maintenance physical therapy documentation examples
Its a valid notion, but the reality of reimbursements leaves us no choice. 20 minutes Therapeutic Exercise (97110): Supine exercises included: active quad sets x 15, SLR x 15, Hamstring curl x 10 with ankle dorsiflexion x 3 each rep, SAQ with bolster x 15. By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. On the other hand, access to the right physical therapy documentation examples can help us focus on quality, as opposed to quantity of documentation. A template might be as simple as an outline to help guide a clinician's initial evaluation or it might be as complex as a complete evaluation with blanks left for new information. Most importantly, each progress note should be able to stand on its own and demonstrate the need . Pain increases with knee flexion, described as tightness due to increased swelling. Within 6 weeks, the patient will demonstrate increased knee flexion AROM to 120 in order to improve the patients ability to descend 2 flights of stairs at work. He demonstrates overall improved strength and stability with functional activities and with gait form. Some examples listed on this site are: - Instruct patient and caregiver in use and care of communication system. Patient presents to skilled PT following CHF exacerbation with reports of feeling breathlessness with community ambulation. Overall, patient completed x 15 minutes with PT directing patient with interval training of grading resistance 1-2 minutes. Verbal cues were provided to improve postural alignment and engage in pursed lipped breathing to maximize functional tolerance. Eating or drinking while driving. Then put whatever you mentioned for education. Please read my disclosure for more info. Mild to moderate edema noted at knee with pitting noted as 1+ at tibia. All rights reserved. Our goal is to help you produces quality documentation in a timely manner to support the delivery of physical therapy services. PT developed functional activity tolerance program and instructed patient in NuStep training to increase biofeedback to BLE, mimic reciprocal pattern and increase overall LE strength to decrease abnormal gait pattern. abMbout Maintenance Therapy Diana Kornetti, PT,MA Cindy Krafft, PT, MS . To help therapists and assistants improve their documentation, the following are examples of documentation that clearly demonstrates the skilled nature of therapeutic exercise. If you are looking for compliant ICD-10 documentation, and a gold standard that can survive auditing, get In Touch EMR. JFIF ` ` vExif MM * > F( i N ` ` ICC_PROFILE appl mntrRGB XYZ acspAPPL appl -appl desc odscm x lcprt 8wtpt rXYZ 0 gXYZ D bXYZ X rTRC l chad | ,bTRC l gTRC l desc Generic RGB Profile Generic RGB Profile mluc skSK ( xhrHR ( caES $ ptBR &. Patient arrived at OT for engagement in incontinence management including PMEs to reduce urinary urgency. Establishment of treatment goals specific to dysfunction and designed to specifically address each problem identified in the initial assessment. 2023 Harmony Healthcare International, Inc.. All Rights Reserved. Send us a note. Established CPT 97112 means "neuromuscular reeducation of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and/or proprioception for sitting and/or standing activities.". If theres one area of training that could improve in Physical Therapy school, it would be learning how to document therapy sessions effectively. All contents 2023 American Physical Therapy Association. Physical Therapist: _______________________ Date:_________ Time: _________, Physician Signature: ______________________ Date: ________ Time: _________, Patient stated I am better able to sleep at night with less throbbing in my knee. By end of session, patient stated, I have noticed I am able to hold it in longer.. Patient arrived at therapy with RLE weakness and decreased heel strike during assessment of gait. At In Touch EMR, we charge a flat fee per licensed clinician (no hidden fees or surprises) and it includes everything, unlimited claims and notes and infinite custom template creation. The exercises that are performed will depend on each patient's unique conditions, but might include: Swimming Walking Aerobics Jogging Cycling Rowing Squatting Stretching Stretching helps to maintain flexibility and mobility. Social History: Patient is married and lives in a 2-story home with 4 steps to enter and 13 stairs to the basement and upstairs. ); meaningful ADLs/IADLs; pain, and how it limits function; and functional balance Description of quality of functional movement Gait deficits, substitution(s), etc. Show me the subjective intake of the initial evaluation. Skilled maintenance therapy is covered in cases in which needed therapeutic interventions require a high level of complexity. Patient lacks full strength to ascend full flight of stairs reciprocally and demonstrates impaired balance on dynamic surfaces. Patient instructed in L wrist flex/ext, radial/ulnar deviation, opposition, finger abd/add, MCP flex/ext, PIP flex/ext 210 with therapeutic rest as needed. Documentation is required for every visit/encounter. Words and phrases that therapists and assistants should avoid because they often demonstrate lack of skilled care include: Tolerated well Patient instructed in GE towel slides flexion/extension and horiz add/abd on table top 310 with assistance of LUE as needed; however, OT facilitated constraint therapy to increase RUE movement. This may mean compacting the information that the patient has given you to get the information across succinctly. See privacy policy and disclosure page for details. Electronic entries are made with appropriate security and confidentiality provisions. Treatment to Include: AROM/AAROM/PROM, balance and proprioception training, strengthening exercises, HEP, mobilization, posture/body mechanic training, neuromuscular re-education, and ice pack to LLE. When the treatment is expected to result in significant therapeutic improvement over a clearly defined period of time. 2021 PTProgress - Our content does not constitute medical, financial, or legal consultation. Although APTA documentation guidelines and most third-party payers require documentation for each physical therapy encounter, the format of treatment note documentation is at the discretion of each institution. In both cases, the therapist will need to document justification for ongoing PT, in order for Medicare to cover it. The patient has been educated in the evaluation findings, prognosis, and plan of care, and is in agreement and willing to participate in therapy. For instance, assume that a business entity's stock is owned by A, B, and C. A sells his stock to D. While this is an ownership change, it is generally not a formal CHOW under 42 CFR . to progress with stability training, to decrease the risk of falling, to safely manage lifting # items at