80 FR 57051 - Reasonable Charges for Inpatient MS-DRGs and SNF Medical Services; V3.17, Fiscal Year 2016 Update

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 182 (September 21, 2015)

Page Range		57051-57052
FR Document		2015-23585

This document updates the acute inpatient and the skilled nursing facility/sub-acute inpatient facility charges. The updated charges are based on the 2016 Medicare severity diagnosis related groups (MS-DRGs).

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 182 (Monday, September 21, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 182 (Monday, September 21, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57051-57052]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23585]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Reasonable Charges for Inpatient MS-DRGs and SNF Medical 
Services; V3.17, Fiscal Year 2016 Update

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This document updates the acute inpatient and the skilled 
nursing facility/sub-acute inpatient facility charges. The updated 
charges are based on the 2016 Medicare severity diagnosis related 
groups (MS-DRGs).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Romona Greene, Chief Business Office 
(10NB), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 382-2521. (This is 
not a toll free number.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 17.101 of Title 38 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) sets forth the Department of Veterans Affairs 
(VA) medical regulations concerning ``Reasonable Charges'' for medical 
care or services provided or furnished by VA to a veteran: For a 
nonservice-connected disability for which the veteran is entitled to 
care (or the payment of expenses of care) under a health plan contract; 
for a nonservice-connected disability incurred incident to the 
Veteran's employment and covered under a worker's compensation law or 
plan that provides reimbursement or indemnification for such care and 
services; or, for a nonservice-connected disability incurred as a 
result of a motor vehicle accident in a State that requires automobile 
accident reparations insurance. The methodologies for establishing 
billed amounts for several types of charges are found in 38 CFR 17.101; 
however, this notice will only address the acute inpatient and the 
skilled nursing facility/sub-acute inpatient facility charges.
    Based on the methodologies set forth in 38 CFR 17.101(b), this 
notice updates the acute inpatient facility charges that were based on 
the 2015 Medicare severity diagnosis related groups (MS-DRGs). Acute 
inpatient facility charges by MS-DRGs are posted on the Internet site 
of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Chief Business Office, 
currently at http://www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/index.asp, under the 
``Reasonable Charges Data Tables'' section, v3.15 Inpatient Data Table, 
as Table A. This Table A corresponds to the Table A referenced in 79 FR 
58048, September 26, 2014. Table A referenced in this notice is v3.17, 
which provides updated charges based on the 2016 MS-DRGs, and it will 
replace Table A posted on the Internet site of the VHA Chief Business 
Office.
    Also, this document updates the skilled nursing facility/sub-acute 
inpatient facility all-inclusive per diem charge using the 
methodologies set forth in 38 CFR 17.101(c) and this charge is adjusted 
by a geographic area factor that is based on the location where the 
care is provided. See Table ``N'' Acute Inpatient and Table ``O'' 
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) for the geographic area factors on the 
VHA Chief Business Office Web site under the v3.16 link in the 
``Reasonable Charges Data Tables'' section, which are not being updated 
by this notice. The skilled nursing facility/sub-acute inpatient 
facility per diem charge is posted on the Internet site of the VHA's 
Chief Business Office, currently at http://www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/index.asp, under the ``Reasonable Charges Data Tables'' section, v3.15 
as Table B. This Table B corresponds to the Table B referenced in 79 FR 
58048, September 26, 2014. Table B referenced in this notice is v3.17, 
which provides an update to the all-inclusive nationwide skilled 
nursing facility/sub-acute inpatient facility per diem charge and will 
replace Table B posted on the Internet site of the VHA Chief Business 
Office.
    The charges in this notice for acute inpatient and skilled nursing 
facility/sub-acute inpatient facility services are effective October 1, 
2015.
    This notice is retaining the table designations used for acute 
inpatient facility charges by MS-DRGs, which is posted on the Internet 
site of the VHA Chief Business Office, currently at http://www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/index.asp, under ``Reasonable Charges Data Tables.'' We 
also are retaining the table designation used for skilled nursing 
facility/sub-acute inpatient facility charges, which is also posted on 
the Internet site of the VHA Chief Business Office. Accordingly, the 
tables identified as being updated by this notice correspond to the 
applicable tables referenced in 79 FR 58048, September 26, 2014.
    The list of data sources presented in Supplementary Table 1 will be 
posted on the Internet site of the VHA Chief Business Office, currently 
at http://www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/index.asp, under ``Reasonable 
Charges Data Sources'' section, v3.15, to reflect the updated data 
sources used to establish the updated charges described in this notice.
    We have also updated the list of VA medical facility locations. As 
a reminder, in Supplementary Table 3, posted on the Internet site of 
the VHA Chief Business Office, currently at http://www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/index.asp, under the VA Medical Facility Locations, v3.16 
(January, 2015), in the ``VA Medical Facility Locations'' section, we 
set forth the list of VA medical facility locations, which includes the 
first three digits of their zip codes and provider-based/non-provider-
based designations.
    Consistent with VA's regulations, the updated data tables and 
supplementary tables containing the changes described in this notice 
will be posted on the Internet site of the VHA Chief Business Office, 
``Reasonable Charges (Rates) Information'' Web page currently at http://www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/index.asp.

