MEDICAL PROVIDER COMPONENT

FOR REFERENCE YEAR 2010

CONTACT GUIDE FOR INSTITUTIONS

VERSION 1.0

Revision History
Version Author / Title Date Comments
1.0 Multipe RTI and SSS authors 04/01/10 Changes from final 2009 version made via track changes


MEDICAL PROVIDER COMPONENT
FOR REFERENCE YEAR 2010

CONTACT GUIDE FOR INSTITUTIONS


SECTION MR_A: CALL PROVIDER

MR_A1.  (READ IF NOT OBVIOUS:  (Hello) Have I reached [PROVIDER]?)

PHONE NUMBER:  [PROVIDER TELEPHONE NUMBER]


YES ............... = 1
NO ................ = 2


MR_A2.[N/A]  I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of medical records and would like to speak to the person who can help me with that process.

CONTINUE = 1 (GO TO MR_B1)
NO MEDICAL RECORDS DEPARTMENT; NOT CLEAR WHO TO SPEAK TO = 2 (GO TO EXIT SCREEN)


MR_B1. (READ IF NECESSARY: (Hello,) my name is (YOUR NAME).)

I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
We are conducting MEPS which is a study about how people in the United States use and pay for health care.
For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

POC: [POC NAME]

(READ IF NECESSARY: I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of medical records and would like to speak to the person that can help me with that process.)

[IF MR_ B1=1, GO TO MR_B2,
IF MR_B1=2, GO TO APPOINTMENT SCREEN;]


MR_B2.  Is this a long-term care facility?

YES ..................................... 1
NO ....................................... 2

INCLUDE NURSING HOMES, REHABILITATION FACILITIES, LONG TERM UNITS OF HOSPITALS (SUCH AS A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY OR SNF UNIT).

[IF MR_B2=1 GO TO MR_B4;
IF MR_B2=2 GO TO MR_B3a.]


MR_B3a.  How would you describe this facility? Is this:

A doctor's office ................................. 1
A publicly-funded clinic .......................... 2
An urgent care center ............................. 3
A home care provider .............................. 4
A hospital - notlong term care unit, such as a Skilled Nursing Facilityome ... 5
Or something else? (SPECIFY:________) ............. 6

IF RESPONDENT REPORTS LONG-TERM CARE UNIT, SUCH AS A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY, GO BACK TO ITEM MR_B2 ELIGIBILITY - VERIFY INSTITUTION AND CODE ACCORDINGLY.

[IF MR_B3a=1,2,3,4,5,6  GO TO MR_B3b;
IF MR_B3a=6  NEED A TEXT BOX TO RECORD SPECIFIC TYPE OF FACILITY RESPONDENT REPORTS].

MR_B3b.  I'm sorry. The information I was hoping to collect today is specific to institutions and long-term care facilities. Because this facility is not one of these, one of my colleagues will be calling back to collect the necessary information.

CLICK NEXT TO GO TO THE EXIT SCREEN. ONCE YOU EXIT, CODE THE CASE AS "e;PROVIDER INELIGIBLE"

[GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


MR_B4. At this time, [NUMBER FROM PATIENT LIST] patient[s] identified [PROVIDER] as a source of health care during 2010. [The/Each] patient signed an authorization form allowing us to contact you for information about the care they received from [PROVIDER] in 2010. Much of the information we need is within the medical records. Are the medical records maintained in your office, or is a medical records service used?


OFFICE MAINTAINS THE INFORMATION = 1
OFFICE USES A MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE = 2

[IF MR_B4 = 1 GO TO MR_B4b,
IF MR_B4 = 2 GO TO MR_B4_1]


MR_B4_1.  Are you the person who deals with the medical records service?

YES.........................= 1
NO...........................= 2

[If MR_b4_1 = 1, GO TO MR_C2,
IF MR_b4_1 = 2, GO TO MR_b4a]


MR_B4a.  I'll need to collect the name and telephone number for the person in your office who deals with the medical records service.

PRESS "NEXT" TO GO TO THE CONTACT BLOCK. ADD THE NEW POC TO THE CONTACT BLOCK AND CALL THEM USING SECTION MR_C: IDENTIFY MR SERVICE.

MR_B4b.  I would like to fax the authorization form(s) to you, along with additional information explaining the study.
I need to be sure I have the correct information for the packet. Should I direct it to you?

[GO TO CONTACT BLOCK]



MR_B5.  Can you please provide the name and number for the person who (needs to receive the courtesy packet/needs to receive the forms) to approve the release of data?

YES.........................= 1
NO..........................= 2

[IF MR_B5 = 1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK.
IF MR_B5 = 2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN.]


MR_C1.  (READ IF NECESSARY: (Hello,) my name is (YOUR NAME).)

I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
We are conducting MEPS which is a study about how people in the United States use and pay for health care.
For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

POC: [POC NAME]

(READ IF NECESSARY: I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of medical records and would like to speak to the person that can help me get in touch with the medical records service that maintains your records.)

