Partners values the strong working relationships that we have with our Network Providers. Now, more than ever, we will continue the practice of information sharing and frequent communication.
This web page will be updated frequently with the most up-to-date information from Partners, the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) and its divisions, as well as other resources to help you care for the members we serve.
Providers Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Updated: December 4, 2020
Click here to view a series of questions and answers which will provide information on how operations and procedures have changed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Have a question for Partners? Click here to email us directly.
December 31, 2020 – NC DHHS Updates COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance: Based on new federal recommendations issued last week by the CDC Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has updated and simplified the vaccine prioritization plan.
North Carolina’s updated phases include:
- Current Phase – Phase 1a: Health care workers fighting COVID-19 & Long-Term Care staff and residents
- Phase 1b (to begin in early January): Adults 75 years or older and frontline essential workers
- Phase 2: Adults at high risk for exposure and at increased risk of severe illness
- Phase 3: Students
- Phase 4: Everyone who wants a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination
Currently, there is not enough vaccine for everyone to be vaccinated at the same time. NCDHHS will open the next phase of vaccinations (1b) in groups, starting only with persons above the age of 75 in order to best manage vaccine dose availability. To see all the groups for Phases 1b and Phase 2, click here.
In the coming days, more information on how North Carolinians over age 75 will access vaccinations beginning in early January will be shared. For those who engage this population, please consider sharing this flyer (English / Spanish) as a first step.
Please continue to check NCDHHS’ Vaccines webpage. YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov, for more information and resources as they are available: The page is also available in Spanish: covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vacuna.
December 14, 2020 – North Carolina health facilities are now administering the COVID-19 vaccine. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is working with public and private partners to guide the planning and distribution of the vaccine. Those most at risk, such as health care workers and long-term care residents and staff, will get it first. Learn more about vaccine distribution.
Providers should visit https://immunize.nc.gov/providers/covid-19training.htm to learn how to submit cases or inquires regarding COVID-19 vaccines.
Additional Resources:
- COVID-19 Vaccination 101
- Frequently Asked Questions
- CDC Vaccine Information
- NC DHHS COVID-19 Vaccine Info website
- NC DHHS COVID-19 website
December 3, 2020: JCB #381-Retainer Payments | ROI Reissued | State News
October 30, 2020: COVID-19 #35 – Time-Limited Rate Increases | QM Monitoring | Joint DHB/DMH meeting
October 14, 2020: COVID-19-#34 – Rate Increase Continued
LATEST
Partners Provider Webinar:
Partners’ Provider Quarterly Webinar offers detailed operational updates. Learn more.
Partners Provider Council:
Partners Provider Council meets on the third Friday of each month. Learn more.
Joint DMHDDSAS and DHB (NC Medicaid) COVID-19 Update Call For BH/IDD Consumers, Family Members and Community Stakeholders:
- The fourth Monday of every month at 2:00 p.m. Visit the Partners Event Calendar for details and login information.
- Review information from previous NC DMH/DD/SAS Consumer and Community Stakeholder calls.
Joint DMHDDSAS and DHB (NC Medicaid) COVID-19 Update Call for NC Providers:
First Thursday of the month at 3 p.m.. Visit the Partners Event Calendar for details and login information.
CCNC Health Care Professional Series:
Community Care of North Carolina, NC DHHS and NC AHEC host the Health Care Professionals Series.
Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. | View Registration Information
REMINDER
News Archives
News Information is sorted chronologically from newest to oldest.
September 22, 2020:
- Joint Communication Bulletin #J375 – NC Innovations – Respite during Remote Learning and Appendix K Part III (NCDHHS)
- SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #135: Expectation to Comply with Infection Control and Prevention Measures (NCDHHS)
- SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #134: Clarification of COVID-19 Temporary Rate Increases and Clinical Policy Changes (NCDHHS)
September 19, 2020: COVID-19 #33 – Time-Limited Rate Increases Extended
August 28, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #126; New Deadline for Medicaid Provider Applying for Federal Relief Funds
August 27, 2020: COVID-19 #32 – FL Codes | Eligibility and Enrollment
August 17, 2020: Joint Communication Bulletin #J372: IDD Medicaid and State-Funded Service Delivery During School Hours
August 6, 2020: JCB #J370 | Provisions/Rate Extensions | CCP Public Comment
Aug. 5, 2020:
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #119: NC Medicaid Extends Temporary Clinical Coverage Policy Provisions and Temporary Rate Enhancements (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #118: New Opportunities for Medicaid Providers Applying for Federal Relief Funds (NC DHHS)
Aug. 3, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #117: NCDHHS RFAs to Support Communities Hard Hit by COVID-19 (NC DHHS)
July 24, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #116: New Webinar to Support Medicaid Providers Applying for Federal Relief Funds (NCDHHS)
July 22, 2020: JCB#369-North Carolina Supports Needs Assessment Profile: Initial and Annual Assessment (PDF)
July 21, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #115: Targeted Rate Increase and Associated Requirements for Swing Bed Services (NCDHHS)
July 21, 2020: HHS and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) are holding two focus group sessions on the Medicaid and CHIP distribution of the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) on Tuesday, July 21 and Thursday, July 22. Learn more.
