This is great to hear! I absolutely believe that the way we are stuck in the old model, and chasing patients about cancellations and making up for it by just overloading therapists has to CHANGE. And I definitely believe in short sessions; they can be all a patient needs!
This has been a topic up for discussion lately. Technically the evaluation code is an untimed code. It does require face to face time, but it is by definition untimed. I typically collect most of the required information prior to the face to face initial evaluation so I have always been of the understanding that if all of the required elements of the initial evaluation are in place, then there is no # of minutes requirement. I might do some therapeutic exercise for 10 minutes, then measure ROM for 2 minutes, then manual therapy for 10 minutes then more testing for 3 minutes, then 5 more minutes of exercise. The 5 minutes of testing along with the information I collected prior to the visit (by phone) regarding past medical history, complexities, comorbidities, living environment, meds, etc qualifies for the evaluation code, then the 15 of therex and 10 of manual qualify for the 2 additional units.
Here is a quote from Novitas "Untimed codes The units for untimed codes are reported based on the number of times the procedure is performed, as described in the HCPCS code definition (often once per day). When reporting service units for codes where the procedure is not defined by a specific timeframe (untimed codes), a 1 is entered in the unit's field. Note: The units for untimed codes are based upon the number of times the procedure is performed regardless of the number of minutes spent. The following are examples of untimed codes: Evaluations/Re-evaluations (97161-97168). Group therapy (97150). Supervised modalities (97012)." www.novitas-solutions.com/webcenter/portal/MedicareJH/pagebyid?contentId=00144712
There are so many deeper levels to these conversations. There are so many nuances to these discussions. Sadly, these conversations usually happen behind closed doors and/or after major cash investments. Thanks for continuing to support the channel.
Thank you for the video, I haven't been on the Facebook page to see the discussion I do have a few follow-up questions/comments. I understand how this helps to keep revenue up when you have cancellations, but if you are providing 1 unit of skilled care to 5-6 pts an hour, how are you able to document sufficiently? Also, and I want to make sure I'm understanding this correctly, if you are spending 10-15 mins 1:1 with a pt, how is this model different from the clinics where the therapist has 4 pts at one time, likely with a tech, and is only really getting 10-15 1:1 minutes with each pt? The actual amt of 1:1 is still the same, (though I realize clinics don't bill properly). One of the biggest things I hear people complain about with PT is that they are doing most of their stuff independently and that the 15 mins with the therapist seems insufficient.
This is great to hear! I absolutely believe that the way we are stuck in the old model, and chasing patients about cancellations and making up for it by just overloading therapists has to CHANGE. And I definitely believe in short sessions; they can be all a patient needs!
when do you document?
Great stuff! I'm looking for the talk on metrics and haven't seen it. Any chance for a refresh with add-ones to see looks new?
How are you getting an eval and two units in 30 minutes?
This has been a topic up for discussion lately. Technically the evaluation code is an untimed code. It does require face to face time, but it is by definition untimed. I typically collect most of the required information prior to the face to face initial evaluation so I have always been of the understanding that if all of the required elements of the initial evaluation are in place, then there is no # of minutes requirement.
I might do some therapeutic exercise for 10 minutes, then measure ROM for 2 minutes, then manual therapy for 10 minutes then more testing for 3 minutes, then 5 more minutes of exercise.
The 5 minutes of testing along with the information I collected prior to the visit (by phone) regarding past medical history, complexities, comorbidities, living environment, meds, etc qualifies for the evaluation code, then the 15 of therex and 10 of manual qualify for the 2 additional units.
Here is a quote from Novitas
"Untimed codes
The units for untimed codes are reported based on the number of times the procedure is performed, as described in the HCPCS code definition (often once per day). When reporting service units for codes where the procedure is not defined by a specific timeframe (untimed codes), a 1 is entered in the unit's field.
Note: The units for untimed codes are based upon the number of times the procedure is performed regardless of the number of minutes spent.
The following are examples of untimed codes:
Evaluations/Re-evaluations (97161-97168).
Group therapy (97150).
Supervised modalities (97012)."
www.novitas-solutions.com/webcenter/portal/MedicareJH/pagebyid?contentId=00144712
Excellent discussion with real life scenario business implications
There are so many deeper levels to these conversations. There are so many nuances to these discussions. Sadly, these conversations usually happen behind closed doors and/or after major cash investments.
Thanks for continuing to support the channel.
Thank you for the video, I haven't been on the Facebook page to see the discussion I do have a few follow-up questions/comments.
I understand how this helps to keep revenue up when you have cancellations, but if you are providing 1 unit of skilled care to 5-6 pts an hour, how are you able to document sufficiently?
Also, and I want to make sure I'm understanding this correctly, if you are spending 10-15 mins 1:1 with a pt, how is this model different from the clinics where the therapist has 4 pts at one time, likely with a tech, and is only really getting 10-15 1:1 minutes with each pt? The actual amt of 1:1 is still the same, (though I realize clinics don't bill properly). One of the biggest things I hear people complain about with PT is that they are doing most of their stuff independently and that the 15 mins with the therapist seems insufficient.
Such great questions. I just recorded my reply in a new video. I am uploading it now and will have it shared tonight or tomorrow.
Great ideas! 👌🏻
Great suggestions Tony, Can you show it visually, to see how it looks on the schedule like just an example? Of course not with real patients : )
Especially when patients have to pay higher copays
I addressed this topic in the video response coming soon. Thanks again.