[[Page 57052]]

Signing Authority

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this 
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document 
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as 
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Robert L. 
Nabors II, Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved 
this document on September 15, 2015, for publication.

    Dated: September 16, 2015.
Michael Shores,
Chief Impact Analyst, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office 
of the General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2015-23585 Filed 9-18-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 8320-01-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 182 / Monday, September 21, 2015 / Notices 57051

Estimated Total Annual Burden Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., charge is posted on the Internet site of
Hours: 2,459,998. Washington, DC 20420, (202) 382–2521. the VHA’s Chief Business Office,
The following paragraph applies to all (This is not a toll free number.) currently at http://www.va.gov/CBO/
of the collections of information covered SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section apps/rates/index.asp, under the
by this notice: 17.101 of Title 38 of the Code of Federal ‘‘Reasonable Charges Data Tables’’
An agency may not conduct or Regulations (CFR) sets forth the section, v3.15 as Table B. This Table B
sponsor, and a person is not required to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) corresponds to the Table B referenced in
respond to, a collection of information medical regulations concerning 79 FR 58048, September 26, 2014. Table
unless the collection of information ‘‘Reasonable Charges’’ for medical care B referenced in this notice is v3.17,
displays a valid OMB control number. or services provided or furnished by VA which provides an update to the all-
Books or records relating to a collection to a veteran: For a nonservice-connected inclusive nationwide skilled nursing
of information must be retained as long disability for which the veteran is facility/sub-acute inpatient facility per
as their contents may become material entitled to care (or the payment of diem charge and will replace Table B
in the administration of any internal expenses of care) under a health plan posted on the Internet site of the VHA
revenue law. Generally, tax returns and contract; for a nonservice-connected Chief Business Office.
tax return information are confidential, disability incurred incident to the The charges in this notice for acute
as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. Veteran’s employment and covered inpatient and skilled nursing facility/
Request for Comments: Comments under a worker’s compensation law or sub-acute inpatient facility services are
submitted in response to this notice will effective October 1, 2015.
plan that provides reimbursement or
be summarized and/or included in the This notice is retaining the table
indemnification for such care and
request for OMB approval. All designations used for acute inpatient
services; or, for a nonservice-connected facility charges by MS–DRGs, which is
comments will become a matter of disability incurred as a result of a motor
public record. Comments are invited on: posted on the Internet site of the VHA
vehicle accident in a State that requires Chief Business Office, currently at
(a) Whether the collection of automobile accident reparations
information is necessary for the proper http://www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/
insurance. The methodologies for index.asp, under ‘‘Reasonable Charges
performance of the agency’s functions, establishing billed amounts for several
including whether the information shall Data Tables.’’ We also are retaining the
types of charges are found in 38 CFR table designation used for skilled
have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of 17.101; however, this notice will only
the agency’s estimate of the burden of nursing facility/sub-acute inpatient
address the acute inpatient and the facility charges, which is also posted on
the collection of information; (c) ways to skilled nursing facility/sub-acute
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity the Internet site of the VHA Chief
inpatient facility charges. Business Office. Accordingly, the tables
of the information to be collected; (d) Based on the methodologies set forth
ways to minimize the burden of the identified as being updated by this
in 38 CFR 17.101(b), this notice updates notice correspond to the applicable
collection of information on the acute inpatient facility charges that
respondents, including through the use tables referenced in 79 FR 58048,
were based on the 2015 Medicare September 26, 2014.
of automated collection techniques or severity diagnosis related groups (MS– The list of data sources presented in
other forms of information technology; DRGs). Acute inpatient facility charges Supplementary Table 1 will be posted
and (e) estimates of capital or start-up by MS–DRGs are posted on the Internet on the Internet site of the VHA Chief
costs and costs of operation, site of the Veterans Health Business Office, currently at http://
maintenance, and purchase of services Administration (VHA) Chief Business www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/index.asp,
to provide the requested information. Office, currently at http://www.va.gov/ under ‘‘Reasonable Charges Data
Approved: August 19, 2015. CBO/apps/rates/index.asp, under the Sources’’ section, v3.15, to reflect the
Martha Brinson, ‘‘Reasonable Charges Data Tables’’ updated data sources used to establish
IRS Tax Analyst. section, v3.15 Inpatient Data Table, as the updated charges described in this
[FR Doc. 2015–23606 Filed 9–18–15; 8:45 am] Table A. This Table A corresponds to notice.
BILLING CODE 4830–01–P
the Table A referenced in 79 FR 58048, We have also updated the list of VA
September 26, 2014. Table A referenced medical facility locations. As a
in this notice is v3.17, which provides reminder, in Supplementary Table 3,
updated charges based on the 2016 MS– posted on the Internet site of the VHA
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
DRGs, and it will replace Table A Chief Business Office, currently at
AFFAIRS
posted on the Internet site of the VHA http://www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/
Reasonable Charges for Inpatient MS– Chief Business Office. index.asp, under the VA Medical
DRGs and SNF Medical Services; Also, this document updates the Facility Locations, v3.16 (January,
V3.17, Fiscal Year 2016 Update skilled nursing facility/sub-acute 2015), in the ‘‘VA Medical Facility
inpatient facility all-inclusive per diem Locations’’ section, we set forth the list
AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. charge using the methodologies set forth of VA medical facility locations, which
ACTION: Notice. in 38 CFR 17.101(c) and this charge is includes the first three digits of their zip
adjusted by a geographic area factor that codes and provider-based/non-provider-
SUMMARY: This document updates the is based on the location where the care based designations.
acute inpatient and the skilled nursing is provided. See Table ‘‘N’’ Acute Consistent with VA’s regulations, the
facility/sub-acute inpatient facility Inpatient and Table ‘‘O’’ Skilled Nursing updated data tables and supplementary
rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