July 20, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #113: Deadline Extended for Federal Provider Relief Funds for Medicaid Providers – (NCDHHS)
July 17, 2020:
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #112: 1115 Waiver Approval and Acceptance (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #111: REMINDER: Provider Relief Fund Deadline Monday, July 20, 2020 (NC DHHS)
July 17, 2020: COVID-19 #31 – Rate Increase | Special Medicaid Bulletins | Online ASAM Criteria Training
July 10, 2020: COVID-19 #30 – Temporary Rate Increases
July 6, 2020: #JCB368- Compliance with Alternatives and Restrictive Intervention -Re-Certification and Initial Certification-Training Requirements and CPR and First Aid Training Requirements During the COVID-19 Pandemic (PDF)
July 1, 2020: COVID-19 #29 – Utilization Management Update for COVID-19 Flexibilities Update
June 26, 2020: COVID-19 #28 – Eligibility & Enrollment Deadlines
June 24, 2020: Gov. Roy Cooper and NC DHHS Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen announced that North Carolina will remain in Safer at Home Phase 2 for three more weeks (through July 17). Executive Order 147 is effective on Friday, June 26, at 5 p.m. Read the press release and frequently asked questions bout the Executive Order and mandatory face coverings. Click here for NCDHHS guidance on face coverings
June 19, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #101: Medicaid Providers May Be Eligible for Federal Funding (NC DHHS)
June 17, 2020: Update to Special Bulletin COVID-19 #75: Telehealth and Virtual Patient Communications Clinical Policy Modifications – Behavioral Health Service Flexibilities – Innovations and TBI Waivers Appendix K and Developmental Disability State Funded Benefit Plans (NC DHHS)
June 18, 2020: #JCB367 – Update to JCB 365: Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Service Guidance for IDD Supported Employment Services (PDF)
June 15, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #99: North Carolina General Assembly Mandates Temporary 5% Rate Increase for Certain Medicaid Providers (NC DHHS)
June 12, 2020: #JCB366 – Level of Care and Supporting Documentation During COVID-19 State of Emergency (PDF)
June 11, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #98: COVID-19 Knowledge Center Now Available: A Convenient Way for Providers to Find Information – (NC DHHS)
June 10, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #97: Webinar Update for Behavioral Health and I/DD Providers – (NC DHHS)
June 2, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #94: Second Increase in Therapeutic Leave Days for ICF/IDD Facilities Due to COVID-19 (NC DHHS)
June 1, 2020: Today’s 2 p.m. NC DHHS COVID-19 Call for Consumers, Family Members and Community Stakeholders will consist of an open discussion about recent events with time for listening and sharing. A panel of NC DHHS leaders will be facilitated by Victor Armstrong, director for the Division of Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services. All are welcome.
Join by calling: Toll-Free: 844-291-5495; Access Code: 1279313. For Closed Captioning, the start time of the event, please login at the start of the event using this link: https://www.captionedtext.com/client/event.aspx?EventID=4411681&CustomerID=324
Our shared purpose is to:
- Facilitate an open an honest dialogue
- Listen to learn others’ experiences to understand new and varied perspectives.
- Challenge ourselves by examining our own assumptions and beliefs.
- Demonstrate openness and respect. This is not a “debate” or a problem-solving discussion, but an opportunity to express and understand the multiple realities we experience as citizens and stakeholders.
- Be authentic. Only you can speak to your reality. You are never wrong for how you feel.
- Together, create an environment for healing.
We are guided by our principles of a trauma-informed response – where together, we seek to:
- Realize the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery;
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in those we serve, families, staff, and others;
- Respond by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and
- Seek to actively resist re-traumatization.
