Speak Out April 2021

in practice

Services Australia are upgrading their digital health and aged care channels

These upgrades will take effect from 13 March 2022. Services Australia want to make sure speech pathologists understand the impact of these upgrades and how you can

care channels are secure and using up-to-date industry standard technology. What this means for you If you use any of these channels, you’ll need to make sure your software has been upgraded to web services compatible software before 13 March 2022 . Contact your software developer now to find out when they’ll have their web services ready software available. You may also need to create a PRODA account, if you don’t already have one. You can confirm this with your software developer. If your software isn’t updated by 13 March 2022, claims and transmissions may need to revert to Health Professional Online Services (HPOS). This may create additional administrative pressure and costs for your business. If you currently use HPOS These upgrades will not affect you if you are currently using HPOS for claiming and data transmissions. If you’d like to start using software, make sure the software developer is or will be developing products that are web services ready. For more details see: Service Australia's information: How to find a software developer For more information You can find out more at www.servicesaustralia.gov. au/hpwebservices or contact advisor@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au This article was prepared in collaboration with Services Australia.

prepare before the March 2022 deadline. The channels being upgraded include:

• Medicare Online (Including AIR and DVA) This is the digital claiming channel used to submit claims and data to Services Australia. It’s usually integrated within practice management software. It includes access to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). • Electronic Claim Lodgement and Information Processing Service Environment (ECLIPSE) This is an extension of Medicare Online and provides a secure connection for communication and in hospital claiming lodgement between health professionals, public and private hospitals, private health insurers, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Services Australia. It also offers providers direct communication with Services Australia and private health insurers in the one transaction. • Aged Care Online / Web Services This is a new digital channel that will be used by aged care providers to submit claims and data to Services Australia. In addition to the upgrade to web services, Services Australia will also be moving their authentication from PKI technology to Provider Digital Access (PRODA). Why are Services Australia making these upgrades? These upgrades will ensure digital health and aged

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Speak Out | April 2021