Update on early intervention coding and paraprofessional service delivery

Two years ago I blogged about NYS Department of Health emails that instructed the field in use of Level II HCPCS codes.  At that time I stated:  Promoting use of Level II HCPCS codes can only mean they are incredibly misinformed and clueless OR they are throwing in the towel with trying to get reimbursement and they intend on replacing skilled services with services provided by non-licensed people with 'generic' developmental training.It seems that we have received an answer in the form of a final response to a systems complaint initiated against the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on the topic of Embedded Coaching.  Click here to read that determination.The allegation was that in NYC providers were being forced to address functional IFSP outcomes that fell outside of their scope of practice.  The Department of Health's determination was that NYC was in violation of 10 NYCRR 69-4(f)(3) regarding use of individualized approaches and they were also in violation of 10 NYCRR 69-4(a)(10)(v) regarding IFSPs that meet unique needs and methodologies.  As a result, NYC will need to revise its policies.This is rather important because at the time of the email two years ago it was unclear if the recommended use of Level II HCPCS codes for developmental services would serve to pave the way for paraprofessional service delivery.  The determination of the DOH is unequivocal and it seems that there is no apparent interest in a paraprofessional s...
Source: ABC Therapeutics Occupational Therapy Weblog - Category: Occupational Therapists Tags: health insurance Source Type: blogs