We want to hear your voice and create space for you to share.
May 29, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #91: Federal Provider Relief Fund: Guidance on How to Access “General Distribution” Funds (NC DHHS)
May 29, 2020: COVID-19 #27: June Provider Information Sessions | Appendix K | Claims Reminder
May 28, 2020:
- The NC Medicaid/CCNC/AHEC “Health Care Professionals Webinar Series” that runs on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. will resume on Thursday, June 4.
- The “Navigating COVID-19 Webinar Series” that runs on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. will now be held on a monthly basis. The next webinar of this series will take place on Tuesday, June 30.
May 22, 2020: North Carolina Moves to Safer At Home Phase
Governor Roy Cooper has announced that effective at 5 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2020, North Carolina will move to Safer At Home Phase 2. The state’s overall key indicators remain stable but the continued increases in daily case counts signal a need to take a more modest step forward in Phase 2 than originally envisioned.
“From the beginning, North Carolinians have joined together to confront this crisis. We need to rely upon one another to practice the three Ws as we begin leaving our homes more. When we wear a face covering, wait six feet apart, and wash our hands often, we are showing we care for our loved ones and neighbors,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, Director of NC DHHS.
NC DHHS also unveiled an updated COVID-19 Dashboard. The interactive dashboard provides an overview on the metrics and capacities that the state is following to inform decisions to responsibly ease measures that slow the spread of the virus.
Phase 2 Resources:
– Executive Order 141
– FAQs
– Data Presentation from Press Briefing
– What Phase 2 Means for North Carolina
Interim Guidance for:
– Child Care Settings
– Day Camp Settings
– Large Venue Settings
– Overnight Camp Settings
– Public Pools and Spas
– Restaurants
– Retail Businesses
– Salons, Massage and Personal Care Business Settings
– Tattoo Business Settings
May 18, 2020: NC DHHS Expands Measures to Prevent and Respond to COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities
May 15, 2020: NC DHHS Updates Guidance on Who Should be Tested for COVID-19
May 14, 2020: COVID-19 #26 Prior Auths, Monitoring, Claims | Feedback Requested | Service Codes | JCB
May 14, 2020: COVID-19 #25 Contract Codes | Quality Management | Webinars
May 11, 2020: COVID-19 #24 – E/M CPT Codes | NC DHHS Webinar Recordings
May 8, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #85 – New Legislation Extends Connection Date to State Health Information Exchange – NC HealthConnex (NC DHHS)
May 7, 2020: Joint Communication Bulletin J364 – Revisions in DMH Service Definition Requirements During the COVID-19 Pandemic
May 6, 2020: Joint Communication Bulletin J363 – Home and Community Based (HCBS) Processes
May 6, 2020: SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #83 – Title II Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 Rehabilitation Act (RA) Protections during the COVID-19 Pandemic (NC DHHS)
May 1, 2020:
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #78: Telehealth and Virtual Patient Communications Clinical Policy Modifications – Hybrid Telemedicine with Supporting Home Visit (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #77: Telehealth and Virtual Patient Communications Clinical Policy Modifications – End Stage Renal Disease Services (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #76: Telehealth and Virtual Patient Communications Clinical Policy Modifications – Behavioral Health Service Flexibilities – (b)(3) Services (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #75: Telehealth and Virtual Patient Communications Clinical Policy Modifications – Behavioral Health Service Flexibilities – Innovations and TBI Waivers Appendix K and Developmental Disability State Funded Benefit Plans (NC DHHS)
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IIDs) and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) on March 30, 2020 to help improve infection control and prevention practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, including revised guidance for visitation.
April 30, 2020:
- COVID-19 #23 Additional Service Flexibilities | OOT SARs | Member Q&A Sessions | PPE | JCBs
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #74: NC Medicaid Temporarily Increases Rates for Federally Qualified Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #73: Personal Care Services Telephonic Assessments Update (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #72: Additional Home Health Clinical Coverage Policy Provisions (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #71: Extension of Temporary Suspension of Level I and Level II Assessments for New Nursing Home Admissions (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #70: Addition of Mailing and Delivery Fees to Retail Pharmacy Claims (NC DHHS)
- Provider Webcast for Reimbursement of COVID-19 Claims for Uninsured
- A webcast was held Thursday, April 30, from 2-3 p.m. on the COVID-19 Uninsured Program and how to use the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) new COVID-19 Uninsured Program Portal at linkhealth.com. Health care providers and hospitals can use the portal to electronically request reimbursement for claims associated with COVID-19 testing and treatment of uninsured patients retroactive to Feb. 4, 2020, beginning May 6. Providers must register to use the portal. To ensure NC Medicaid providers have a complete view of federal funding available during the pandemic, Key Federal Funding Available for Health Care Providers and Hospitals to Address COVID-19 has been updated to include COVID-19 Uninsured Program information.
