Challenges, Process Improvements, and Excitement Await the New Osage Nation Counseling Center

OSAGE NATION RESERVATION, OKLA. (February 26, 2024) – The Osage Nation Health System’s Health Board, Si-Si A-Pe-Txa (SSAPT), and the executive leadership team are preparing to consolidate the Osage Nation Counseling Services and Primary Residential Treatment Center (PRTC) programs in June 2024, along with related grant programs, at their new campus location north of the Elks Lodge and U.S. 60 in Pawhuska, Okla. 

“It is a very exciting time, and much work has been accomplished in preparing for this big day with our much improved, and now compliant, counseling services and programs,” stated Cindra Shangreau, SSAPT Board Chairwoman. “The challenges and process improvements have been underway health-system-wide for the last several months, with improved billing, coding, charting, training, and other important compliance workflow process improvements, better positioning us for continued success after the move into our new campus location. With our own Health System’s IT network being launched and with electronic health records implementation, our HIPAA and other protected health information (PHI) will be more secure and controlled. It will also have a physical and information security layer built into the new platform.”

During a yearlong SSAPT Board-directed health-system-wide performance and revenue cycle audit, billing, coding, and basic documentation discrepancies were discovered with the counseling center’s programs. This required a remittance of funds back to Oklahoma’s Medicaid (or SoonerCare) program as a result of these administrative billing errors. With the advice of outside experts in counseling and behavioral health revenue processes, actions were taken to address all identified concerns. The auditors verified that proper care and client services were provided regardless of the administrative billing errors.

Whenever any administrative billing errors are identified, all contracted providers are required to “self-report” to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority the “overpayments” of any billed Medicaid services that were not properly coded and submitted for payment (or reimbursement for services). Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear remarked on the pending opening, “Since these and other challenges were identified and overcome with our team, we are now extremely confident and comfortable with the fixes and training provided by the Health System’s outside consultants. Due to the Health Board and executive team’s leadership on this matter, the counseling center is now in a much better position for properly charting, coding, and billing for the essential counseling services provided within these programs due to these compliance actions taken by their team.” 

The Health System also noted that other changes in personnel and leadership accelerated successful compliance efforts with identification, response, and resolution being completed. The SSAPT Health Board and executive team are now focused on the exciting next chapter in their counseling services to area Native American families and surrounding communities. 

The new Osage Nation Health System Counseling Center Complex will include an approximately 22,500 sq. ft. building-related infrastructure with five new facilities: A Men’s PRT facility (approximately 4,500 square feet) with one ADA-compliant room; a Women’s PRT facility (approximately 4,000 square feet) with one ADA-compliant room; an Adolescent PRT (approximately 6,000 square feet) which will have a school room to continue education while in treatment; a Men’s and Women’s Transitional Living (approximately 3,000 square feet). The role of transitional living is to act as a step down from residential treatment. The clients will be able to work and attend outside meetings while maintaining the supportive net of ONCC and an Outpatient Building (approximately 5,000 square feet). The Osage Nation Counseling Center comprises a multidisciplinary team focusing on comprehensive services for women, men, children, and adolescents. Counseling services include mental health, substance use, marriage, and family, school-based, and trauma-focused. Peer recovery and case management services include assistance with legal problems, medical care, social services, financial training, social support, housing assistance, literacy training, and education needs. Residential services include a 90-day treatment focusing on relapse prevention, anger management, Wellbriety, the 12 steps, and trauma, with an emphasis on cultural connection.

The project was funded by the Osage Nation at $15,399,736 million dollars of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which were appropriated for the purchase and development of the property. ARPA funds were used due to behavioral health needs and public health impacts exacerbated by the pandemic. Outpatient services are available to all members of the community, while residential services are exclusively available to members of any federally recognized Tribe. Located west of downtown Pawhuska, the soon-to-be-open Counseling Center Complex is on Nation-owned property north of the Elks Lodge and U.S. 60.

About Osage Nation

Osage Nation is a strong, proud, resilient, and enduring sovereign nation, as demonstrated by a viable and sustainable economy driven by Osage Nation enterprises with which the income derived is responsibly reinvested and reserved for future generations. A flourishing Wahzhazhe culture, a revitalized Wahzhazhe language spoken at a basic level by a vast majority of Osage Nation members, and a unique and vibrant Wahzhazhe history taught to our children and fostered, promoted and memorialized throughout our homelands. Conservation and responsible stewardship of natural resources balanced with sound management practices and efficient production of the mineral estate within our established territory. Highly educated tribal members supported and promoted by the Nation at the pre-school level, continuing through the postsecondary level and beyond. Physical, mental, and spiritual vitality is evident amongst our Wahzhazhe people, complemented by the ongoing development of health and wellness services. A self-determining, civically engaged society with ethically responsible government leaders who faithfully serve our Constitution and are accountable for their actions to Osage Nation members. 

To learn more about the Osage Nation Counseling Center and its services, please visit www.osagenation-nsn.gov/services/counseling-center.