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Eli's Rehab Report

Compliance:
Heads Up: Feds Pinpoint Therapists in Major Incident To Snafus
Make sure qualified therapists are performing therapy services. Reports from the HHS Offi... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Read This Refresher on Supervision Rules
Keep incident-to billing and assistant supervision issues separate. While you're thinking... Read more
Coding Corner:
Don't Forget: Newest ICD-9 Codes Take Effect NOW
SLPs: Take note of the speech-language related revisions and additions. Last July, we ann... Read more
Home Health:
Take Your HHA's Hospital Readmissions Down a Notch
Patient education is just as important as your therapists' education. Of all post-acute c... Read more
Explore Visiting Physicians for Your HHA
Although this wouldn't fall under the home health agency (HHA) license, your home health o... Read more
SNFs:
Final SNF PPS Rule Provides Leeway for Capturing Rehab for Short-Stay Patients
You can't project therapy minutes under RUG-IV, but you can do this. If you're still reel... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP:
Exercise Offers Leukemia Patients Multiple Perks
Exercise Offers Leukemia Patients Multiple Perks The effects of an exercise program in le... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Power Mobility Coalition Sticks Up for Wheelchair Suppliers
Wheelchair suppliers take exception to the Office of Inspector Generals (OIG)'s August rep... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Got Surveyors? Know Your EHRs Inside-Out
If you manage a rehab setting that sees surveyors (any setting including comprehensive out... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Keep a Close Eye on Your Workers' Comp Claims
Think you can let your coding and documentation slide for your Workers' Compensation cases... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Therapy Caps, Direct Access Issues See Hope in Congress
Waiting for the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process to expire once again at the end of... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Electronic Signatures Are A-OK
Question: Lately, when a physician has authorized additional therapy for our patients, ou... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Stretch a Code Beyond Its Boundaries
Question: We have a podiatrist who is ordering iontophoresis for a patient. I understand ... Read more
Business Strategies:
Tough Economic Times? Try These Innovative Ways to Save
Small things add up: for example, buying cheaper stationery. Economic recession or not... Read more
Inpatient Insights:
Heads Up: Final PPS Rule Packs a Punch for IRFs
The good news: Some hidden perks are lurking inside, too. If you felt like a bomb dropped... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Don't Get Too Discount-Happy With Patients
Show your therapists the numbers. During these tight times, many therapists are afraid th... Read more
SNFs:
SNF PPS Final Rule Gives Rehab a Run for Its Money
CMS puts its foot down on concurrent therapy. For rehab providers in skilled nursing faci... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP:
Should You Restrain the Unaffected Limb in Stroke Rehab?
Effects of forced use on arm function in the subacute phase after stroke: a randomized, c... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Careful -- RACs Are Watching Your Untimed Therapy Codes
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' notorious Recovery Audit Contractors are... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Competitive Bidding Gears Up for October Launch
Suppliers waiting on pins and needles for the onset of competitive bidding now have a firm... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Medicare Unveils Proposed 2010 HHA PPS Rates
CMS just released its proposal for Home Health PPS 2010 -- and experts warn not to be... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Get Confident With Your Modifier 59 Placement
Question: One of my therapists performed a suboccipital myofacial release with a patient ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Know Where You Stand on Therapy Caps in 2009
Question: I am trying to verify the information from a News Brief in Eli's Rehab Report, ... Read more
Outpatient Outlook:
Tune In to Medicare Therapy Cap,Reimbursement Hot Spots Around the Corner
Proposed Physician Fee Schedule brings good and bad news for rehab providers. It's that t... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Tap Into the Gold Mine of Exercise Prescriptions
You can't afford not to build this into your business model. Prevention and wellness busi... Read more
Business Strategies:
Snag Moneymaking Opportunities in Rehab by Thinking Outside the Box
Example: Pilates-based PT may attract more than just those who need rehab. With a growing... Read more
Inpatient Insights:
3-Step Recipe to Avoiding Readmissions in Your Post-Acute Settings
Key ingredient: rock-solid training. If you aren't watching your hospital readmissions, t... Read more
SNFs:
Consider a Full-Time PA or NP
The most frequent advice Fran Fowler, FAAHC,managing director of Health Dimensions Group i... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP:
Consider 3 Factors When Assessing Athletes With Low Back Pain
Relationship between the hip and low back pain in athletes who participate in rotation-re... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
No New NPWT Codes, CMS Says