April 28, 2020 – COVID-19 #22 – Time-Limited Rate Increase for Community Support Team
April 27, 2020:
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #69: Clarification to Bulletin #15 Medicaid and NC Health Choice Temporary Flexibilities – 1135 Waiver Provisions and Replace Effective Dates Stated in Bulletins #2, #10 & #11 (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #68: Expedited Hardship Advances and Retroactive Targeted Rate Increases for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Adult Care Homes Serving COVID-positive Patients (NC DHHS)
April 24, 2020:
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #67: Telehealth and Virtual Patient Communications Clinical Policy Modifications – Outpatient Respiratory Therapy (NC DHHS)
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #66: Telehealth and Virtual Patient Communications Clinical Policy Modifications – Well Child Visits (NC DHHS)
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #65: Telehealth and Virtual Patient Communications Clinical Policy Modifications – Postpartum Depression Screening (NC DHHS)
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #64: Telehealth and Virtual Patient Communications Clinical Policy Modifications – Health and Behavior Intervention Visits Provided by Local Health Departments (NC DHHS)
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #63: NC Innovations and NC TBI Waivers Community-Based Services (HCBS) Flexibilities – Retainer Payments (NC DHHS)
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #62: Clinical Policy Modifications – Suspending Copays on COVID-19-related Services (NC DHHS)
April 24, 2020: COVID-19 #21 Behavioral Health Service Flexibilities | Place of Service
April 23, 2020:
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #61: Credit Balance Quarterly Reports Extension (NC DHHS)
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #60: Fidelity Reviews Delayed for Current Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams (NC DHHS)
April 23, 2020:
– COVID-19 #20 – Provider Council | Service Definitions | Info Sessions
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #59: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications – Outpatient Behavioral Health Services (NC DHHS)
April 22, 2020: COVID-19 #19 – Modifications to Retainer Payment Process
April 21, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #55: NC Medicaid Receives Approval for Expanded Flexibilities for Home and Community-Based Services (NC DHHS)
April 20, 2020:
– SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #54: Clinical Policy Modifications – Family Planning Services Annual Exam Requirement Waived (NC DHHS)
– SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #53: Coronavirus Code Added as Billable Diagnosis and Annual Office Visit Limit Exemption (NC DHHS)
– SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #52: Coverage for Weight Scales and Portable Pulse Oximeters – Temporary Flexibilities (NC DHHS)
– SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #51: NCDHHS COVID-19 Guidance for NC Clinicians and Laboratories (NC DHHS)
April 19, 2020: SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #50: Provider Webinar Added for COVID-19 Appendix K Flexibilities for the NC Innovations and TBI Waivers (NC DHHS)
April 19, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #50: Provider Webinar Added for COVID-19 Appendix K Flexibilities for the NC Innovations and TBI Waivers (NC DHHS)
April 17, 2020:
– SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #49: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications – Interim Perinatal Care Guidance (NC DHHS)
– SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #48: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications – Remote Physiologic Monitoring Services (NC DHHS)
– SPECIAL BULLETIN COVID-19 #47: Updates for PACE Organizations (NC DHHS)
April 17, 2020: COVID-19 Updates from Provider Communication Bulletin #104
April 17, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #47: Updates for PACE Organizations (NC DHHS)
April 16, 2020: COVID-19 #18 – Appendix K Retainer Payment Requests
April 16, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #46: Behavioral Health Service Flexibilities (NC DHHS)
April 15, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #45: Increase in Therapeutic Leave Days for ICF/IID Facilities Due to COVID-19 (NC DHHS)
April 14, 2020: Time-limited Rate Increase for Facility Based Crisis, Mobile Crisis and PRTF
April 14, 2020: Special Bulletin COVID-19 #44: Pharmacy Claims Flexibility Available to Prevent Spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) (NC DHHS)
April 13, 2020: COVID-19 #17 – Additional Info Session | Authorizations | Monitoring Site Visits | NC DHHS Provider Update
April 10, 2020: COVID-19 #16 – Time-limited Rate Increase
