15 Oct Arizona Electronic Visit Verification

Just as it has become in many other states to date, Electronic Visit Verification is a reality in Arizona. When does it start, what are the requirements, and can agencies choose whatever EVV software they desire? In this edition of the Home Health blog, we answer all those questions as we take a closer look at EVV in the state of Arizona. 

EVV for Arizona Agencies

TO VIEW THE ARIZONA EVV SOFTWARE SOLUTION BY ALORA – CLICK HERE

 Arizona Electronic Visit Verification Information & Facts

Let’s start with where it all began….the 21st Century Cures Act. In accordance with Section 1903 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b), (which is better known as the 21st Century Cures Act) in order to prevent a reduction in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) has mandated to implement Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for non-skilled in-home services (including personal care, attendant care, homemaker, habilitation,  and respite care) by January 1, 2020* and for in-home skilled nursing services (home health care) by January 1, 2023.

WHEN DOES EVV START IN ARIZONA?

January 1, 2021

The original AHCCCS  EVV start date for the state of Arizona was January 1, 2020. A combination of administrative burden, COVID-19 challenges, and other considerations caused the state to request an extension. On November 27, 2019 AHCCCS officially submitted a request and justification to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) asking to extend the timeline for compliance, as allowed for many other states.

ARIZONA EVV DATES TIMELINE ADJUSTMENTS

• On December 5, 2019, CMS approved AHCCCS’ request to extend the timeline for compliance through December 31, 2020
• The current extension now requires all providers to start using EVV beginning January 1, 2021

WHAT ARE ARIZONA’S EVV SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS?

Per the specifications of the 21st Century Cures Act, a selected Arizona EVV system must minimally electronically verify the following information:

• The date service is performed
• The type of service which is performed
• The name of the individual receiving the service
• The location in which the service is performed
• The name of the individual providing the service
• Exact start and end time when the service was performed

CAN I CHOOSE THE EVV SOFTWARE SYSTEM I WANT TO USE?

YES.

Arizona agencies have the choice to use an EVV system provided by Sandata, or to select an Alternate Arizona EVV System, so long as it meets the business requirements and alternate data collection specifications laid out by AHCCCS. (view the requirements)

To view AHCCCS Compatible EVV Software click here

Alora Healthcare Systems offers Home Health Software for Arizona , a mobile-ready, comprehensive, whole agency solution that features integrated Arizona electronic visit verification in alignment with the requirements outlined by AHCCCS and the 21^st Century Cures Act. The benefit to Arizona home health care agencies is the ability to thrive using an easy to manage a system that grants admins and caregivers greater operational efficiency.

IF I CHOOSE AN ALTERNATE ARIZONA EVV VENDOR, WILL IT WORK?

Virtually identical to the requirements set forth in the 21st Century Cures Act, agencies may use any compliant EVV system that meets the following verification criteria:

• The EVV system shall identify the individual providing the service during the visit
• The EVV system shall identify the rendering provider agency that employs or contracts with the DCW providing the service.
• The EVV system shall identify the individual receiving the service during the visit
• The EVV system shall record the date of the visit
• The EVV system shall independently verify the start and end of the visit
• The EVV system shall record the location of the visit. Each visit verification modality must incorporate a method for verifying the location of the visit whether the service delivery is in the member’s home or in the community

ARIZONA AGENCIES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO USE SANDATA, AND ARE FREE TO SELECT AN EVV SYSTEM OF THEIR CHOICE

Agencies have the choice to use the EVV system provided by Sandata, or to select an Alternate EVV System, so long as it meets the business requirements and alternate data collection specifications laid out by AHCCCS. (view the requirements)

MORE ABOUT ARIZONA MEDICAID EVV

As of January 1, 2021 and as documented by the parameters outlined by the 21st Century Cures Act,  the AHCCCS program will begin using an Electronic Visit Verification system for select home and community-based services. The legislation details the data that must be collected and electronically verified, however, individual states have in many cases been allowed to create their own systems and decide how to gather and report data, as well as whether to include additional compliance rules.

AHCCCS is utilizing EVV to assist in tracking and monitoring service delivery and access to care for members. In essence, AHCCCS is using EVV to ensure individuals get the services they need when they need them most. AHCCCS has contracted Sandata as an EVV system, and intends to provide system orientation and training to providers.

Click here to visit the AHCCCS website for additional information on Arizona’s EVV requirements.

ALORA IS A CERTIFIED ALTERNATE EVV SYSTEM.

ALORA HAS BEEN CERTIFIED BY ARIZONA AHCCCS AS AN

APPROVED ELECTRONIC VISIT VERIFICATION SYSTEM FOR ARIZONA.

THE ALORA HOME HEALTH BLOG

Read the Alora blog and website to learn more about home health software for Arizona, AHCCCS compatible EVV, and recent news, articles, and commentaries, as well as other issues that pertain to Arizona Home health care in the state and beyond. For more information on our blog, or for questions or feedback, please send us an email to HomeHealthSoftware@AloraHealth.com