PERSON IS ON THE PHONE.........................= 1
PERSON IS NOT AVAILABLE/CALL BACK........................= 2

[IF MR_C1=1, GO TO MR_C2,
IF MR_C1=2, GO TO APPOINTMENT SCREEN]


MR_C2.  (READ IF NECESSARY: At this time, [NUMBER FROM PATIENT LIST] patient[s] identified [PROVIDER] as a source of health care during 2010. [The/Each] patient signed an authorization form allowing us to contact you for information about the care they received from [PROVIDER] in 2010.)

We should be able to get all of the information we need from the medical records service.
We can also fax you a copy of the authorization form[s] for your files.

I need to be sure I have the correct information for the packet.  Should I direct it to you?

[GO TO CONTACT BLOCK]

MR_C3.  Can you please provide the name of the medical records service, the name of a contact person, their telephone number and title?

YES.........................=1
NO...........................= 2

[IF MR_C3 = 1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,
IF MR_C2 = 2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN.]


MR_D1.  (READ IF NOT OBVIOUS: (Hello) Have I reached [MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE]?)

PHONE NUMBER:  [MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE TELEPHONE NUMBER]

[IF MR_D1 = 1 GO TO MR_D2,
IF MR_D1 = 2 GO TO EXIT]


MR_D2. (Hello) We were referred to you by [PROVIDER] about [NUMBER FROM PATIENT LIST] of their patients who received medical service in 2010. I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of medical records and would like to speak to the person that can help me with that process.

IF THE PERSON YOU NEED TO TALK TO IS UNAVAILABLE ATTEMPT TO GET THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION VIA THE CONTACT BLOCK AND SET AN APPOINTMENT IF POSSIBLE.

CONTINUE = 1
SERVICE DOES NOT MAINTAIN 2010 RECORDS FOR PROVIDER =2
NOT CLEAR WHO TO SPEAK TO; WRONG NUMBER = 3

[IF MR_D2= 1 GO TO mr_E1
IF MR_D2=2 OR 3 GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


MR_E1.  (READ IF NECESSARY: (Hello,) my name is (YOUR NAME).)

I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
We are conducting MEPS which is a study about how people in the United States use and pay for health care.
For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

POC: [POC NAME]

(READ IF NECESSARY: I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of medical records and would like to speak to the person that can help me with that process.)


[IF MR_E1=1, GO TO MR_E2,
IF MR_E1=2, GO TO APPOINTMENT SCREEN;]


MR_E2. We were referred to you by [PROVIDER] for information about one or more of (his/her/their) patients. At this time, [NUMBER FROM PATIENT LIST] patient[s] signed an authorization form allowing us to contact you for information about the care they received from [PROVIDER] in 2010.

I would like to fax the authorization form[s] to you, along with additional information explaining the study.

I need to be sure I have the correct information for the packet. Should I direct it to you?

[GO TO CONTACT BLOCK]


MR_E3.  Can you please provide the name and number for the person who (needs to receive the courtesy packet/needs to receive the forms) to approve the release of data?

YES ....................... = 1
NO ........................ = 2

[IF MR_E3 = 1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,
IF MR_E3 = 2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


MR_F1.  Once you have received the authorization form[s] (and permission to release data to us has been given to you,) [if # of patients is < or = 25, show "we will call back to collect the data over the phone", if # of patients is >25 show "you can send us the medical records by either fax or mail, or we can call back to collect the data over the phone."] For each date of service in 2010, we are requesting information about the diagnoses and services, and the names of the physicians who treated each patient in 2010.

(In order for permission to be granted, we will send the authorization forms as a part of a study packet.)

F THE PERSON ON THE PHONE EXPRESSES A CONCERN ABOUT PROVIDING DATA OVER THE PHONE, SAY: "You can also send us the medical records by either fax or mail."

PROVIDER WILL RESPOND:

BY PHONE .................................................................. 1
BY FAX ..................................................................... 2
BY MAIL .................................................................... 3

[IF MR_F1 = 1 GO TO MR_F2,
IF MR_F1 = 2 GO TO MR_F3,
IF MR_F1 = 3 GO TO MR_F3]


MR_F2.  Within the next 24 hours we will [fax/mail] you the authorization form[s] and include an instruction sheet. If you have any questions about the information we will need, please call our toll-free number on the instruction sheet. We will allow time for you to receive and review the authorization form[s], and then we will call you back to verify that you have received the form[s].  When we call back, we'll also work with you to set up a good time to collect the data over the phone (once you've received permission to release the data).

We may call again if other patients identify this facility as a source of medical services.

GO TO MR_F4;


MR_F3.   Within the next 24 hours we will [fax/mail] you the authorization form[s] and include an instruction sheet. If you have any questions about what to send us, please call our toll-free number on the instruction sheet we will call you back to verify that you have received the form[s].We hope you can send the records to our office within two weeks.

We may call again if other patients identify this facility as a source of medical services. 

GO TO MR_F4


MR_F4.  We are also interested in the charges and the summary of payments for each date of service in 2010.  Can you provide this information?

YES..................................1
NO....................................2

IF YES, YOU WILL BE TAKEN TO THE CONTACT BLOCK. EDIT THE CURRENT POC, THEN RETURN TO ITEM MR__F5-POC = AO POC?

[IF MR_F4=1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK;
IF MR_F4=2 GO TO MR_F4a].


