Nacogdoches, TX — Today, Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) and Representative Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches) held an informational workshop with local physicians and their staff, executive staff from the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and representatives from Superior Healthplan (Superior) to discuss various concerns regarding Texas Medicaid - Managed Care.

"Over the past few months my office has been contacted by local healthcare providers who have concerns over many of the issues discussed today," said Nichols. "The purpose of this meeting was to get everyone in one room and on the same page. We should be doing all we can to ensure providers have the necessary resources to better serve the local community's needs."

The physicians and staff were given an opportunity to discuss issues they had faced with deadlines associated with claims, appeals and recoupment. In addition, timely pre-authorization of doctor-prescribed tests and procedures covered by the plan and notification of rule changes associated with claims filing, processing, appeals and related issues were covered.

"We appreciate SFA's hospitality in welcoming us to campus for today's meeting to address the challenges our physicians and healthcare providers are now facing to provide quality care with fair compensation for their professional services," stated Clardy. "I appreciate all of the participants and the Health and Human Services staff and Superior representatives who traveled to Nacogdoches for taking the time and working together to understand the issues and find solutions."

Staff from HHSC and Superior worked with the physicians and staff to examine specific problematic claims. They also went over general how-to instructions to ensure the providers understood the steps that they must take in the future.

"I enjoy caring for my patients. In order to continue to provide necessary healthcare to Medicaid, CHIP and Medicare patients, the administrative hassle factor must be sharply reduced, and appropriate reimbursement for services provided must be increased to an adequate level," said local Nacogdoches physician Dr. Carl Davis. "If this does not occur there will be an exodus of doctors from the system, and in the end it is the patients who will suffer. I very much appreciate Senator Nichols and Representative Clardy for hosting this event, giving physicians an opportunity to learn and to provide input to Superior Healthplan and HHSC."

Over forty individuals attended including physicians and staff from local hospitals and healthcare providers around Nacogdoches County.

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