April 9, 2020:
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #43: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications – Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring (NC DHHS)
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #42: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications – Postpartum Care (NC DHHS)
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #41: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications – Optometry Services (NC DHHS)
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #40: Reduction of In-Person Visits for Specific Optical and Hearing Aid Services (NC DHHS)
Provider Alert: Training Today, April 9 – COVID-19 Best Practices for Congregant Living Settings
April 8, 2020:
Press Release – New Mental Health Supports for All North Carolinians, Including Health Care Workers and Their Families (NC DHHS)
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #37: Patient Information and Support Line Available (NC DHHS)
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #38: Private Duty Nursing Clinical Policy Modification – Prior Approval Status Due to Refusal of PDN Services (NC DHHS)
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #39: Face-to-Face Provider Site Visits and Fingerprinting Requirements for NC Medicaid Provider Enrollment Temporarily Suspended (NC DHHS)
April 8, 2020 – Joint NC DMHDDSAS and DHB (NC Medicaid) COVID-19 Update for NC Providers
April 7, 2020:
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #36: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications – Outpatient Specialized Therapies and Dental Services (NC DHHS)
♦ Important Notes to Bulletin #36
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #36 replaces in its entirety Special Bulletin COVID-19 #21: Telehealth Provisions – Outpatient Specialized Therapies and Dental Services
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #35: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications – Enhanced Behavioral Services (NC DHHS)
♦ Important Notes to Bulletin #35
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #35 replaces in its entirety Special Bulletin #20 – Enhanced Behavioral Services.
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #34: Telehealth Clinical Policy Modifications – Definitions, Eligible Providers, Services and Codes (NC DHHS)
♦ Important Notes to Bulletin #34
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #34 replaces the following Medicaid Bulletins in their entirety:
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #9: Telehealth Provisions – Clinical Policy Modification
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #19: Telehealth Provisions – Clinical Policy Modification
– Special Bulletin COVID-19 #28: [ADDENDUM to Bulletin #9 Effective March 20, 2020]: Telehealth Provisions – Clinical Policy Modification
April 6, 2020 – COVID-19 #15 – PSR In Lieu of Service Discussion | Webinars for Appendix K
April 4, 2020 – Special Bulletin COVID-19 #33: Webinars for COVID-19 Appendix K Flexibilities for the NC Innovations and TBI Waivers (NC DHHS)
April 3, 2020:
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #32: Rate Increase and Claims Reprocessing (NC DHHS)
Special Bulletin COVID-19 #31: NC Medicaid COVID-19 Updated Guidelines for Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) (NC DHHS)
April 3, 2020 – COVID-19 #14 – Innovations-Specific Information Session Materials
April 3, 2020 – COVID-19 #13 – Joint Division Call | CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program Accepting Applications
April 1, 2020 – COVID-19 #12 – Partners Service Stability Program: Special CARES Act Resources for Provider
March 31, 2020 – COVID-19 #11 – Additional COVID-19 Provider Information Sessions; April Provider Council Meeting
March 31, 2020:
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #30: Personal Care Services Assessments (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #29: Coverage for Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors: Temporary Flexibilities Effective March 30, 2020 (NC DHHS)
March 30, 2020 – COVID-19 #10 – Partners’ Information Sessions – New Registration Information
March 30, 2020:
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #28 [ADDENDUM to Bulletin #9 Effective March 30, 2020]: Telehealth Provisions – Clinical Policy Modification (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #27: Update for PACE Organizations (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #26: Expansion of Home Infusion Therapy Drug Categories; Clinical Policy Modification 3H-1 (NC DHHS)
March 27, 2020:
