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Eli's Rehab Report

Outpatient Outlook:
Cross Your Fingers for Positive 2009 Fee Schedule Changes
Physician Quality Reporting Initiative measures get a booster shot, and the rehab communit... Read more
Speech-Language:
Heads Up: Swallowing Codes Take a Huge Cut
Saying goodbye to the non-physician work pool was bad news for 92610, 92611.If your facili... Read more
Managed Care:
Put These Medicare Advantage Changes on Your Radar
MIPPA legislation insists on contracts for certain private fee-for-services plans.The rece... Read more
Coding Corner:
Get Ready for Whole New Diagnosis Coding System
ICD will leap from 17,000 to 155,000 codes in 2011.Feeling confident about your diagnosis ... Read more
News Briefs:
Therapists Get off the DMEPOS Accreditation Hook -- for Now
If you've been sweating over the new accreditation requirements for durable medical equipm... Read more
News Briefs:
Miami Rehab Agency Goes Up In Smoke After OIG Audit
So much for fixing mistakes after an audit. After Ultimate Rehabilitation Agency Inc. got ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Non-Par Provider Status Still Has Its Catches
Question: We're a private speech-language practice that's shifted its focus to pediatrics,... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consider This Before Launching Wound Care Services
Question: We are thinking of providing wound care in our hospital-based outpatient therapy... Read more
Outpatient Outlook:
Part B Therapy Goes Under the Microscope With DOTPA
Rehab community brings a plethora of concerns to CMS Open Door Forum.Yearning for the day ... Read more
Business Strategies:
A Bleak Outlook for Rehab? You May Be in for a Surprise
Uncover these hidden opportunities to improve your inpatient -- or outpatient -- rehab bus... Read more
Try the FIM™ for Targeting Fall Risk -- at Admission
Rehab provider finds cognitive impairment a pivotal risk factor.A one-size-fits-all fall a... Read more
Business Strategies:
How to Keep a Savvy Marketing Strategy Cooking
Untapped opportunities are just beneath the surface.Whether you're in inpatient or outpati... Read more
Appeals:
Technical Difficulties Plague New ALJ Process
Federal watchdog takes a look at how ALJ hearings go under new rules.Whether you're an inp... Read more
News Briefs:
Breathe Easy: No 'Trigger' Pulled on MIPPA Legislation
You shouldn't have to face drastic proposals for Medicare cuts or therapy caps expiring an... Read more
News Briefs:
Congress Turns Attention to Veterans in Need of PT
Physical therapists may soon have good incentive to work for the Veterans Health Administr... Read more
News Briefs:
8 Functional Communication NOMS Measures Get an NQF Thumbs-Up
Speech-language pathologists are getting closer to actively participating in CMS' Physicia... Read more
News Briefs:
AMA Says OK to PTs and EMG
Language that once restricted physical therapists from performing electrodiagnostic servic... Read more
Errata
Correction 1: Regarding the Reader Question in Physical Medicine & Rehab Coding Alert,... Read more
Reader Questions:
PTs Lending OTs a Hand Could Spell Bad News
Question: We've had situations where our only OT on staff is out, and we have other PTs av... Read more
Reader Questions:
New Eval or Re-Eval? Here's How to Decide
Question: We've treated many patients with a condition that can reoccur or be exacerbate... Read more
Outpatient Outlook:
Saved by a Thread: Therapy Cap Exceptions Process Safe for Now
See what CMS has up its sleeve for long-term solutions.Good news: The therapy cap exceptio... Read more
SLPs in Private Practice Say Hello to Medicare Provider Status
A lucky provision in the MIPPA legislation gives SLPs the ticket.If you're a speech-langua... Read more
