CBIS Changes due to First Steps Transition to TOTS

[cb...@louisville.edu]

Due to First Steps transitioning to TOTS, there are going to be
changes coming to CBIS of which you need to be aware.

First, as a First Steps provider, you may not have the same program
assistant helping you with your billing issues every time you call.
Gail Brown is no longer with CBIS. If she previously assisted you,
please call the 800 number, not her direct line number, and we will
assist you as staff are available. Our 800 number is 800-781-2967 and
is on the bottom of every form and statement we send out. When you
call, please leave a number where we can reach you, including the area
code, your name, provider number, and as much detail as you can about
your request (child id number, date of service, etc). We will return
calls in the order they are received.

Secondly, in the future, when you call CBIS, we will try our best to
respond within 48 hours, but if you call from the cutoff date until
the billing cycle run date we will not be returning those calls
immediately. Given our staff shortage we have to make it our priority
to make sure all the billing files and billing forms and summary
sheets that arrived before the cutoff date are in. So if you need
assistance with your mismatch, call well before the next cutoff
date.

Finally, and most exciting for us, we are in final testing of online
screens for PSCs to enter summary sheets over the web. The screens
are not the TOTS screens that you will receive training on in August.
The screens look very much like the paper forms you currently fill
out, except that data we already have will be prefilled on them. This
will make it much easier you to enter the information, plus the
information will be live in our system the very next day. It will
totally eliminate data entry on our end. In addition, providers who
do not bill very many claims each cycle will be able to enter claims
online (one at a time). You will still be able to send us electronic
spreadsheets containing your billing as well. These forms will be
available in July, and we will be making online summary sheet entry
mandatory for PSCs. More information will follow on this as soon as
we set a "go-live" date.

These changes will help us continue to serve you, get the work done to
make sure you get paid, and work with Central Office through the
transition period. We appreciate your help and consideration through
this transition.

Thanks,
Brenda Curry-White
Director, CBIS