N O V E M B E R 2 O 2 O
The holiday brings with it an important time of reflection. As we gather around our proverbial table with you as part of our Reliant family, we pause to remind ourselves that despite the profuse and unique challenges of 2020, there were numerous successes for which to be grateful. While the list of obstacles at times seemed insurmountable, we continued to be a light to our patients - constantly adapting, advocating, evolving, leaning on our interdisciplinary team members, and showing up despite unsettling moments, and at times, heartbreaking losses. READ MORE

CMS Guidance for Use
of Waivers During the PHE

Much confusion has surrounded the proper utilization and application of the many waivers in place by CMS during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Recent guidance provides specific instructions for application of the Qualifying hospital stay and the benefit period waivers allowed for Medicare A beneficiaries. Examples and steps for proper coding through claims processing and on SNF patient assessments are provided in detail for:

• Billing of the QHS waiver,
• Assessment instruction for ALL admissions under the benefit period waiver (within the same spell of illness), and
• Necessary inclusions for ALL SNF benefit period waiver claims (within the same spell of illness).

CLICK HERE to view detailed instructions and examples from CMS.

For the CMS Current Emergencies page, with the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, CLICK HERE.

For the most up-to-date CDC information, CLICK HERE.
Mr. Ray Fowler, a U.S. Veteran, has been a resident at Marshfield Care Center for a little over a year. Due to the effects of isolation with the COVID-19 healthcare emergency, Mr. Fowler had a notable decline in his functional ability requiring the skilled interventions of PT and OT. He received a customized rehabilitation program to address his functional deficits and promote increased independence with daily tasks.

Mr. Fowler was happy to be paired with fellow veteran, Matt Parks, PTA, for his therapy. Mr. Fowler and Matt had great rapport due to their similar background with the military. Initially, Mr. Fowler was very quiet, but the therapy team also facilitated group activities with other residents, with necessary precautions in place, causing Mr. Fowler to become social with everyone in the group. 

On Veteran’s Day, Mr. Fowler said he was “floored” to take a picture with another veteran. Here you see Mr. Fowler and Matt smiling for a Veteran’s Day picture to remember! The positive effects of social interaction combined with skilled therapy intervention can be seen in his smile!

With his hard work and motivation of his therapists and peers, Mr. Fowler has regained his independence. These days, he can usually be found near the front of the facility welcoming staff and making sure his cup has an endless supply of coffee!

Thank you, Mr. Fowler and Matt for your service!
The 2021 proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposes an average 9% cut to therapy services. Without action this cut will go into effect January 1, 2021.
 
Join Reliant Rehabilitation in the fight to protect our seniors’ access to critical care during the pandemic. If the proposed fee schedule is passed, significant cuts to PT, OT, SLP and other essential services will occur on January 1, 2021. Contact Congress today to sign on to the bill: Holding Providers Harmless from Medicare Cuts During COVID-19 Act of 2020 (H.R. 8702).
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