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Agency of Healthcare Research and... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Watch for IRS Scrutiny This Year
Are you keeping your practice tax-law compliant? The Internal Revenue Service recently ind... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Feds Turn Up the HEAT on Fraud Enforcement
You should have your eye on the RACs, the OIG, the IRS, and other Medicare/Medicaid audito... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Good News: You Could Be off the Hook From Red Flag Rules
Busy writing an identity theft prevention program, thanks to the Federal Trade Commission'... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Get Confident With Your Therapy Diagnoses in Billing
Question: I want to make sure we're billing our diagnosis codes to Medicare compliantly. ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Troubleshoot Your MBS Billing Hang-Ups
Question: I'm in a hospital setting, and we're having trouble billing Medicare for modifi... Read more
Inpatient Insights:
Brace for Change: Post-Acute Bundling Could Bring You Big Business Snafus
See what experts are predicting for your rehab setting. Heads up, rehab providers in s... Read more
Survival Strategies:
3 Moves That'll Spell Success in Post-Acute Bundling
Out-of-the box thinking is key to post-acute rehab’s survival. Post-acute payme... Read more
Clip and Save:
Does Your Referral Form Need Updating?
Plus: Discover another creative way to put your marketing efforts to good use. Don&rs... Read more
Speech Spotlight:
SLPs: Watch for Hiccups in Enrollment Process
Direct Medicare provider enrollment saga continues. If you’re a speech-language... Read more
SNFs:
Scrutinize Your Part A Concurrent Therapy Now
The handwriting appears to be on the wall for this type of intervention. When the fed... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP:
Ther Ex Not Just for the Physically Injured
  The benefits of physical activity for youth with developmental disabilities: a ... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Watch Out for New False Claims Rules
  President Barack Obama recently signed the Federal Enforcement and Recovery Act... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Check Out This Therapy Cap Freebie
  If you’re affected by the Medicare therapy caps, you’re in for a we... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Beware the Latest Medicare Scam
  Keep a sharp eye on incoming faxes, and advise your office staff to do the same... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Lab Coat Debate Brings Safety Into the Picture
  Think your PTs should wear lab coats for a good impression? A growing buzz that... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Timed-Code Rules Go Beyond 15-Minute Units
  Question: In the May 1, 2009 issue (Vol.10 No. 6), the article on speech-langua... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Billing an Eval? See What Else You Can Bill
  Question: I just returned to practice after several years off. I read the Reade... Read more
SNFs :
Say Hello to Big-Time Proposed Changes to SNF PPS
Proposed RUG-IV ditches therapy projection, and more. The proposed Skilled Nursing Facili... Read more
Reimbursement :
Meanwhile, SNFs Brace for a Part A Payment Cut
CMS re-attempts case-mix recalibration. If you manage an in-house rehab department or con... Read more
Billing :
3 Ways to Boost Your Wound Care Reimbursement
Learn how to incorporate more revenuegenerating procedures among those $0 reimbursement c... Read more
Practice Pointers :
Try These Revenue- Boosting Wound Care Treatment Plan Tips
Dressing-change-only visits won't keep you afloat for long. Feel like you're doing everyt... Read more
Coding Corner :
Tune In to These Proposed Diagnosis Codes
SLPs: Phonation and resonance disorders get better distinction. Speech-language pathologi... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP :
OTs: Try a TAP for Your Patients With Dementia
The Tailored Activity Program to Reduce Behavioral Symptoms in Individuals With Dementia:... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS :
Occupational Therapy in the CERT Hot Seat
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently outlined the results of its late... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS :
IRFs: Watch Your Interrupted Stays -- OIG Is Alert
The HHS Office of Inspector General released a report May 1 that reviewed interrupted stay... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS :
Kentucky Physicians Get a Green Light to Bill for PT
One orthopedic physician has been fighting for the right to bill for physical therapy serv... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS :
Direct Access Advocacy Climbs to Federal Level
If your state has a direct access law, Congress is working to let you apply that to your M... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
Tread Carefully With Group Therapy in IRFs
Question: A Reader Question in Physical Medicine & Rehab Coding Alert, Vol. 9, No. 11,... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
Reconsider Spending Your Counseling Time in Person
Question: My outpatient pediatric SLPs spend a lot of time on the phone talking to parent... Read more
Inpatient Insights :
Prepare for a Basketful of Changes in the Proposed 2010 IRF PPS
Admission screening, care planning slated to change. The Centers fo... Read more
Audits :
Put RAC Preparation at the Top of Your To-Do List
Inpatient rehab facilities arent the only rehab settings expected to be grille... Read more
IRFS:
Let Your Thoughts be Known!
