Health and Human Services Commission Family Planning Program Services
Handbook
1 Provider Enrollment for HHSC Family Planning Program Contractors
Agencies that submit claims for HHSC Family Planning Program Services must have a contract with HHSC. The HHSC Family Planning Program determines client eligibility and benefits. Refer to the HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for specific eligibility, services, and policy information at www.hhs.texas.gov/laws-regulations/handbooks/fpp/family-planning-program-policy-manual.
Refer to: “Section 1: Provider Enrollment and Responsibilities” (Vol. 1, General Information) for more information about enrollment procedures.
Subsection 1.1, “Family Planning Overview” in the Gynecological, Obstetrics, and Family Planning Title XIX Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about family planning funding sources, guidelines for family planning providers, and family planning services for undocumented aliens and legalized aliens.
2 Services, Benefits, Limitations, and Prior Authorization
This section contains information about family planning services funded through the HHSC Family Planning Program funding source, including:
•Health history and physical;
•Counseling and education;
•Laboratory testing;
•Provision of a contraceptive method;
•Pregnancy tests;
•Sexually transmitted infection screenings and treatment;
•Referrals for additional services, as needed;
•Immunizations;
•Breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services;
•Prenatal services; and
•Other services subject to available funding
Providers are encouraged to include the appropriate diagnosis codes on the claim in conjunction with all family planning procedures and services.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual.
The choice of diagnosis code must be based on the type of family planning service performed.
2.1Family Planning Annual Exams
An annual family planning exam consists of a comprehensive health history and physical examination, including medical laboratory evaluations as indicated, an assessment of the client’s problems and needs, and the implementation of an appropriate contraceptive management plan.
HHSC family planning program providers must bill the most appropriate evaluation and management (E/M) with modifier FP visit procedure code for the complexity of the annual family planning examination provided. To bill an annual family planning examination, providers must include the appropriate E/M procedure codes and must be billed with modifier FP on the claim in conjunction with all family planning procedures and services.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual.
The following table summarizes the uses for the E/M procedure codes and the corresponding billing requirements for the annual examination:
Billing Criteria | Frequency |
|---|---|
New patient: Appropriate E/M procedure code with modifier FP | One new patient E/M code every three years following the last E/M visit provided to the client by that provider or a provider of the same specialty in the same group |
Established patient: Appropriate E/M procedure code with modifier FP | Once per state fiscal year* |
For appropriate claims processing, providers are encouraged to use a family planning diagnosis code to bill the annual family planning exam.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual
An annual family planning examination (billed with modifier FP) will not be reimbursed when submitted with the same date of service as an additional E/M visit. If another condition requiring an
E/M office visit beyond the required components for an office visit, family planning visit, or surgical procedure is discovered, the provider may submit a claim for the additional visit using Modifier 25 to indicate that the client’s condition required a significant, separately identifiable E/M service. Documentation supporting the provision of a significant, separately identifiable E/M service must be maintained in the client’s medical record and made available to Texas Medicaid upon request.
2.1.1FQHC Reimbursement for Family Planning Annual Exams
FQHCs must use the most appropriate E/M procedure code for the complexity of service provided as indicated in the HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual.
The annual exam is allowed once per fiscal year, per client, per provider. Other family planning office or outpatient visits may be billed within the same year.
A new patient visit for the annual exam may be reimbursed once every three years following the last
E/M visit provided to the client by that provider or a provider of the same specialty in the same group. The annual examination must be billed as an established patient visit if E/M services have been provided to the client within the last three years.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual.
2.2Family Planning Office or Outpatient Visits
Other family planning E/M visits are allowed for routine contraceptive surveillance, family planning counseling and education, contraceptive problems, suspicion of pregnancy, genitourinary infections, and evaluation of other reproductive system symptoms.
During any visit for a medical problem or follow-up visit, the following must occur:
•An update of the client’s relevant history
•Physical exam, if indicated
•Laboratory tests, if indicated
•Treatment or referral, if indicated
•Education and counseling, or referral, if indicated
•Scheduling of office or clinic visit, if indicated
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for more information about general family planning office or outpatient visits.
The following table summarizes the uses for the E/M procedure codes and the corresponding billing requirements for general family planning office or outpatient visits:
Billing Criteria | Frequency |
|---|---|
New patient: Appropriate E/M procedure code | One new patient E/M code every three years following the last E/M visit provided to the client by that provider or a provider of the same specialty in the same group |
Established patient: Appropriate E/M procedure code | As needed* |
For appropriate claims processing, providers are encouraged to use a family planning diagnosis code to bill the annual family planning exam.
