Idaho Medicaid Children’s Redesign Project Weblog

Hello fellow ISHA members:

Anne and I have participated in three Children’s Medicaid Redesign for developmental disability services meetings to date. These meetings have centered around the most efficient method of getting provider documents to a designated Plan Developer as well as what documentation should be sent. At the next meeting the group will be discussing scope of practice issues. By means of ‘interdisciplinary training’ SLPs will be able to receive reimbursement for meeting with interventionists (formerly Developmental Therapists and Intensive Behavior therapists) for carry-over of goals and objectives. So it would be wonderful if members who have experience working with developmental therapists could share their perspectives with respect to scope of practice? What would you allow an interventionist to do? Please share your ideas! More later, Tammy Emerson

Idaho Medicaid Children’s Redesign Project Weblog

As many of you may know, Idaho Medicaid has been working on changing service delivery for children with disabilities in the state of Idaho.   This project is called the Children’s Redesign Project and is in essence a system of care approach for children who have disabilities based on their individualized needs.  The 2011 Idaho legislature approved this Redesign.  Although the project primarily affects those children who receive services from Developmental Disability Agencies DDAs, those children often receive speech and language intervention as well.  Therefore speech and language, as well as audiological, representation on this committee is critical.  For instance, when developing the specifics of this project it is important to assure children are receiving SLP/Audiology services by qualified personnel.  I am pleased to serve on this Medicaid Team, along with Anne Kuhlmeier, President Elect of ISHA, to represent ISHA’s interests.
 I know that currently speech language pathologists (SLP) and audiologists often volunteer their time in order to collaborate with other professionals working the same child. Without reimbursement, collaboration often just does not occur. I think everyone would agree that collaboration actually improves children’s progress and saves money in the long run.  I would love to hear from you regarding this project. What is happening in your organization or private practice in regards to Medicaid reimbursement?  What concerns do you have? More later,
Tammy Emerson

SLP Info

This will be the location for all Speech-Language Pathology information for the Idaho Speech, Language, Hearing Association, Inc.