Thursday, June 06, 2013

Humana's Life Sync (Manager of MH Benefits) Doesn't Realize They Can Check Status of License of Providers online

Brother.

No one should move away from Medicare and if you're insured by a Medicare 'Advantage' company, you best get back to Medicare ASAP.

Here is my correspondence with a Life Sync person.

The problem with having all these different companies instead of a centralized insurer LIKE MEDICARE is that they all have their little petty rules created by people who don't even realize that they can use a computer to check the status of one's license.

Oh, that reminds me of a joke re: the late Western Highlands Network LME (the one that the Smoky Mountain Center LME says on their website that they're 'joyfully' working with): in the beginning of their recredentialing, they asked for an official college transcript.  I complained.  They pulled the demand.

But I gotta say that I get tired of teaching the people who should know what they're doing---what to do.

                                                 *************************

Kimberly Harville
May 24 (13 days ago)
to me
Good Afternoon,

I pulled your CAQH application online and it looks like your attestation is expired. Could you contact CAQH and reattest with them? Also, could you send me a copy of your W9 and license?

Thank you,

Kimberly Harville
Physician Contractor | Provider Development

LifeSyncha Humana company


June 6, 2013                                           **************************


Dear. Ms. Harville (of Life Sync, manager of Humana's Behavioral Health Services):
 
I will mail you the W9.  Thanks for the address. 
 
I have no intention of trying to hack my way thru your system anymore than is necessary as pertaining to this matter: "If you want specific benefits for any members, you would have to contact eligibility and benefits."
 
As I said, I recommend to all my clients that stay on or return to MEDICARE.  Indeed, any case manager at any hospital will tell you the same story.  
 
I am waiting to hear from CMS re: my request for investigation of why Humana has harassed my clients---and me indirectly----re: all of a sudden as of Jan 1, 2013, I have to be 'in network.'  This was NEVER an issue in years past.  And I want to know why there is a 'stated' $500 deductible for out of network mental health providers---such as myself----when there was nothing of the kind in previous years.  Not surprisingly, this deductible disappears when the insured calls you up.  So, what's that about? 
 
You changed the rules and I intend to find out what sort of contracting maneuvering took place between CMS and Humana, etc., the other Medicare 'Advantage' companies. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Marsha V. Hammond, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, NC

                                                    *********************************
June 5, 2013

Dr. Hammond,

If you wish to mail the W9, you can mail it to 2101 W John Carpenter Frwy, Irving, TX 75063 attention Kimberly Harville. You may fax or email this if it’s easier for you. I will pull your license online.

I received a request in April that you wanted to join our network. On April 29th, I emailed you our contract and credentialing documents needed to start the process to credential you into our network. We need a contract, W9, and either an application or complete and up to date CAQH application for all providers wanting to credential with LifeSynch and Humana for behavioral health. We cannot process your application until we have all the necessary documents.

You are correct, LifeSynch manages Humana’s behavioral health contracts; we have for about 5 years now. To be paid at in network rates, and to be able to see our members and allow for them to use their in network benefits, you must be credentialed and in network with LifeSynch.

As far as any benefit information, including deductible, I am unsure of. I handle provider contracting and do not have access to any member plan or benefits. If you want specific benefits for any members, you would have to contact eligibility and benefits.

Thank you,

Kimberly Harville
Physician Contractor | Provider Development

LifeSyncha Humana company
2101 W John Carpenter Frwy | Irving, TX 75063


                                      ******************************

June 3, 2013

Dear Kimerly Harville of Humana: 

BTW: I need your address to send you the W9 and a copy of my license which is easily found at the NC Psychology Licensing Board.

Prior to January 1, 2013, Humana's Behavioral Health Services, which have been managed by LifeSync in Dallas for a number of years now, did not require me to be in-network as I am a Medicare provider and Humana is supposedly a 'Medicare Advantage' company.  

Something changed, causing me to have to create another set of paperwork e.g., you asking for my CAQH (I updated it); you asking me for a W-9 (never had to do this before); you asking for a copy of my license (look at the NC Psychology licensing board website if you want to see if I am current).  

Additionally, my Humana clients, whether Humana PPO Choice or Humana (standard) have all been told that there is a $500 deductible re: behavioral health.  

Well, it appears that I have created enough of a stink by asking for an investigation by CMS that lo and behold, I am getting Humana checks in the mail.  

In other words, the left hand of your company does not know what the right hand is doing.  

That's a real problem for providers and your insured.  We get tired of calling you up on the phone and sending in paperwork.  

If Humana is no longer a Medicare Advantage company (with Medicare requiring a 
$200 overall deductible at the beginning of every calendar year), then you should tell your insured and the providers who have been seeing your insured. 

Sincerely, 

Marsha V. Hammond, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, NC

                                           *****************************
June 2, 2013

Thank you Dr. Hammond. I’ve pulled your CAQH application.

When you refer to the additional tier of credentialing, are you referring to LifeSynch? I’m not sure I understand your question.

Thank you,

Kimberly Harville
Physician Contractor | Provider Development
                                                     ********************************
June 1, 2013
\
Hello Ms. Harville: 

On its way. I had believed I had recently re-attested re: CAQH.  

BTW: If Humana is a Medicare Advantage company, how is it that they are allowed to create another tier of credentialing?  These problems did not surface until Jan 1, 2013.  I encourage all my Humana clients to return to regular Medicare re: these hassles. 

I have made an inquiry to CMS re: this matter.  

Sincerely, 

Marsha V. Hammond, PhD

                                                   **************************



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