ISHA is working for YOU!

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) was responding to a State Mandate for Autism coverage and sought to find out what providers would possibly be providing Applied Behavioral Analysis, in addition to recognized licensed therapists.  BCBSIL contacted the State of Illinois Department of Human Services/Early Intervention (DHS/EI) which provided a list of ABA providers and suggested inclusion of Developmental Therapists (DT's).  In June 2010, BCBSIL sent a letter and packet to the list of names provided by DHS/EI.  Having DT's use speech pathology procedural codes to bill for services provided is a strict violation of the Speech-Language Pathology license.  

BCBSIL welcomed input from the field as mixed information was being sent to them.  ISHA members, along with a representative from ASHA, rallied to discuss the situation and formulate solutions.   Letters have been sent to BCBSIL by ISHA and ASHA - please see the attached letters (ASHA BCBSIL Letter / ISHA BCBSIL Letter) for full information.

YOUR time to help with this matter may be arriving soon!  ISHA is working with ASHA to disseminate an Action Alert that would have ISHA members contact appropriate persons, e.g., BCBSIL, DHS/EI, etc. in a timely and efficient manner with our professional concerns.  Remember - ISHA is YOU!