The 21st Century Cures Act was recently enacted to deter Medicare and Medicaid fraud and increase the amount of technology used in home health care visits. Beginning in 2019, 100% of Medicaid-reimbursed home visits performed by a provider must utilize some form of electronic visit verification (EVV) to be eligible for submission. The ECG monitor experts at ReactDx understand the need for technology in health care and bring the following information concerning EVV to your attention.
EVV has been standard for many home health care technicians, while others have only recently purchased or updated electronics to fulfill the act’s standards. Caregivers may bring along a portable computer or tablet to track time, vital signs, medications given, therapies performed, et cetera. At the termination of the visit, the patient or caregiver signs the electronic device to verify the amount of time the caregiver spent at the home.
Currently, two EVV modes exist. The “closed model,” which is stated within the Cures Act, is a statewide EVV system that provides guidance for all home health visits. An “open model” offers a variety of EVV products to fit specific health care requirements. Open EVVs seem to benefit providers by offering different solutions for their varied patient needs. Closed models act to encompass all providers with more economical tools. For a business, closed models are preferred; for the health of patients, open is more likely to give better service.
The Cures Act states that EVVs will log the employee providing point-of-care service, type of care received, time of entrance and departure of the healthcare employee, patient name, date, and location of service. Verification via GPS is often another quality check. With a signature from the patient or patient’s caregiver, Medicaid believes accuracy will be strengthened, relieving the burden of the billions of dollars of Medicaid fraud and ensuring that patients receive proper care.
While some companies may view the Cures Act’s use of EVVs as expensive or difficult to learn, the benefits can far outreach the initial costs. By tracking via EVV, the amount of missed visits or late starts diminishes, client outcomes are more positive, patient care improves, electronic documents reduce paper waste, and home healthcare professionals are more efficient and productive.
ReactDx understands the importance of technology, and EVV seems to be a clear indication that the United States is relying more heavily on technology in health care. Call ReactDx today at 800-23-HEART or visit our blog page for information pertaining to ECG monitors or any of our other heart rate monitors.