charges. The updated charges are based Facility (SNF) for the geographic area tables containing the changes described
on the 2016 Medicare severity diagnosis factors on the VHA Chief Business in this notice will be posted on the
related groups (MS–DRGs). Office Web site under the v3.16 link in Internet site of the VHA Chief Business
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: the ‘‘Reasonable Charges Data Tables’’ Office, ‘‘Reasonable Charges (Rates)
Romona Greene, Chief Business Office section, which are not being updated by Information’’ Web page currently at
(10NB), Veterans Health this notice. The skilled nursing facility/ http://www.va.gov/CBO/apps/rates/
Administration, Department of Veterans sub-acute inpatient facility per diem index.asp.

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57052 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 182 / Monday, September 21, 2015 / Notices

Signing Authority the public wanting to attend may Dated: September 16, 2015.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or contact Ms. Gilles. Rebecca Schiller,
designee, approved this document and Dated: September 16, 2015. Federal Advisory Committee Management
Officer.
authorized the undersigned to sign and Sharon Gilles,
submit the document to the Office of the [FR Doc. 2015–23628 Filed 9–18–15; 8:45 am]
Designated Federal Officer, Commission on
Federal Register for publication Care. BILLING CODE P

electronically as an official document of [FR Doc. 2015–23576 Filed 9–18–15; 8:45 am]
the Department of Veterans Affairs. BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
Robert L. Nabors II, Chief of Staff, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
Department of Veterans Affairs, AFFAIRS
approved this document on September DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS Advisory Committee on Former
15, 2015, for publication. AFFAIRS Prisoners of War; Notice of Meeting
Dated: September 16, 2015.
Veterans’ Advisory Committee on The Department of Veterans Affairs
Michael Shores,
Education; Notice of Meeting (VA) gives notice under the Federal
Chief Impact Analyst, Office of Regulation
Policy & Management, Office of the General
Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.
The Department of Veterans Affairs
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs. 2, that the meeting of the Advisory
(VA) gives notice under the Federal
Committee on Former Prisoners of War
[FR Doc. 2015–23585 Filed 9–18–15; 8:45 am] Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.
(FPOW), previously scheduled to be
BILLING CODE 8320–01–P 2, that the Veterans’ Advisory
held at the Audie Murphy VA Medical
Committee on Education will meet on
Center, 7400 Merton Minter Blvd., San
October 21–22, 2015 at the American
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS Antonio, TX, on October 5–7, 2015, has
Council on Education (ACE) located at
AFFAIRS been cancelled.
One Dupont Circle, Washington, DC
For more information, please contact
20004. On October 21, the meeting will
Commission on Care; Notice of Mr. Eric Robinson, Designated Federal
be held in Conference Rooms A&B
Meeting Officer at (202) 443–6016 or via email at
located on floor 1B. On October 22, the
eric.robinson3@va.gov.
In accordance with the Federal meeting will be held in the Kellogg
Room on the 8th floor. The meeting Dated: September 16, 2015.
Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C., App.
2, the Commission on Care gives notice session begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at Jelessa Burney,
that it will meet on Tuesday, October 6, 5:00 p.m. on both days. The meeting is Federal Advisory Committee Management
2015 at the Capital Hilton, 1001 16th open to the public. Officer.
Street NW., Washington, DC 20036. The The purpose of the Committee is to [FR Doc. 2015–23615 Filed 9–18–15; 8:45 am]
meeting will convene at 8:30 a.m. and advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
end at 5:30 p.m. The meeting is open to on the administration of education and
