Missouri First Steps CFO Modifications Overview December 2, Dear Stakeholder,

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1 Dear Stakeholder, Over the next seven (7) months, Missouri First Steps will adopt a web-based operational system available at This document addresses several modifications scheduled for implementation by the Central Finance Office (CFO) in early The modifications outlined are required in order to support the new web-based system. Specific dates are included that address required actions on the part of First Steps providers. It is critical that ALL providers meet the specified deadlines. Failure to meet the deadlines will likely result in delayed receipt by providers and/or agencies of authorizations, payments and critical information associated with the First Steps Program. If you have any questions during this process please feel free to contact the CFO at extension 1. We hope that you will find the changes an improvement and thank you for your continued support of the program.

2 Brief Overview is the new web site for Missouri First Steps. This site will host the majority of the operational aspects for the First Steps system. Programmatic information for First Steps will continue to be available at The development and implementation of the web system was separated into distinct phases or modules. The outline below addresses each module in very general terms. Module One o Contains online authorizations and claims. o Features electronic funds transfers for payment. o Enhances the communication capability within the Program. o Provides basic managerial capabilities to the providers and the agencies. o This module was field-tested in May 2004 and fully deployed in June Module Two o Encompasses online referral, evaluation/assessment, eligibility determination, the complete IFSP and transitional activities and processes. o Provides for online Progress and Case Note submissions. o Features online Domain and Outcome information. o Collects Team Meeting information, determination and scheduling. o Gathers Social History information. o Collects various First Steps satisfaction survey information. o Collects other important and pertinent information online. o The final implementation date is targeted to be released prior to June 30, Module Three o Provides for various online monitoring, compliance and review capabilities by the Lead Agency statewide and, locally, by the SPOE. o Supplies Provider caseload information for the First Steps Program. o Enhances the data and reporting capabilities. o Module Three will be released at the same time as Module Two. Additional information, with instructions for implementation, will be provided in the future to insure a smooth transition to the new system. MOFirstSteps.com web site login Every currently enrolled provider will be required to have a unique login. The web site was designed to support various types of access and to be as flexible as possible in order to support independent and agency providers and administrators. The various types of accessibility are detailed on the User Online Access Request form. The login is required to be successfully received prior to March 1, The CFO highly recommends mofirststeps.com enrollment be successfully completed by February 1, Please follow the steps outlined below to complete a login request: Go to

3 Under Online Access Forms please download, print and complete the following forms: o Certification for Online Claims o E-Signature o User Online Access Request Complete one set of all three forms for each login requested. Mail the original forms to the CFO. The address is contained on the form. In order to effectively utilize the CFO requires an Internet Explorer browser version of 5 or better, a Netscape browser of 7 or better or a Mozilla Firefox browser of 1 or better. All browsers are available for free from the Internet and are usable on almost all computers. The CFO recommends Internet broadband connections for speed. However, was designed to be usable with a 56.6 Internet dial-up connection. is compliant with the Rehabilitation Act of Section 508. This Federal Act insures that physically challenged individuals may effectively interact with web sites. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) First Steps will reimburse providers and payees utilizing EFT. This will allow a quicker and easier payment process. EFT will be required for all payments that will be paid by the CFO March 1, 2005 and forward. We highly recommend that you are enrolled for EFT with the CFO by February 1, EFT enrollment is only required by those providers/agencies that receive or could receive payment directly from the CFO. To complete this process please follow the steps below: Go to Download, print and complete the document titled EFT/Direct Deposit Authorization. Mail the original to the CFO. The address is enclosed on the form. Faxes will not be accepted by the CFO. Printed Authorizations from the CFO Effective March 1, 2005 the CFO will cease to print, reprint or mail paper authorizations. Authorizations may be downloaded, printed and/or searched online at Claims Processing Several modifications will occur for claims processing with the CFO. Please read the following information. It details the claim processing modifications.

4 The Claims Filing Deadline will be strictly enforced beginning January 25, As excerpted from the First Steps Billing Manual: o Claim Filing Deadline: Claims must be submitted within 60 calendar days of the date of service. The Claims Resubmission Filing Deadline will be strictly enforced beginning January 25, As excerpted from the First Steps Billing Manual: o Claim Resubmission Filing Deadline: Previously submitted and rejected claims must be resubmitted within 180 days of the date of service. Paper claims will not be accepted by the CFO beginning March 1, The CFO will only accept claims submitted through web site or by filing electronic claims utilizing HIPAA 837P electronic transactions. Any paper claims received by the CFO on March 1, 2005 or forward will be returned to the submitter for resubmission electronically. Please understand that March 1, 2005 is the date of paper claim receipt by the CFO and not the date of service for the claim. As of December 1, 2004, 40% of current First Steps claims are submitted through the new web site. Claims may not be submitted through until you receive an official login to the web site from the CFO. The CFO will continue to process and receive paper claim adjustments to previously submitted claims. This is the only type of claim that will be accepted by the CFO using paper submissions. All other requirements regarding First Steps claims remain in effect. The claims submission modifications only involve the method of claim submission. Formal Billing Training is not scheduled. Extensive amounts of information are available online. This Help is organized around How Do I topics. The CFO Help Desk will be able to provide telephone support also. The Help Desk phone number is extension 1. Please consult the First Steps Billing Manual for further claims questions. The Billing Manual may be downloaded at Explanation of Payments and Explanation of Benefits Paper copies of the Explanation of Payments will continue to be mailed. Families will continue to receive Explanation of Benefits via paper. No changes are planned for this process. Service Matrix These changes do not modify any Service Matrix requirements. The Service Matrix will continue to be available and updated at

5 Communication DESE has the capability with to post various communications online. These messages may also be ed out from the web site. Previous communication may also be searched. An address is required to be on file with the CFO. The CFO recommends an address similar to Hotmail or Yahoo. However, you may utilize any valid address. Please be aware that the addresses must be unique one address may not be used for a group of Providers. Summary A number of new and improved features will be added to the First Steps operational system during The enhancements outlined in this overview document are the beginning steps in providing a faster and more efficient operating system for providers in Missouri First Steps. All of the changes will be phased-in over the next seven (7) months and will require each of you to complete certain activities in order to work within the new system. The staff at both the CFO and DESE will be available to assist you during the transition phase. We believe that you will find these changes to be extremely beneficial and we will work to ensure that the transition process is as trouble free as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and service to Missouri First Steps.