Response to Racial Discrimination & Violence

 

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2020 Annual Conference Update

 

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OTAs Added as Authorized TRICARE Providers

4/16/2020 

On March 16, the U.S. Department of Defense released the long awaited final rule that added occupational therapy

assistants (OTAs), as well as physical therapist assistants, as authorized providers of care in TRICARE, the health

care program for uniformed service members, retirees, and their family members. The final rule affirms OTAs' position

as essential providers of occupational therapy services for TRICARE beneficiaries. The effective date for the final rule

is April 16, 2020, meaning that services provided by licensed and qualified OTAs under the supervision of an

occupational therapist after that date are eligible for reimbursement by TRICARE. 

Keep Your Community Safe

With the onset of COVID-19 the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association encourages members to
closely follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines. Until further notice, the GOTA
encourages members to engage in meetings and with fellow members virtually.

In line with the CDC, the GOTA recognizes that “for the majority of people, the immediate risk of being
exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. There is not widespread circulation in
most communities in the United States.” 

The GOTA is doing its part to lessen the spread and impact of the virus by encouraging regional leaders,
members, and the community to follow the CDC’s guidelines to:

• Practice good hygiene
• Be careful with meetings and travel
• Handle food carefully
• Stay home if you are sick or someone in the home is sick

 

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH APPROVES

MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

SERVICES VIA TELEHEALTH

 
The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted an issue that GOTA was 
already addressing.  Specifically, GOTA has  received clarification from the Georgia Department
of Community Health (DCH) that that occupational therapists will be able to bill for telehealth
services provided under the Medicaid Children’s Intervention Services (CIS) program. 

In line with GOTA’s advocacy efforts, GOTA applauds the DCH's decision to waive certain policies
related to the use of telehealth in diagnosis and treatment. This is in response to the viral
pandemic and to provide continuity of services and treatment with reduced risk of exposure
to Medicaid/PeachCare for Kids members and providers. Please see attached document.
 
DCH is currently in the process of making adjustments, including the codes to be allowed,
in the Georgia Medicaid Management Information system (GAMMIS ) at this time so that the
therapy providers can submit claims for services. DCH has especially emphasized that
providers MUST comply with the billing rules for Telehealth. and must include the
appropriate Place of Service code and/or the appropriate modifiers (e.g., GT). 
 
DCH is reviewing all categories of service codes to identify additional codes that
can be included in telehealth reimbursement.  MMIS will be modified to include new codes
following DCH review.  We will post additional information as needed. If you have questions
related to telehealth/telemedicine, please contact the DXC Technology Provider Contact
Center at 1-800-766-4456 and/or your assigned Provider DXC Representative.
 
Providers may locate the Telehealth Guidance manual by accessing the following
link:  www.mmis.georgia.gov.  Select the “Provider Information” tab, then select
“Provider Manuals.”  Scroll down to locate the Telehealth/Telemedicine manual.
 
GOTA also reminds OTs that the Georgia Telehealth Act has recently gone into effect, and
occupational therapy provided via telehealth is included as a covered service.   
 
In addition, GOTA is creating a resource center to equip you with information and
guidance related to occupational therapy and Telehealth. We will be updating this
information on GOTA webpage www.gaota.com  as information becomes available.
Provider Messages-Telemedicine.pdf

New to the profession or to GOTA? If you are a first time GOTA member join NOW to receive your first year of
membership for only $45. Please follow the link below to join.

GOTA Membership Application

*Please note this special is only for 2019*