the public. training programs for Veterans,
The purpose of the Commission, as Servicepersons, Reservists, and DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
described in section 202 of the Veterans Dependents of Veterans under Chapters AFFAIRS
Access, Choice, and Accountability Act 30, 32, 33, 35, and 36 of title 38, and
Chapter 1606 of title 10, United States MyVA Federal Advisory Committee;
of 2014 (VACAA), is to examine the
Code. Notice of Meeting
access of Veterans to health care from
the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) The purpose of the meeting is to assist The Department of Veterans Affairs
and strategically examine how best to in the evaluation of existing GI Bill (VA) gives notice under the Federal
organize the Veterans Health programs and services, review recent Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C.
Administration (VHA), locate health legislative and administrative changes App.2., that the MyVA Advisory
care resources, and deliver health care to GI Bill benefits, and submit their Committee (MVAC) will meet October
to Veterans during the next 20 years. In recommendations to the Secretary. 14 and 15, 2015 at the Department of
undertaking this assessment, the On October 21st, the Committee will Veterans Affairs, James A. Haley
Commission will evaluate and assess receive presentations about the Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B.
the results of the Independent administration of VA’s education and Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612, and the
Assessment conducted by CMS Alliance training programs. Oral statements will James A. Haley Veterans Hospital
to Modernize Healthcare (CAMH) in be heard from 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Primary Care Annex, 13515 Lake
accordance with section 201 of VACAA. On October 22nd, the Committee will Terrace Lane, Tampa, FL 33637.
On October 6, the Commission will review and summarize issues raised The purpose of the Committee is to
hear from VHA and other Department throughout the meeting and discuss advise the Secretary, through the
officials as well as other experts on the Committee work groups and next steps. Executive Director, My VA Task Force
feasibility, advisability, and cost The public may submit written Office regarding the My VA initiative
implications of recommendations in the statements for the Committee’s review and VA’s ability to rebuild trust with
CAMH Independent Assessment. to Mr. Barrett Y. Bogue, Designated Veterans and other stakeholders,
No time will be allocated at this Federal Officer, Department of Veterans improve service delivery with a focus
meeting for receiving oral presentations Affairs, Veterans Benefits on Veteran outcomes, and set the course
rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

from the public. However, the public Administration (223D), 810 Vermont for longer-term excellence and reform of
may submit written statements for the Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or VA.
Commission’s review to Sharon Gilles, via email at Barrett.Bogue@va.gov. Any On October 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00
Designated Federal Officer, Commission member of the public wishing to attend p.m., the Committee will convene a
on Care, 1575 I (Eye) Street NW., Suite the meeting or seeking additional closed session in order to protect patient
240, Washington, DC 20005, or email at information should contact Mr. Bogue at privacy as the Committee tours the VA
sharon.gilles@va.gov. Any member of (202) 461–9800. Sunshine Healthcare Network, Patient

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Document Created: 2015-12-15 09:39:11
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 09:39:11

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice.
Contact		Romona Greene, Chief Business Office (10NB), Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, (202) 382-2521. (This is not a toll free number.)
FR Citation		80 FR 57051