Compliance:
3 OSHA Safeguards That Most Outpatient Rehab Clinics Overlook
Owning an OSHA guidebook doesn't mean you're in OSHA compliance. Is your binder of OSHA... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Keep Your Compliance in Top Shape: Here's How
Clearly there's a lot to cover in OSHA compliance even in an outpatient rehab setting -- w... Read more
Home Health:
Get the Inside Scoop on H.R. 5794 and What It Means for OT
The Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act helps agencies, boosts OT professional integrity.... Read more
Clinical Rehab Roundup:
Try These Exercise Combos for Trapezius Imbalances
"Rehabilitation of scapular muscle balance: which exercises to prescribe?" Cools AM, Dewit... Read more
News Briefs:
Audits: CMS Gets More Excited About Its RAC Program
You may have heard providers in other states lamenting about CMS' Recovery Audit Contracto... Read more
Inpatient Rehab:
CMS Unveils 2009 PPS for IRFs
It's that time of year again -- time for prospective payment system rules. CMS issued on J... Read more
Legislation:
Get Ready for Financial Relief to Higher Education
If you or your therapists provide care to children, adolescents or veterans, you're one st... Read more
Reader Questions:
Keep an Eye on Your Iontophoresis LCD
Question: Our Medicare fiscal intermediary has quit paying for iontophoresis. When did Med... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take Heed From This History Lesson on Physician Visits
Question: For outpatient physical therapy, what is the current requirement for Medicare pa... Read more
Outpatient Outlook:
Brace for Reimbursement Cuts, Therapy Caps With No Exceptions
But don't give up on petitioning your representatives.If you were hoping for an extension ... Read more
Qualifications:
Do You and Your Therapists Make the Grade? See What CMS Has to Say
PTs, PTAs, OTs and OTAs have a slew of new standards.You weren't alone if you worried abou... Read more
Acute Rehab:
3 Fresh Ways to Combat Inappropriate Rehab Referrals
Try these stellar staff education tips from this acute care facility. Word is out that... Read more
Billing:
Gear up for CMS' New MACs With These Expert Tips
Your carriers and FIs will soon be a thing of the past if they aren't already.You've heard... Read more
Clinical Rehab Roundup:
Diathermy May Not Be Your Most Cost-Effective Intervention
"An economic evaluation of three physiotherapy treatments for non-specific neck disorders ... Read more
News Briefs:
Take Heed When Billing Ultrasound or Wound Care With 0183T
CMS just released its latest Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits, Version 14.2, and a ha... Read more
News Briefs:
HHS Extends Help to Flood Victims in Iowa, Indiana
Medical facilities suffering from the recent floods in Iowa and Indiana have some welcome ... Read more
News Briefs:
Get Your Provider Data in Sync
If your business name and your legal name are not consistent, be prepared to face NPI trou... Read more
News Briefs:
Brace for Changes in the Appeals Process
Providers who submit claims to a Medicare fiscal intermediary will be operating under revi... Read more
Reader Questions:
This Just in: New Aide and Tech Restrictions Go on Hold
Question: I remember seeing in the Nov. 27, 2007 Federal Register that aides and techs in ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bust Through Your Biofeedback Billing Troubles
Question: We do biofeedback in our clinic for patients with pelvic pain and urinary incont... Read more
Documentation:
Don't Just Correct -- Perfect -- What You Know About Certifications
Plus, your progress report deadlines aren't what they used to beWhen the Medicare Physicia... Read more
Inpatient Rehab:
Stay Tuned, Inpatient Rehab Folks
