- What is the agency’s history?
- How long have they been in business?
Possibilities Northeast was established in October 2001 to provide First Steps services to children in northeast Indiana. Since that time, the agency has grown to its current total of 80 providers serving children in over 25 Indiana counties. In addition, PNE has been an ED team provider in 18 counties.
Kids Only, Inc.was a privately operated First Steps entity in Indianapolis until 2005 at which time it became part of the PNE family. KOI provides pediatric outpatient and First Steps therapies.
PNE and KOI are established businesses with the financial stability to support new growth and withstand payment issues/delays. Both PNE and KOI have undergone strenuous FSSA audits and have been given no deficiencies.
- Do the agency’s published rates take into account the 5% cut effective December 1, 2010?
The agency’s revenue share for contractors is a set amount per billed hour and therefore not dependent on the actual state reimbursement rates. All W-2 employee rates presented after the October 15, 2010 DDRS announcement have taken into account the revised rates effective December 1, 2010.
PNE and KOI do not require contractors and employees to sign a non-compete contract. Instead, we strive to maintain an optimal working relationship with our providers whereby your employment continues by choice. We believe non-compete contracts are in contradiction to providing quality services to children enrolled in the First Steps program.
- Does the agency have experience billing First Steps and private insurance?
- Do they have the ability to efficiently bill for multiple providers?
- Do they have experience billing private insurance?
- Do they have personnel who are knowledgeable in insurance coding and billing, including ICD9 and HCPC codes?
A sister company of PNE and KOI, the Mykalynn Corp. was established in *** as a batch billing program designed exclusively for First Steps. The program has been utilized to successfully bill First Steps services both with Covansys and EDS. Early intervention provider agencies throughout Indiana and New Jersey have utilized this program for several years.
The agency employs a full-time Office Manager with many years of experience in insurance billing and coding both in the hospital and clinic settings. PNE and Kids Only have successfully billed private insurance for the past five years.
- Does the agency offer medical insurance? If so, are policies and rates already established?
PNE/KOI has offered medical insurance and other benefits since 2001. Our census and record of claims throughout the years has enabled us to obtain competitive rates.
- What is the agency’s structure of support?
- Do they have systems in place to support the upcoming growth? i.e. manage the matrix, referrals, files, billing, credentialing, etc.
- Will there be someone available to answer provider and family questions as needs arise?
PNE and KOI have an organizational structure that supports providers in all aspects of their job. Support staff includes personnel in the following areas; Business Manager, Director, Information and Technology, Payroll and Accounting, Office Managers, Billing and Clerical, Area Team Leaders
- Does the agency demonstrate the ability to manage providers in multiple locations?
- How will the agency handle distance service provision?
PNE has developed a system of support and communication that has enabled us to provide First Steps services throughout the state since 2003. Our longevity and minimal turnover attest to our ability to manage providers in multiple locations.
- Does the agency have policies and procedures in place to meet First Steps requirements?
- Are they HIPAA compliant, including all required policies and procedures?
The agency has been HIPAA compliant since April 2003 when the program was federally mandated for those who submit electronic billing. All contractors and employees participate in training regarding HIPAA compliance.
- First Steps is a unique program – is the agency well educated on First Steps Policies and Procedures?
- Do they actively participate on First Steps Councils (LPCC) in order to keep abreast of changes, participate in team development and provide input on behalf of its providers?
- Do they stay current on changes and communicate regularly with providers?
- Do they have open lines of communication with SPOE and State staff?
PNE/KOI Director, Nancy Moore, has participated on First Steps Councils (LPCC) and committees for over 15 years including LPCC, SPOE Oversight, Transition, Child Find/Public Awareness, Quality Assurance, Data Team and ED Team. Ms. Moore attends state ICC meetings and maintains regular communication with state staff, SPOE Directors and LPCC Coordinators in multiple clusters.
- Does the agency participate in local activities to promote child find and public awareness of the First Steps program?
Agency providers assist with area child find activities by distributing information, speaking to local parent and civic groups and conducting free developmental screenings. Developmental checklists are distributed with every pair of pajamas size 4T and smaller collected during our annual pajama drive.
- Does the agency support other programs within its communities?
PNE/KOI have a history of supporting local programs that benefit children and families. These include but are not limited to:
- Possibilities Northeast Annual Pajama Drive to provide “warm fuzzies” to children in need. Over 1000 pairs of pajamas collected through the support of Fort Wayne Fire Department and community participation
- Donations to the SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect) annual Duck Race
- Champ Camp Silver Sneaker’s Ball in Indianapolis
- Girls on the Run of Hamilton County
- Whitley County Literacy Foundation