad news. The very things that have enabled you to survive will cause your downfall if you don't shift into growth mode now. Regardless of how far along you believe it to be, there is broad consensus that a recovery has begun. What remains unclear is just how fast and how far this recovery will go. Strategic change is the operative phrase, and as a leader, creating strategic change is your number one job.
read more »
Calendar of Events
Click here to view the Dakota MEP Calendar.
Contact Us
Email: info@dakotamep.com
Phone: 701.328.5476
Toll Free: 1.866.297.8250
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
To subscribe to Become More, Dakota MEP's newsletter, click here.
Dakota MEP
Board of Directors
Dan Antrim
Bobcat/Doosan Infracore
Bryan Bossert
Phoenix International
Bart Brost
Showplace Wood Products
Cuck Crary
J5 Oil & Transport Co.
Brian Dahl
Amity Technology, LLC
Don Hedger
Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing
Dan Hoefs
Padgett Business Services
Marianne Von Seggern
Bell Incorporated
Kari Warberg Block
Earth-Kind, Inc.
Tammy Wierenga
Raven Industries, Inc.
Dakota MEP
Staff
Randy Schwartz
CEO
DeAnn Berg
Administrative Services Director
Terry Cox
Senior Business Advisor
Brian Feist
Technical Assistant
Dan Halverson
Client Development
Kristen Halden
Business Advisor
Wes Kelly
Senior Business Advisor
Linda Liebert-Hall
Partnership Development
Roger Oliver
Operations Director
Clint Rossland
Business Advisor
Terry Sampson
Client Development
Laurie Schaffer
Marketing Specialist
Darcy Vaughan
Administrative Services Assistant
Mark Volesky
Senior Business Advisor
Dakota MEP
Job Opportunity
Growth Services Specialist
The Growth Services Specialist is responsible for leading the provision of business development, growth related and technology services to help client companies improve existing business opportunities (i.e. customers, markets, products and services) and/or to develop new ones.
For more information, please contact Randy Schwartz at 701-328-5471 or by e-mail randys@dakotamep.com.
Dakota MEP is a leadership organization that provides value to those companies dedicated to creating new opportunities for their people and organization. We strive to maximize enterprise performance - including growth, innovation, productivity and productivity. Working with partners who share this mission, we specialize in helping companies develop best practices and supporting strategies which enable them to better compete today and tomorrow.
Click here to forward this message to a colleague.
Copyright © 2009 Dakota MEP. All rights reserved.
This email was sent to:
From: Dakota MEP, 1929 N. Washington Street, Suite M, Bismarck, ND 58501
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A Medicare Update
Hello Everyone,
Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.
Table of Contents
1. Comment Period Closing on Proposed Rule for Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program/Meaningful Use
2. The “Temporary Extension Act of 2010” Extends the Zero Percent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Update and the Therapy Cap Exception Process
3. Internet-Based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
4. Unavailability of Internet-Based PECOS Monday, March 29 through Monday, April 5
5. Update on Claims Processing for Ordering/Referring Providers
6. Medicare Ends Contract With Fox Insurance Company Drug Plan
7. Proposed Rule for the Establishment of Certification Programs for Health Information Technology
8. Rescheduled: Fourth National Medicare Fee-For-Service Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
9. Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS)
10. Medicare Fee-For-Service outreach efforts
11. ICD-10-CM National Provider Conference Call Scheduled
12. Pricer Updates
13. New from the Medicare Learning Network
14. Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System –March News
15. A new "twist" in the law makes it easier to save on your prescription drug costs.
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1. Comment Period Closing on Proposed Rule for Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program/Meaningful Use
As part of the HITECH Act in 2009, CMS administers the Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive programs under Medicare and Medicaid. CMS prepared a proposed rule on the EHR incentive programs for public comment. This proposed rule includes the definition of meaningful use and other requirements for qualifying for incentive payments. The comment period for this proposed rule closes on March 15, 2010. CMS welcomes your comments which may be submitted through http://www.regulations.gov. For additional information on the proposed rule, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Recovery/11_HealthIT.asp on the web. Here you will find fact sheets, presentation materials summarizing the proposed rule, and links to the proposed rule itself.
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2. The “Temporary Extension Act of 2010” Extends the Zero Percent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Update and the Therapy Cap Exception Process
On March 2, 2010, President Obama signed into law the “Temporary Extension Act of 2010.” Among other things, this law extends through March 31, 2010, the zero percent update to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that was in effect for claims with dates of service January 1, 2010, through February 28, 2010. Consequently, effective immediately, claims with dates of service March 1 and later which were being held by Medicare contractors will be released for processing and payment. Please keep in mind that the statutory payment floors still apply and, therefore, clean electronic claims cannot be paid before 14 calendar days after the date they are received by Medicare contractors (29 calendar days for clean paper claims).
The Temporary Extension Act also extends the therapy cap exceptions process through March 31, 2010, retroactive to January 1, 2010. Outpatient therapy service providers may now submit claims with the KX modifier, when an exception is appropriate, for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010.
The therapy caps are determined on a calendar year basis, so all patients began a new cap on January 1, 2010. For physical therapy and speech language pathology services combined, the limit on incurred expenses is $1,860. For occupational therapy services, the limit is $1,860. Deductible and coinsurance amounts applied to therapy services count toward the amount accrued before a cap is reached.
Some therapy providers have been holding claims for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, for patients who exceeded the cap but qualified for an exception under previous law. These providers may submit those claims to Medicare effective immediately. Therapy providers, who submitted claims which were denied, for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, for patients who exceeded the cap but whose services now qualify for an exception, should contact their Medicare contractor to request that their claim be adjusted to add the KX modifier and ensure the appropriate exception applies.
A small number of therapy providers continued to submit claims with the KX modifier for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, even though the exceptions process had expired on December 31, 2009. Medicare contractors held these claims and will now begin to release them for processing. These providers do not need to take any action on the claims that were held.
Providers who charged beneficiaries for services that exceeded caps, which are now payable under the exception process, should refund the beneficiary’s cost, less the appropriate amount of deductible and co-insurance. Affected claims should be either submitted or, if already submitted, the provider should contact their contractor for an adjustment.
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3. Internet-Based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
To assist you in protecting, completing and submitting your Medicare enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, we are providing the following enrollment reminders and tips.
Protect Your Privacy: Physicians and non-physician practitioners need to take steps to ensure that their Medicare enrollment information does not get into the hands of people who can use that information to commit fraud. (See the document titled, “Medicare Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners - Protecting Your Privacy, Protecting Your Medicare Enrollment Record.” This document can be found at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Downloads/MedPhysPrivacy.pdf.)