You're not off the hook with CMS transmittal 88If you provide therapy in inpatient setting... Read more
Speech-Language:
Good News: 'Aural Rehab' Just Got a Lot Clearer
CMS spells out the 'impairments of the auditory system' umbrellaYour Medicare contractors ... Read more
Compliance:
Dive Into a New Pool Rental Option for Aquatic Therapy
But don't land in hot water with your lease termsIf you've experienced confusion in the pa... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Make a Good First Impression to Score Long-Time Clients
Try these expert tips to make your practice shine among competitors When reimbursement... Read more
News Briefs:
Audits: OIG Wants Your Medicaid Billing to Get More Complicated
You could have to furnish your Medicaid program with a Medicare denial notice before recei... Read more
Clinical:
Get up to Date With This New Fitness Test
If you conduct adult physical fitness tests, you may want to try the newest national stand... Read more
State News:
Colorado OTs, Say Hello to 'OTR'
If you practice occupational therapy in Colorado, get ready to revalidate your credentials... Read more
Reader Questions:
Signed and Dated -- But Not Stamped, Says New CMS Policy
Question: I have a question regarding the CMS publication 100-08 released last March, whic... Read more
Reader Questions:
Double-Check Your Group Therapy Documentation
Question: We provide therapy services in the SNF Part A setting, and we recently had a p... Read more
Outpatient Outlook:
Good News -- CMS Report Reveals Win-Win Situation for Exceptions Process
If you provide outpatient therapy, and you're not in a hospital-based setting, you're prob... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Turn Over a New Leaf With a Consumer-Friendly Approach
Learn creative ways to work with the latest healthcare payment environmentHigher copays, m... Read more
Clip and Save:
Go to Bat for Your Patients With This Handy Letter
When a patient's private (not Medicare) insurance plan says 30 therapy visits per year, th... Read more
Analyze This:
Your SNF's Rehab Therapy Utilization
A simple calculation can offer a wealth of information If you want to know how your SNF... Read more
Clinical Rehab Roundup:
Vestibular Rehab Shows Long-Term Effects
"Vestibular rehabilitation in individuals with inner-ear dysfunction: a pilot study."Entic... Read more
Clinical Rehab Roundup:
Adherence to Exercise Strategies Is Key
"Endurance exercise training to improve economy of movement of people with Parkinson's dis... Read more
News Briefs:
Legislation: New Bill Addresses PT-Oral Health Specialist Connection
Although the legislation is only in its beginning stages, a new bill hit the House of Repr... Read more
News Briefs:
Inpatient Rehab: Brace for Payment Decreases: Proposed IRF PPS Rule Tells All
It's that time of year again -- CMS has released its 2009 proposed changes to payment poli... Read more
News Briefs:
Carrier News: Hot Packs a Hot Item in Highmark's Top Denials
Want a window into a Medicare contractor's denials for rehab services? You can check out t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Try Coding This Tough Dx
Question: I am seeing a Medicare patient who came in with a script for the diagnosis of s/... Read more
Reader Questions:
Reconsider Your Definition of 'Long-Term'
Question: My team is struggling over the definition of "long-term functional goals" for th... Read more
Acute Rehab:
Inappropriate Referrals Throwing Other POCs for a Loop?
Get tips on more efficient patient screenings for therapyIf you work in an acute rehab set... Read more
Billing:
Heads Up: New ABN May Cut Need for NEMB
CMS' updated, revised ABN was effective March 3If you still struggle with understanding th... Read more
Compliance:
Are You on Your Revalidation Process Game?