MR_F4a.  Can you please provide the name and number for whom we should contact to obtain this information?

YES............................1
NO..............................2

IF YES, YOU WILL BE TAKEN TO THE CONTACT BLOCK.  ADD THIS PATIENT ACCOUNTS POC, THEN RETURN TO ITEM MR__F5-POC = AO POC?

[IF MR_F4a=1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK;
IF MR_F4a=2 GO TO MR_F5].


MR_F5.  Lastly, we are interested in collecting the names and locating information for the providers who treated each patient while they received services in this facility during 2010.  Can you provide this information as well?

YES............................1
NO..............................2

IF YES, YOU WILL BE TAKEN TO THE CONTACT BLOCK AND EDIT THE CURRENT POC. THEN EXIT THE CONTACT GUIDE VIA THE EXIT SCREEN.

[IF MR_F5=1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK;
IF MR_F5=2 GO TO MR_F5a.]


MR_F5a.  Can you please provide the name and number for whom we should contact to obtain this information?

YES............................1
NO..............................2

IF YES, YOU WILL BE TAKEN TO THE CONTACT BLOCK. ADD THIS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE POC, THEN EXIT THE CONTACT GUIDE VIA THE EXIT SCREEN

[IF MR_F5a=1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK;
IF MR_F5a=2, GO TO EXIT SCREEN;

MR_G_Intro.  May I please speak to [POC NAME]?

PERSON IS ON THE PHONE.........................= 1
PERSON IS NOT AVAILABLE..........................= 2

IF MR_G_Intro=1, GO TO MR_G1;
IF MR_G_Intro =2, GO TO APPOINTMENT SCREEN].


MR_G1.  (Hello, my name is (YOUR NAME).) I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored. We previously spoke about the MEPS study.

(We've confirmed that the authorization form[s] we sent in order to receive permission for the release of information [has/have] been received.)

Did you receive the authorization form[s] we [faxed/mailed] to you?

YES, RECEIVED ALL = 1
YES, BUT PROBLEM REPORTED/NEEDS A RE-SEND = 2
NO = 3

[IF MR_G1=1 and MR_F1 = 1 (PHONE) GO TO MR_G2;
IF MR_G1=1 and MR_F1 = 2 (FAX) OR 3 (MAIL) GO TO MR_G4;
IF MR_G1=2 OR 3, GO TO MR_G5]


MR_G2.  If it is convenient for you, we can just go ahead and complete the data forms together over the phone right now.
I'd be happy to hold on while you get the information you need from your records.

WILL COMPLETE BY PHONE NOW =1

WILL COMPLETE BY PHONE IN THE FUTURE = 2

IF THE POC WANTS TO COMPLETE NOW, YOU WILL EXIT THE CONTACT GUIDE AND RETURN TO THE CMS. CODE THE CASE AS "AUTHORIZATION FORMS RECEIVED - READY FOR PHONE DATA COLLECTION". THEN, PROCEED TO THE PATIENT LISTING SCREEN TO BEGIN EVENT FORM DATA COLLECTION.

[IF MR_G2=1 GO TO EXIT SCREEN;
IF MR_G2=2 GO TO MR_G3.]


MR_G3.  I understand. What would be the best day and time to call you back to complete the data forms?

MR_G4.  Our records indicate that you will [fax/mail] the records to us. We hope you can do so within two weeks.

YOUR NEXT STEP WILL BE TO EXIT THE CONTACT GUIDE AND CODE THE CASE AS "AFs RECEIVED. WAITING FOR RECORDS TO BE SENT."


MR_G5.  I'm sorry.  Let me re-send the authorization form[s] to you.

I need to be sure I have the correct information for the packet.  Should I direct it to you?

YES = 1
NO = 2

[IF G5=1, GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,
IF G5=2, GO TO CONTACT BLOCK].


MR_H1.  ASK (BY NAME) TO SPEAK WITH THE POC WHO DEALS WITH THE EXTERNAL BILLING SERVICE

This is (YOUR NAME) calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

We previously spoke about the MEPS study. Thank you for providing the contact information for [MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE NAME]. Unfortunately we were unable to locate [MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE NAME] with the contact information you provided. Could you please verify the contact information we currently have for [MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE NAME]?

[PRESENT MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE CONTACT INFO HERE]

MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE CONTACT INFO IS CORRECT =1

MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE CONTACT INFO IS NOT CORRECT =2


[IF MR_H1=1, GO TO MR_H2;
IF MR_H1=2, GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,]

MR_H2. That is currently the information we have on file. Do you know of any other way we can get in touch with [MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE NAME]?

YES = 1
NO = 2


IF PERSON ON THE PHONE SAYS NO, BE SURE TO CODE CASE AS "CASE REQUIRES SUPERVISOR REVIEW" AND ENTER A PROBLEM REPORT ON THIS CASE WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE CMS.


[IF MR_H2 = 1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,
IF MR_H2=2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


MR_I1. ASK (BY NAME) TO SPEAK WITH THE POC WHO DEALS WITH THE MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE

This is (YOUR NAME)calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

We previously spoke about the MEPS study. Thank you for providing the contact information for [MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE NAME]. We were able to locate [MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE NAME] with the information you provided. However, they reported that they did not maintain the medical records for [PROVIDER(S)] in 2010. Could you please check to see if another medical records service maintained medical records for [PROVIDER(S)] in 2010?