Lots of changes are slated for inpatient rehab facilities for FY 2010, and you have more... Read more
Survival Guide :
6 Steps to Prepare You for the RAC Audit Onslaught
Make CMS payment guidelines work for you -- not against you. A... Read more
Speech Spotlight :
Going Independent in July? Don't Miss These Business Details
Nail down where you can provide your SLP services. The last issue o... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP :
Parkinson Patients Should Direct Attention Away From Their Bodies
External focus instructions reduce postural instability in individuals with Pa... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS :
Congress Works a Miracle: FY 2010 Budget Resolution Passes
Wondering what your Medicare pay will look like in 2010? Congress just passed a $3.4... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS :
Non-Exempt Suppliers: Jump on the DMEPOS Accreditation Boat
Physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists are e... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS :
CMS Drops Major Bomb for SNFs in Proposed 2010 PPS
Heads up, therapists in skilled nursing facility settings: CMS just released the Pro... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS :
Keep Closer Tabs on Your Hospital Readmissions
Heads up, post-acute rehab providers: CMS wants to get a handle on the number of Med... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
Billing 97001/97003 With 97542? Know This First
Question: In my fiscal intermediarys local coverage determination (Cahaba GBA for Al... Read more
READER QUESTIONS :
Not Treating Medicare Patients? Watch for
Question: In the last issue, I read the article about how therapists cant opt ... Read more
Outpatient Outlook:
Congress Shines a Ray of Hope on Therapy Cap Repeal
Senate Budget Committee crunches some numbers in favor of outpatient therapy. ... Read more
Compliance:
Want to Opt Out of Medicare? Not So Fast!
PTs, OTs, and SLPs have a different set of rules than physicians. I... Read more
Speech Spotlight:
5 Must-Have Tips for SLPs Going Independent
SLPs have a lot to do before July 1 to bill Medicare directly. If y... Read more
Coding Corner:
Brush Up on Your Speech-Language Coding Skills
Think in units of hours for the timed codes. Think youve got coding... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP:
Cochlear Implants Get a Thumbs-Up
Quality of life for children with cochlear implants:perceived health benefits ... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Canalith Repositioning Back in the Reimbursement Saddle
Last October, physical and occupational therapists cheered the unveiling of th... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Watch Out for This Incident-to Snafu
Question: If one of my therapists is supervising an assistant doing treatment,... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Juggle Disciplines Wisely With the 3-Hour Rule
Question: Can I count speech therapy toward the 3-hour rule in my inpatient re... Read more
IRFs:
Get on the Cutting Edge of CMS's IRF Plans
Keep business as usual, experts recommend. Feel like your inpatient rehab facility is han... Read more
HHAs:
Is Your PTA and COTA Utilization Hurting Your Agency?
