Re: SNF frequency and duration of POC

[Guest guest]

Our Intermediary does not allow ranges in treatment frequency.

Also, the POC needs to be signed by the physician prior to submitting

the UB-92 for billing.

Kristi Heilman, PT

Regional Director of Rehab, Dakota's

SNF frequency and duration of POC

Has anyone had any problems with writing the frequency and duration for

the plan of care as 1-2x a day 5-6 days a week for two weeks? Is this

violating any standard or regulation. This is in reference to inpatient

SNF.

Also, Is there a guideline for when a physician must sign off on a Plan

of Care?

Thanks for your help.

[Guest guest]

,

I attended that same seminar in Burbank CA. It is important to recognize

that they were reporting Medicare outpatient guidelines. Residents of an SNF

are also governed by state and federal requirements. Open orders or orders

with a range are not allowed here in California. I have been in facilities

who were cited for having orders with ranges. Orders must be specific. In

one case the state surveyor wrote that orders are a medical decision

requiring the expertise of an MD. The MD must decide if the resident needs 1

or 2 times a day or 5 or 6 times a week. The therapist or nurse does not

have the authority to make such a medical decision.

Check both your state skilled nursing facility regulations and the federal

regulations to determine what is correct in your situation. It is helpful if

members of the listserve would name the state they are located in when

asking questions along with their name, organization and type of setting.

Hope this helps.

Ron Wall

Life Enhancing Therapies

Upland, CA

>

>I just attended a seminar that UGS facilitated on 7/29/04 at the Hilton

>Oakland Airport and they said that ranges are now allowed.

>

> SNF frequency and duration of POC

>

>

>Has anyone had any problems with writing the frequency and duration for the

>plan of care as 1-2x a day 5-6 days a week for two weeks? Is this

>violating

>any standard or regulation. This is in reference to inpatient SNF.

>

>Also, Is there a guideline for when a physician must sign off on a Plan of

>Care?

>

>Thanks for your help.

>

[Guest guest]

,

Was the UGS conference that you attended referring to a specific

state that allowed for frequency and duration ranges? To my knowledge,

the state regulations very from one place to another.

Thanks,

Curtis

[Guest guest]

I'm sorry Curtis, but she was reporting Medicare outpatient guidelines.

RE: SNF frequency and duration of POC

,

Was the UGS conference that you attended referring to a specific

state that allowed for frequency and duration ranges? To my knowledge,

the state regulations very from one place to another.

Thanks,

Curtis

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