Organizations Must Be Enrolled Before Individuals: Before a physician or non-physician practitioner can reassign their benefits to a medical group or clinic other than the one they solely own, the medical group or clinic must have an approved enrollment record in PECOS.
Initial Enrollment Application for an Individual: Physicians and non-physician practitioners who have not enrolled or updated their Medicare enrollment since November 2003 will need to complete an initial enrollment application. PECOS does not contain information for physicians and non-physician practitioners enrolled before November 2003 who have not updated their enrollment record since that time.
Using Internet-based PECOS: We suggest you use Internet-based PECOS because it is faster and more efficient than the paper enrollment application process. Before you begin to use Internet-based PECOS, you should:
· Be sure that you have the National Provider Identifier (NPI) that was assigned to you as an individual and, if you solely own an organization provider, the NPI assigned that was assigned to your organization.
· Review the document titled, “Internet-based PECOS -- Getting Started Guide for Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners.” This document can be found at:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/downloads/GettingStarted.pdf
Internet-based PECOS Limitations: While Internet-based PECOS supports most Medicare enrollment application actions, there are some limitations. A physician or non-physician practitioner cannot use Internet-based PECOS to:
· Change his/her name or Social Security Number,
· Reassign benefits to another supplier if that supplier does not have an approved enrollment record in PECOS,
· Change in non-physician practitioner specialty type, or
· Change an existing business structure. For example:
o A sole owner of an enrolled Professional Association, Professional Corporation, or
LLC cannot change the business structure to a sole proprietorship; or
o An enrolled sole proprietorship cannot be changed to a solely-owned Professional Association, Professional Corporation, or LLC.
Finalizing Submission and Responding to Development Request: After submitting an enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, you:
· Must print, sign and date (blue ink recommend) the Certification Statement(s) and mail the Certification Statement(s) and supporting documentation to the appropriate Medicare contractor. The Medicare contractor will not begin to process your enrollment application until it receives a signed and dated Certification Statement.
· May be asked to make corrections or submitted additional documents by the Medicare contractor. In order for your application to be processed, you must submit this information.
Reporting Responsibilities: Physicians and non-physician practitioners enrolled in the Medicare program have reporting responsibilities. See the download section found at www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll for information about your reporting responsibilities.
More Information: For more information about Internet-based PECOS, including contact information for the External User Services (EUS) Help Desk, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll and select the “Internet-based PECOS” tab on the left side of screen.
EUS Help Desk provides assistance physicians and non-physician practitioners if they encounter an application navigation or systems problem with Internet-based PECOS. A navigation problem occurs when a practitioner is unable to determine how to use Internet-based PECOS.
Physicians and non-physician practitioners who have problems with their User Ids or password should contact the NPI Enumerator at 1-800-465-3203.
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4. Unavailability of Internet-Based PECOS Monday, March 29 through Monday, April 5
Due to scheduled maintenance, Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) will be unavailable from Monday, March 29, 2010 through Monday, April 5, 2010. Internet-based PECOS allows physicians, non-physician practitioners, providers, and other suppliers (except suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies [DMEPOS]) to enroll or make a change to their existing Medicare enrollment information over the Internet.
If you would like to enroll or make a change to your existing Medicare enrollment record, you can do either of the following:
· Use Internet-based PECOS prior to March 29, 2010 or after April 5, 2010.
For more information about Internet-based PECOS, see the appropriate “Getting Started” guide available in the Downloads section at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/04_InternetbasedPECOS.asp#TopOfPage. There is a “Getting Started” guide for physicians and non-physician practitioners and one for provider and supplier organizations.
· Complete and submit the paper Medicare provider enrollment applications(s) (CMS-855) along with any required supporting documentation and mail the application(s) to the appropriate Medicare carrier, fiscal intermediary, or A/B MAC. The CMS-855 forms are downloadable from the CMS forms page: www.cms.hhs.gov/cmsforms.
If you need assistance or have questions, contact the Medicare fee-for-service contractor serving your State.
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5. Update on Claims Processing for Ordering/Referring Providers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will delay until January 3, 2011, the implementation of Phase 2 of Change Request (CR) 6417 (Expansion of the Current Scope of Editing for Ordering/Referring Providers for Claims Processed by Medicare Carriers and Part B Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs)) and CR 6421 (Expansion of the Current Scope of Editing for Ordering/Referring Providers for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Claims Processed by Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs)).
This delay will give physicians and non-physician practitioners who order items or services for Medicare beneficiaries or who refer Medicare beneficiaries to other Medicare providers or suppliers sufficient time to enroll in Medicare or take the action necessary to establish a current enrollment record in Medicare prior to Phase 2 implementation.
Although enrolled in Medicare, many physicians and non-physician practitioners who are eligible to order items or services or refer Medicare beneficiaries to other Medicare providers or suppliers for services do not have current enrollment records in Medicare. A current enrollment record is one that is in the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) and contains the National Provider Identifier (NPI). Under Phase 2 of the above referenced CRs, a physician or non-physician practitioner who orders or refers and who does not have a current enrollment record that contains the NPI will cause the claim submitted by the Part B provider/supplier who furnished the ordered or referred item or service to be rejected.
CMS continues to urge physicians and non-physician practitioners who are enrolled in Medicare but who have not updated their Medicare enrollment record since November 2003 to update their enrollment record now. If these physicians and non-physician practitioners have no changes to their enrollment data, they need to submit an initial enrollment application which will establish a current enrollment record in PECOS.
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6. Medicare Ends Contract With Fox Insurance Company Drug Plan
Important Notice Regarding Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: CMS Office of Media Affairs
March 9, 2010 (202) 690-6145
MEDICARE ENDS CONTRACT WITH FOX INSURANCE COMPANY DRUG PLAN
Members Will Be Provided Access to Drugs While Transitioning to New Plans
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today terminated its contract with Fox Insurance Company. After an onsite review of the plan and its services, CMS determined that the plan’s significant deficiencies – not meeting Medicare’s requirements to provide enrollees with prescription drugs according to recognized standards of care – jeopardized the health and safety of Fox enrollees. CMS found that Fox committed a series of violations, including improperly denying its enrollees coverage of critical HIV, cancer, and seizure medications. The termination of the contract is effective immediately.