See where most HHAs go wrong when it comes to these valuable assistants. A huge caseload ... Read more
Coding Corner:
Test Your Therapy Coding Savvy and Find Blind Spots
Use this quiz to boost your coding confidence -- and your bottom line. A small misco... Read more
SNFs:
5 Ways to Keep Your Short-Stay Rehab Efforts Top-Notch
Plus, learn how to get a shot at a higher RUG score at the same time. To provide top-notc... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
RACs Get Back on Track
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Recovery Audit Contractor program is re... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Keep Your Therapy Cap Payments Flowing Smoothly
The outpatient therapy cap is $1,840 for 2009, but your CMS contractor's claims system wo... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
National Home Care Association Tunes In to Rehab
The National Association for Home Care & Hospice has approved a new committee to focu... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Obama Gives New SCHIP Legislation a Go
President Barack Obama signed into legislation on Feb. 4 a bill that reauthorizes the Sta... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP
Try Motor Control Exercises for Low Back Pain Motor control exercise for persistent, ... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Clear Up Confusion Over Provider Enrollment Changes
Question: In the last issue of Physical Medicine & Rehab Coding Alert, I read your st... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
How to Add Another Discipline to Your Hospital Program
Question: I'm in a hospital-based rehab clinic that offers only physical therapy. There's... Read more
Compliance:
Provider Enrollment Changes Could Take a Bite Out of Your Claims
Strategy: Get your new therapists on board early. Heads up, outpatient rehab providers in... Read more
Inpatient Insights:
4 Red Flags That Spell Payer Scrutiny at Your IRF
Plus, things you may not know you can do with physician orders. You know how easy it is t... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Try These 3-Hour Rule Strategies on for Size
Nail this requirement any way you look at it. Having trouble keeping up with the three-... Read more
*News Flash* :
Good News: Congress Turns Attention to Rehab Once Again
Lawmakers shoot for a full therapy cap repeal. Looking for relief in recession? Therapy c... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP:
Treating COPD? Home Rehab a Viable Alternative to Outpatient Rehab
Effects of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmo... Read more
Tool:
Keep Track of PQRI Measures
Know the correct quality data codes to put on your claims form. If you're a PT or OT in p... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Got NPWT Devices? Gear Up for Coding Changes
If your practice or facility administers negative pressure wound therapy, watch for upcom... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
OIG Slams Mississippi Doctor for PT Fraud
A licensed Mississippi physician was arrested in December for fraudulently billing the fe... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
CMS Wraps Up MAC Contracting Project
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced its final five Medicare Admini... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS; Michigan to Hand SLPs Licensure Requirements
On Dec. 19, 2008, Michigan became the 48th state to pass licensure legislation for speech... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Clear Up Confusion Over the Word 'Agency'
Question: When you refer to rehab agencies in the fee schedule story in Eli's Rehab Repor... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
What to Do With a PT and OT Coding Crossover
Question: What happens if physical therapy and occupational therapy is working on the sa... Read more
Audits:
Think an Auditor's Decision Means the End-of-Story? Think Again!
See how one CORF fought -- and won some money back. Don't be afraid to dispute an ... Read more
Billing:
Gear Up for Q1 With These Deductible Collection Tips
Save time, effort by learning the pros and cons of up-front collection. Collecting ded... Read more
Long-Term Care:
MDS 3.0 Is Coming: Get the Scoop on Therapy Changes
Say hello to a more accurate assessment tool. If you provide therapy in a skilled nursing... Read more
SNF Reimbursement:
MDS 3.0: Section G Changes Likely to Stir the Pot
Drastic ADL scoring changes could wipe out the RMX RUG category. If you work in a skilled... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Hospital Outpatient PT May Wrestle With Medicaid Reimbursement
If you provide outpatient therapy services in a hospital setting, pay attention to the la... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Physical Therapy Clinic Pays Up for Anti-Kickback Violations and More
