TEXAS MEDICAID PROVIDER PROCEDURES MANUAL
3.1 SChool HEalth and Related Services (SHARS)
Medicaid services provided by school districts in Texas to Medicaid-eligible students are known as SHARS. The oversight of SHARS is a cooperative effort between the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and HHSC. SHARS allows local school districts, including public charter schools, to obtain Medicaid reimbursement for certain health-related services provided to students in special education under IDEAthat are documented in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Important: CMS requires school districts to be enrolled as a SHARS Medicaid provider, participate in the Random Moment Time Study (RMTS), claim on an interim basis, and submit an annual SHARS Cost Report.
SHARS reimbursement is provided for students who meet all of the following requirements:Are 20 years of age and younger and eligible for Medicaid
Services covered by SHARS includes:
These services must be provided by qualified personnel who are under contract with or employed by the school district.
Important: CMS requires school districts to be enrolled as a SHARS Medicaid provider, participate in the Random Moment Time Study (RMTS), claim on an interim basis, and submit an annual SHARS Cost Report.
SHARS reimbursement is provided for students who meet all of the following requirements:Are 20 years of age and younger and eligible for Medicaid
- Meet eligibility requirements for special education described in IDEA
- Have IEPs that prescribe the needed services
Services covered by SHARS includes:
- Audiology services
- Counseling
- Nursing services
- Occupational therapy (OT)
- Personal care services (PCS)
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Physician services
- Psychological services, including assessments
- Speech therapy (ST)
- Transportation in a school setting
These services must be provided by qualified personnel who are under contract with or employed by the school district.
3.1.1 Random Moment Time Study (RMTS)
CMS requires SHARS providers to participate in the RMTS to be eligible to submit claims and receive reimbursement for SHARS services. SHARS providers must comply with the Texas Time Study Guide, which includes, but is not limited to, Mandatory Annual RMTS Contact training certification of RMTS participants for all three annual RMTS quarters, and compliance with participation requirements for selected sampled moments. The three annual RMTS quarters are October through December, January through March, and April through June. A July through September RMTS is not conducted. An existing school district can only become a SHARS provider effective October 1, each year and they must participate in all three RMTS quarters for that annual period. SHARS providers that do not participate in all three required RMTS quarters, or are RMTS non-compliant, cannot be a SHARS provider for that entire annual period (October 1 through September 30) and will be required to return any Medicaid payments received for SHARS services delivered during that annual cost report period. The school district can return to participating in the SHARS program the following federal fiscal year beginning on October 1.
A new school district (i.e., a newly formed district that began operations after October 1) can become a SHARS provider effective with the first day of the federal quarter in which it participates in the RMTS. New SHARS providers may not submit claims or be reimbursed for SHARS services provided prior to the RMTS quarter in which they begin to participate and they must participate in all remaining RMTS quarters for that annual period.
School districts can access the Texas Time Study Guide, on the HHSC website at www.hhsc.state.tx.us and refer to the link titled Guides/Manuals.
SHARS providers can contact the HHSC Time Study Unit via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (512) 490-3184.
A new school district (i.e., a newly formed district that began operations after October 1) can become a SHARS provider effective with the first day of the federal quarter in which it participates in the RMTS. New SHARS providers may not submit claims or be reimbursed for SHARS services provided prior to the RMTS quarter in which they begin to participate and they must participate in all remaining RMTS quarters for that annual period.
School districts can access the Texas Time Study Guide, on the HHSC website at www.hhsc.state.tx.us and refer to the link titled Guides/Manuals.
SHARS providers can contact the HHSC Time Study Unit via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (512) 490-3184.