The immediate termination will not impact or delay access to drugs for the more than 123,000 Medicare beneficiaries currently enrolled in Fox plans. Beginning tomorrow, all enrollees will obtain their drugs through LI-NET, a program run by Medicare and administered by Humana, to ensure that beneficiaries receive their Medicare prescription drugs. Fox enrollees will be able to choose a new Medicare prescription drug plan through May 1, 2010. Current enrollees who do not choose a plan will be enrolled into a new plan by Medicare.
“The immediate termination of Fox as a Medicare prescription drug plan demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health of some of their most vulnerable enrollees from getting necessary drugs, in some cases life-sustaining medicines. CMS’s immediate action was essential to protect members’ health and safety – an integral part of our contract with all Medicare beneficiaries,” said Jonathan Blum, acting director of CMS’ Center for Drug and Health Plan Choices. “Fox enrollees also need to know that they are not losing their drug coverage and will continue to have access to needed medicines. We will be sending letters explaining the steps we are taking to ensure they continue to get their medicines. They can also call 1-800-MEDICARE or their local state health insurance assistance programs if they have questions.”
CMS issued an enrollment and marketing sanction to Fox on Feb. 26, 2010, because the organization was not following Medicare’s rules for providing prescription drug coverage to its enrollees. After an onsite audit, which ran between March 2 and March 4, CMS found Fox’s problems persisted and it continued to subject its enrollees to obstacles in getting needed and, in many cases, life–sustaining medicines. CMS also found that many of the obstacles were in place to limit access to high-cost drugs, which could have led to enrollees’ clinical needs not being met. In many cases, Fox enrollees were required to have unnecessary and invasive medical procedures before they were able to obtain drugs. Fox was unable to satisfactorily address these compliance concerns and furnish medicines to its Medicare enrollees.
Among the audit findings CMS found include:
· Failing to provide access to Medicare prescription drugs benefits by imposing unapproved prior authorization and step therapy criteria that made it more difficult for beneficiaries to get drugs that are protected by law.
· Not meeting the plan’s appeals deadlines,
· Not complying with Medicare regulations requiring enrollees to be transitioned to new drugs at the beginning of the new plan year.
· Failing to notify enrollees about prior authorization and step therapy determinations as required by Medicare.
According to CMS auditors, Fox was unable to satisfactorily address compliance concerns cited in the enrollment and marketing sanction and meet contractual obligations to provide medicines to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in their plans.
“We take our oversight role of Medicare prescription drug plans seriously,” said Blum. “We review and take action on all complaints received about Medicare health and drug plans and will take appropriate and immediate actions wherever necessary.”
CMS encourages Medicare prescription drug plan enrollees having concerns with access to drug coverage to contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or the state health insurance assistance program (SHIP) to help get them resolved. Medicare enrollees, their families and their caregivers can contact a SHIP near them by visiting: http://www.medicare.gov/Contacts/staticpages/ships.aspx
# # #
NOTE: States in which the Fox plan was available were: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.
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7. Proposed Rule for the Establishment of Certification Programs for Health Information Technology
A Message from Dr. David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
March 2, 2010
Today the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) outlining the proposed approach for establishing a certification program to test and certify electronic health records (EHRs). The HITECH Act mandates the development of a certification program which will give purchasers and users of EHR technology assurances that the technology and products have the necessary functionality and security to help meet meaningful use criteria. While we are making significant strides toward modernizing our health care system, these efforts will only succeed if providers and patients are confident that their health information systems are safe and functional.
The proposed rule incorporates two phases of development for the certification program to ensure that eligible professionals and eligible hospitals are able to adopt and implement Certified EHR Technology in time to qualify for meaningful use incentive payments. The rulemaking process will take time, so this phased approach provides a bridge to detailed guidelines to support an ongoing program of testing and certification of health IT.
The first proposed program creates a temporary certification process under which the National Coordinator would authorize organizations to assume many of the responsibilities that will eventually be fulfilled under the permanent certification program. For the permanent certification program, the rule proposes transitioning much of the responsibility for testing and certification to organizations in the private sector.
Publication of the proposed rule on the Establishment of Certification Programs for Health Information Technology is an important first step in bringing structure and cohesion to the evaluation of EHRs, EHR modules, and potentially other types of health IT. The programs will help support end users of certified products, and ultimately serve the interests of each patient by ensuring that their information is securely managed and available where and when it is needed.
Your input is essential to bringing this important process to fruition. We encourage your participation in the open public comment period.
Additional information on both of these programs and how you can comment can be found through the HHS news release issued today and at the http://HealthIT.HHS.Gov website.
The vision of the HITECH Act is unfolding rapidly, and all of us at ONC look forward to continuing to work with you to achieve the meaningful use of EHRs.
Sincerely,
David Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.P.
National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
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8. Rescheduled: Fourth National Medicare Fee-For-Service Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
5010: Taking EDI to the Next Level
Rescheduled: Fourth National Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be hosting its fourth national provider call regarding the implementation of HIPAA Version 5010. There will be a brief presentation given by CMS followed by a Q&A session with CMS subject matter experts. Please note that this call is geared towards vendors, clearinghouses, and providers who are performing their own development of 5010.
Conference call details:
Date: March 24, 2010
Conference Title: HIPAA Version 5010 Fourth National Provider Call
Discussion topics:
· General overview of 5010
· Additional changes to Medicare Fee For Service (FFS)
· Timelines and deadlines
· What you need to do to prepare
· CMS’s approach for new error handling transactions: 999 and 277CA
· Hot Topics:
1. Billing provider address change - P.O. Boxes no longer permitted
2. Discussions on handling Transaction Errata
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET
In order to receive the call-in information, you must register for the call. It is important to note that if you are planning to sit in with a group, only one person needs to register to receive the call-in data. This registration is solely to reserve a phone line, NOT to allow participation.
Registration will close at 2:00 p.m. ET on March 23, 2010, or when available space has been filled. No exceptions will be made, so please be sure to register prior to this time.
1. To register for the call participants need to go to:
http://www.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/032410
2. Fill in all required data.
3. Verify your time zone is displayed correctly the drop down box.
4. Click "Register".
You will be taken to the “Thank you for registering” page and will receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter. Note: Please print and save this page, in the event that your server blocks the confirmation emails. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please check your spam/junk mail filter as it may have been directed there.
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9. Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is conducting the fifth national administration of the Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS). This survey is designed to collect quantifiable data on providers' satisfaction with the performance of the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) contractors that process and pay their Medicare claims. CMS conducts the MCPSS on an annual basis and uses the results for Medicare contractor oversight and process improvement initiatives.
