HRSA has just completed the first round of new training for grantees and other HRSA-funded organizations on ways to increase revenue from third-party sources such as Medicaid and Medicare, State Children’s Health Insurance Programs and other sources. The training will help community-based health centers and other providers maximize use of federal grant money and expand access to care.

The training that began in Dallas and San Antonio earlier this week focused on improving practices in billing and collection, identifying eligible patients, and learning the type of information needed to qualify for third-party reimbursements (TPR).  Sessions will be held in each state over a three-year period and will pick up again in Lansing, Mich., April 29-30, and Denver, Colo., May 13-14. 

Although most HRSA-funded organizations are required to apply for TPR for eligible individuals and services, a recent HRSA study found that many were not using reimbursement to the fullest.  Federal policy stipulates that third-party payers cover the costs of health care for their beneficiaries so that federal grant dollars can be used to serve the nation’s neediest groups.

In response to the need for more TPR know-how, HRSA’s Center for Health Services Financing and Managed Care contracted with the Center for Health Policy Studies (CHPS) in Columbia, Md., in September 2001 to develop the training program.  CHPS experts also will provide technical assistance online, by telephone, and through on-site visits.

Go to the Center for Health Services Financing and Managed Care’s web site for more information on the program and to find out when and where training will be offered.

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