
08/18/2022
Independent Therapy Providers Association updated their address.
Independent Therapy Providers Association updated their address.
ITPA is a trade association advocating for SLPs, OTs, and PTs in private practice. WHY ITPA? ITPA is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.
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HISTORY
ITPA was founded as a professional association for speech, occupational, and physical therapists in private practice. Created in response to a void among associations representing therapists within this industry, the ITPA offers a singular voice for therapists in private practice who provide services and operate therapy clinics and general rehabilitation facilities in Texas. Therapists in
private practice who once found themselves alone when it came to licensure, reimbursement and other legal and legislative issues facing this industry, now have a network to ensure their support. ITPA bridges the gap between the independent provider in private practice and other types of therapy businesses or provider types. ITPA advocates for small business therapy practices, providing legal counsel when needed, and upholding the highest ethical standards for our profession.
Independent Therapy Providers Association updated their address.
After weeks of denials, BCBSTX finally changed its policy for teletherapy coverage:
https://www.bcbstx.com/provider/news/2021_03_01.html
Telemedicine Expansion for 2021
BCBSTX update per bulletin 5/19/2029 on extending coverage for teletherapy through 6/30/2020.
https://www.bcbstx.com/provider/pdf/tx_using_telemed_telehealth_covid19.pdf
CMS press bulletin dated 4/30/2020 stated CMS will allow and cover telehealth and teletherapy for covered Medicare beneficiaries for the DURATION of the COVID19 crisis. This could signal to private insurance and other government payers to extend teletherapy coverage beyond 90 days.
Scroll down to section on telehealth services:
https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/trump-administration-issues-second-round-sweeping-changes-support-us-healthcare-system-during-covid
At President Trump’s direction, and building on its recent historic efforts to help the U.S. healthcare system manage the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today issued another round of sweeping regulatory waivers and rule changes to deliver e...
These for things need to be heeded for Texas and any other state to reopen safely.
https://www.texastribune.org/
The Texas Tribune covers politics and a range of policy issues that affect all Texans. Those topics include public and higher education, health and human services, demographics and voting rights, immigration and border security, criminal justice, energy, urban affairs, the environment, and transport...
This ASHA compiled list of commercial payers for coverage of teletherapy may be useful.
https://www.asha.org/uploadedFiles/COVID-19-Commercial-Insurance-Telepractice-Policy-Tracking.pdf
If you are on a personal connection, like at home, you can run an anti-virus scan on your device to make sure it is not infected with malware.
BCBS update on covered codes for telehealth and teletherapy per bulletin 4/3/2020.
https://www.bcbstx.com/provider/pdf/tx_using_telemed_telehealth_covid19.pdf
4/10/2020 update from UHC for waiver of copays and cost shares for telehealth services 6/18/2020:
https://www.uhcprovider.com/en/resource-library/news/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19/covid19-telehealth-services.html
UnitedHealthcare has expanded its policies around telehealth services during the COVID-19 health emergency. Check back often for updates
Medicare FFS provider in 2019? You may get some relief money:
https://www.hhs.gov/provider-relief/index.html
President Trump is providing support to healthcare providers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Abbott approved regulatory suspension for SLPAs, interns, and CFs in Texas to provide teletherapy services in bulletin 4/9/2020:
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/covid19.htm
Contact Information about the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Concerned about your Medicaid client auths? Read this from TMPH:
http://www.tmhp.com/News_Items/2020/03-March/03-31-20-PA%20Requests%20Extended%20Due%20to%20COVID-19%20Public%20Health%20Emergency.pdf
Update from Triwest:
http://www.triwest.com/en/provider/news--updates/community-providers-covid-19-resource-page/
Community Providers COVID-19 Resource Page
From HHSC about Medicaid renewals:
https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/news/2020/03/hhsc-temporarily-waives-renewal-requirements-medicaid-snap-clients-during-covid-19-crisis
Texas HHS announced SNAP and Medicaid benefit renewals currently due
Update from UHC:
https://www.uhcprovider.com/en/resource-library/news/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19/covid19-telehealth-services.html
UnitedHealthcare has expanded its policies around telehealth services during the COVID-19 health emergency. Check back often for updates
CMS approved teletherapy for PT/OT/Speech!
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid-19-physicians-and-practitioners.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2E5DGJyPsANgDWfZmCZulA_mKG-nsQAmygIJLHyc3julpvdkZE4bbYadw
Read this: Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act from US Senate Committee on Smsll Business & Entrepreneurship.
https://www.sbc.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/9/7/97ac840c-28b7-4e49-b872-d30a995d8dae/F2CF1DD78E6D6C8C8C3BF58C6D1DDB2B.small-business-owner-s-guide-to-the-cares-act-final-.pdf
PPP loan info. The devil is in the details.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterjreilly/2020/03/28/paycheck-protection-programdevilish-detailssome-uncertainty/
Well if you are in business, the first place to look is the Paycheck Protection Program whether you have been cutting paycheck or.
Thanks to ASHA Payer Summit advocacy, Tricare East will now cover teletherapy for speech therapy, and continuation only for PT/OT services. Tricare West is still pending per ASHA blog.
https://www.humanamilitary.com/provider/education-and-resources/quick-access/policy-updates-and-alerts/COVID-19-telemedicine-031320
TRICARE covers the use of interactive audio/video technology to provide clinical consultations and office visits when appropriate and medically necessary.
Info from US Chamber of Commerce about newly passed CARES Act:
https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/cares-act-small-business-guide
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the largest financial assistance bill ever, includes provisions to help small businesses. Here are the highlights.
