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Fee Schedules Frequently Asked Questions

 

Static Fee Schedules

1. Q: What is the difference between static fee schedules and Online Fee Lookup?

A: Static fee schedules are updated quarterly with the fees that are in effect at the beginning of the quarter. The Online Fee Lookup provides up-to-date information and provides historical fee information on procedure codes.

 

2. Q: Why aren't all of my provider identifiers available for selection?

A: When using a provider identifier to display corresponding fee schedules, you can select from only the provider identifiers that are linked to your TMHP.com account. If the provider identifier you want is not listed, refer to the TMHP Portal Security Provider Training Manual for instructions on linking the provider identifier to your account.

 

3. Q: What does a quarterly summary report show me?

A: A quarterly summary report lists changes to any procedure code since the last static fee schedule was published. The quarterly summary is in addition to provider notifications through banner messages, website articles, and bulletins.

 

4. Q: Where can I find a previous quarter's static fee schedule?

A: The bottom of the static fee schedule page includes links to the archived fee schedules.

 

5. Q: What does a blank Fee End Date mean?

A: If the Fee End Date field is blank, the fee associated with that procedure code was still in effect when the static fee schedule was generated.

 

6. Q: How are rates calculated?

A: Texas Medicaid reimburses most providers based on published rates, which are uniform statewide by provider type. Providers are paid the lower of the billed charges or the Texas Medicaid rate published in the applicable fee schedule. These rates are calculated in accordance with the referenced reimbursement methodology as published in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Part 1 Administration, Part 15 Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), and Chapter 355 Reimbursement Rates. Some providers have rates established by contract with the state, provider specific based on state wide, encounter or interim rates. These specific rates can be viewed using Online Fee Lookup.

 

7. Q: Are benefit limitations available on static fee schedules?

A: No. Benefit limitations are available only on the Online Fee Lookup.

 

Online Fee Lookup

1. Q: Why aren't all of my provider identifiers available for selection?

A: When using a provider identifier to display corresponding fee schedules, you can select from only the provider identifiers that are linked to your TMHP.com account. If the provider identifier you want is not listed, refer to the TMHP Portal Security Provider Training Manual for instructions on linking the provider identifier to your account.

 

2. Q: I entered a procedure code and received an error message. What happened?

A: Users will receive an error message if they enter an invalid procedure code or if the procedure code is not a benefit to the provider type or NPI selected. Procedure codes that are not a benefit may still be payable if it is a covered 1905(a) service, is medically necessary and the client is under 21 years of age

 

3. Q: What happens if I do not see a fee for a procedure code with a specific type of service, e.g., is the interpretation payable:?

A: Only those procedures that are payable will return results. If a specific type of service is not displayed, the procedure is currently not set up to pay that component of the procedure.

 
4. Q: Are the fees real time?

A: Yes, but only if you are searching for 10 procedure codes or fewer. You must search for the following using a batch search:

  • 11 to 50 procedure codes
  • A range of procedure codes
  • All procedure codes that apply to a provider identifier or provider type and specialty

Batch results are available within 36 hours. You can click on the Batch Search link on the left side of the page to retrieve batch search results.

 

5. Q: Is there a maximum number of transactions I can submit?

A: No. You can submit an unlimited number of transactions.
 
6. Q: Can I see fee changes that were made today?
A: This function is not available.
 

7. Q: What are note codes?

A: Note codes indicate specific payment explanation or limitations including place of service limitations. You can click on a note code to view its description.

 

8. Q: What is a contracted rate search?

A: Some provider types have rates that are defined in a contract. You can view your contracted rates by clicking the Contracted Rate Search link on the Online Fee Lookup.You must be logged in to the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com to access this functionality. If you have a CSN or DM3 benefit code, you must select Children with Special Health Care Needs as your program.You might get incorrect fee results if you select the incorrect program your provider identifier.

 
9. Q: What is a benefit limitation?

A: Benefit limitations describe any limitations on a procedure code (e.g., how many times per month the service can be provided). Currently, benefit limitations are only displayed for durable medical equipment and dental procedure codes.

 

10. Q: What is the 24-month history?

A: Starting June 27, 2009 TMHP will begin to compile a 24-month history of all procedure codes. The history will include any changes to the type of service, provider type, modifiers, client age, resource-based fee, total relative value units (RVUs)/base units, conversion factor, Prospective Payment System (PPS) fee, maximum fee, fee effective date, or fee end date. By clicking Include 24-Month History, you will be able to retrieve up to a 24-month history of any changes to this information going back to June 27, 2009.
 

11. Q: What about fees for dates of service before June 27, 2009?

A: For a date of service before June 27, 2009, you can enter the date of service in your search on the Online Fee Lookup to view the fee that was in effect for that date of service.

 

Batch Searches

1. Q: What is a batch search?

A: A batch search is used to perform the following searches:
  • 11 to 50 procedure codes
  • A range of procedure codes
  • All procedure codes that apply to a provider identifier or provider type and specialty

Batch results are available within 36 hours.

 

2. Q: How long does a batch search stay on the portal?

A: 120 Days.
 

3. Q: Is there a maximum number of transactions I can submit?

A: No. You can submit an unlimited amount of transactions.

 

4. Q: Where do I find my batch number?

A: When you submit a batch search request, the Online Fee Lookup generates a batch number. Batch results are ready within 36 hours of submission. To get the results of your batch search, go back to the Online Fee Lookup, click Batch Search, and enter the batch number.