3.2.1 SHARS Enrollment
To enroll in Texas Medicaid as a SHARS provider, school districts, including public charter schools, must employ or contract with individuals or entities that meet certification and licensing requirements in accordance with the Texas Medicaid State Plan for SHARS to provide program services. Since public school districts are government entities, they should select “public entity” on the enrollment application. SHARS providers are required to notify parents or guardians of their rights to a “freedom of choice of providers” (42 CFR §431.51) under Texas Medicaid. Most SHARS providers currently provide this notification during the initial Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process. If a parent requests that someone other than the employees or currently contracted staff of the SHARS provider (school district) provide a required service listed in the student’s IEP, the SHARS provider must make a good faith effort to comply with the parent’s request. The SHARS provider can negotiate with the requested provider to provide the services under contract. The requested provider must meet, comply with, and provide all of the employment criteria and documentation that the SHARS provider normally requires of its employees and currently contracted staff. The SHARS provider can negotiate the contracted fee with the requested provider and is not required to pay the same fee that the requested provider might receive from Medicaid for similar services.
3.3.1 Audiology
Audiology evaluation services include:
Audiology therapy services include the provision of habilitation activities, such as language habilitation, auditory training, audiological maintenance, speech reading (lip reading), and speech conversation. Audiology services must be provided by a professional who holds a valid state license as an audiologist or by an audiology assistant who is licensed by the state when the assistant is acting under the supervision of a qualified audiologist. State licensure requirements are equal to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification requirements. Audiology evaluation is billable on an individual (procedure code 92506) basis only. Audiology therapy is billable on an individual (procedure code 92507) and group (procedure code 92508) basis.
Only the time spent with the student present is billable; time spent without the student present is notbillable. Session notes for evaluations are not required; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, and total billable minutes with a notation of the activity performed (e.g., audiology evaluation). Session notes are required for therapy. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
Providers must use a 15-minute unit of service for billing.
The recommended maximum billable time for audiology evaluation is three hours, which may be billed over several days. The recommended maximum billable time for direct audiology therapy (individual orgroup) is one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
- Identification of children with hearing loss
- Determination of the range, nature, and degree of hearing loss, including the referral for medical or other professional attention for the habilitation of hearing
- Determination of the child’s need for group and individual amplification
Audiology therapy services include the provision of habilitation activities, such as language habilitation, auditory training, audiological maintenance, speech reading (lip reading), and speech conversation. Audiology services must be provided by a professional who holds a valid state license as an audiologist or by an audiology assistant who is licensed by the state when the assistant is acting under the supervision of a qualified audiologist. State licensure requirements are equal to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification requirements. Audiology evaluation is billable on an individual (procedure code 92506) basis only. Audiology therapy is billable on an individual (procedure code 92507) and group (procedure code 92508) basis.
Only the time spent with the student present is billable; time spent without the student present is notbillable. Session notes for evaluations are not required; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, and total billable minutes with a notation of the activity performed (e.g., audiology evaluation). Session notes are required for therapy. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
Providers must use a 15-minute unit of service for billing.
The recommended maximum billable time for audiology evaluation is three hours, which may be billed over several days. The recommended maximum billable time for direct audiology therapy (individual orgroup) is one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.2 Counseling Services
Counseling services are provided to help a child with a disability benefit from special education and must be listed in the IEP. Counseling services include, but are not limited to, the following:
Counseling services must be provided by a professional who has one of the following certifications or licensures: a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).
Counseling services are billable on an individual (procedure code 96152) or group (procedure code 96153) basis. Session notes are required and documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
School districts may receive reimbursement for emergency counseling services as long as the student’s IEP includes a behavior improvement plan that documents the need for emergency services.
The recommended maximum billable time (individual or group) is one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
- Assisting the child or parents in understanding the nature of the child’s disability
- Assisting the child or parents in understanding the special needs of the child
- Assisting the child or parents in understanding the child’s development
- Health and behavior interventions to identify the psychological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and social factors that are important to the prevention, treatment, or management of physical health problems
- Assessing the need for specific counseling services
Counseling services must be provided by a professional who has one of the following certifications or licensures: a licensed professional counselor (LPC), a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).
Counseling services are billable on an individual (procedure code 96152) or group (procedure code 96153) basis. Session notes are required and documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
School districts may receive reimbursement for emergency counseling services as long as the student’s IEP includes a behavior improvement plan that documents the need for emergency services.
