When the re-certification to a plan of care is signed on the 25th day from the initial evaluation, does the 30 days begin from that day?
A. No, a re-certification period begins on the day the last certification period ends. When outpatient therapy services are continued under the same plan of treatment for a period of time, the physician must recertify at intervals of at least once every 30 days from the date last seen by the referring physician that there is a continuing need for such services and estimate how long services are needed. Obtain the recertification at the time the plan of treatment is reviewed since the same interval (at least once every thirty days) is required for the review of the plan. (CMS Pub 100-02 CH 15 220.3.1) According to the National Coverage Determinations Manual (CMS Pub 100-03 Section 270.1.1), CMS issued a coverage decision on the use of electrical stimulation only for CHRONIC Stage III and Stage IV pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers.
Related Questions
- When the re-certification to a plan of care is signed on the 25th day from the initial evaluation, does the 30 days begin from that day?
- Why is a physical therapist and psychologist often utilized in the initial evaluation and in the ongoing treatment plan?
- Can I perform an initial evaluation and develop a plan of care?
