Medicare Documentation Resources for Rehab

Background

On January 1, 2006 the therapy community saw the initiation of the therapy caps for outpatient physical therapy (including speech-language pathology) and occupational therapy.  By March of 2006, an exceptions process was in place along with an updating of the Medicare doucmentation standards for outpatient providers.  The documentation updates represented an effort to consolidate documentation requirements that had often differed based upon the certification status of the provider.  in addition over recent years Medicare continued to provide clarification on coding requirements, group therapy guidelines, and the 8 minute rule.

Current Documentation Requirements - 2008

Medicare updated docuementation requirements for 2007 as well as in 2008.  In addtition to the continued clarification of Medicare's expectations there was an announcement of the 'requirement' of the use of an rehab outcomes measurement tool.  Four specific instruments were identified as meeting Medicare's intent to document functional outcomes.  In addition the requirements provide an opportunity for therapists provide their own documentation of functional assessment and outcomes measures. 

 

quick links

10-6-2008: CMS Announces New Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs)

10-4-2008: OIG Releases New Rehab Fraud Case.

10-1-2008:  OIG Issues 2009 Work Plan:  Private practice therapy is identified.