The recommended maximum billable time (individual or group) is one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.3 Psychological Testing and Services
3.3.3.1 Psychological Testing
Evaluations or assessments include activities related to the evaluation of the functioning of a student for the purpose of determining eligibility, the needs for specific SHARS services, and the development or revision of IEP goals and objectives. An evaluation or assessment is billable if it leads to the creation of an IEP for a student with disabilities who is eligible for Medicaid and who is 20 years of age or younger, whether or not the IEP includes SHARS.
Evaluations or assessments (procedure code 96101) must be provided by a professional who is a licensed specialist in school psychology (LSSP), a licensed psychologist, or a licensed psychiatrist in accordance with 19 TAC §89.1040(b)(1) and 34 CFR §300.136(a)(1).
Evaluation or assessment billable time includes the following:
Time spent gathering information without the student present or observing a student is not billable evaluation or assessment time.
Session notes are not required; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note which assessment activity was performed (e.g., testing, interpretation, or report writing).
When billing, minutes of Evaluations or Assessments are not accumulated over multiple days. Minutes of Evaluations or Assessments can only be billed per calendar day.
The recommended maximum billable time for psychological testing is eight hours (8.0 units) over a 30- day period. Time spent for the interpretation of testing results without the student present is billable time. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.3.2 Psychological Services
Psychological services are counseling services provided to help a child with a disability benefit from special education and must be listed in the IEP.
Psychological services must be provided by a licensed psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, or an LSSP.
Nothing in this rule prohibits public schools from contracting with licensed psychologists and licensed psychological associates who are not LSSPs to provide psychological services, other than school psychology, in their areas of competency. School districts may contract for specific types of psychological services, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, and family therapy, that are not readily available from the LSSP who is employed by the school district. Such contracting must be on a short-term or part-time basis and cannot involve the broad range of school psychological services listed in 22 TAC §465.38(1)(B). All psychological services are billable on an individual (procedure code 96152) or group (procedure code 96153) basis.
Session notes are required. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective. School districts may receive reimbursement for emergency psychological services as long as the student’s IEP includes a behavior improvement plan that documents the need for the emergency services.
The recommended maximum billable time for direct psychological therapy (individual or group) is a total of one hour per day for non-emergency situations. Providers must maintain documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
Evaluations or assessments include activities related to the evaluation of the functioning of a student for the purpose of determining eligibility, the needs for specific SHARS services, and the development or revision of IEP goals and objectives. An evaluation or assessment is billable if it leads to the creation of an IEP for a student with disabilities who is eligible for Medicaid and who is 20 years of age or younger, whether or not the IEP includes SHARS.
Evaluations or assessments (procedure code 96101) must be provided by a professional who is a licensed specialist in school psychology (LSSP), a licensed psychologist, or a licensed psychiatrist in accordance with 19 TAC §89.1040(b)(1) and 34 CFR §300.136(a)(1).
Evaluation or assessment billable time includes the following:
- Psychological, educational, or intellectual testing time spent with the student present
- Necessary observation of the student associated with testing
- A parent/teacher consultation with the student present that is required during the assessment because a student is unable to communicate or perform certain activities
- Time spent without the student present for the interpretation of testing results
- Report writing
Time spent gathering information without the student present or observing a student is not billable evaluation or assessment time.
Session notes are not required; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note which assessment activity was performed (e.g., testing, interpretation, or report writing).
When billing, minutes of Evaluations or Assessments are not accumulated over multiple days. Minutes of Evaluations or Assessments can only be billed per calendar day.
The recommended maximum billable time for psychological testing is eight hours (8.0 units) over a 30- day period. Time spent for the interpretation of testing results without the student present is billable time. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.3.2 Psychological Services
Psychological services are counseling services provided to help a child with a disability benefit from special education and must be listed in the IEP.
Psychological services must be provided by a licensed psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, or an LSSP.
