Indiana CRO

OVERVIEW OF THE INDIANA CENTRAL REIMBURSEMENT OFFICE (CRO)

VISION

DESCRIPTION

FUNCTIONS OF THE CRO

1. Track and report all resources used for early intervention services.
2. Receive and dispense all relevant State and Federal early intervention resources. A comprehensive system is established to maximize all resources.
3. Provide timely reimbursement to providers of early intervention services. The IFSP is the authorizing document for EI services. Certain information from the IFSP is electronically transmitted to the CRO, providing identifying information for the child and family, service and funding information. The CRO generates a purchase order or electronic approval to initiate services. The purchase order is sent to the provider of each individual service listed in the IFSP. Providers enter data as services are utilized so that payment can be generated.
4. Meet financial and demographic reporting needs of Federal, State and Local funding sources. Since all resources used to fund early intervention services are tracked by the CRO electronically, the system is set up to meet the specific reporting needs of all funding sources to ensure fiscal accountability, appropriate use of funds and the child or family’s eligibility for services through various funds.
5. Manage the level of resources to ensure fiscal accountability and responsibility. A system of authorizing transactions based on the IFSP provides the assurance to providers that funds have been allocated for payment of bills. The process includes analysis of planned levels of service to actual units of service delivered and is the source of information necessary to identify cash requirements to pay bills in a timely fashion. Monitoring of the authorized levels of service and projected expenditure level also assists the lead agency in identifying any impending shortfalls in advance, so that appropriate action can be taken.
6. Provide on-line access to information using appropriate safeguards to assure confidentiality and the rights of the child and family. With informed, written parental consent, the CRO becomes the central point of electronic data collection and record maintenance for children and families participating in the EI system. The CRO creates and manages a single early intervention record, provides the opportunity for a single application for multiple financing, and ensures easy transfer of service and financing information as families or children move through the state. No additional financial or demographic data is required of providers or families.
7. Review certification of providers. Provider expansion is a capacity building issue essential to meet the needs of eligible children and their families. Common personnel standards for EI providers are being implemented statewide.
8. Provide financial projections on the cost of early intervention. The electronic data system allows data to be available to local service areas and state agencies to assist in planning activities. These data do not include confidential data, but data that help identify such issues as utilization of IFSP services, unmet needs, capacity building needs at the local level, and statewide recruitment and training needs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

• First Steps
• Bureau of Child Development
• Division of Family and Children
• 402 West Washington Street, #W-386, MS02
• Indianapolis, IN 46204
• Phone: 317/232-9229
• Fax: 317/232-7948
• Website: http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/4964.htm