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #25: Emergency Update to NC Medicaid and NC Health Choice Preferred Drug List (PDL) and REMS Program Flexibilities (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #24: NC Medicaid Cost Report Filing Extensions Due to COVID-19 (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #23: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Flexibilities for Waiver Beneficiaries Enrolled in NC Innovations Waiver and NC TBI Waiver (NC DHHS
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #22: CAP/C and CAP/DA Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Flexibilities for Waiver Beneficiaries Enrolled in 1915(c) HCBS Waivers (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #21: Telehealth Provisions – Outpatient Specialized Therapies and Dental Service (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #20: Telehealth Provisions for Enhanced Behavioral Health Services (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #19: Update to Telehealth Provisions: Clinical Policy Modifications (NC DHHS)
March 26, 2020 – COVID-19 #9 – Focus Groups | Service Changes | Clozapine REMS | SAMHSA Grant Info
March 26, 2020 – COVID-19 #8 – Weekly NC DHHS COVID-19 Call with BH and I/DD
March 26, 2020:
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #18: Guidelines for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #17: Prior Approval for Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Products (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #16: Re-verification Due Dates Extended for NC Medicaid Providers (NC DHHS)
March 25, 2020 – COVID-19 #7 – Exceptional Funding | Provider Council | NC DHHS Provider Call
March 24, 2020 – COVID-19 #6 – Letter to Members | Telehealth Service Decisions/Changes Under EPSDT | NCTracks COVID-19 Q and A
March 24, 2020:
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #15: Medicaid and NC Health Choice Temporary Flexibilities – 1135 Waiver Provisions (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #14: Diagnosis Code Being Added to Exemption List for the Annual Office Visit Limit (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #13: EviCore Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Auto-Approval (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #12: Suspension of Pharmacy POS Adult and Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinical Edits (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #11: Outpatient Specialized Therapies Temporary Flexibilities (NC DHHS)
- Special Bulletin COVID-19 #10: Durable Medical Equipment: Temporary Flexibilities Effective March 23, 2020 (NC DHHS)
March 24, 2020: COVID-19 Question and Answer Webinar for Providers hosted by NC DHHS (Event Information)
March 20, 2020 – COVID-19 Updates from Provider Communication Bulletin #103
March 20, 2020: Interim Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) General Guidance for Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability (BHIDD) Group Homes (NC DHHS)
March 20, 2020: Letter to LME/MCOs from NC Medicaid
March 20, 2020: NC Medicaid Increasing Eligible Technology and Provider Types for Telemedicine to Address COVID-19 (NC DHHS)
Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, Medicaid is temporarily modifying its Telemedicine and Telepsychiatry Clinical Coverage Policies to better enable the delivery of remote care to Medicaid beneficiaries read more
March 20, 2020:
- Special Medicaid Bulletin COVID-19 #9: Telehealth Provisions – Clinical Policy Modification (NC DHHS)
- Special Medicaid Bulletin COVID-19 #8: Face-to-Face Provider Site Visits and Fingerprinting Requirements Temporarily Suspended Due to COVID-19 Outbreak (NC DHHS)
- Special Medicaid Bulletin COVID-19 #7: Public Health Emergency Enrollment Applications for Health Care Professionals Not Currently Enrolled as an NC Medicaid Provider (NC DHHS)
March 20, 2020:
- Special Medicaid Bulletin COVID-19 #9: Telehealth Provisions – Clinical Policy Modification (NC DHHS)
- Special Medicaid Bulletin COVID-19 #8: Face-to-Face Provider Site Visits and Fingerprinting Requirements Temporarily Suspended Due to COVID-19 Outbreak (NC DHHS)
- Special Medicaid Bulletin COVID-19 #7: Public Health Emergency Enrollment Applications for Health Care Professionals Not Currently Enrolled as an NC Medicaid Provider (NC DHHS)
March 19, 2020:
- Special Medicaid Bulletin COVID-19 #6: Temporary Policy Modifications for 1915 Waivers (Appendix K) (NC DHHS)
- Special Medicaid Bulletin COVID-19 #5: Private Duty Nursing and Home Health Updates (NC DHHS)
- Special Medicaid Bulletin COVID-19 #4: Billing Requirements Modified in Response to COVID-19 (NC DHHS)
March 19, 2020 – COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Response and 42 CFR Part 2 Guidance (SAMHSA)
March 19, 2020 – COVID-19 Policy Flexibilities (NC DHHS)
March 19, 2020 – Press Release – NC Medicaid Requests Temporary Plan Changes to Respond COVID-19 (NCDHHS)
March 19, 2020 – NC DHHS NC Updates on COVID-19 page is best source for daily updates. (NC DHHS)