In January, CMS notified approximately 30,000 Medicare FFS providers and suppliers that they had been randomly selected to participate in the 2010 MCPSS study. As representatives of the more than 1.5 million providers nationwide who serve Medicare beneficiaries across the country, these providers and suppliers have an opportunity to give CMS valuable feedback on their satisfaction, attitudes, perceptions, and opinions about the services provided by their respective contractor.
If you have been notified that you were selected to participate in this study and have not yet done so, CMS is listening and wants to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to go online and complete your survey via a secure online Internet survey tool. Responding online is a convenient, easy, and quick way to provide CMS with your feedback. Survey questionnaires can also be submitted by mail, secure fax, and over the telephone. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
CMS has contracted with SciMetrika, a public health consulting firm, to administer this important survey and report statistical data to CMS. If you received notification that you were selected to participate in the MCPSS study and you no longer have your online survey tool access information or need help accessing the survey tool, please call the MCPSS Provider Helpline at 1-800-835-7012 or send an email to MCPSS@scimetrika.com
Please Note: Only providers and suppliers notified that they have been randomly selected to take part in the 2010 MCPSS may participate in this study. A new random sample of providers and suppliers is selected annually to participate in the MCPSS study.
For more information about the MCPSS, please visit the CMS MCPSS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcpss, or read the CMS MLN Matters Special Edition article at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE1005.pdf featuring the survey.
CMS urges you to please take a few moments to complete your survey today.
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10. Medicare Fee-For-Service outreach efforts
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to break new ground to enhance our Medicare Fee-For-Service outreach efforts. CMS is now using the following social media outlets to get information out to our audience as fast as possible.
· LinkedIn: Join the CMS group at www.LinkedIn.com/in/CMSGov
· YouTube: Log on to the official CMS YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/CMSHHSGov to view several videos currently available and more to come in the upcoming months.
· Twitter: Follow CMS’ two accounts, twitter.com@CMSGov and twitter.com@IKNGov, to get the latest updates on information you need know about CMS (including Medicare Learning Network updates) and Insure Kids Now.
Log on to see the latest!
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11. ICD-10-CM National Provider Conference Call Scheduled
The Basic Introduction to ICD-10-CM National Provider Conference Call will be conducted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
This conference call will provide an overview of ICD-10-CM/PCS requirements and a basic introduction to ICD-10-CM. The following topics will be discussed:
· Requirement to report ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for services provided on or after October 1, 2013.
· ICD-9-CM codes will not be accepted after October 1, 2013 (there will not be a grace period).
· Benefits of ICD-10-CM.
· Key similarities and differences between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM.
· General structure and characteristics of ICD-10-CM.
· New features in ICD-10-CM.
· Setting the record straight about common ICD-10-CM myths and misperceptions.
· Impact of ICD-10-CM on medical record documentation.
Registration information and discussion materials for this conference call can be accessed at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_CMS_Sponsored_Calls.asp .
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12. Pricer Updates
Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer Updated
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Inpatient PPS PC Pricer has been updated for FY 2010 claims with recent provider data from January 2010 and a correction of the Pricer version. You can go to the Inpatient PPS PC Pricer page, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/03_inpatient.asp, and download the latest version of the FY 2010 PC Pricer.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer Updated
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Inpatient PPS PC Pricer has been updated on the web for FY 2009 claims with corrected provider data from January 2010. If you use the FY 2009 Inpatient PPS PC Pricer, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/03_inpatient.asp, and download the latest version of the PC Pricer.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer Updated
The FY 2009 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) PC Pricers have been updated with corrected January 2010 PSF data and is ready for download from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/06_IRF.asp. If you use the IRF PPS PC Pricers, please go to the page above and download the latest FY 2009 version of the Pricer, posted 03/05/10, in the Downloads section.
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13. New from the Medicare Learning Network
The revised Ambulance Fee Schedule Fact Sheet (January 2010), which provides general information about the Ambulance Fee Schedule including how payment rates are set for ground and air ambulance services, is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/AmbulanceFeeSched_508.pdf
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A new fact sheet entitled The Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program - A Better Way for Medicare to Pay for Medical Equipment (February 2010), is now available in downloadable format on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding website. This fact sheet gives providers and suppliers an overview of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program as well as useful information regarding the benefits and inherit qualities of the program. The fact sheet may be downloaded by clicking on the following web address: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/04_Educational_Resources.asp#TopOfPage http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/04_Educational_Resources.asp#TopOfPage>
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The Medicare Preventive Services Quick Reference Information Charts have been updated and are now available in downloadable format. This includes the following charts:
Quick Reference Information: Medicare Preventive Services: This two-sided reference chart provides health care providers with coverage, coding, and payment information on the many preventive services covered by Medicare.
Quick Reference Information: Medicare Immunization Billing: This two-sided reference chart provides coverage, coding and payment information on seasonal influenza, pneumococcal, and Hepatitis B vaccinations covered by Medicare.
Quick Reference Information: The ABCs of Providing the Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE): This two-sided reference chart provides a checklist of the elements of an IPPE, as well as coding information and frequently asked questions.
To view the revised charts, please visit the "Preventive Services Educational Products" page at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/35_PreventiveServices.asp and select the "Educational Products" link in the "Downloads" section.
Hard copies of all three charts will be available at a later date.
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The NEW Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Fact Sheet (March 2010) is now available in downloadable format from the Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/HPSAfctsht.pdf on the CMS website. This fact sheet provides general requirements and an overview of the Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) payment system.
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The CMS Website Wheel has been revised and can now be ordered through the Medicare Learning Network. The CMs Website Wheel is an informational resource that provides a variety of CMS Medicare related websites. To place an order, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts , scroll to the downloads section of the page and select MLN Product Ordering Page, then select the CMS Website Wheel.
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The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Fact Sheet (March 2010) has been revised to include information about the two month zero percent (0%) update to the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) effective for dates of service January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010. This fact sheet, which also provides information about MPFS payment rates and the MPFS payment rates formula, is available in downloadable format from the Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/MedcrePhysFeeSchedfctsht.pdf .
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The revised Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule Fact Sheet (January 2010), which provides general information about the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, coverage of clinical laboratory services, and how payment rates are set, is now available in downloadable format from the Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/clinical_lab_fee_schedule_fact_sheet.pdf . If you are unable to open the fact sheet, please copy and paste the url into your Internet browser.
