Pete Harmon's HFS Blog

In my earlier Posts (and our web site, www.hfssoft.com), I had FY Begin and FYE 10/1/2009, for the effective date of T.17.  This is to clarify that the SNF T.17 is effective for FY END 10/1/2009 and after (i.e. MUST be used for this FYE).  Also, CMS rescinded the change to S-2 line 20, to require an answer of F/L/N for a Full, Low, or No Medicare Utilization report.  S-2 line 20 reverts back to T.16, where you ONLY complete it with an L or N, for Low/No utilization.  If it is a Full report, line 20 is left Blank.

HFS recently received approvals for the Hospital 2552-96, Transmittal 21 (our version 21.0.119.0), which we posted 3/12/2010; SNF 2540-96, Transmittal 17 (our version 17.0.119.0); HHA 1728-94, Transmittal 14/15 (our version 15.0.119.0); and RHC/FQHC 222-92, Transmittal 8/9 (our version 9.0.119.0).  All of these MUST be used for cost reports with FYE on or after 10/1/2009.  We expect to post the SNF, HHA, and RHC/FQHC updates this week (week of 3/15/2010).  CMS was late with these approvals, so if you have begun your report on an older version, you simply need to do a Check for Updates (under Help in our software), and get the new version(s).  You must use these new version to file reports with FYE of 10/1/2009 and after.  See my earlier posts for the detailed changes in these Transmittals.

CMS recently pulished updated info about MAC Jurisdiction J-7 (AR, LA, MS).  CMS said “In taking corrective action CMS plans to issue a new solicitation to procure the A/B Medicare Administrative Contractor Jurisdiction 7 workload previously solicited under RFP-CMS-2007-0002.  CMS anticipates initiating the new procurement action in calendar year 2010.”  In essence, CMS is re-bidding J-7, so who knows when we will see a final award!

CMS issued Transmittal 17 for the SNF (2540-96), but has not yet issued approvals for the software.  I previously posted the details of the T.17 chnages.  T.17 is effective for FYE 10/1/2009 and after.  Once approved, this will be our Version 17.0.119.0, and available via a normal Check for Updates.

CMS issued Transmittal 8, which I previously posted on my Blog.  CMS has now issued Transmittal 9, which contains NO NEW Policy, but is to “clean up” T.8.  HFS is approved for T.8/9, but cannot release it until CMS finalizes T.9 (not expected prior to 3/12/2010).  T.8/9 must be used for FYE 10/1/2009 and after.  This will be our Version 9.0.119.0, and there will not be a “version 8″.  We use the current CMS Transmittal number for our Version number.  Once T.9 is finalized, it will be available via a normal Check for Updates.

CMS issued Transmittal 14, with changes I previously listed on my Blog.  CMS has now issued Transmittal 15, to “clean up” T.14 issues.  T.15 contains NO NEW Policy.  However, this does result in our never issuing a Version 14 (our Version Number always coincides with the current CMS Transmittal number).  We will issue Version 15.0.119.0 when CMS finalizes T.15 (not expected prior to 3/12/2010).  HFS is approved for T.15, but we cannot release it until CMS finalizes it, and advises us of same.  T.14/15 MUST be used for FYE 10/1/2009 and after.

CMS approved HFS for Transmittal 21 on 2/19/2010.  We had to make some subsequent CMS changes before we could release it.  This will be our version 21.0.119.0.  T.21 must be used for FYE 10/1/2009 and after.  This will be available via a normal Check for Updates, and should be posted to our web site by 3/8/2010.