March 17, 2020 – NC Medicaid COVID-19 Telephonic Procedure Code Rate List (NC DHHS)
March 17, 2020 – OCR Office of Civil Rights Announces Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications During the COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency (US DHHS)
- FAQs on Telehealth and HIPAA during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency (US DHHS Office of Civil Rights)
March 16, 2020 – COVID-19 #5 – Follow up to March 16, 2020 Provider Teleconference #1 | Temporary Service Disruption Form | Communication to Groups from Kody Kinsley
March 16, 2020 – Special Bulletin COVID-19 #3: Recent Updates (NC DHHS)
March 16, 2020 – Email from Kody Kinsley State and Local CFACs, MH/DD/SAS Commission Members, Brian Injury Advisory Council, BH/IDD Provider Partners, LME/MCOs (NC DHHS)
March 13, 2020 – COVID-19 #4 – Provider Teleconference | Medicaid Special Bulletin
March 13, 2020 – Special Bulletin COVID-19 #2: General Guidance and Policy Modifications (NC DHHS)
March 12, 2020 – COVID-19 #3 – NC Medicaid Updates
March 12, 2020 – Webcast: Medicaid Policies & Codes Related to COVID-19 (NC DHHS)
March 12, 2020 – COVID-19 Mitigation Measures (NC DHHS) (CDC)
March 11, 2020 – COVID-19 #2 – DMH/DD/SAS Webinar | Special Medicaid Bulletin
March 11, 2020 – DSOHF Visitation Restrictions (NC DHHS)
March 11, 2020 – NC Medicaid Updates Policies to Address COVID-19 (NC DHHS)
March 10, 2020 – COVID-19 #1 – NC DHHS COVID-19 Information
March 10, 2020 – Special Bulletin COVID-19(1): NC Medicaid Provider Webcast: Medicaid Policies and Codes Related to COVID-19 (NC DHHS)
March 10, 2020 – North Carolina Declares State of Emergency (NC Governor Roy Cooper)
March 10, 2020 – COVID-19 Mitigation Guidance – March 10, 2020 (NC DHHS)
Partners Operations
Partners’ offices in Elkin, Forest City, Gastonia, Hickory, Morganton and Statesville are closed to visitors. If you have a meeting scheduled at one of these offices, please reach out to your Partners’ contact. You can access the employee directory by calling 1-877-864-1454 and selecting option 5.
Partners’ Access to Care Call Center is available 24/7/365. Contact the call center at 1-888-235-HOPE.
Latest on COVID-19:
Questions:
- Have a question for Partners? Click here to email us directly
- Submit Medicaid-policy related COVID-19 questions to Medicaid.covid19@dhhs.nc.us.gov
Training and Resources
Please check the reminders section and the Partners Calendar for upcoming information sessions and training.
Medicaid Managed Care Fireside Chat Webinar: Tracking Quality Performance
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and North Carolina AHEC are offering a twice-monthly evening webinar series to help prepare providers, practice managers, and quality managers for Medicaid Managed Care going live on July 1, 2021. Hosted by Chief Medical Officer of the NC Division of Health Benefits Shannon Dowler, MD, the series will feature changing subtopics on Medicaid Managed Care on the first Thursday of each month and clinical quality on the third Thursday of each month.
Please tune in to the Medicaid Managed Care Fireside Chat Series offered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and North Carolina AHEC, Thursday, February 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST. Click here to Register now
Hope4Healers: NC health care professionals, EMS, first responders, childcare workers, other front-line staff and their families can call Hope4Healers (919-226-2002) to access licensed mental health professionals offering confidential counseling. Hope4Healers is a collaboration between NCDHHS and the North Carolina Psychological Association.
Behavioral Health/IDD Day Program and Facility-Based Crisis Guidance
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) has issued guidance for Behavioral Health/IDD Day Program and Facility-Based Crisis facilities planning to reopen during Phase 2 of the state’s COVID-19 reopening plan. Click here for details.
COVID-19 Testing
NC DHHS is recommending anyone that has attended a protest or mass gathering of any type get tested for COVID-19. To locate a testing site near you, click here.
AHRQ Helps You Explain the Benefits and Risks of Telehealth
As the COVID-19 crisis has forced healthcare providers to limit in-person visits, telehealth has expanded rapidly. Responding to the need to obtain informed consent from patients for virtual visits, AHRQ has created a sample telehealth consent form that is easy to understand and guidance for clinicians on how to obtain informed consent for telehealth.
Easy-to-understand telehealth consent forms are helpful, even if you are obtaining consent verbally. Learn why and how to use them here. View AHRQ’s extensive collection of health literacy resources.
Technology Based Services during COVID-19
UNC Chapel Hill offers free online education through Behavioral Health Springboard.