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Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement

HOSPITALS:

What's Shaking For New Distinct-Part Units

Published on Sat Oct 23, 2004

Get the latest word on new reform bill provision for CAHs.

Critical access hospitals that want to establish a distinct-part unit for psychiatric and rehabilitation services first need to make sure they meet surveyors' list of requirements.

Helpful: A Sept. 29 memo to state surveyors (S&C 04-48) sheds some light on how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to implement the measure - and what it will be looking for. Here's a round-up of what's gone into effect as of Oct. 1:

  • A prospective payment system hospital with PPS-excluded psychiatric or rehab unit that meets criteria as an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility may now convert to CAH-provider status with the same DPU. Each DPU may have up to 10 beds;

  • a current CAH may now add a DPU(s) on the beginning of a CAH cost reporting period;

  • new provider numbers for the DPUs will be effective with CAH DPU approval effective date; and

  • DPUs will have compliance with certain conditions and requirements verified through onsite inspections.

    To read more, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/survey-cert/sc0448.pdf.

    Lesson Learned: Critical access hospitals get guidance on how to apply for distinct part units.

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