Blue Review
A Medicaid Provider Newsletter

February 2018

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV): When to Install a Small Alternative Device in the Home

The EVV program requires providers to document their visits to members’ homes. If a member doesn’t wish to let the attendant use their landline (or if they don’t have a landline), the attendant must install a small alternative device in the home.

This device must be installed in the home of the person receiving services using a zip tie that lists your EVV vendor’s name printed on it. Failure to do so may result in a Medicaid fraud referral for the provider, member, or both.

Device Installation

  • Provider agency or attendant must install the device in the home.
  • Provider agency or attendant should ask the member where they would like the device installed. The device should be in a place where it is accessible to the attendant at all times.
  • The device should be affixed to a permanent object in the home.

Malfunctioning Devices

  • If the device is malfunctioning, the attendant must notify the provider agency immediately so a new device can be ordered.
  • It’s the provider agency’s responsibility to replace the device promptly.
  • Until the device is replaced and installed, the provider agency must verify services were delivered and complete a visit maintenance log for those visits using the most appropriate reason code.

Zip Ties

  • If the zip tie has been cut, damaged or broken, the attendant must notify the provider agency immediately so a new zip tie can be ordered from the vendor and replaced.
  • If the device needs to be moved to a new location, the zip tie will need to be cut and a new vendor zip tie will need to be used to re-install the device in its new location.

If you are made aware of a device being used outside of the home or has been tampered with, please report it to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Office of Inspector General by calling 1-800-436-6184 or visiting their website at oig.hhsc.texas.gov/report-fraud.

Please visit the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) EVV page for additional information regarding EVV. You may also contact BCBSTX directly with EVV questions or complaints by calling the Provider Services Hotline at 1-877-784-6802 or email EVV at BCBSTX_EVV_Questions@bcbstx.com.