Entry By: Eileen Bach, PT, M.Ed, DPT
CMS released the proposed rules – you can see full text at http://federalregister.gov/inspection.aspx
A few significant changes are – a 3.35 % decrease in payment, lower payment amounts and changes to case-mix for select diagnoses and the therapy payment structure, OT serving as a qualifying service and flexibility in MD face-to-face process by allowing physicians in acute or post-acute setting to inform the certifying MD of the patient encounter. Face-to-face MD requirements would be extended to Medicaid patients.
Additional clarification for Medicaid beneficiaries around homebound, services in the home and DME are in the proposed rules.
Comments are due within 60 days, after which CMS will review and submit the final rule. I expect to see the 2012 in final rule format by November.
Happy reading!
Eileen Bach
What this about “OT serving as a qualifying service”??? I missed it; are OTs allowed to be a primary reason for home care (i.e. can OTs do an OASIS to start care?)
Julie, the way I understand the proposed OT change is that once the patient is qualified
by RN, PT or ST, an OT could be a qualifying service on recert. I did not see info
for OT to become an initial qualifying service but I plan to read the proposed rules
several more times as the document has a number of areas!
Best, Eileen
Thanks, Eileen! I really love the info you share. It’s so easily accessible, pertinent, and to the point!!
Julie
You are most welcome!