Rehab Services: Look Ahead to Using New Functional Status Codes in 2013

Why This Topic Matters

The change affects how outpatient rehab services document patient function and goals on claims, so facilities need to prepare staff, documentation workflows, and reporting practices ahead of the mandatory start date.

Article Sections

1. Introduction to the new outpatient rehab reporting requirements

   Overview of the coming documentation changes for outpatient rehabilitation services and the reason CMS is introducing them.

2. Learn the new G codes for functional limitations

   General explanation of the functional status reporting categories added for 2013 and how they are organized across different types of limitations.

3. Append modifiers to add more clarity

   Discussion of the additional modifiers that accompany the reporting framework and their role in describing levels of limitation.

4. Start prepping now for mandatory usage

   Implementation timing, education needs, and the transition period leading up to mandatory reporting.