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14. Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System –March News
1. The Five-Star provider preview reports will be available beginning Monday, March 15, 2010. Providers can access the report from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) State Welcome pages available at the State servers for submission of Minimum Data Set data.
Provider Preview access information:
· Visit the MDS State Welcome page available on the State servers where you submit MDS data to review your results.
· To access these reports, select the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) Reporting link located at the bottom of the login page.
· Once in the CASPER Reporting system,
i. Click on the 'Folders' button and access the Five-Star Report in your 'st LTC facid' folder,
ii. Where st is the 2-digit postal code of the state in which your facility is located, and
iii. Facid is the state assigned facid of your facility.
2. BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov is available to address any Five Star rating questions and concerns.
3. Nursing Home Compare will update with March’s Five Star data on Thursday, March 25, 2010.
4. Please visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CertificationandComplianc/13_FSQRS.asp for the latest Five-Star Quality Rating system information.
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15. A new "twist" in the law makes it easier to save on your prescription drug costs.
http://www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/
Under a new law, more Medicare beneficiaries could qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs because some things no longer count as income and resources. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth an average of $3,900 per year. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be on Medicare, have limited income and resources, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
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Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.
Table of Contents
1. Comment Period Closing on Proposed Rule for Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program/Meaningful Use
2. The “Temporary Extension Act of 2010” Extends the Zero Percent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Update and the Therapy Cap Exception Process
3. Internet-Based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
4. Unavailability of Internet-Based PECOS Monday, March 29 through Monday, April 5
5. Update on Claims Processing for Ordering/Referring Providers
6. Medicare Ends Contract With Fox Insurance Company Drug Plan
7. Proposed Rule for the Establishment of Certification Programs for Health Information Technology
8. Rescheduled: Fourth National Medicare Fee-For-Service Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
9. Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS)
10. Medicare Fee-For-Service outreach efforts
11. ICD-10-CM National Provider Conference Call Scheduled
12. Pricer Updates
13. New from the Medicare Learning Network
14. Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System –March News
15. A new "twist" in the law makes it easier to save on your prescription drug costs.
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1. Comment Period Closing on Proposed Rule for Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Program/Meaningful Use
As part of the HITECH Act in 2009, CMS administers the Electronic Health Record (EHR) incentive programs under Medicare and Medicaid. CMS prepared a proposed rule on the EHR incentive programs for public comment. This proposed rule includes the definition of meaningful use and other requirements for qualifying for incentive payments. The comment period for this proposed rule closes on March 15, 2010. CMS welcomes your comments which may be submitted through http://www.regulations.gov. For additional information on the proposed rule, visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Recovery/11_HealthIT.asp on the web. Here you will find fact sheets, presentation materials summarizing the proposed rule, and links to the proposed rule itself.
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2. The “Temporary Extension Act of 2010” Extends the Zero Percent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Update and the Therapy Cap Exception Process
On March 2, 2010, President Obama signed into law the “Temporary Extension Act of 2010.” Among other things, this law extends through March 31, 2010, the zero percent update to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule that was in effect for claims with dates of service January 1, 2010, through February 28, 2010. Consequently, effective immediately, claims with dates of service March 1 and later which were being held by Medicare contractors will be released for processing and payment. Please keep in mind that the statutory payment floors still apply and, therefore, clean electronic claims cannot be paid before 14 calendar days after the date they are received by Medicare contractors (29 calendar days for clean paper claims).
The Temporary Extension Act also extends the therapy cap exceptions process through March 31, 2010, retroactive to January 1, 2010. Outpatient therapy service providers may now submit claims with the KX modifier, when an exception is appropriate, for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010.
The therapy caps are determined on a calendar year basis, so all patients began a new cap on January 1, 2010. For physical therapy and speech language pathology services combined, the limit on incurred expenses is $1,860. For occupational therapy services, the limit is $1,860. Deductible and coinsurance amounts applied to therapy services count toward the amount accrued before a cap is reached.
Some therapy providers have been holding claims for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, for patients who exceeded the cap but qualified for an exception under previous law. These providers may submit those claims to Medicare effective immediately. Therapy providers, who submitted claims which were denied, for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, for patients who exceeded the cap but whose services now qualify for an exception, should contact their Medicare contractor to request that their claim be adjusted to add the KX modifier and ensure the appropriate exception applies.
A small number of therapy providers continued to submit claims with the KX modifier for services furnished on or after January 1, 2010, even though the exceptions process had expired on December 31, 2009. Medicare contractors held these claims and will now begin to release them for processing. These providers do not need to take any action on the claims that were held.
Providers who charged beneficiaries for services that exceeded caps, which are now payable under the exception process, should refund the beneficiary’s cost, less the appropriate amount of deductible and co-insurance. Affected claims should be either submitted or, if already submitted, the provider should contact their contractor for an adjustment.
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3. Internet-Based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
To assist you in protecting, completing and submitting your Medicare enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, we are providing the following enrollment reminders and tips.
Protect Your Privacy: Physicians and non-physician practitioners need to take steps to ensure that their Medicare enrollment information does not get into the hands of people who can use that information to commit fraud. (See the document titled, “Medicare Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners - Protecting Your Privacy, Protecting Your Medicare Enrollment Record.” This document can be found at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/Downloads/MedPhysPrivacy.pdf.)
Organizations Must Be Enrolled Before Individuals: Before a physician or non-physician practitioner can reassign their benefits to a medical group or clinic other than the one they solely own, the medical group or clinic must have an approved enrollment record in PECOS.
Initial Enrollment Application for an Individual: Physicians and non-physician practitioners who have not enrolled or updated their Medicare enrollment since November 2003 will need to complete an initial enrollment application. PECOS does not contain information for physicians and non-physician practitioners enrolled before November 2003 who have not updated their enrollment record since that time.
Using Internet-based PECOS: We suggest you use Internet-based PECOS because it is faster and more efficient than the paper enrollment application process. Before you begin to use Internet-based PECOS, you should:
· Be sure that you have the National Provider Identifier (NPI) that was assigned to you as an individual and, if you solely own an organization provider, the NPI assigned that was assigned to your organization.
