Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement

Get the latest word on new reform bill provision for CAHs.

Critical access hospitals that want to establish a distinct-part unit for psychiatric and rehabilitation services first need to make sure they meet surveyors' list of requirements.

Helpful: A Sept. 29 memo to state surveyors (S&C 04-48) sheds some light on how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to implement the measure - and what it will be looking for. Here's a round-up of what's gone into effect as of Oct. 1: A prospective payment system hospital with PPS-excluded psychiatric or rehab unit that meets criteria as an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility may now convert to CAH-provider status with the same DPU. Each DPU may have up to 10 beds;

a current CAH may now add a DPU(s) on the beginning of a CAH cost reporting period; new provider numbers for the DPUs will be effective with CAH DPU approval effective date; and DPUs will have compliance with certain conditions and requirements verified through onsite inspections. To read more, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/survey-cert/sc0448.pdf. Lesson Learned: Critical access hospitals get guidance on how to apply for distinct part units.