Nothing in this rule prohibits public schools from contracting with licensed psychologists and licensed psychological associates who are not LSSPs to provide psychological services, other than school psychology, in their areas of competency. School districts may contract for specific types of psychological services, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, neuropsychology, and family therapy, that are not readily available from the LSSP who is employed by the school district. Such contracting must be on a short-term or part-time basis and cannot involve the broad range of school psychological services listed in 22 TAC §465.38(1)(B). All psychological services are billable on an individual (procedure code 96152) or group (procedure code 96153) basis.
Session notes are required. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective. School districts may receive reimbursement for emergency psychological services as long as the student’s IEP includes a behavior improvement plan that documents the need for the emergency services.
The recommended maximum billable time for direct psychological therapy (individual or group) is a total of one hour per day for non-emergency situations. Providers must maintain documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.4 Nursing Services
Nursing services are SN tasks, as defined by the Texas BON, that are included in the student’s IEP.
Nursing services may be direct nursing care or medication administration. Examples of reimbursable nursing services include, but are not limited to, the following:
Direct nursing care services are billed in 15-minute increments and medication administration is reimbursed on a per-visit increment. The RN or APRN determines whether these services must be billed as direct nursing care or medication administration.
Nursing services must be provided by an RN, an APRN (including NPs and CNSs), LVN, LPN, or a school health aide or other trained, unlicensed assistive person delegated by an RN or APRN.
Nursing services are billable on an individual or group basis. Only the time spent with the student present is billable. Time spent without the student present is not billable. Session notes are not required for nursing services; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the type of nursing service that was performed.
All of the nursing services minutes that are delivered to a student during a calendar day must be added together before they are converted to units of service. Do not convert minutes of nursing services separately for each nursing task that was performed. Minutes of nursing services cannot be accumulated over multiple days. Minutes of nursing services can only be billed per calendar day. If the total number of minutes of nursing services is less than eight minutes for a calendar day, then no unit of service can be billed for that day, and that day’s minutes cannot be added to minutes of nursing services from any previous or subsequent days for billing purposes.
The recommended maximum billable time for direct nursing services is four hours per day. The recommended maximum billable units for procedure code T1502 with modifier TD, T1502 with modifier U7, or T1502 with modifier TE is a total of four medication administration visits per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
Nursing services may be direct nursing care or medication administration. Examples of reimbursable nursing services include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Inhalation therapy
- Ventilator monitoring
- Nonroutine medication administration
- Tracheostomy care
- Gastrostomy care
- Ileostomy care
- Catheterization
- Tube feeding
- Suctioning
- Client training
- Assessment of a student’s nursing and personal care services needs
Direct nursing care services are billed in 15-minute increments and medication administration is reimbursed on a per-visit increment. The RN or APRN determines whether these services must be billed as direct nursing care or medication administration.
Nursing services must be provided by an RN, an APRN (including NPs and CNSs), LVN, LPN, or a school health aide or other trained, unlicensed assistive person delegated by an RN or APRN.
Nursing services are billable on an individual or group basis. Only the time spent with the student present is billable. Time spent without the student present is not billable. Session notes are not required for nursing services; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the type of nursing service that was performed.
All of the nursing services minutes that are delivered to a student during a calendar day must be added together before they are converted to units of service. Do not convert minutes of nursing services separately for each nursing task that was performed. Minutes of nursing services cannot be accumulated over multiple days. Minutes of nursing services can only be billed per calendar day. If the total number of minutes of nursing services is less than eight minutes for a calendar day, then no unit of service can be billed for that day, and that day’s minutes cannot be added to minutes of nursing services from any previous or subsequent days for billing purposes.
The recommended maximum billable time for direct nursing services is four hours per day. The recommended maximum billable units for procedure code T1502 with modifier TD, T1502 with modifier U7, or T1502 with modifier TE is a total of four medication administration visits per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.5 Occupational Therapy (OT)
3.3.5.1 Referral
In order for a student to receive OT through SHARS, the name and complete address or the provider identifier of the licensed physician who prescribed the OT must be provided.