OTHER MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE MAINTAINED RECORDS =1
NO OTHER MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE MAINTAINED RECORDS =2

IF THE PERSON ON THE PHONE SAYS NO, BE SURE TO CODE CASE AS "CASE REQUIRES SUPERVISOR REVIEW" AND ENTER A PROBLEM REPORT ON THIS CASE WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE CMS.


[IF MR_I1=1, GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,;
IF MR_I1=2, GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


PA_A1.  (READ IF NOT OBVIOUS: (Hello) Have I reached [PROVIDER]?)

PHONE NUMBER: [PROVIDER TELEPHONE NUMBER]


[IF PA_A1 = 1 GO TO PA_A2,
IF PA_A1 = 2 GO TO EXIT]


PA_A2.  I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of billing records and would like to speak to the person that can help me with that process.

CONTINUE = 1
NO BILLING DEPARTMENT; NOT CLEAR WHO TO SPEAK TO  = 2


[IF PA_A2= 1 GO TO PA_B1,
IF PA_A2=2, GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


PA_B1. (READ IF NECESSARY: (Hello,) my name is (YOUR NAME).)

I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We are conducting MEPS which is a study about how people in the United States use and pay for health care. For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

POC: [POC NAME]

(READ IF NECESSARY: I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of billing records and would like to speak to the person that can help me with that process.)


[IF PA_B1=1, GO TO PA_B2,
IF PA_B1=2, GO TO APPOINTMENT SCREEN;]


PA_B2.  At this time, [NUMBER FROM PATIENT LIST] patient(s) identified (FACILITY) as a source of health care during 2010.  (The/Each) patient signed an authorization form allowing us to contact you for information about the care they received from (PROVIDER) in 2010. Much of the information we need is within the billing records. Are the billing records maintained in your office, or is an external billing service used?

OFFICE MAINTAINS THE NFORMATION ... 1
OFFICE USES AN EXTERNAL BILLING SERVICE ... 2


[IF PA_B2 = 1 GO TO PA_B2b,
IF PA_B2 = 2 GO TO PA_B2_1]


PA_B2_1.  Are you the person who deals with the external billing service?

YES = 1
NO = 2

[IF PA_B4_1 = 1, GO TO PA_C2,
IF PA_B4_1 = 2, GO TO PA_B2a]


PA_B2a.  I'll need to collect the name and telephone number for the person in your office who deals with the external billing service.

PRESS "NEXT" TO GO TO THE CONTACT BLOCK. ADD THE NEW POC TO THE CONTACT BLOCK AND CALL THEM USING SECTION PA_C: IDENTIFY BILLING SERVICE.


PA_B2b.  DID THE PERSON ON THE PHONE MENTION THAT THEY DID NOT NEED TO RECEIVE AUTHORIZATION FORMS BECAUSE THEY HAVE ALREADY BEEN SENT TO MR?

NO, SEND AUTHORIZATION FORMS TO PA ... 1
YES, NO NEED TO SEND AUTHORIZATION FORM(S) TO PA POC ... 2

[IF PA_B2b = 1 GO TO PA_B2c;
IF PA_B2b = 2 GO TO PA_B2c]


PA_B2c. [A12]  [IF PA_B2b=1 FILL "I would like to fax the authorization form(s) to your office, along with additional information explaining the study. I need to be sure I have the correct information for the packet. Should I direct it to you?"

[IF PA_B2b=2 FILL "I'll need to fax you some basic information about the study. Should I address the fax to you?"]

READ IF THE PERSON ON THE PHONE WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE THE DATA PRIOR TO RECEIVING AUTHORIZATION FORM(S):  In order to remain HIPAA compliant, I need to send you the authorization form[s] first.  Once you have received the form[s], then we can arrange for the collection of the data.

YES ................... = 1
NO .................... = 2

[GO TO CONTACT BLOCK]


PA_B3.  Can you please provide the name and number for the person who (needs to receive the courtesy packet/needs to receive the forms) to approve the release of data?

YES .............. = 1
NO .............. = 2

[IF PA_B3 = 1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,
IF PA_B3 = 2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN.]


PA_C1.  (READ IF NECESSARY: (Hello), my name is (YOUR NAME).

I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We are conducting MEPS which is a study about how people in the United States use and pay for health care. For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

POC: [POC NAME]

(READ F NECESSARY: I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of billing records and would like to speak to the person that can help me get in touch with the external billing service that maintains your records.)

PERSON IS ON THE PHONE .............................. = 1
PERSON IS NOT AVAILABLE/CALL BACK ................... = 2

[IF PA_C1=1, GO TO PA_C2,
IF PA_C1=2, GO TO APPOINTMENT SCREEN]


PA_C2.  (READ IF NECESSARY: At this time, [NUMBER FROM PATIENT LIST] patient[s] identified [PROVIDER] as a source of health care during 2010. [The/Each] patient signed an authorization form allowing us to contact you for information about the cost of the care they received from [PROVIDER] in 2010.)