· Review the document titled, “Internet-based PECOS -- Getting Started Guide for Physicians and Non-Physician Practitioners.” This document can be found at:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/downloads/GettingStarted.pdf
Internet-based PECOS Limitations: While Internet-based PECOS supports most Medicare enrollment application actions, there are some limitations. A physician or non-physician practitioner cannot use Internet-based PECOS to:
· Change his/her name or Social Security Number,
· Reassign benefits to another supplier if that supplier does not have an approved enrollment record in PECOS,
· Change in non-physician practitioner specialty type, or
· Change an existing business structure. For example:
o A sole owner of an enrolled Professional Association, Professional Corporation, or
LLC cannot change the business structure to a sole proprietorship; or
o An enrolled sole proprietorship cannot be changed to a solely-owned Professional Association, Professional Corporation, or LLC.
Finalizing Submission and Responding to Development Request: After submitting an enrollment application via Internet-based PECOS, you:
· Must print, sign and date (blue ink recommend) the Certification Statement(s) and mail the Certification Statement(s) and supporting documentation to the appropriate Medicare contractor. The Medicare contractor will not begin to process your enrollment application until it receives a signed and dated Certification Statement.
· May be asked to make corrections or submitted additional documents by the Medicare contractor. In order for your application to be processed, you must submit this information.
Reporting Responsibilities: Physicians and non-physician practitioners enrolled in the Medicare program have reporting responsibilities. See the download section found at www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll for information about your reporting responsibilities.
More Information: For more information about Internet-based PECOS, including contact information for the External User Services (EUS) Help Desk, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll and select the “Internet-based PECOS” tab on the left side of screen.
EUS Help Desk provides assistance physicians and non-physician practitioners if they encounter an application navigation or systems problem with Internet-based PECOS. A navigation problem occurs when a practitioner is unable to determine how to use Internet-based PECOS.
Physicians and non-physician practitioners who have problems with their User Ids or password should contact the NPI Enumerator at 1-800-465-3203.
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4. Unavailability of Internet-Based PECOS Monday, March 29 through Monday, April 5
Due to scheduled maintenance, Internet-based Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) will be unavailable from Monday, March 29, 2010 through Monday, April 5, 2010. Internet-based PECOS allows physicians, non-physician practitioners, providers, and other suppliers (except suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies [DMEPOS]) to enroll or make a change to their existing Medicare enrollment information over the Internet.
If you would like to enroll or make a change to your existing Medicare enrollment record, you can do either of the following:
· Use Internet-based PECOS prior to March 29, 2010 or after April 5, 2010.
For more information about Internet-based PECOS, see the appropriate “Getting Started” guide available in the Downloads section at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/04_InternetbasedPECOS.asp#TopOfPage. There is a “Getting Started” guide for physicians and non-physician practitioners and one for provider and supplier organizations.
· Complete and submit the paper Medicare provider enrollment applications(s) (CMS-855) along with any required supporting documentation and mail the application(s) to the appropriate Medicare carrier, fiscal intermediary, or A/B MAC. The CMS-855 forms are downloadable from the CMS forms page: www.cms.hhs.gov/cmsforms.
If you need assistance or have questions, contact the Medicare fee-for-service contractor serving your State.
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5. Update on Claims Processing for Ordering/Referring Providers
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will delay until January 3, 2011, the implementation of Phase 2 of Change Request (CR) 6417 (Expansion of the Current Scope of Editing for Ordering/Referring Providers for Claims Processed by Medicare Carriers and Part B Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs)) and CR 6421 (Expansion of the Current Scope of Editing for Ordering/Referring Providers for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Claims Processed by Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs)).
This delay will give physicians and non-physician practitioners who order items or services for Medicare beneficiaries or who refer Medicare beneficiaries to other Medicare providers or suppliers sufficient time to enroll in Medicare or take the action necessary to establish a current enrollment record in Medicare prior to Phase 2 implementation.
Although enrolled in Medicare, many physicians and non-physician practitioners who are eligible to order items or services or refer Medicare beneficiaries to other Medicare providers or suppliers for services do not have current enrollment records in Medicare. A current enrollment record is one that is in the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS) and contains the National Provider Identifier (NPI). Under Phase 2 of the above referenced CRs, a physician or non-physician practitioner who orders or refers and who does not have a current enrollment record that contains the NPI will cause the claim submitted by the Part B provider/supplier who furnished the ordered or referred item or service to be rejected.
CMS continues to urge physicians and non-physician practitioners who are enrolled in Medicare but who have not updated their Medicare enrollment record since November 2003 to update their enrollment record now. If these physicians and non-physician practitioners have no changes to their enrollment data, they need to submit an initial enrollment application which will establish a current enrollment record in PECOS.
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6. Medicare Ends Contract With Fox Insurance Company Drug Plan
Important Notice Regarding Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: CMS Office of Media Affairs
March 9, 2010 (202) 690-6145
MEDICARE ENDS CONTRACT WITH FOX INSURANCE COMPANY DRUG PLAN
Members Will Be Provided Access to Drugs While Transitioning to New Plans
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today terminated its contract with Fox Insurance Company. After an onsite review of the plan and its services, CMS determined that the plan’s significant deficiencies – not meeting Medicare’s requirements to provide enrollees with prescription drugs according to recognized standards of care – jeopardized the health and safety of Fox enrollees. CMS found that Fox committed a series of violations, including improperly denying its enrollees coverage of critical HIV, cancer, and seizure medications. The termination of the contract is effective immediately.
The immediate termination will not impact or delay access to drugs for the more than 123,000 Medicare beneficiaries currently enrolled in Fox plans. Beginning tomorrow, all enrollees will obtain their drugs through LI-NET, a program run by Medicare and administered by Humana, to ensure that beneficiaries receive their Medicare prescription drugs. Fox enrollees will be able to choose a new Medicare prescription drug plan through May 1, 2010. Current enrollees who do not choose a plan will be enrolled into a new plan by Medicare.
“The immediate termination of Fox as a Medicare prescription drug plan demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health of some of their most vulnerable enrollees from getting necessary drugs, in some cases life-sustaining medicines. CMS’s immediate action was essential to protect members’ health and safety – an integral part of our contract with all Medicare beneficiaries,” said Jonathan Blum, acting director of CMS’ Center for Drug and Health Plan Choices. “Fox enrollees also need to know that they are not losing their drug coverage and will continue to have access to needed medicines. We will be sending letters explaining the steps we are taking to ensure they continue to get their medicines. They can also call 1-800-MEDICARE or their local state health insurance assistance programs if they have questions.”
