I received the attached video links from an elder lawyer colleague in Massachusetts . These are two videos designed to raise the awareness of Outpatient Status under Medicare and the Improvement Standard for patients and their advocates. The situations arise when a patient who is a Medicare beneficiary requires skilled therapy following a hospitalization. Historically, therapy would be stopped if the patient had “plateaued” or was no longer improving. However, the Jimmo vs. Sebelius federal court settlement clarified that there are multiple bases on which Medicare will continue to pay for skilled therapy, and the focus must be on the need for the services and not just on whether there is actual improvement. I think you’ll find these to be very informative.
If you are a hospital patient: http://youtu.be/KSLJevyvQIY?list=UU0uKASS1KcGJ_L84n2E4IEg
If you are a nursing home resident: http://youtu.be/FdEm0b7u4S4?list=UU0uKASS1KcGJ_L84n2E4IEg
Patients need to have their own advocates with regard to skilled care plans in subacute facilities. When you know you need service, you need to demand it.
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