We should be able to get all of the information we need from the billing service.
We can also fax you a copy of the authorization form[s] for your files.

I need to be sure I have the correct information for the packet. Should I direct it to you?

YES .................. = 1
NO .................... = 2


PA_C3.  Can you please provide the name of the billing service, the name of a contact person, their telephone number and title?

YES ....................... = 1
NO ........................ = 2

[IF PA_C3 = 1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,
IF PA_C3 = 2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN.]


PA_D1.  (READ IF NOT OBVIOUS:  (Hello) Have I reached [BILLING SERVICE]?)

PHONE NUMBER:  [BILLING SERVICE TELEPHONE NUMBER]

YES ............... = 1
NO ................ = 2

[IF PA_D1 = 1 GO TO PA_D2,
IF PA_D1 = 2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


PA_D2. (Hello) We were referred to you by [PROVIDER] about [NUMBER FROM PATIENT LIST] of their patients who received medical service in 2010. I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of billing records and would like to speak to the person that can help me with that process.

IF THE PERSON YOU NEED TO TALK TO IS UNAVAILABLE ATTEMPT TO GET THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION VIA THE CONTACT BLOCK AND SET AN APPOINTMENT IF POSSIBLE.

CONTINUE = 1
SERVICE DOES NOT MAINTAIN 2010 RECORDS FOR PROVIDER =2
NOT CLEAR WHO TO SPEAK TO; WRONG NUMBER = 3

[IF PA_D2= 1 GO TO PA_E1,
IF PA_D2=2 OR 3, GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


PA_E1.  (READ IF NECESSARY: (Hello,) my name is (YOUR NAME).)

I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
We are conducting MEPS which is a study about how people in the United States use and pay for health care.
For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

POC: [POC NAME]

(READ IF NECESSARY: I have [an] authorization form[s] for the release of billing records and would like to speak to the person that can help me with that process.)

[IF PA_E1=1, GO TO PA_E2,
IF PA_E1=2, GO TO APPOINTMENT SCREEN;]


PA_E2. We were referred to you by [PROVIDER] for information about one or more of (his/her/their) patients.  At this time, [NUMBER FROM PATIENT LIST] patient[s] signed an authorization form allowing us to contact you for information about the cost of the care they received from [PROVIDER] in 2010. For each date of service in 2010 we are asking for the charges and the summary of payments.

I would like to fax the authorization form[s] to you, along with additional information explaining the study.

I need to be sure I have the correct information for the packet.  Should I direct it to you?

YES ................... = 1
NO .................... = 2

[GO TO CONTACT BLOCK]


PA_E3.  Can you please provide the name and number for the person who (needs to receive the courtesy packet/needs to receive the forms) to approve the release of data?

YES ...................... = 1
NO ....................... = 2

[IF PA_E3 = 1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,
IF PA_E3 = 2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


PA_F1.  Once you have received the [authorization form(s)/information explaining the study] (and permission to release data to us has been given to you,) [if # of patients is < or =25, show "we will call back to collect the data over the phone", if # of patients is >25, show "you can send us the billing records by either fax or mail, or we can call back to collect the data over the phone."]  For each date of service in 2010, we are collecting the amounts charged for services before any adjustments or discounts, and the sources and amounts of payment.

(In order for permission to be granted, we will send the authorization forms as a part of a study packet.) 

IF THE PERSON ON THE PHONE EXPRESSES A CONCERN ABOUT PROVIDING DATA OVER THE PHONE, SAY "You can also send us the billing records by either fax or mail." 

PROVIDER WILL RESPOND:

BY PHONE ............................................ 1
BY FAX .............................................. 2
BY MAIL ............................................. 3

[IF PA_F1 = 1 GO TO PA_F2,
IF PA_F1 = 2 GO TO PA_F3,
IF PA_F1 = 3 GO TO PA_F3]


PA_F2.  Within the next 24 hours we will [fax/mail] you the [authorization form[s]/information explaining the study] and include an instruction sheet. If you have any questions about the information we will need, please call our toll-free number on the instruction sheet. We will allow time for you to receive and review the [authorization form[s]/information explaining the study], and then we will call you back to verify that you have received the [form[s]/information]. When we call back, we'll also work with you to set up a good time to collect the data over the phone (once you've received permission to release the data).

We may call again if other patients identify this facility as a source of medical services.

GO TO PA_F4 PRELOGIC;


PA_F3.  Within the next 24 hours we will [fax/mail] you the [authorization form[s]/information explaining the study]  and include an instruction sheet. If you have any questions about what to send us, please call our toll-free number on the instruction sheet.  We will call you back to verify that you have received the [form[s]/information]. We hope you can send the records to our office within two weeks.

We may call again if other patients identify this facility as a source of medical services. 

GO TO PA_F4 PRELOGIC;


PRE_LOGIC FOR PA_F4 & PA_4a:
ASK ONLY IF MR_F5=2 AND MR_F5A=2.

PA_F4.  We are also interested in collecting the names and locating information for the providers who treated each patient while they received services in this facility in 2010.  Can you provide this information as well?

