Category: Compliance
States have rules for driving a car, catching a fish, and hunting wild game. At the same time, we also have Rules and Regulations in each state for Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Speech Language
Effective January 1, 2017 Physical and Occupational Therapists will be using new complexity-based evaluation codes and a new re-evaluation code for each discipline. This policy change was discussed in the CY 2017 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rulemaking. The goal is
On October 31, 2016, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported on their RAC Website that they have awarded new round of contracts for the Medicare Fee-for-Service Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs). The mission of the RAC program is
Leaders and staff from the National Association for the Support of Long Term Care (NASL) have been working with APTA, AOTA, and ASHA to develop resource materials for therapists regarding accurate information about Medicare billing and best practices in the long
In February of 2016, CMS reported that Strategic Health Solutions will be the Supplemental Medical Review Contractor (or “SMRC”) performing post-payment Manual Medical review of all Medicare Part B claims that exceed the $3,700 threshold. This manual review is required as
CPT Codes Heaven-Bound? So long and farewell to PT and OT CPT codes 97001, 97002, 97003, and 97004! According to The Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule, Physical and Occupational Therapy Evaluation codes will be changing effective on
At every level of treatment, the resident’s length of stay is getting shorter and shorter. Post Acute Care facilities are starting to see sicker patients for shorter stays, and we are discharging sicker patients back home with home care to
On June 24, 2016, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released 2017’s ICD-10-CM codes. These 2017 ICD-10-CM codes are to be used for patient encounters and for discharges occurring from October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017. What
Who doesn’t like a hug now and then? Giving and receiving a hug will decrease stress and show others that you care. But when you “hug a RUG”, that will have the opposite effect. You will increase stress and the
Effective communication is a challenge that affects all areas of health care. Often times the lack of communication alone will precipitate a resident harm event. How do you ensure that all the care providers have the necessary information to work