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Labor Day Holiday Día del Trabajo

Texas Children's Health Plan will be closed on Monday, September 1st, in observance of Labor Day. In our absence, you can reach our after-hours nurse help line at 1-800-686-3831. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 2nd. Wishing you a safe and happy Labor Day!

Texas Children's Health Plan estará cerrado el lunes 1 de septiembre por el Día del Trabajo. Durante nuestra ausencia, puedes comunicarse con nuestra línea telefónica de ayuda fuera del horario habitual al 1-800-686-3831. Reanudaremos nuestro horario regular el martes 2 de septiembre. ¡Te deseamos un feliz y seguro Día del Trabajo!

New Rewards Coming Soon! ¡Se vienen nuevas recompensas!

Our Healthy Rewards Program is getting an update in September! For a sneak peek of all the changes - including new rewards and ways to redeem them - please click here.

¡Nuestro Programa Healthy Rewards tendrá su actualización en septiembre! Para ver un adelanto de todos los cambios, incluyendo nuevas recompensas y formas de canjearlas, haz clic aquí.

Prior Authorization of Texas Health Steps (THSteps) dental therapy under general anesthesia for members who are six years of age or younger

Effective July 1, 2017, Texas Children’s Health Plan will be required to implement prior authorization for Level 4 deep sedation and general anesthesia provided in conjunction with therapeutic dental treatment for Medicaid dental clients from ages 0 through six years. All Level 4 services must be authorized prior to rendering services. Anesthesia services provided by a dentist should use procedure code D9223. Any anesthesia services provided by an anesthesiologist (M.D./D.O.) or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), should use procedure code 00170, with an EP modifier. Texas Children’s Health Plan will also require prior authorization for facility fees associated with dental therapy under general anesthesia billed with code 41899. Requests for prior authorization for anesthesiologist/CRNA and facility charges must include:
  • Location where the procedure will be performed.
  • Narrative detailing the reason for the proposed level of anesthesia.
  • Proof of authorization for the dental services from the dental maintenance organization (DMO).
The current process of scoring 22 points on the Criteria for Dental Therapy Under General Anesthesia form does not guarantee authorization or reimbursement for clients who are six years of age and younger.

Emergency Treatment

In cases of an emergency medical condition, accident or trauma, prior authorization is not necessary. A narrative and appropriate pre- and post-treatment radiographs/photographs must be submitted with the claim. These will be reviewed by the MCO for appropriateness prior to payment.