Hello!

For anybody who works with Minneapolis VA – just sharing communication in case you didn’t receive it 😊

Jaime Kummer | Administrator | River Valley Home Care Inc.

916 8th Street Farmington, MN 55024

Phone: 651-460-4201

From: Hoelscher, Amber <Amber.Hoelscher@va.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 6:03 AM
To: Larive, Tara M. <Tara.Larive@va.gov>; Davidson, Jessica R. <Jessica.Davidson@va.gov>; Hoelscher, Amber <Amber.Hoelscher@va.gov>
Subject: Minneapolis VA Home Care Updates

Good Morning!

The Minneapolis VA would like to provide our Outstanding Home Care agencies some information on the Bundled and Non Bundled Standard Episode Of Cares (SEOCs). Below is a summary of the differences between the two.

SEOCs and how they correspond to the VA Office of Community Care approach to home care.

Skilled Bundled: This is short term acute care like someone who went inpatient for hip surgery and now needs home care to get back to baseline. Bundled follows Medicare guidelines for completing the treatments plan/OASIS… Bundled care is sent to Medicare certified agency who can do OASIS and get the HIPPS code (1IA31)/case mix adjustment for payment. If your agency cannot do an OASIS- then you cannot accept bundled SEOC. Review SEOC assigned when called for scheduling prior to accepting referral. Review offline referral form packet to assure right SEOC was applied.

Skilled nonbundled: this is for long term chronic care... like "Medicaid" if you will. This is reimbursed via VA fee scale. Examples include catheter changes monthly, med mgmt monthly, etc. For nonbundled SEOCS the VA does not require the completion of an OASIS. Note- while the VA may not require an OASIS, specific agencies may continue to complete this. Note- med mgmt. only needs a clinical indicated reason i.e. cognition issues, complex med regimen, dexterity issues- these MUST be documented for ongoing authorization in nursing notes.

Though this may seems like a change it has been in place since 2020 and National has instructed VISN 23 recently to utilize these SEOCs appropriately.

We’ve also attached a power point with additional information, please feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions.

New to the VA:

We’d also like to take this time to introduce one of the NEW Programs within the VA, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers or PCAFCS program. You may be hearing more about this as this program expands, it is designed to provide additional support for the family at home and depending on the route the family decides to take, can potentially affect the hours approved for Home Health Aide and Respite services through your agencies. We’ve attached some additional facts about the program and below is a VA link with additional information.

VA Caregiver Support Program Home

GOALS for the NEW YEAR

Minneapolis VA recommends all agencies sign up for the Health Share Referral Manager (HSRM) as this will be a requirement by January 1^st 2023. HSRM Fact sheet is attached.

Thank you for your continued partnership and working with America’s Veterans, you are truly appreciated.

Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Thank you so much!

Amber Hoelscher, RN, BSN

Assistant Nurse Manager Community Care

Minneapolis VAHCS

612-725-8120

Amber.hoelscher@va.gov