Ask Proactive – Should therapists conduct initial evaluations upon readmission of a patient in an interrupted stay under the Interrupted Stay Policy?

Should therapists conduct initial evaluations upon readmission of a patient in an interrupted stay under the Interrupted Stay Policy?

A:

A new 5-day PPS assessment is not required after the interruption in the case of an interrupted stay that meets the criteria defined by the Interrupted Stay Policy. Therefore, a stay is considered a continuation of the previous stay. In this case, providers are not required to complete an evaluation for the purposes of PPS payment upon the patient’s readmission after an interruption in a stay.