What Is Electronic Visit Verification?
Electronic visit verification, or EVV, is an electronic system providers use to record information when delivering in-home services. The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) is transitioning to EVV for its 1915(c) Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers. The use of EVV is a requirement of the 21st Century Cures Act passed by Congress in 2016.
EVV must record at least six statistics about in-home service delivery: the date, location and type of service, the individual providing the service, the individual receiving the service and the start and end time of the service.
EVV offers several benefits to providers and waiver participants such as eliminating the need for paper documentation, creating flexibility in scheduling and delivering services, improved monitoring of participant health, safety and welfare and reduction in potential Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse.
Guiding Principles of EVV Phase I
DMS believes EVV Phase I should:
- Simplify required documentation and reduce administrative burden on participants and providers.
- Improve participant health, safety and welfare.
- Not reduce a participant's services or alter chosen service delivery method.
- Be developed with input from all stakeholders.
- Include training for providers and participants.
- Bring Kentucky into compliance with federal law.
Affected Programs
Traditional service provider agencies and participant-directed services employees who deliver in-home services must use EVV. This applies to five of Kentucky's six 1915(c) HCBS waivers: Acquired Brain Injury and Acquired Brain Injury Long Term Care, Home and Community Based, Michelle P. Waiver and Supports for Community Living.
Provider EVV Options
Providers have two options for EVV. DMS is working with Tellus, LLC to launch EVV in Kentucky. Providers will be trained on the Tellus application and can use it free of charge.
DMS is allowing providers to choose their own EVV system. The provider is responsible to pay for the system, to ensure it meets the requirements of the 21st Century Cures Act and to ensure it integrates with Tellus to allow DMS to reimburse for rendered services and conduct waiver quality assurance activities.
Getting Started with EVV
Providers must begin using EVV by Jan. 1, 2021. DMS will provide next steps for getting started with EVV soon. DMS asks affected providers to take two actions to ensure they receive these updates.
- Please complete the Provider Information survey.
- Please subscribe to EVV email updates. If you need assistance subscribing, please read our How to Subscribe instructions or email DMS.
DMS encourages providers to check this website frequently as updates will be posted here as well.
EVV Support
If you have additional questions about the Tellus EVV application, you can email Tellus or call (833) 4TELLUS.
If you have questions about 1915(c) HCBS waivers related to EVV, please email the 1915(c) Waiver Help Desk or call (844) 784-5614.