Refer to: www.tmhp.com/resources/rate-and-code-updates/hcpcs-updates
2.2.1FQHC Reimbursement for Family Planning Office or Outpatient Visits
FQHCs must use the most appropriate E/M procedure code for the complexity of service provided as indicated previously in the tables in the HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual.
The new patient procedure codes will be limited to one new patient E/M procedure code three years following the last E/M visit provided to the client by that provider or a provider of the same specialty in the same group. The annual examination must be billed as an established patient visit if E/M services have been provided to the client within the last three years.
A general family planning office or outpatient visit (billed without modifier FP) will not be reimbursed when submitted with the same date of service as an additional E/M visit. If another condition requiring an E/M office visit beyond the required components for an office visit, family planning visit, or surgical procedure is discovered, the provider may submit a claim for the additional visit using modifier 25 to indicate that the client’s condition required a significant, separately identifiable E/M service. Documentation supporting the provision of a significant, separately identifiable E/M service must be maintained in the client’s medical record and made available to Texas Medicaid upon request.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual.
Section 4, “Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)” in the Clinics and Other Outpatient Facility Services Handbook (Vol. 2, Provider Handbooks) for more information about FQHC services.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for more information about laboratory procedures.
Appropriate documentation must be maintained in the client’s record.
Texas Medicaid follows the Medicare categorization of tests for CLIA certificate holders.
Refer to: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website at www.cms.gov/CLIA/10_Categorization_of_Tests.asp for information about procedure code and modifier QW requirements.
For waived tests, providers must use modifier QW as indicated on the CMS website.
2.3Immunization Administration
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for specific procedure codes that may be reimbursed for medications, immunizations, and vaccines.
2.3.1Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for specific procedure codes that may be reimbursed for medications, immunizations, and vaccines for HPV.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for specific procedure codes that may be reimbursed for radiology services performed for the purpose of localization of an IUD.
2.5Contraceptive Devices and Related Procedures
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for specific procedure codes that may be reimbursed for barrier contraceptives separately from fitting and instruction.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for specific procedure codes that may be reimbursed for IUDs and the insertion of IUDs.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for specific procedure codes that may be reimbursed for the removal of an IUD.
When a vaginal, cervical, or uterine surgery procedure code is submitted with the same date of service as the IUD removal procedure code or the IUD replacement procedure code, the following reimbursement may apply:
•The other vaginal, cervical, or uterine surgical procedure may be reimbursed at full allowance.
•The removal or the replacement of the IUD will be denied.
The contraceptive implant, procedure code J7307, and the implantation of the contraceptive implant, procedure code 11981, and the removal of the contraceptive implant, procedure codes 11982 and 11983, may be reimbursed.
Progesterone-containing subdermal contraceptive implants (Norplant) were previously used for birth control. Although subdermal contraceptive implants are no longer approved by the FDA, the removal of the implanted contraceptive implant may be considered for reimbursement.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for the appropriate contraceptive implant removal procedure code.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for specific procedure codes that may be reimbursed for providing contraceptive methods.
2.6.1Prescriptions and Dispensing Medication
Providers may do one or both of the following:
•Dispense family planning drugs and supplies directly to the client and bill the HHSC Family Planning Program.
•Write a prescription for the client to take to a pharmacy.
Family planning drugs and supplies that are dispensed directly to the client must be billed to the HHSC Family Planning Program. Only providers with an appropriate pharmacy license may be reimbursed for dispensing family planning drugs and supplies. Provider types with an appropriate pharmacy license may be reimbursed for dispensing up to a one-year supply of contraceptives in a 12-month period.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for more information about dispensing contraceptives.
HHSC Family Planning Program clients may have their prescriptions filled at the clinic pharmacy. HHSC Family Planning Providers can refer to the HHSC Family Planning Policy and Procedure Manual for additional guidance on dispensing medication.
2.6.2Oral Medication Reimbursement
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for more information about oral medication.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for the procedure codes that may be reimbursed for providing Contraceptive Method Instruction.
2.7.1Medical Nutrition Therapy
For clients requiring intensive nutritional guidance, medical nutritional therapy can be provided as an allowable and billable service. Medical nutritional therapy, however, must be provided by a registered dietician in order to be reimbursed.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for more information about medical nutritional therapy.
