HBA-MSH S.B. 440 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 440
By: Madla
Insurance
5/11/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Some podiatrists practicing in Texas who routinely provide physical
modalities and durable medical equipment do not always receive payment
because some preferred provider organizations (PPO) and health maintenance
organizations (HMO) refuse to reimburse podiatrists for these services.
These PPOs and HMOs direct patients to another facility for physical
therapy, which may inconvenience the patient and disrupt timely patient
care.  Senate Bill 440 provides for a podiatrist to be reimbursed for
furnishing physical modalities and durable medical equipment.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 440 amends the Insurance Code to provide that a contract
between a preferred provider organization (PPO) or health maintenance
organization (HMO) and a licensed podiatrist must provide that the
podiatrist may furnish physical modalities and durable medical equipment
within the scope of the law regulating podiatry.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.