Kansas Blue Cross Blue Shield

August 31, 2010

All

I think all of us need to consider what is happening in Kansas and do our best

to provide our thoughts/support. If this happens in Kansas, it will happen in

other states.

After reading the posts about the substantial decrease in reimbursement that is

coming from BCBS, I am wondering if any Kansas providers have considered doing

the following:

1. Call their BCBS Provider Representative to complain about how the declining

revenue will impact their practice.

2. Consider opting out of Participating Provider Status with BCBS of Kansas

(and telling the BCBS Provider Representative that you are strongly considering

this as an option).

3. Writing your Governor, Head of Insurance Commission, State Representatives,

United States Representative and Senators to express your dissatisfaction with

the pay cut.

4. Contacting local TV, Radio, etc. media outlets to explain the impact that

this reduction will have on your practice and PT/OT practices in the state.

5. Contacting other PT/OT providers in Kansas to ask what they are

contemplating doing and explaining what you are considering.

I would like to point out that item #5 is not stating you should band together,

as this might be construed as collusion. But if you are just discussing the

options available, you are just becoming more informed; and as long as you think

and act independant of everyone else, then that is different.

Finally, are any other providers in the State of Kansas being targeted for

reductions, like MD's? What about hospital reimbursement, are they proposing

cuts in hospital reimbursement as well?

I am sure this list can present some other thoughts on how to battle this issue,

but I promise that if every PT/OT in Kansas doesn't do anything, the cut will go

through and next year they will consider another one. The more contact made to

express displeasure, the better the opportunity to reverse this cut or at least

minimize it.

Okay, off my soapbox now,

Jim Hall, CPA <///><

General Manager

Rehab Management Services, LLC

Cedar Rapids, IA

319/892-0142

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