MDS Alert
What Do You Think?
Published on Sun Aug 14, 2005 
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Question: Does a leave of absence (LOA) for Medicare Part A-stay SNF patients create potential concerns about their need for a skilled level of care in an inpatient setting?
Answer: The facility can allow a Medicare Part A resident to go on an LOA. But if the person goes home often during a SNF stay, one could argue that he doesn't need a SNF level-of-care that can only be provided as a practical matter in an inpatient setting. LOAs are thus generally reserved for isolated events, such as a special family celebration or wedding - or the resident may try an overnight at home before discharge to see how he manages.
Source: Rita Roedel, RN, MS, Milwaukee, WI
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