Transfer of Care

[rkbrtva]

We are having trouble understanding the exact meaning of transfer of care. Is this our relinquish date or the OD's first date of care? And where can I find this in writing?

 

[ogfrank]

Assume and Relinquish Dates

Hi! I recently learned from a Medicare Rep that the transfer of care occurs the morning the MD releases the patient and the OD accepts the patient. For example, the practice I work at usually performs 1 day postops. Surgery date is May 1. Postop date is May 2. We release the pt to the OD on May 3. The OD assumes the pt on May 3, 2012. The assume and relinquish date must be the same for Medicare reimbursement. More info regarding this can be found on the Medicare website. I hope this helps. Good luck!