3.3.5.2 Description of Services
OT evaluation services include determining what services, assistive technology, and environmental modifications a student requires for participation in the special education program.
OT includes:
OT must be provided by a professional who is licensed by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners or a COTA acting under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapist. OT evaluation is billable on an individual basis only. OT is billable on an individual (procedure code 97530) or group (procedure code 97150) basis. The occupational therapist or COTA can only bill for time spent with the student present, including time spent assisting the student with learning to use adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Time spent without the student present, such as training teachers or aides to work with the student (unless the student is present during the training time), report writing, and time spent manipulating or modifying the adaptive equipment is not billable. Session notes are not required for an Evaluation; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the activity that was performed (e.g., OT evaluation). Session notes are required for procedure codes 97530 and 97150. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
The recommended maximum billable time for OT evaluation is three hours, which may be billed over several days. The recommended maximum billable time for direct therapy (individual or group) is a total of one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
In order for a student to receive OT through SHARS, the name and complete address or the provider identifier of the licensed physician who prescribed the OT must be provided.
3.3.5.2 Description of Services
OT evaluation services include determining what services, assistive technology, and environmental modifications a student requires for participation in the special education program.
OT includes:
- Improving, developing, maintaining, or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury, or deprivation.
- Improving the ability to perform tasks for independent functioning when functions are impaired or lost.
- Preventing, through early intervention, initial or further impairment or loss of function.
OT must be provided by a professional who is licensed by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners or a COTA acting under the supervision of a qualified occupational therapist. OT evaluation is billable on an individual basis only. OT is billable on an individual (procedure code 97530) or group (procedure code 97150) basis. The occupational therapist or COTA can only bill for time spent with the student present, including time spent assisting the student with learning to use adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Time spent without the student present, such as training teachers or aides to work with the student (unless the student is present during the training time), report writing, and time spent manipulating or modifying the adaptive equipment is not billable. Session notes are not required for an Evaluation; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the activity that was performed (e.g., OT evaluation). Session notes are required for procedure codes 97530 and 97150. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
The recommended maximum billable time for OT evaluation is three hours, which may be billed over several days. The recommended maximum billable time for direct therapy (individual or group) is a total of one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.6 Personal Care Services
Personal care services are provided to help a child with a disability or chronic condition benefit from special education. Personal care services include a range of human assistance provided to persons with disabilities or chronic conditions which enables them to accomplish tasks that they would normally do for themselves if they did not have a disability. An individual may be physically capable of performing ADLs and IADLs but may have limitations in performing these activities because of a functional, cognitive, or behavioral impairment.
For personal care services to be billable, they must be listed in the student’s IEP. Personal care services are billable on an individual (procedure code T1019 with modifier U5 or U6) or group (procedure code T1019 with modifier U5 and UD or U6 and UD) basis.
Session notes are not required for procedure codes T1019 with modifier U5 or T1019 with modifier U5 and UD; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the type of personal care service that was performed.
Procedure codes T1019 with modifier U6 and T1019 with modifier U6 and UD are billed using a one-way trip unit of service.
The recommended maximum billable units for T1019 with modifier U6 or T1019 with modifier U6 and UD is a total of four one-way trips per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended units of service are billed.
For personal care services to be billable, they must be listed in the student’s IEP. Personal care services are billable on an individual (procedure code T1019 with modifier U5 or U6) or group (procedure code T1019 with modifier U5 and UD or U6 and UD) basis.
Session notes are not required for procedure codes T1019 with modifier U5 or T1019 with modifier U5 and UD; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the type of personal care service that was performed.
Procedure codes T1019 with modifier U6 and T1019 with modifier U6 and UD are billed using a one-way trip unit of service.
The recommended maximum billable units for T1019 with modifier U6 or T1019 with modifier U6 and UD is a total of four one-way trips per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended units of service are billed.