UHC, Cigna, and Aetna covering teletherapy per announcement 3/27/2020.
This update is from ASHA.
http://www.magnetmail.net/actions/email_web_version.cfm?ep=flbahtIHT9g6HWq4s8khYP9WEDJkmak-IAfO8WeH9MRDF8fcqIuxGAdjr6ue8N9L3RJFZ2-K2qD6P7e7HUxkroz3vxMXi6Ob3uTVtNcKI5cAj9YvTZfQehE7_9r-_YkK
As a direct result of ASHA’s advocacy efforts in recent weeks, and relationships built through ASHA’s Private Payer Summit over the past two years, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) announced expansion of telepractice coverage for speech-language pathology services nationwide across all lines of business, ...
Do you have IRS questions? Read this.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-and-payment-deadlines-questions-and-answers
In Notice 2020-18 (PDF), the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced special Federal income tax return filing and payment relief in response to the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. Below are answers to frequently asked questions related to the relie...
Do you have employees? Here’s info from DOL to answer your questions about FFCR Act.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions
The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.
Good info about new relief law signed 3/27.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coronavirus-stimulus-package-aid-and-stimulus-guide-for-us-individuals-and-businesses-223030400.html
Yahoo Finance is tracking these federal emergency stimulus measures and how individuals and businesses can apply for assistance.
UHC now allowing teletherapy.
https://www.uhcprovider.com/en/resource-library/news/provider-telehealth-policies.html?cid=em-other-covid-19provideremail #2-mar20
Effective immediately, United Healthcare is expanding our policies around telehealth services for our Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Commercial membership, making it even easier for patients to connect with their health care provider.
BCBS coverage update.
https://www.bcbs.com/press-releases/media-statement-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-companies-announce-coverage-of-telehealth-services-for-members
CHICAGO – Today, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association President and CEO, Scott Serota issued the following statement announcing coverage of telehealth services for members. Please check with each local Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) company for a full understanding of breadth of services since co...
This is why we all need to stay home and telework if at all possible. Map is interactive and based on models of incidence.
https://covidactnow.org/state/TX
The only thing that matters right now is the speed of your response
Therapists (ST/OT/PT) included as essential critical infrastructure workers, this should help case for telehealth coverage.
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1nrXpoPEIg40jdn4UH-k_TTeZK8-SAP4SyDtWc85xnicLOTjz1tN6O-4E
ASHA sent this letter to Congress 3/19 in support of teletherapy for Medicare beneficiaries but also others with disabilities. Read Section 5.
This is part of CONNECT Act expected to be voted on Monday 3/23. Contact your US representative and senator to urge support TODAY!
ASHA Letter:
https://www.asha.org/uploadedFiles/ASHA-COVID-19-Congressional-Letter-House-031920.pdf
Take action this way:
https://takeaction.asha.org/asha/app/write-a-letter?0&engagementId=499730
New guidance today from IRS on April 15th tax filing deadline.
https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/mar/irs-april-15-filing-delay-guidance-coronavirus-23247.html
The IRS announced the postponement of the April 15 federal income tax filing deadline until July 15. Friday’s notice expands on earlier guidance that had only postponed tax payments but not the filing deadline.
Read about SBA loans in Texas Tribune article. Check with your CPA for specific advice..
https://www.texastribune.org/2020/03/20/texas-businesses-apply-small-business-administration-loans-coronavirus/
Texans can apply online to see if they qualify for a long-term, low-interest loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Read this now.
https://www.texastribune.org/2020/03/19/texas-telemedicine-patients-during-coronavirus-face-insurance-roadbloc/
As millions of Texans isolate themselves in an attempt to limit the spread of COVID-19, state officials are working to ramp up the use of telemedicine. But many health plans are outside of their regulatory authority.
SBA Disaster Loan info.
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/Index
Licensure rules about teletherapy in Texas.
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/slpa/slparules.htm
Title 16, Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 111 - Administrative rules concerning the licensing of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
Self-employed? Read this.
https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2020/mar/coronavirus-relief-bill-tax-credits-for-employers-23225.html
Here’s a look at the payroll tax credit provisions for employers in the coronavirus relief bill President Donald Trump signed on Wednesday.
CARES Act info from Forbes.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2020/03/20/crowded-senate-bill-includes-tax-relief-small-biz-help-checks--student-loan-deferrals-in-response-to-coronavirus/
The Senate has introduced a massive bill intended to provide direct economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some useful info for employers from a reputable site on the newly enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
https://www.natlawreview.com/article/senate-passes-families-first-coronavirus-response-act-what-employers-need-to-know
As an update to our post on Monday, yesterday the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, H.R. 6201, which the U.S. House of Representatives had passed
Regarding Unemployment in Texas, a letter from TWC.
https://twc.texas.gov/news/twc-waives-certain-requirements-unemployment-benefits-services
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott instructed the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to waive the waiting week, for Unemployment Benefits. In addition to waiving the waiting week, TWC is exercising its authority under the Governor’s declaration of a Statewide Disaster to waive Unemployment Ins...
For employers from Texas Workforce Commission.
https://twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-employers
At the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the health and well-being of our employers, employees and communities is our top priority. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to being responsive to the needs of our custo...
Read this now. Stay tuned for more updates as ITPA joins forces to advocate for private practices during the current COVID19 crisis.
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/emergency-preparedness/notification-enforcement-discretion-telehealth/index.html
Notification of Enforcement Discretion for telehealth remote communications during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency
Austin, TX
78746
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Inside Out Speech & Language Therapy
West William Cannon DriveLittle Tesoros Therapy Services
Burnet Road