CMS issued an enrollment and marketing sanction to Fox on Feb. 26, 2010, because the organization was not following Medicare’s rules for providing prescription drug coverage to its enrollees. After an onsite audit, which ran between March 2 and March 4, CMS found Fox’s problems persisted and it continued to subject its enrollees to obstacles in getting needed and, in many cases, life–sustaining medicines. CMS also found that many of the obstacles were in place to limit access to high-cost drugs, which could have led to enrollees’ clinical needs not being met. In many cases, Fox enrollees were required to have unnecessary and invasive medical procedures before they were able to obtain drugs. Fox was unable to satisfactorily address these compliance concerns and furnish medicines to its Medicare enrollees.
Among the audit findings CMS found include:
· Failing to provide access to Medicare prescription drugs benefits by imposing unapproved prior authorization and step therapy criteria that made it more difficult for beneficiaries to get drugs that are protected by law.
· Not meeting the plan’s appeals deadlines,
· Not complying with Medicare regulations requiring enrollees to be transitioned to new drugs at the beginning of the new plan year.
· Failing to notify enrollees about prior authorization and step therapy determinations as required by Medicare.
According to CMS auditors, Fox was unable to satisfactorily address compliance concerns cited in the enrollment and marketing sanction and meet contractual obligations to provide medicines to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in their plans.
“We take our oversight role of Medicare prescription drug plans seriously,” said Blum. “We review and take action on all complaints received about Medicare health and drug plans and will take appropriate and immediate actions wherever necessary.”
CMS encourages Medicare prescription drug plan enrollees having concerns with access to drug coverage to contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or the state health insurance assistance program (SHIP) to help get them resolved. Medicare enrollees, their families and their caregivers can contact a SHIP near them by visiting: http://www.medicare.gov/Contacts/staticpages/ships.aspx
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NOTE: States in which the Fox plan was available were: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.
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7. Proposed Rule for the Establishment of Certification Programs for Health Information Technology
A Message from Dr. David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
March 2, 2010
Today the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) outlining the proposed approach for establishing a certification program to test and certify electronic health records (EHRs). The HITECH Act mandates the development of a certification program which will give purchasers and users of EHR technology assurances that the technology and products have the necessary functionality and security to help meet meaningful use criteria. While we are making significant strides toward modernizing our health care system, these efforts will only succeed if providers and patients are confident that their health information systems are safe and functional.
The proposed rule incorporates two phases of development for the certification program to ensure that eligible professionals and eligible hospitals are able to adopt and implement Certified EHR Technology in time to qualify for meaningful use incentive payments. The rulemaking process will take time, so this phased approach provides a bridge to detailed guidelines to support an ongoing program of testing and certification of health IT.
The first proposed program creates a temporary certification process under which the National Coordinator would authorize organizations to assume many of the responsibilities that will eventually be fulfilled under the permanent certification program. For the permanent certification program, the rule proposes transitioning much of the responsibility for testing and certification to organizations in the private sector.
Publication of the proposed rule on the Establishment of Certification Programs for Health Information Technology is an important first step in bringing structure and cohesion to the evaluation of EHRs, EHR modules, and potentially other types of health IT. The programs will help support end users of certified products, and ultimately serve the interests of each patient by ensuring that their information is securely managed and available where and when it is needed.
Your input is essential to bringing this important process to fruition. We encourage your participation in the open public comment period.
Additional information on both of these programs and how you can comment can be found through the HHS news release issued today and at the http://HealthIT.HHS.Gov website.
The vision of the HITECH Act is unfolding rapidly, and all of us at ONC look forward to continuing to work with you to achieve the meaningful use of EHRs.
Sincerely,
David Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.P.
National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
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8. Rescheduled: Fourth National Medicare Fee-For-Service Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
5010: Taking EDI to the Next Level
Rescheduled: Fourth National Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be hosting its fourth national provider call regarding the implementation of HIPAA Version 5010. There will be a brief presentation given by CMS followed by a Q&A session with CMS subject matter experts. Please note that this call is geared towards vendors, clearinghouses, and providers who are performing their own development of 5010.
Conference call details:
Date: March 24, 2010
Conference Title: HIPAA Version 5010 Fourth National Provider Call
Discussion topics:
· General overview of 5010
· Additional changes to Medicare Fee For Service (FFS)
· Timelines and deadlines
· What you need to do to prepare
· CMS’s approach for new error handling transactions: 999 and 277CA
· Hot Topics:
1. Billing provider address change - P.O. Boxes no longer permitted
2. Discussions on handling Transaction Errata
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET
In order to receive the call-in information, you must register for the call. It is important to note that if you are planning to sit in with a group, only one person needs to register to receive the call-in data. This registration is solely to reserve a phone line, NOT to allow participation.
Registration will close at 2:00 p.m. ET on March 23, 2010, or when available space has been filled. No exceptions will be made, so please be sure to register prior to this time.
1. To register for the call participants need to go to:
http://www.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/032410
2. Fill in all required data.
3. Verify your time zone is displayed correctly the drop down box.
4. Click "Register".
You will be taken to the “Thank you for registering” page and will receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter. Note: Please print and save this page, in the event that your server blocks the confirmation emails. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please check your spam/junk mail filter as it may have been directed there.
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9. Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is conducting the fifth national administration of the Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS). This survey is designed to collect quantifiable data on providers' satisfaction with the performance of the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) contractors that process and pay their Medicare claims. CMS conducts the MCPSS on an annual basis and uses the results for Medicare contractor oversight and process improvement initiatives.
In January, CMS notified approximately 30,000 Medicare FFS providers and suppliers that they had been randomly selected to participate in the 2010 MCPSS study. As representatives of the more than 1.5 million providers nationwide who serve Medicare beneficiaries across the country, these providers and suppliers have an opportunity to give CMS valuable feedback on their satisfaction, attitudes, perceptions, and opinions about the services provided by their respective contractor.
If you have been notified that you were selected to participate in this study and have not yet done so, CMS is listening and wants to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to go online and complete your survey via a secure online Internet survey tool. Responding online is a convenient, easy, and quick way to provide CMS with your feedback. Survey questionnaires can also be submitted by mail, secure fax, and over the telephone. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
CMS has contracted with SciMetrika, a public health consulting firm, to administer this important survey and report statistical data to CMS. If you received notification that you were selected to participate in the MCPSS study and you no longer have your online survey tool access information or need help accessing the survey tool, please call the MCPSS Provider Helpline at 1-800-835-7012 or send an email to MCPSS@scimetrika.com
Please Note: Only providers and suppliers notified that they have been randomly selected to take part in the 2010 MCPSS may participate in this study. A new random sample of providers and suppliers is selected annually to participate in the MCPSS study.