3.3.7 Physical Therapy (PT)
3.3.7.1 Referral
In order for a student to receive PT through SHARS, the name and complete address or the provider identifier of the licensed physician who prescribes the PT must be provided.
3.3.7.2 Description of Services
PT evaluation includes evaluating the student’s ability to move throughout the school and to participate in classroom activities and the identification of movement dysfunction and related functional problems. PT is provided for the purpose of preventing or alleviating movement dysfunction and related functional problems. PT must be provided by a professional who is licensed by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners or a licensed physical therapist assistant (LPTA) acting under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist.
PT evaluation is billable on an individual basis only. PT is billable on an individual (procedure code 97110) or group (procedure code 97150) basis. The physical therapist can only bill time spent with the student present,including time spent helping the student to use adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Time spent without the student present, such as training teachers or aides to work with the student (unless the student is present during the training time) and report writing, is not billable. Session notes are not required for an Evaluation; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the activity that was performed (e.g., PT evaluation). Session notes are required for procedure codes 97110 and 97150. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
The recommended maximum billable time for PT evaluation is three hours, which may be billed within a 30 day period. The recommended maximum billable time for direct therapy (individual or group) is a total of one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
In order for a student to receive PT through SHARS, the name and complete address or the provider identifier of the licensed physician who prescribes the PT must be provided.
3.3.7.2 Description of Services
PT evaluation includes evaluating the student’s ability to move throughout the school and to participate in classroom activities and the identification of movement dysfunction and related functional problems. PT is provided for the purpose of preventing or alleviating movement dysfunction and related functional problems. PT must be provided by a professional who is licensed by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners or a licensed physical therapist assistant (LPTA) acting under the supervision of a qualified physical therapist.
PT evaluation is billable on an individual basis only. PT is billable on an individual (procedure code 97110) or group (procedure code 97150) basis. The physical therapist can only bill time spent with the student present,including time spent helping the student to use adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Time spent without the student present, such as training teachers or aides to work with the student (unless the student is present during the training time) and report writing, is not billable. Session notes are not required for an Evaluation; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the activity that was performed (e.g., PT evaluation). Session notes are required for procedure codes 97110 and 97150. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
The recommended maximum billable time for PT evaluation is three hours, which may be billed within a 30 day period. The recommended maximum billable time for direct therapy (individual or group) is a total of one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.8 Physician Services
Diagnostic and evaluation services are reimbursable under SHARS physician services. Physician services must be provided by a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.). A physician prescription is required before PT or OT services may be reimbursed under SHARS. ST services require either a physician prescription or a referral from a licensed SLP before the ST services may be reimbursed under the SHARS program. The school district must maintain the prescription or referral. The prescription or referral must relate directly to specific services listed in the IEP. If a change is made to a service on the IEP that requires a prescription or referral, the prescription or referral must be revised accordingly.
The expiration date for the physician prescription is the earlier of either the physician’s designated expiration date on the prescription or three years, in accordance with the IDEA three-year re-evaluation requirement. SHARS physician services are billable only when they are provided on an individual basis. The determination as to whether or not the provider needs to see the student while reviewing the student’s records is left up to the professional judgment of the provider. Therefore, billable time includes the following
The recommended maximum billable time is one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
The expiration date for the physician prescription is the earlier of either the physician’s designated expiration date on the prescription or three years, in accordance with the IDEA three-year re-evaluation requirement. SHARS physician services are billable only when they are provided on an individual basis. The determination as to whether or not the provider needs to see the student while reviewing the student’s records is left up to the professional judgment of the provider. Therefore, billable time includes the following
- The diagnosis or evaluation time spent with the student present
- The time spent without the student present reviewing the student’s records for the purpose of writing a prescription or referral for specific SHARS services
- The diagnosis or evaluation time spent with the student present, or the time spent without the student present reviewing the student’s records for the evaluation of the sufficiency of an ongoing SHARS service to see whether any changes are needed in the current prescription or referral for that Service Session notes are not required for procedure code 99499; however, documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the medical activity that was performed.
