Acorn’s End Blog

When completing M2015 how do I answer if I made only one visit and then the client was transferred to the hospital?
CMS Response: When completing M2015, Patient/Caregiver Drug Education Intervention, at Transfer/Discharge, you are reporting whether or not the patient and/or caregiver was taught how to manage ALL their medications either at the time of [...]

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In response to M1910, what if one of the assessment tools I am using shows a risk for falls and the other one does not. And what if one of my tools is a validated tool and one is not - does that make a difference?
This has proven to be one of the more confusing [...]

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I am confused. Instructions for PHQ2 imply that screening entails interview of the patient. The “Specific Instructions” in the OASIS manual state: “depressive feelings, symptoms, and/or behaviors may be observed by the clinician or reported by the patient, family, or other.” It was my understanding that the PHQ2 should not be answered based on clinical [...]

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Can we still discharge patients who are hospitalized? I was thinking this recently changed.
In 2000 the Prospective Payment System (PPS) said that the PPS would not recognize for payment purposes the discharge of a patient who was hospitalized. A provider was free to discharge a client but when it came to payment, Medicare [...]

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What if a patient has a new colostomy and is completely dependent on someone to empty the appliance (bag) as well as change the appliance but she can cleanse herself and care for her clothing with voiding? The patient usually changes the bag one to two times per week — unless there are problems. Is [...]

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I went out on day 57 and completed by recertification. My patient was then hospitalized on day 59. What OASIS assessments need to be completed?
 
A transfer assessment would be required if the patient was admitted to an inpatient facility for a period of 24 hours or longer for reasons other than diagnostic testing.
 
Additional OASIS [...]

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Must a patient’s medication list be incorporated into the comprehensive assessment?
CMS Response: All medications, prescription and over the counter (OTC), must be listed on the drug regimen review. It is not necessary for the mediations to be listed in the actual comprehensive assessment form that includes OASIS. They can be listed on a separate medication [...]

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What is the connection between M0102, M0104 and the Conditions of Participation regarding the 48-hour rule?
The connection between M0102, date of physician-ordered start of care (resumption of care), and M0104, date of referral (date the agency received the written or verbal referral for initiation of care) and the CoPs is:
According to the Conditions of Participation, [...]

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Much of the fallout from the health care reform bill is uncertain. Providers will need to closely monitor upcoming interpretations of the bill and its affect on health care as details of the bill are sifted through. Keep in mind that the rulemaking is still taking place.
Home Care Look
The following highlights are health care reform [...]

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