August 2007 Newsletter

DiagnosTEX Authorization Form
Our authorization form is a required form.  This gives us the authorization to do the study but also to collect payment.  This form has not changed,  only a line for the patients initials were added. Please make sure that the patient and or family read the form as it states that:
As the Responsible Party I agree to the following statements:
·        ____I understand it is my responsibility to pay any deductibles, co-pays or any other balance not paid by my insurance company.
 

• _____In the event insurance eligibility cannot be determined; I understand that I am responsible for payment of all charges.

• _____In the event my insurance company reimburses me in error, this payment will be forwarded to DiagnosTEX, LLC.

We will now require that the patient or family initials be next to these bulleted items as we have had many calls stating they “did not read” this in the authorization form.  Please make sure they are aware of these items and understand these.  If you ever have any questions, please contact our billing office and speak to Carolyn. Please see insert in this newsletter for further explanation of the billing process.
Waiver of Coinsurance and/or deductible In relation to the above, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) considers routine waiver of deductible and coinsurance to be a violation of Medicare Law.  Medicare requires that beneficiaries pay co-insurance on most services. Providing such service at no charge to the beneficiary and billing Medicare constitutes a routine waiver of coinsurance and is unlawful.  It would only not be considered unlawful if the beneficiary is unable to pay (e.g. poverty) and this information is documented in the patient’s medical record. The physician/service provider must make a reasonable collection effort for the payment of coinsurance/deductible. It must involve the issuance of a bill to the beneficiary or the party responsible for the patient’s personal financial obligations.
Dysphagia Tidbit – Dry Mouth Products and Simple Solutions
Product                                                  Manufacturer                                       Product Type
Glandosane mouth moisturizer Kenwood Therapeutics                            Aqueous solution sprayed in the mouth
Moi-Stir moistening solution                      Kingswood Labs                                      Pump Spray
MouthKote oral moisture                          Parnell Pharmaceuticals                           Aqueous solutions
Optimoist oral moisturizer                          Colgate-Palmolive                                    oral moisturizer, aqueous solution
Biotene                                                    Laclede, Inc.                                            Gel
Salivart                                                    Gebaur                                                    Aerosol aqueous Spray
Simple Solutions for a dry mouth:

1. Frequent sips of water through out the day is the simplest treatment for a dry mouth
   
2. Milk may give a lubricant effect
   
3. Try using olive oil to moisten the mouth
   
4. Sugar-free chewing gum is a cheap way to attempt to increase saliva production.
   
5. Try sugar free lollypops
   
6. Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and some sodas.  Caffeine can dry out a mouth, as can alcohol and smoking.
   
7. There may be relief in using a humidifier at night.