The recommended maximum billable time is one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.9 Speech Therapy (ST)
3.3.9.1 Referral
The name and complete address or the provider identifier or license number of the referring licensed physician or licensed SLP is required before ST services can be billed under SHARS. A licensed SLP’s evaluation and recommendation for the frequency, location, and duration of ST serves as the speech referral.
3.3.9.2 Description of Services
ST evaluation services include the identification of children with speech or language disorders and the diagnosis and appraisal of specific speech and language disorders. ST services include the provision of speech and language services for the habilitation or prevention of communicative disorders. ST evaluation is billable on an individual basis only. ST is billable on an individual (procedure code 92507) or group (procedure code 92508) basis.
Providers can only bill time spent with the student present, including assisting the student with learning to use adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Time spent without the student present, such as report writing and training teachers or aides to work with the student (unless the student is present during training), is not billable. Session notes are not required for an Evaluation; however,documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the activity that was performed (e.g., speech evaluation). Session notes are required for procedure codes 92507 and 92508. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
3.3.9.3 Provider and Supervision Requirements
ST services are eligible for reimbursement when they are provided by a qualified SLP, who holds a Texas license or an ASHA-equivalent SLP (has a master’s degree in the field of speech-language pathology and a Texas license). ST services are also eligible for reimbursement when provided by an SLP with a state education agency certification, a licensed SLP intern, a licensed SLP Assistant or a grandfathered SLP when acting under the supervision or direction of an SLP.
The supervision must meet the following provisions:
The recommended maximum billable time for evaluation is three hours, which may be billed over several days. The recommended maximum billable time for direct therapy (individual or group) is a total of one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
The name and complete address or the provider identifier or license number of the referring licensed physician or licensed SLP is required before ST services can be billed under SHARS. A licensed SLP’s evaluation and recommendation for the frequency, location, and duration of ST serves as the speech referral.
3.3.9.2 Description of Services
ST evaluation services include the identification of children with speech or language disorders and the diagnosis and appraisal of specific speech and language disorders. ST services include the provision of speech and language services for the habilitation or prevention of communicative disorders. ST evaluation is billable on an individual basis only. ST is billable on an individual (procedure code 92507) or group (procedure code 92508) basis.
Providers can only bill time spent with the student present, including assisting the student with learning to use adaptive equipment and assistive technology. Time spent without the student present, such as report writing and training teachers or aides to work with the student (unless the student is present during training), is not billable. Session notes are not required for an Evaluation; however,documentation must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, and must note the activity that was performed (e.g., speech evaluation). Session notes are required for procedure codes 92507 and 92508. Session notes must include the billable start time, billable stop time, total billable minutes, activity performed during the session, student observation, and the related IEP objective.
3.3.9.3 Provider and Supervision Requirements
ST services are eligible for reimbursement when they are provided by a qualified SLP, who holds a Texas license or an ASHA-equivalent SLP (has a master’s degree in the field of speech-language pathology and a Texas license). ST services are also eligible for reimbursement when provided by an SLP with a state education agency certification, a licensed SLP intern, a licensed SLP Assistant or a grandfathered SLP when acting under the supervision or direction of an SLP.
The supervision must meet the following provisions:
- The supervising SLP must provide supervision that is sufficient to ensure the appropriate completion of the responsibilities that were assigned.
- The direct involvement of the supervising SLP in overseeing the services that were provided must be documented.
- The SLP who provides the direction must ensure that the personnel who carry out the directives meet the minimum qualifications set forth in the rules of the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology which relate to Licensed Interns or Assistants in Speech-Language Pathology.
- Is directly involved with the individual under his direction.
- Accepts professional responsibility for the actions of the personnel he agrees to direct.
- Sees each student at least once.
- Has input about the type of care provided.
- Reviews the student’s speech records after the therapy begins.
- Assumes professional responsibility for the services provided.