Don't let these new Medicare provider requirements come as a surpriseIf you bill Medicare ... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Top-12 Questions to Ask When Assessing Revalidation Compliance
If your answer isn't 'yes' to these items, it's time to do some digging 1. Is the provi... Read more
Clinical Rehab Roundup
In this recurring feature, Physical Medicine & Rehab Coding Alert provides summaries o... Read more
News Briefs:
CMS: Medicare Dubs NGS Newest MAC
If you're providing rehab services in Connecticut or New York, be prepared to send your Me... Read more
News Briefs:
Lobbying: Fall Prevention Gets National Attention
Medical and eldercare policy groups are putting pressure on Congress to fund fall-preventi... Read more
News Briefs:
Speech-Language: Premera Blue Cross Says OK to SGDs
Good news for speech-language pathologists using private health plan Premera Blue Cross:... Read more
Reader Questions:
Give Re-Cert Periods an Efficient Edge
Question: Is it OK to re-evaluate a patient or perform a progress note at the sixth visit ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Is Your Daily Documentation Enough? Beware the Treatment Grid
Question: I work in a SNF and have a question regarding our Med B patients. How often ar... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Patients Getting Bored? Give the Wii a Whirl
But be sure to tread carefully in billing territoryAre you up on the latest rehab trend hi... Read more
Trends:
3 Good Reasons to Invest in a Wii
See why nabbing the device is a good deal for you and your patientsSo you've heard the hyp... Read more
Reimbursement:
Expect Detours on the Road to NPI-Only Claims
Tip: Take stock of your enrollment status nowGear up for a rough transition to NPI-only cl... Read more
SNFs:
Use MDS to Put Documentation, Rehab Outcomes On Track
Find missed care opportunities, unexpected decline, inconsistenciesIf your fiscal intermed... Read more
News Briefs:
Therapists See Progress With Loan-Repayment Bill
You may have heard talk of a federal student loan- repayment program for professions of "n... Read more
News Briefs:
CMS Proposes Payment Boost for LTCHs
If you work in a long-term care hospital (LTCH), your Medicare reimbursement will increase... Read more
News Briefs:
CARF Updates Medical Rehabilitation Standards Manual
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities recently announced major revi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Initial Eval or Re-Eval? That Is the Question When You Change Settings
Question: My staff works in a hospital-based outpatient facility. We also work for our hos... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tread Carefully With Non-FDA-Approved Devices
Question: I have a question regarding investigative studies: If a physician's office is us... Read more
Outpatient Outlook:
Pay Attention to PQRI: You Have New Reportable Measures This Year
See why even those ineligible to report quality measures should still be keeping track ... Read more
Clip and Save:
Get All Your PQRI Ducks in a Row With This Chart
Don't leave any stone unturned when it comes to receiving the bonusRefer to this handy cha... Read more
Compliance:
Sharpen Your Stark Law Knowledge: Part 2
Learn the new twists on gifts, amending agreements, and more As you may be well aware,... Read more
Compliance:
Forget Your John Hancock and You Could Be Out Thousands
OIG audit shows that one therapist's mistakes will cost him over $280,000You've met with t... Read more
Clinical Rehab Roundup
Try Aerobic Exercise for Treating Fibromyalgia"Exercise for treating fibromyalgia syndrome... Read more
News Briefs:
CMS Offers More NPI Grace
If you're having trouble getting your referring physicians' National Provider Identifier (... Read more
News Briefs:
Don't Brush Off Cognitive Training Too Soon
Occupational therapists and speechlanguage pathologists may be interested in a new study t... Read more
News Briefs:
Palmetto Updates SLP and OT LCD
Regional home health intermediary Palmetto GBA has revised its Local Coverage Determinatio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tackle Tricky Billing Issues for Running Injuries
Question: I work in an outpatient sports medicine and dance rehabilitation facility. We'... Read more
Reader Questions:
Determine State Scope of Practice for Assistant Documentation
Question: What is the level of medical record documentation assistants can perform in an i... Read more
Reimbursement:
Rehab Providers Get Holiday Wish With Last-Minute 2008 Policy Changes
The catch: You'll still need another fix mid-yearIf you were holding your breath for a Med... Read more
Coding Corner:
Get Ready to Report Online and Phone Time With Patients
CPT 2008 releases telephone and online codes -- and rehab providers can bill them It m... Read more
Clip and Save:
Handy At-a-Glance Guide to CPT Coding Updates
Highlight these new codes in your 2008 CPT book... Read more
