BREAKING NEWS VA 365-Day Authorization Approved

​During yesterday’s meeting with Veteran’s Administration officials, HCAOA’s VA Services Council was informed that authorizations for community care issued after July 16 will be good for 365 days – an extension from the previous 180 day Standardized Episode of Care (SEOC) duration.

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​Comments like “life changing”, “moving a mountain”, and many thank yous were the reactions of Council members after hearing the good news. Doug Robertson, Council Chair also expressed his appreciation to Dr. Mark Upton, Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Community Care in the Veterans Health Administration, who made the major announcement.  
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“Today’s announcement from VA should result in fewer denied claims for timely filing and reduce time spent by VA staff and providers chasing authorizations,” said Doug Robertson, Chair of the Council. “The Council is grateful for the communication and transparency with VA leadership in Washington who are committed to improving the provider experience which we know, in turn, improves the care environment for veterans.”

HCAOA Executive Director Vicki Hoak said this is a great example of a solution that has been agreed to by all parties after thoughtful discussion and mutual respect. 

“We are very grateful to Doug for his leadership and commitment to help HCAOA members who provide VA services. “We are also grateful  to all members of the Council.” Click here to see the full Council roster.

The work of the Council will continue to manage other issues, including improving the HSRM system and addressing challenges with unpaid claims.

The HCAOA Provider training sessions with Optum for Region 1, 2 and 3 are now scheduled. Links are below.
 
7/13/21 3:00 Central:
https://optum.webex.com/optum/onstage/g.php?MTID=e937efc7ac9a738c4414352d5ffbcd84e
 
7/22/21 2:00 Central: 
https://optum.webex.com/optum/onstage/g.php?MTID=ed8423d8f05aaa9b882c7d42ed00331a6