Prior Authorization of Home Health Visits Revisions [31 Pa.B. 7078] The purpose of this notice is to announce revisions to the prior authorization requirements for home health services published at 29 Pa.B. 76 (January 2, 1999). Included in this list were all home health services.
The Department of Public Welfare has allowed for 2 postpartum visits, which both required prior authorization. Review of the Department's prior authorization history for these post-partum services for mother and child since January 1999 has found that these requests have rarely been disapproved. For that reason, the Department will no longer require prior authorization for postpartum home health services effective with dates of service January 1, 2002.
All other home health services continue to require prior authorization before payment will be made, as set forth at 29 Pa.B. 76.
Fiscal Impact
This change will result in minimal fiscal impact, which can be absorbed within current funding levels.
Contact Person
A copy of this notice is available for review at local county assistance offices. Interested persons are invited to submit written comments regarding this notice to the Department within 30 days of publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. These comments should be sent to Department of Public Welfare, Office of Medical Assistance Programs, c/o Deputy Secretary's Office, Attention: Regulations Coordinator, Room 515 Health and Welfare Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Comments received will be considered in subsequent revisions to the prior authorization requirements.
Persons with a disability may use the AT &T Relay Service by calling (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users). Persons who require another alternative format should contact Thomas Vracavich in the Office of Legal Counsel at (717) 783-2209.
FEATHER O. HOUSTOUN,
SecretaryFiscal Note: 14-NOT-311. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 01-2336. Filed for public inspection December 28, 2001, 9:00 a.m.]
