Texas Electronic Registration (TER) System
In 2007, the Texas Legislature passed HB 1739 that mandates physicians complete all cause-of-death information and medical certifications electronically. Starting August 31, 2008, the state’s new online death registration system, the Texas Electronic Registrar (TER) system will allow physicians to submit the required information electronically at any time or location with internetaccess.
Recently, doctors have reported a problem with the electronic death registry system and TCMS would like to hear from you. YourTCMS staff has been in contact with the Texas Department of State HealthServices (DSHS) and its staff has been assisting individual physicians withtheir issues. At this time, the DSHS does not think they have a widespread problem regarding the use of the system, but are reviewing the issue internally.
If you are experiencing problems please contact Debbie Adamsat 817-732-2825 x107 or by email at dadams@tcms.org.
If you have not registered for the TER system or would likemore information log on to www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/requestTER/default.asp.
Problems with Payments?
You don’t have to handle ridiculous payment errors from payors alone. Physicians looking for help in resolving payment, coding, or other claims disputes with health plans should turn to the Texas Medical Association.TMA reviews Hassle Factor Logs and meets with the major insurance carriers in Texas twice a year. Physicians can get help with claims that practices have not been able to resolve. Furthermore, the hassle factor log program keeps TMA informed of “the latest” payment aneurysms and helps TMA develop legislative strategies.
TMA has upcoming carrier meetings with BlueCross BlueShield of Texas and TrailBlazer Health Enterprises. They are in the process of collecting potential agenda items for these meetings. If you have any hot items, please send them to the TMA by August 22nd.
Potential agenda items may be sent directly to TMA via the Hassle Factor Log Program. To access the Hassle Factor Log, physicians can sign on to the members-only section of the TMA Web site at www.texmed.org and look for Hassle Factor Log Resources under Practice Management. Physicians can print the hassle factor log form or download it as a PDF. Forms also can be requested by telephone by calling (800) 880-1300, ext. 1414, or (512) 370-1414.
Completed forms should be mailed to the attention of the Payment Advocacy Department, 401 W. 15th St., Austin, TX 78701 or faxed to (512) 370-1632.
Because of privacy requirements related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), physicians also must complete a business associate agreement. The agreement allows TMA to view protected health information necessary for the association to help the physician with the resolution of his or her claim.
Along with the upcoming meetings with BCBS and Trailblazer, meetings will be held this fall with UnitedHealthcare/Pacificare, Availity, Cigna and UniCare.