YES............................1
NO..............................2

[IF PA_F2=1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,;
IF PA_F2=2 GO TO PA_F4a.]


PA_F4a.  Can you please provide the name and number for whom we should contact to obtain this information?

YES............................1
NO..............................2

[IF PA_F2a=1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,;
IF PA_F2a=2 GO TO EXIT].


PA_G_Intro.  May I please speak to [POC NAME]?

PERSON IS ON THE PHONE.........................= 1
PERSON IS NOT AVAILABLE..........................= 2

[IF PA_G_Intro=1, GO TO PA_G1;
IF PA_G_Intro =2, GO TO APPOINTMENT SCREEN]


PA_G1.  (Hello, my name is (YOUR NAME)).  I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored. We previously spoke about the MEPS study.

(We've confirmed that the authorization form[s] we sent in order to receive permission for the release of information [has/have] been received.)

Did you receive the [authorization form[s]/information explaining the study] we [faxed/mailed] to you?

YES, RECEIVED ALL =1
YES, BUT PROBLEM REPORTED/NEEDS A RE-SEND = 2
NO = 3

[IF PA_G1=1 and PA_F1 = 1 (PHONE) GO TO PA_G2;
IF PA_G1=1 and PA_F1 = 2 (FAX) OR 3 (MAIL) GO TO PA_G4;
IF PA_G1=2 OR 3, GO TO PA_G5]


PA_G2.  If it is convenient for you, we can just go ahead and complete the data forms together over the phone right now. I'd be happy to hold on while you get the information you need from your records.

WILL COMPLETE BY PHONE NOW ....................................... 1
WILL COMPLETE BY PHONE IN THE FUTURE .......................... 2

IF THE POC WANTS TO COMPLETE BY PHONE NOW, YOU WILL EXIT THE CONTACT GUIDE AND RETURN TO THE CMS. CODE THE CASE AS "AUTHORIZATION FORMS RECEIVED - READY FOR PHONE DATA COLLECTION". THEN, PROCEED TO THE PATIENT LISTING SCREEN TO BEGIN EVENT FORM DATA COLLECTION.

[IF PA_G2=1 GO TO EXIT SCREEN;
IF PA_G2=2 GO TO PA_G3]


PA_G3.  I understand. What would be the best day and time to call you back to complete the data forms?


PA_G4.  Our records indicate that you will [fax/mail] the records to us. We hope you can do so within two weeks. 

YOUR NEXT STEP WILL BE TO EXIT THE CONTACT GUIDE AND CODE THE CASE AS "AFs RECEIVED - WAITING FOR RECORDS TO BE SENT".


PA_G5.  I'm sorry. Let me re-send the [authorization form[s]/information explaining the study] to you. I need to be sure I have the correct information for the packet. Should I direct it to you?

YES = 1
NO = 2

[IF PA_G5=1, GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,
IF PA_G5=2, GO TO CONTACT BLOCK]


PA_H1.  ASK (BY NAME) TO SPEAK WITH THE POC WHO DEALS WITH THE EXTERNAL BILLING SERVICE

This is (YOUR NAME) calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

We previously spoke about the MEPS study. Thank you for providing the contact information for [BILLING SERVICE NAME]. Unfortunately we were unable to locate [BILLING SERVICE NAME] with the contact information you provided. Could you please verify the contact information we currently have for [BILLING SERVICE NAME]?

[PRESENT BILLING SERVICE CONTACT INFO HERE]

BILLING SERVICE CONTACT INFO IS CORRECT =1

BILLING SERVICE CONTACT INFO IS NOT CORRECT =2

[IF PA_H1=1, GO TO PA_H2;
IF PA_H1=2, GO TO CONTACT BLOCK]


PA_H2. That is currently the information we have on file. Do you know of any other way we can get in touch with [BILLING SERVICE NAME]?

YES = 1
NO = 2

IF PERSON ON THE PHONE SAYS NO, BE SURE TO CODE THE CASE AS "CASE REQUIRES SUPERVISOR REVIEW" AND ENTER A PROBLEM REPORT ON THIS CASE WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE CMS.

[IF PA_H2 = 1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK,;
IF PA_H2=2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN.]


PA_I1. ASK (BY NAME) TO SPEAK WITH THE POC WHO DEALS WITH THE EXTERNAL BILLING SERVICE

This is (YOUR NAME) calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.

We previously spoke about the MEPS study. Thank you for providing the contact information for [BILLING SERVICE NAME]. we were able to locate [BILLING SERVICE NAME] with the information you provided. However, they reported that they did not maintain the billing records for [PROVIDER(S)] in 2010. Could you please check to see if another billing service maintained billing records for [PROVIDER(S)] in 2010?

OTHER BILLING SERVICE MAINTAINED RECORDS.................. 1
NO OTHER BILLING SERVICE MAINTAINED RECORDS............ 2

IF PERSON ON THE PHONE SAYS NO, BE SURE TO CODE THE CASE AS "CASE REQUIRES SUPERVISOR REVIEW" AND ENTER A PROBLEM REPORT ON THIS CASE WHEN YOU RETURN TO THE CMS.