Advanced Centers for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine Inc. and Maryland Sportscare... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
Check Out the New WHO Wheelchair Guidelines
The World Health Organization recently launched new guidelines on providing manual wheelc... Read more
NEWS BRIEFS:
U.S. Physical Therapy Acquires San Antonio Clinics
Physical therapy giant U.S. Physical Therapy announced on Nov. 18 that it acquired a 65 ... Read more
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP:
CLINICAL REHAB ROUNDUP:
Consider Low-Frequency Electric Muscle Stimulation for Total Hip Arthroplasties In th... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Avoid Billing Pitfalls With 97012 and 97140
Question: One of my therapists performed a suboccipital myofacial release with a patient... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
No Timed-Procedure Billing Guidelines? Try This
Question: Which guidelines should I use when billing timed procedures to non-Medicare ca... Read more
READER QUESTIONS:
Know the Billing Criteria RACs Will Be Referencing
Question: In the December issue of Eli's Rehab Report, Vol. 15, No. 12, your article on R... Read more
Outpatient Outlook:
Gear Up for 2009 With This Medicare Fee Schedule Final Rule Analysis
SLPs: Keep your fingers crossed for better MBS reimbursement.Without the therapy cap excep... Read more
Quality of Care:
Don't Pass Up a 2% Bonus: Rehab Welcomes New PQRI Measures
Despite bonus payment issues, experts recommend you get involved if you can.Get ready to j... Read more
Long-Term Care:
Restorative, Rehab, or Both? The Wrong Answer Can Cost Your SNF
4 quick questions can keep your care and payment on track. Your skilled nursing facilit... Read more
Practice Pointers:
Amp Up Your SNF Therapy Documentation With the Right Details
Use this gait training example as a model.So your SNF has decided to go with rehab therapy... Read more
Clinical Rehab Roundup:
High-Force Eccentric Resistance Training Shows Promise for Diabetes Cases
"Comparison of combined aerobic and high-force eccentric resistance exercise with aerobic ... Read more
News Briefs:
CMS Gears Up for New Therapy Payment Study
You may have just heard about the CMS contract with Research Triangle Institute to carry o... Read more
News Briefs:
Keep an Eye on National Healthcare Reform
U.S. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) unveiled a whopping healthcare reform plan at a Nov. 12 pre... Read more
News Briefs:
Heads Up: Therapists Could Be Considered 'Creditors'
Last summer, the Federal Trade Commission issued its "Red Flags Rules" that require financ... Read more
News Briefs:
U.S. Physical Therapy Acquires San Antonio Clinics
Physical therapy giant U.S. Physical Therapy announced on Nov. 18 that it acquired a 65 pe... Read more
Reader Questions:
Know Your Therapy Cap Exceptions to a Tee
Question: I need clarification about therapy cap exceptions on different treatments done w... Read more
Reader Questions:
Get Answers to This Tricky Recertification Timing Issue
Question: Are there limitations to the duration I can set for a plan of care with Medica... Read more
Audits:
Get Ready: CMS Is Launching Its Full-Blown RAC Program
What every rehab provider should know about RAC audits in advance. The Centers for Med... Read more
Practice Pointers:
4 Things Every Rehab Manager Can Do to Prepare for RACs
It's never too late to improve your billing and documentation practices.Providers who thin... Read more
Outpatient Outlook:
Say Hello to a New CPT for CRM Procedures
Learn important information on Medicare's reimbursement decision.New CPT Codes just came ... Read more
Home Health:
Watch Out: Home Health Therapy Makes OIG's Hit List
Use these 2 tips to avoid hot spot pitfalls.Your therapy visits could land you in hot wate... Read more
Coding Corner:
Get a Sneak Peek Into the ICD-10 Format
... and know what to expect for staff training.You read about the controversial ICD-10 imp... Read more
Clinical Rehab Roundup:
Try Activity Strategy Training With
"Effects of activity strategy training on pain and physical activity in older adults with ... Read more
News Briefs:
ASHA Tackles Special Needs Personnel Shortages
For organizations that are short on school-based speech-language pathologists and audiolog... Read more
News Briefs:
OIG Has an Eye on Rehab for 2009
The HHS Office of Inspector General has once again released its annual laundry list of aud... Read more
News Briefs:
MAC Transition Proves Rocky for California Therapists
If your Medicare contractor hasn't yet transitioned to a Medicare Administrative Contracto... Read more
Reader Questions:
Follow the Correct Group Therapy Practices for Your Setting
Question: I've heard that long-term care settings can concurrently treat two patients with... Read more
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