The recommended maximum billable time for evaluation is three hours, which may be billed over several days. The recommended maximum billable time for direct therapy (individual or group) is a total of one hour per day. Providers must submit documentation of the reasons for the additional time, if more than the recommended maximum time is billed.
3.3.10 Transportation Services in a School Setting
Transportation services in a school setting may be reimbursed when they are provided on a specially adapted vehicle and if the following criteria are met:
A specially adapted vehicle is one that has been physically modified (e.g., addition of a wheelchair lift, addition of seatbelts or harnesses, addition of child protective seating, or addition of air conditioning). A bus monitor or other personnel accompanying children on the bus is not considered an allowable special adaptive enhancement for Medicaid reimbursement under SHARS specialized transportation. Specialized transportation services reimbursable under SHARS requires the Medicaid-eligible special education student has the following documented in his or her IEP:
Children with special education needs who ride the regular school bus to school with other nondisabled children are not required to have the transportation services in a school setting listed in their IEP. Also, the cost of the regular school bus ride cannot be billed to SHARS. Therefore, the fact that a child may receive a service through SHARS does not necessarily mean that the transportation services in a school setting may be reimbursed for them.
Reimbursement for covered transportation services is on a student one-way trip basis. If the student receives a billable SHARS service (including personal care services on the bus) and is transported on the school’s specially adapted vehicle, the following one-way trips may be billed:
Covered transportation services from a child’s residence to school and return are not reimbursable if, on the day the child is transported, the child does not receive Medicaid services covered by SHARS (other than transportation). Documentation of each one-way trip provided must be maintained by the school district (e.g., trip log). This service must not be billed by default simply because the student is transported on a specially adapted bus.
The recommended maximum billable units for procedure code T2003 is a total of four one-way trips per day.
- Provided to or from a Medicaid-covered service on the day for which the claim is made
- A child requires transportation in a specially adapted vehicle to serve the needs of the disabled
- A child resides in an area that does not have school bus transportation, such as those in close proximity to a school
- The Medicaid services covered by SHARS are included in the student’s IEP
- The special transportation service is included in the student’s IEP
A specially adapted vehicle is one that has been physically modified (e.g., addition of a wheelchair lift, addition of seatbelts or harnesses, addition of child protective seating, or addition of air conditioning). A bus monitor or other personnel accompanying children on the bus is not considered an allowable special adaptive enhancement for Medicaid reimbursement under SHARS specialized transportation. Specialized transportation services reimbursable under SHARS requires the Medicaid-eligible special education student has the following documented in his or her IEP:
- The student requires a specific physical adaptation or adaptations of a vehicle in order to be transported
- The reason the student needs the specialized transportation
Children with special education needs who ride the regular school bus to school with other nondisabled children are not required to have the transportation services in a school setting listed in their IEP. Also, the cost of the regular school bus ride cannot be billed to SHARS. Therefore, the fact that a child may receive a service through SHARS does not necessarily mean that the transportation services in a school setting may be reimbursed for them.
Reimbursement for covered transportation services is on a student one-way trip basis. If the student receives a billable SHARS service (including personal care services on the bus) and is transported on the school’s specially adapted vehicle, the following one-way trips may be billed:
- From the student’s residence to school
- From the school to the student’s residence
- From the student’s residence to a provider’s office that is contracted with the district
- From a provider’s office that is contracted with the district to the student’s residence
- From the school to a provider’s office that is contracted with the district
- From a provider’s office that is contracted with the district to the student’s school
- From the school to another campus to receive a billable SHARS service
- From the campus where the student received a billable SHARS service back to the student’s school
Covered transportation services from a child’s residence to school and return are not reimbursable if, on the day the child is transported, the child does not receive Medicaid services covered by SHARS (other than transportation). Documentation of each one-way trip provided must be maintained by the school district (e.g., trip log). This service must not be billed by default simply because the student is transported on a specially adapted bus.
The recommended maximum billable units for procedure code T2003 is a total of four one-way trips per day.