[IF PA_I1=1, GO TO CONTACT BLOCK;
IF PA_I1=2, GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


AO_A1.  (READ IF NOT OBVIOUS: Have I reached [POC NAME]?)

YES.........................= 1
NO...........................= 2

PHONE NUMBER:  [POC TELEPHONE NUMBER]

YES.........................= 1
NO...........................= 2

[IF AO_A1 = 1 GO TO AO_A2,
IF AO_A1 = 2 GO TO AO EXIT]


AO_A2.
IF AO POC PROVIDED BY MEDICAL RECORDS OR PATIENT ACCOUNTS:

May I please speak to [POC NAME]?

IF NO AO POC WAS PROVIDED BY MEDICAL RECORDS OR PATIENT ACCOUNTS::

"Can I please speak to someone in the administrative office who can help me with contacting/locating information for providers?"

CONTINUE = 1
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE; NOT CLEAR WHO TO SPEAK TO = 2

[IF AO_A2= 1 GO TO AO_A3,
IF AO_A2=2, GO TO EXIT SCREEN]



[START HERE IF HAVE RESPONSE FROM MR11]
AO_A3. (READ IF NECESSARY: (Hello,) my name is (YOUR NAME)).

I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  We are conducting MEPS which is a study about how people in the United States use and pay for health care. 

Earlier, your medical records department gave us information about the care that some of our study participants received at your facility and the names of the providers of that care.  Now we need locating information for those providers and whether the charges for their services would be included in the facility's bill or billed separately by the provider. Can you provide this information?

POC:  [POC NAME]

[IF AO_A3=1, GO TO AO_A4,
IF AO_A3=2, GO TO APPOINTMENT SCREEN;]


AO_A4.  For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored. If it is convenient for you, I can collect this locating information over the phone right now. I'd be happy to hold on while you get the information you need from your records.

WILL COMPLETE BY PHONE NOW ...................... = 1
WILL COMPLETE BY PHONE IN THE FUTURE ................. = 2

[IF AO_A4=1 GO TO AO_A5;
IF AO_A4=2 GO TO AO_A4a]


AO_A4a. I understand. What would be the best day and time to call you back to collect this information?


AO_A5.  NEED THE ABILITY TO PULL UP THE LIST OF PROVIDERS THAT WAS COLLECTED IN MR SECTION

GO TO SBD SUBROUTINE [SBD_CGINTRO]


SBD_CGINTRO. I want to ask about [PHYSICIAN NAME], whose specialty is [SPECIALTY]. This doctor was reported as someone who bills separately for services.

SBD_CG7. Could you please provide the following contact information for [PHYSICIAN NAME]?

Name of Group (If applicable):  R_PROVGRP

Street: R_PROVSTREET

City: R_PROVCITY 

State: R_PROVSTATE

Zip: R_PROVZIP

Phone: R_PROVPHONE

IF ONLY LOCATING INFORMATION AVAILABLE IS THROUGH THE HOST INSITUTION, INCLUDE "INSITUTION" AND "DEPARTMENT OF INSITUTION" AS THE "NAME OF GROUP".

IF ONLY LOCATING INFORMATION AVAILABLE IS THROUGH THE HOST INSITUTION, TELEPHONE SHOULD BE A NUMBER OTHER THAN THE INSTITUTION MAIN LINE.

[DK/REF/RETRIEVABLE - CONTINUE TO SBD_CG8A]

SBD_CG8a.  Can you tell whether this physician bills separately or has charges included in your facility's bill?

BILLS SEPARATELY = 1
CHARGES INCLUDED IN FACILITY BILL = 2
BILLING ARANGEMENT VARIES (SPECIFY) = 3
DON'T KNOW = 4


SBD_CG8b. Does this physician use a billing service?

YES   1  R_BILLSRVC
NO    2

[(IF R_BILLSRVC = 1 (YES), GO TO SBD_CG9;

IF R_BILLSRVC = 2 (NO), GO TO SBD_CG10;

DK/REF/RETRIEVABLE   GO TO SBD_CG10]

SBD_CG9. Could you please provide the following contact information for the billing service used by this physician?

Name of Billing Service:  R_BILLNAME

Street:   R_BILLSTREET

City:  R_BILLCITY

State:  R_BILLSTATE

Zip:  R_BILLZIP

Phone:  R_BILLPHONE

[DK/REF/RETRIEVABLE   CONTINUE TO SBD_CG10]

SBD_CG10. RECORD ANY NOTES AO GIVES ABOUT [PHYSICIAN NAME]

GENERAL NOTES: R_GENNOTE

DK/REF/RETRIEVABLE   DONE WITH FORM]

*[REPEAT SBD_CGINTRO THROUGH SBD_CG10 FOR EVERY PROBIDER WHO WAS CODED A

R_NODE.SBDBILL=1 IN SBD_EF5.]


SBD_CG11.  WAS INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR ALL/PROVIDERS/SBDs IN THE LIST?

INFORMATION PROVIDED FOR ALL PROVIDERS/SBDs LISTED............1
INFORMATION NOT PROVIDED FOR ALL PROVIDERS/SBDs LISTED........2

[IF SBD_CG11 = 1 GO TO EXIT SCREEN;
IF SBD_CG11 = 2 GO TO SBD_CG12.]