For more information about the MCPSS, please visit the CMS MCPSS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcpss, or read the CMS MLN Matters Special Edition article at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE1005.pdf featuring the survey.
CMS urges you to please take a few moments to complete your survey today.
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10. Medicare Fee-For-Service outreach efforts
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to break new ground to enhance our Medicare Fee-For-Service outreach efforts. CMS is now using the following social media outlets to get information out to our audience as fast as possible.
· LinkedIn: Join the CMS group at www.LinkedIn.com/in/CMSGov
· YouTube: Log on to the official CMS YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/CMSHHSGov to view several videos currently available and more to come in the upcoming months.
· Twitter: Follow CMS’ two accounts, twitter.com@CMSGov and twitter.com@IKNGov, to get the latest updates on information you need know about CMS (including Medicare Learning Network updates) and Insure Kids Now.
Log on to see the latest!
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11. ICD-10-CM National Provider Conference Call Scheduled
The Basic Introduction to ICD-10-CM National Provider Conference Call will be conducted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
This conference call will provide an overview of ICD-10-CM/PCS requirements and a basic introduction to ICD-10-CM. The following topics will be discussed:
· Requirement to report ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for services provided on or after October 1, 2013.
· ICD-9-CM codes will not be accepted after October 1, 2013 (there will not be a grace period).
· Benefits of ICD-10-CM.
· Key similarities and differences between ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM.
· General structure and characteristics of ICD-10-CM.
· New features in ICD-10-CM.
· Setting the record straight about common ICD-10-CM myths and misperceptions.
· Impact of ICD-10-CM on medical record documentation.
Registration information and discussion materials for this conference call can be accessed at
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ICD10/07_CMS_Sponsored_Calls.asp .
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12. Pricer Updates
Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer Updated
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Inpatient PPS PC Pricer has been updated for FY 2010 claims with recent provider data from January 2010 and a correction of the Pricer version. You can go to the Inpatient PPS PC Pricer page, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/03_inpatient.asp, and download the latest version of the FY 2010 PC Pricer.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer Updated
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Inpatient PPS PC Pricer has been updated on the web for FY 2009 claims with corrected provider data from January 2010. If you use the FY 2009 Inpatient PPS PC Pricer, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/03_inpatient.asp, and download the latest version of the PC Pricer.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Personal Computer (PC) Pricer Updated
The FY 2009 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) PC Pricers have been updated with corrected January 2010 PSF data and is ready for download from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PCPricer/06_IRF.asp. If you use the IRF PPS PC Pricers, please go to the page above and download the latest FY 2009 version of the Pricer, posted 03/05/10, in the Downloads section.
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13. New from the Medicare Learning Network
The revised Ambulance Fee Schedule Fact Sheet (January 2010), which provides general information about the Ambulance Fee Schedule including how payment rates are set for ground and air ambulance services, is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/AmbulanceFeeSched_508.pdf
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A new fact sheet entitled The Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program - A Better Way for Medicare to Pay for Medical Equipment (February 2010), is now available in downloadable format on the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding website. This fact sheet gives providers and suppliers an overview of the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding program as well as useful information regarding the benefits and inherit qualities of the program. The fact sheet may be downloaded by clicking on the following web address: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/04_Educational_Resources.asp#TopOfPage http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/04_Educational_Resources.asp#TopOfPage>
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The Medicare Preventive Services Quick Reference Information Charts have been updated and are now available in downloadable format. This includes the following charts:
Quick Reference Information: Medicare Preventive Services: This two-sided reference chart provides health care providers with coverage, coding, and payment information on the many preventive services covered by Medicare.
Quick Reference Information: Medicare Immunization Billing: This two-sided reference chart provides coverage, coding and payment information on seasonal influenza, pneumococcal, and Hepatitis B vaccinations covered by Medicare.
Quick Reference Information: The ABCs of Providing the Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE): This two-sided reference chart provides a checklist of the elements of an IPPE, as well as coding information and frequently asked questions.
To view the revised charts, please visit the "Preventive Services Educational Products" page at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/35_PreventiveServices.asp and select the "Educational Products" link in the "Downloads" section.
Hard copies of all three charts will be available at a later date.
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The NEW Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Fact Sheet (March 2010) is now available in downloadable format from the Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/HPSAfctsht.pdf on the CMS website. This fact sheet provides general requirements and an overview of the Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) payment system.
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The CMS Website Wheel has been revised and can now be ordered through the Medicare Learning Network. The CMs Website Wheel is an informational resource that provides a variety of CMS Medicare related websites. To place an order, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts , scroll to the downloads section of the page and select MLN Product Ordering Page, then select the CMS Website Wheel.
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The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Fact Sheet (March 2010) has been revised to include information about the two month zero percent (0%) update to the 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) effective for dates of service January 1, 2010 through March 31, 2010. This fact sheet, which also provides information about MPFS payment rates and the MPFS payment rates formula, is available in downloadable format from the Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/MedcrePhysFeeSchedfctsht.pdf .
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The revised Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule Fact Sheet (January 2010), which provides general information about the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule, coverage of clinical laboratory services, and how payment rates are set, is now available in downloadable format from the Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/clinical_lab_fee_schedule_fact_sheet.pdf . If you are unable to open the fact sheet, please copy and paste the url into your Internet browser.
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14. Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System –March News
1. The Five-Star provider preview reports will be available beginning Monday, March 15, 2010. Providers can access the report from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) State Welcome pages available at the State servers for submission of Minimum Data Set data.
Provider Preview access information:
· Visit the MDS State Welcome page available on the State servers where you submit MDS data to review your results.
· To access these reports, select the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) Reporting link located at the bottom of the login page.
· Once in the CASPER Reporting system,
i. Click on the 'Folders' button and access the Five-Star Report in your 'st LTC facid' folder,
ii. Where st is the 2-digit postal code of the state in which your facility is located, and
iii. Facid is the state assigned facid of your facility.
2. BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov is available to address any Five Star rating questions and concerns.
3. Nursing Home Compare will update with March’s Five Star data on Thursday, March 25, 2010.
4. Please visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CertificationandComplianc/13_FSQRS.asp for the latest Five-Star Quality Rating system information.
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15. A new "twist" in the law makes it easier to save on your prescription drug costs.
http://www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp/
Under a new law, more Medicare beneficiaries could qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs because some things no longer count as income and resources. The Extra Help is estimated to be worth an average of $3,900 per year. To qualify for the Extra Help, a person must be on Medicare, have limited income and resources, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
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