Heartland News
KC And Peggy
K.C. Martin, the almost-new owner of SEMO Medical in Cape Girardeau, Mo., admits he was trying to be pro-active.
He purchased SEMO’s assets in July 2010, and on March 11, moved to a new location “that would help me better serve my patients.” So, on Feb. 26, he completed a change of address form for the U.S. Post Office to ensure there would be no interruptions in service.
No good deed goes unpunished. Region B sent a communication to SEMO’s old address, and when it was returned, his account was put on a “do not forward” status, he says. “That means they don’t pay,” he explains. “DNF ground everything to a halt.”
He sent out a plea via e-mail, looking for his ombudsman because he needed help.
“Peggy (Walker) was one of the first who responded. She did help me through pleading my case. She did a wonderful job for me , and gave me some other ideas on things we’ll be doing down the road.”
“Providers are supposed to notify the National Supplier Clearinghouse of any changes within 30 days, BUT when they process their application, it will definitely take longer than 30 days. So you shouldn’t change your address at the post office until the NCS process is complete,” Walker, VGM Group reimbursement adviser, explains.
“K.C.’s provider number was frozen and things didn’t look good for his business. I did some research, got to the proper person at NSC and they released the number. That made it possible for the company to bill,” she continues.
Walker’s assistance helped Martin make a decision about what he’ll be doing the first week in June.
“I had some other plans, but I’m coming to Heartland now!” he says.
