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Elizabeth M. Whitehorn, Director

Provider Notice issued 12/30/03

Non-Emergency Transportation Services Prior Approval Program (NETSPAP)

​To: ​Dialysis Centers serving the Counties of: Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, JoDaviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will and Winnebago
​Date: ​December 30, 2003
​Re: ​Non-Emergency Transportation Services Prior Approval Program (NETSPAP)

 

The Illinois Department of Public Aid has contracted with First Transit, Inc. to administer the Non-Emergency Transportation Services Prior Approval Program (NETSPAP) in the counties listed above.

 

Effective with trips on, or after, February 1, 2004, participants residing in any of the counties listed above must obtain prior approval for all non-emergency medical transportation from First Transit. The Department of Human Services’ local offices in these counties will no longer handle prior approval requests for non-emergency medical transportation services.

 

The participant, medical provider or transportation provider may call for the prior approval of single trips, such as hospital discharge. Transportation providers CANNOT make arrangements for standing orders. ONLY MEDICAL PROVIDERS CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR STANDING ORDERS. Currently, standing orders are limited to five medical treatments: renal dialysis, behavioral health services, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and physical therapy.

Non-emergency transportation must be:

  • For an eligible participant;
  • For department approved medically necessary care;
  • Provided by an enrolled transportation provider;
  • Prior approved by First Transit, Inc.;
  • To the nearest medical provider that meets the participant's needs; and
  • Provided in the least expensive mode that meets the participant's medical needs on the date of transport.

Questions regarding this notice should be directed to the Bureau of Contract Management at 1-217-524-7478. 

Billing questions should be directed to 1-217-782-5565.

 

Anne Marie Murphy, Ph.D.
Administrator
Division of Medical Programs

Attachment to Non-Emergency Transportation Services Prior Approval Program (NETSPAP) Notice to Dialysis Centers

Prior Approval Process: The process for non-emergency prior approval for standing orders through First Transit is outlined as follows:

 

  • The request for transportation must be in writing and faxed to First Transit, using the attached Standing Order Request form completed and signed by a medical provider.

    First Transit, Inc.
    Fax number: (312) 327-3855
    Toll-free Telephone number: (877) 725-0569

  • The request must be made to First Transit at least two business days (excluding weekends and holidays) prior to the trip.
  • If a transportation provider that meets the participant’s medical needs is not available, First Transit will provide assistance in selecting an appropriate transportation provider.
  • The participant, or the requesting party, is responsible for arranging transportation with the transportation provider. The transportation provider may phone First Transit to obtain the referral number.
  • Transportation providers will receive an approval letter from the department that lists all trip codes approved by First Transit.

Exceptions - There are two exceptions to the above process:

 

  • Residents of Long Term Care Facilities.  Transportation for a participant who resides in a long-term care facility will NOT need prior approval by First Transit. The facility will arrange necessary transportation and the transportation provider will bill the department directly.
  • DCFS Wards. Special procedures are used to approve non-emergency medical transportation for children who are in the care and custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Only DCFS Medical Liaisons may make non-emergency medical transportation arrangements for DCFS wards. If you have any questions regarding non-emergency medical transportation for a DCFS, please contact the child's DCFS caseworker or DCFS at 1-800-228-6533.

On behalf of the department, First Transit conducts a program of random sampling of medical providers, participants and transportation providers to verify the validity of transportation requests.

First Transit would like the opportunity to explain the process for making requests for standing orders in greater detail. A First Transit representative will be contacting your facility in the immediate future to schedule a time during the weeks of January 12 and January 19, 2004 to meet with designated staff from your facility for this purpose.

 

NETSPAP Standing Order Request