Rehab

CMS recommends four tools to use during evaluation

Rehab Regs, January 5, 2007

In Transmittal 63, released December 29, CMS recommended that therapists use one of the four following assessment tools to help document an evaluation:

  • National Outcomes Measurement System by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association
  • Patient Inquiry by Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes, Inc.
  • Activity Measure-Post Acute Care
  • OPTIMAL by Cedaron through the American Physical Therapy Association

    Therapists who don't use one of those tools must use documentation required to indicate objective, measurable beneficiary physical function. They also should use documentation that does the following:

  • Supports illness severity or complexity
  • Supports medical care prior to the current episode, if any (or document none)
  • Indicates beneficiary health related to quality of life
  • Indicates beneficiary social support

    The transmittal also updated other documentation definitions and guidelines. To view Transmittal 63, go to www.hcpro.com/content/65811.cfm and click on "View PDF File."

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