2.7.2Instruction in Natural Family Planning Methods
Counseling with the intent to instruct a couple or an individual in methods of natural family planning may be reimbursed twice a year.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for more information about natural family planning.
2.8Sterilization and Sterilization-Related Procedures
Per federal regulation 42 CFR 50, Subpart B, all sterilization procedures require the following Sterilization Consent forms.
Refer to: www.tmhp.com/sites/default/files/provider-forms/medicaid/F00090_Sterilization_Consent_Form_English.pdf on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.
www.tmhp.com/sites/default/files/provider-forms/medicaid/F00090_Sterilization_Consent_Form_Spanish_0.pdf on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.
Sterilization Consent Form Instructions on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.
DISCLOSURE AND CONSENT Medical Care and Surgical Procedures, required per Texas Administrative Code Title 25, Part 7, Chapter 601, Rule §601.4.
2.8.2Incomplete Sterilizations
Sterilizations are considered to be permanent, once per lifetime procedures. If the claim is denied indicating a sterilization procedure has already been reimbursed for the client, the provider may appeal with documentation that supports the medical necessity for the repeat sterilization.
2.8.3Tubal Ligation and Hysteroscopic Occlusion
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for more information about tubal ligation and hysteroscopic occlusion.
Refer to: The HHSC Family Planning Program Policy Manual for more information about vasectomies.
Vasectomies are considered to be permanent, once-per-lifetime procedures. If the claim is denied indicating a vasectomy procedure has already been reimbursed for the client, the provider may appeal with documentation that supports the medical necessity for the repeat sterilization.
Prior authorization is not required for sterilization and sterilization-related procedures.
All services require documentation to support the medical necessity of the service rendered, including gynecological and reproductive health services and family planning services.
Gynecological and reproductive health services and family planning services are subject to retrospective review and recoupment if documentation does not support the service billed.
4 Claims Filing and Reimbursement
Providers must use the appropriate claim form to submit HHSC Family Planning Program claims to TMHP. Claims for dates of service that span multiple contract periods must be submitted on separate claims for services performed within each contract period.
Note:To submit HHSC Family Planning Program claims using TexMedConnect, providers must choose Family Planning Program “Title X-DFPP” on the electronic version of the 2017 claim form.
The following table summarizes the filing deadlines for HHSC Family Planning Program claims:
Deadline | Appeals |
|---|---|
95 days from the date of service on the claim or date of any third party insurance explanation of benefits (EOB) | 120 days from the date of the Remittance and Status (R&S) Report on which the claim reached a finalized status |
Note:As stated in the HHSC Family Planning Policy and Procedure Manual, all claims and appeals must be submitted and processed within 60 days after the end of the contract period.
Federal and state regulations mandate that family planning client information be kept confidential. Because seeking information from third party insurance may jeopardize the client’s confidentiality, prior insurance billing is not a requirement for billing family planning for any title program.
Reimbursement for family planning procedures is available in the TMHP Online Fee Lookup (OFL) on the TMHP website at www.tmhp.com.
HHSC family planning providers are contracted to provide services for a specific time period, either the state fiscal year or a contract period within the fiscal year. The providers receive a specific budget amount for their contract period. When their claims payments have reached their budget allowance, providers must continue to submit claims. The amount of funds that they would have received had the funds been available will be tracked as “funds gone.”
Providers may receive additional funds for a contract period at a later time. Claims identified as “funds gone” may be reimbursed at that time.
On the R&S Report, “Claims Paid” is the dollar amount of claims paid during this financial transaction period. “Approved to Pay/Not Funds Gone” is the dollar amount that has been processed and approved to pay, but the payment has not been issued yet. “Funds Gone” is the dollar amount that has been submitted after the provider’s budget allowance has been reached. The amount in “Approved to Pay/Not Funds Gone” added to the amount in “Funds Gone” will equal the amount in the “Approved to Pay - New Claims” section.
The Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes included in the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual are subject to National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) relationships, which supersede any exceptions to NCCI code relationships that may be noted in the manual. Providers should refer to the CMS NCCI web page for correct coding guidelines and specific applicable code combinations.
In instances when Texas Medicaid limitations are more restrictive than NCCI Medically Unlikely Edit (MUE) guidance, Texas Medicaid limitations prevail.
Refer to: Subsection 6.3.4, “National Drug Code (NDC)” in “Section 6: Claims Filing” (Vol. 1, General Information).