What is Electronic Visit Verification?
Electronic Visit Verification is a computer-based system that electronically verifies the occurrence of authorized personal attendant service visits by electronically documenting the precise time a service delivery visit begins and ends. The EVV program was implemented to replace paper-based attendant timesheets.
Texas requires EVV for certain Medicaid funded home and community-based services provided through the Health and Human Services Commission and health plans.
EVV At-a-Glance
Which Providers Must Use EVV?
| Program | Services |
|---|---|
| STAR+PLUS Dual Eligible Integrated Care Demonstration |
|
| STAR Health |
|
| STAR Kids |
|
| Community Living Assistance and Support Services |
|
| Community Attendant Services |
|
| Family Care |
|
| Primary Home Care |
|
**EVV is optional for members who have selected the Consumer Directed Services option or the Service Responsibility Option.
How does EVV Work?
When an attendant provides services to a client in the home or the community, the attendant must use one of three approved EVV time recording methods to clock in when services begin and clock out when services end. Below is an example of how the attendant would use each approved EVV time recording method.
Home Landline Telephone
The attendant arrives at the home and before starting services, uses the client’s landline phone to call a toll-free number, issued by the EVV vendor, to clock in. The attendant may be prompted to enter their EVV ID or other identifying data elements, depending on the EVV vendor’s system. The attendant follows this same process when clocking out.
Small Alternative Device
The attendant arrives at the home and before starting services, locates the placement of a small alternative device in the home and writes down the numeric code displayed on the device. The attendant can then begin providing services. When the visit is complete, the attendant writes down a second numeric code displayed on the device. The attendant then calls a toll-free number, issued by the EVV vendor, and enters the first numeric code for clocking in and enters the second numeric code for clocking out. The numeric codes displayed on the small alternative device are like electronic time stamps, capturing the date and time of the visit.
EVV Mobile Application
The attendant arrives at the home or starts the visit in the community (shopping for the client, meeting the client at a doctor’s appointment, etc.) and before starting services, opens the EVV mobile application to clock in. The EVV mobile app may prompt the attendant to select other options depending on the vendor’s technology. The attendant will follow the same process when clocking out. The EVV mobile app captures the geolocation coordinates of where the attendant clocks in and out as well as the date and time of the visit.
How do I get started with EVV?
- Research HHSC-approved EVV vendors
- Data Logic (VESTA) Software
- MEDsys Software Solutions - Contract is expiring on Nov. 6. MEDsys is not currently accepting new providers.
- Select an HHSC-approved EVV vendor < DataLogic
- Complete the Vesta EVV Agency Information Form (PDF)
- Submit the completed Vesta EVV Agency Information Form to the email address or fax number detailed in the form.
Who do I Contact if I Have Questions?
The EVV Contact Information Guide provides a detailed listing of topics and points of contact for EVV-related questions and issues. The guide includes contacts for the HHSC-approved EVV vendor, claims submission, training, policy, MCOs, and more.
What is the status of the 21st Century Cures Act?
The 21st Century Cures Act is a federal law requiring all states to use Electronic Visit Verification for Medicaid Personal Care Services and home health services or risk a loss of federal Medicaid matching dollars.
Federal legislation signed July 30 changes the original 2019 deadline. The law now requires EVV for PCS starting Jan. 1, 2020. Home health services must use EVV starting Jan. 1, 2023.