Compliance:
Sharpen Your Stark Law Knowledge, Part 1
Navigate part III of the Stark saga with these expert tips If anything in the healthca... Read more
Home Health:
Tighten Your Therapy Documentation Under PPS Refinements
See how a 5-visit denial in the new PPS can cost you $1,116 One sloppy record entry co... Read more
News Briefs:
PMDs: Therapists Win Victory in Power-Wheelchair Arena
For a couple of years now, a sticky provision has existed in all durable medical equipment... Read more
Billing:
Your Medicare Payer May Want an ABN for Acupuncture Services
If you offer acupuncture services in your clinic and treat Medicare patients, take note. E... Read more
Research:
Don't Brush Off Cognitive Training Too Soon
Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists may be interested in a new study ... Read more
Appeals:
Medicare Makes Slight Tweaks to Appeals Policy
If you plan to take an appeal to the Administrative Law Judge or judicial review level, do... Read more
Reader Questions:
Play It Safe With Assistants and New Team Conference Codes
Question: In the last issue of Physical Medicine & Rehab Coding Alert, I read about th... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch What You Say on the Telephone
Question: I'm happy to see that we have new codes for telephone and online services (98966... Read more
Rehab Providers Face a Rocky 2008 -- if Congress Doesn't Take Action
Important: Take a long, hard look at your professional requirements There's a lot in stor... Read more
Coding Corner:
Say Hello to New Rehab CPTs for 2008
Take note: Medicare will not reimburse all of them After an uneventful 2007 for new CPT c... Read more
Medicare:
New Physician Fee Schedule Cracks Down on CORFs
Consider these 3 major compliance checkpoints The 2008 Medicare Physician fee schedule ... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Shop Smart -- Gather Crucial Info From Vendors, Customers
Look for these key features in your software test drive In the last issue of Physical Med... Read more
Compliance:
The Slightest Mistake Could Land You a False-Claims Label
Physiotherapy speaks up about $16.6 million settlement If you haven't conducted an intern... Read more
News Briefs:
Billing--Duplicate Claims Top TrailBlazer's Error List
You may be able to slow your denial volume by simply checking your claim status. TrailBlaz... Read more
News Briefs:
Inpatient Rehab--Group Therapy in IRFs Here to Stay
Inpatient rehabilitation facilities with National Government Services Inc. as their Medica... Read more
News Briefs:
Billing--New NPI Deadlines Fast Approach
In the hubbub over the physician fee schedule, PPS changes and therapy cap drama, don't fo... Read more
Reader Questions:
HCPCS or CPT? Find Out What G0129 Can Do
Question: Someone recently pointed out to me HCPCS code G0129 (Occupational therapy requi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Tackle Your Home Health PPS Bundling Queries
Question: We are based in a home health agency and noticed the chart in the Vol. 8, No. 1... Read more
News Flash:
New Physician Fee Schedule Rule Brings Therapy Changes for 2008
The good news: Your recertification period will soon be 90 days A whopping 1,481 pages ... Read more
Home Health:
Prepare for PPS 2008 Revamp With These 5 Tips
Your documentation had better be airtight In three short months, your home health agency ... Read more
Coding Corner:
Denials on Part B SNF Claims? It May Be a Software Oversight
Heads up, hospital rehabs: This glitch could happen to you, too The occasional Part B the... Read more
Regulations:
Monitor Postacute Reform With These Key Dates
Time is running out to sign on CMS has big plans for skilled nursing facilities, home hea... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Got the High-Tech Fever? Be Prepared to Do Some Homework
Documentation software can be your best friend -- or a thorn in your side If you've con... Read more
News Briefs:
Audits: OIG Announces Plans for 2008
The HHS Office of Inspector General recently released its 2008 Work Plan, and rehab servic... Read more
News Briefs:
Professional Standards: VA Gets Scrutinized for Outdated Physical Therapist Standards
More PTs are needed to serve aging and injured veterans, APTA says Veterans receiving phys... Read more
News Briefs:
Legislation: SCHIP Gets the Ax, Major Medicare Cut Looms
Rehab providers and advocates who were watching the controversial SCHIP legislation as it ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Watch Out -- Your LCD May Oust Physiatrists From Billing a VFSS
Question: In an inpatient hospital setting, a speech-language pathologist is performing t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Navigate Therapy Cap Exceptions With New ICD-9s
Question: How should I submit claims for Medicare Part B therapy cap exceptions now that ... Read more
Available Years:  2008  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000