Provider updates

The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) offers non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) resources to ensure members have access to covered health care services. NW Rides serves members enrolled with Columbia Pacific CCO (CPCCO) in Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties.

What you need to know

NW Rides will, at times, request your assistance with verifying appointments for CPCCO members who use the NW Rides brokerage for NEMT services. NW Rides may ask health care providers about protected health information (PHI) for members using the service, including:

• Whether the member has a scheduled appointment
• Whether the member has attended an appointment
• Specific information about the service the member will get at the appointment. This is to verify that the appointment is for a covered service.
• If the appointment is outside the member’s local area, whether the member can get the service locally.
• Whether the member is physically and mentally able to use certain types of transportation.

How does this impact members?

This information is necessary to confirm eligibility and provide covered services, while maintaining compliance with HIPAA regulations. If NW Rides is unable to verify information to confirm appointments and covered services, this may result in denial of members’ requested trips.

Ensure you are set up for success

If your office requires a signed Release of Information (ROI) to share patient details, please ensure the appropriate paperwork is on file. Proper verification is critical for avoiding transportation request denials and enabling members to attend their appointments.

More information on NW Rides

For more details about NW Rides, visit nwconnector.org/nw-rides.