SBD_CG12.  Who would be able to help me with the information for the remaining providers?

ADDITIONAL AO POC PROVIDED = 1
DK; NO ADDITIONAL AO POC PROVIDED = 2

IF SBD_CG12 = 1 GO TO CONTACT BLOCK, ;
OR IF SBD_CG12 = 2 GO TO EXIT SCREEN]


Gaining Permission: Talking Points

INTRODUCTION:

May I please speak to [POC NAME]?

Hello, my name is (YOUR NAME).

I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We are conducting MEPS which is a study about how people in the United States use and pay for health care. For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored.


I recently spoke with {POC YOU ARE WORKING WITH FOR DATA COLLECTION} about the study. I explained that at this time, [NUMBER FROM PATIENT LIST] patient[s] identified [PROVIDER] as a source of health care during 2010. [The/Each] patient signed an authorization form allowing us to contact you for information about the diagnoses, services, and the cost of the care provided by [PROVIDER] in 2010. Much of the information we need is within the (medical records/billing records).

{POC YOU ARE WORKING WITH FOR DATA COLLECTION} has agreed to participate and provide us with the information we are looking for, but has requested that we first send you a copy of the authorization form[s] for the patients in order to receive permission to release the data to us.

I'm calling to confirm that you are in fact the best person to receive the form[s] and information about the study by fax, and confirm your contact information so that I can address the fax to you.

GO TO CONTACT BLOCK


VERIFY PERMISSION PACKET RECEIPT:

May I please speak to [POC NAME]?

(Hello, my name is (YOUR NAME).) I am calling on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We previously spoke about the MEPS study. For quality assurance and training purposes, this call may be monitored. Did you receive the authorization form[s] we sent to you?

NEXT TAKES USER TO CONTACT BLOCK.



CONTACT BLOCK


PROVIDER NAME:

MEDICAL RECORDS/BILLING SERVICE NAME:

POC FIRST NAME:

POC LAST NAME:

PHONE:

EXT:

FAX:

VERIFY FAX:

TITLE:

DEPARTMENT:

ADDRESS:

CITY:

STATE:

ZIP:


CB1.  WORK WITH THIS POC ON THE NEXT STEP/CALL?

  1. YES
  2. NO

CB2a. WHICH SECTIONS OF THE CONTACT GUIDE APPLY TO THIS POC?

  1. MEDICAL RECORDS
  2. PATIENT ACCOUNTS
  3. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
  4. MEDICAL RECORDS AND PATIENT ACCOUNTS
  5. MEDICAL RECORDS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
  6. PATIENT ACCOUNTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
  7. MEDICAL RECORDS, PATIENT ACCOUNTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE POC

CB2. WHAT TYPE OF POC DID YOU ENTER INFORMATION FOR?

  1. PROVIDER LEVEL GATEKEEPER
  2. HANDLES RELEASE OF IN-HOUSE RECORDS
  3. DEALS WITH MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE
  4. DEALS WITH EXTERNAL BILLING SERVICE
  5. MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE GATEKEEPER
  6. EXTERNAL BILLING SERVICE GATEKEEPER
  7. HANDLES RELEASE OF RECORDS FOR MEDICAL RECORDS SERVICE
  8. HANDLES RELEASE OF RECORDS FOR EXTERNAL BILLING SERVICE
  9. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE POC
  10. HANDLES RELEASE OF IN-HOUSE RECORDS & IS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE POC
  11. COURTESY PACKET RECIPIENT
  12. PERMISSION PACKET RECIPIENT
  13. POC FOR REMAINING PROVIDERS (SBDs)

CB3. WHAT TYPE OF PACKAGE ARE YOU SENDING?

IF THE PERSON ON THE PHONE DID NOT EXPRESS A CONCERN ABOUT RECEIVING A FAX, SAY:
"To confirm, I will be sending the authorization forms by fax."

IF THE PERSON ON THE PHONE DID EXPRESS A CONCERN ABOUT RECEIVING A FAX, SAY:
"To confirm, I will be sending the authorization forms by mail."

  1. FAX
  2. MAIL

CB4.  ADD ANOTHER POC?

  1. YES
  2. NO

CALLBACK/APPOINTMENT SCREEN

Can you please provide me with a better time to call back in order to reach him/her?

ALL GO TO EXIT FROM HERE


EXIT SCREEN

PRESS "FINISH" TO EXIT THE CONTACT GUIDE AND ENTER THE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL YOU REACH THE CALL DISPOSITION SCREEN.

EXIT TO CMS BY PRESSING FINISH, BREAK-OFF SHOULD BE A SEPARATE FUNCTION.


PROVIDER VERIFICATION SCREEN

Before we send you the authorization form(s), I'll need to determine that all of the providers I have listed were in fact associated with this practice during 2010. I'm going to read you a list of providers, and for each one, please tell me if each one was associated with this practice in 2010.

IF A PROVIDER IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PRACTICE IN 2010, CHECK THE BOX NEXT TO THEIR NAME. IF NO PROVIDERS ARE REMOVED FROM THE LIST, YOU MUST STILL CLICK SAVE BELOW.