home, to independently don/doff clothing, to perform head checks in vehicle safely, etc.. A physical furthermore occupational therapist providing you at evidence-based treatments both samples starting record into show your skill. Educated on individualized HEP program, reviewed and facilitated exercises with min vc to initiate. PT educated patient in B hand strengthening exercises post estim to improve overall grip/pincer grasps. Patient trained in the following exercises using moderately resistive putty in order to increase gross grasp and various pinches: gross grasp, opposition, abd/add, tip pinch. Examples of skilled maintenance services include: Establishment of a maintenance plan of care. When the clinician combines clinical judgment with subjective findings reported by the patient and caregiver considerations, a precise clinical picture emerges. See privacy policy and disclosure page for details. You may not have the time to read dozens of documentation examples, so I have included below an example of 4 types of notes commonly used in physical therapy. Maintenance therapy requires the skill of the therapist to keep a patient at, or slow the patient's departure from their current level of function. Is a qualified nurse or therapist needed to provide or supervise a level of care? Patient instructed in L hip exercises to increase L hip ROM/strength for improved balance and overall pain reduction. Services that do not require the performance or supervision of a therapist are not considered skilled even if they are performed by a therapist. Your practice can state that it carefully vetted and selected a rehabilitation-specific vendor that passed all of the ONC HIT 2014 Edition EHR Certification criteria required to satisfy the Base EHR definition. Unskilled treatment note: Pt continues to present with unintelligible speech. In supine, patient positioned properly to train in posterior pelvic tilts, abdominal crunches 2x 15. Includes body functions: Examples of body functions include touch, pain, ROM, strength, tone, endurance, and breathing. A skilled PT is required to address these key impairments and to provide and progress with an appropriate home exercise program. He loves to teach PTs and OTs ways to save time and money in and out of the clinic, especially when it comes to documentation or continuing education. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. With most healthcare practices, there are forms that need to be completed by the patient prior to the initial examination by the therapist. In Touch EMR is one of the only EMR vendors in the rehabilitation space to pass all the 2014 Edition EHR Certification criteria required to satisfy the Base EHR Definition as stated by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, as listed here: http://www.healthit.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/BaseEHR_8-18-12_Final.pdf. Inhibit 16. (Examples for treatment provided would follow a similar format as noted above in the Daily Note Example. The conscious use of skill especially in the production of works. Continued use of FWW recommended. Under the maintenance coverage standard articulated in the Jimmo Settlement, the determining issue regarding Medicare coverage is whether the skilled services of a health care professional are needed, not whether the Medicare beneficiary will "improve." Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Patient instructed in glute squeeze, Kegels, hip abd, hip add with pelvic floor activation holding 5 seconds each 310. When treating patients, use shorthand to take quick personal notes about your interactions and observations. Follow him on YouTube for weekly videos on ways to improve your financial health. Key impairments include: decreased ROM and strength of the left lower extremity, poor balance and compensatory gait patterning, increased swelling, and pain with functional activities such as squatting, walking, and stairs. Advised patient on safe use of walker to encourage proximity to device. There has been a longstanding myth that Medicare does not cover services to maintain or manage a beneficiary's current condition when no functional improvement is possible. PT utilized Modified Borg Scale and patient reported 2/10 during exercise. Patient denied pain, just complained of overall weakness. Patient reported functional progress with opening jars in prep for feeding and grooming tasks. The patient will perform oral motor exercises to maintain functional oral motor strength for speech and swallowing capabilities daily with speech therapy cuing and supervision. collection of physiologic data (for example, ECG, blood pressure, glucose monitoring . Instructed patient to continue using ice intermittently at home with elevation throughout the day to minimize swelling. The handbook provides information about Texas Medicaid's benefits, policies, and procedures applicable to these therapies. OT developed program and patient was instructed in variety of exercises to increase pelvic musculature, reduce urgency and bladder control for overall reduced falls. In side lying, patient instructed in 310 L hip abduction, L hip extension with verbal cues to isolate targeted muscle groups and initiate appropriate exercise. CC: Increased pain and stiffness in left knee prevents him from sleeping well at night and limits his ability to walk or stand for more than 10 minutes. To shorten this example, the treatment has been omitted but would follow a similar format as the treatment listed in the Sample Daily Note.). Reduced Clients also get a self-paced video training program on how to get up and running, custom documentation template builder, iPad app one touch document import, Instant Intake iPad app, unlimited patient manager and patient portal. Treatment Provided: Total knee protocol to include instruction of HEP and performance of the following exercises: ankle pumps x 20, quad sets x 15, SLR x 10, sidelying SLR x 10, glute squeezes x 20, mini squats x 10, heel slides x 15. The Jimmo Settlement confirms that Medicare coverage is available for skilled nursing and therapy that is needed to maintain a persons condition or slow deterioration, for nursing home, home health, and outpatient therapy. Ali Bers reminds providers to not base Skilled Maintenance therapy to the beneficiarys medical diagnosis/ medical condition but on the need for skilled care. The documentation of the visit should alwaysdemonstrate that the treatment provided required the skilled services of the therapist and could not have been safely and effectively accomplished by the patient, family, caregiver or unskilled personnel. step to] technique with physical therapy. Puthen Roy PROM flexion to 95 degrees. Patient now cleared to begin ROM exercises per MD documentation. - Develop maintenance programto be carried out by patient and caregiverto ensure optimal performance of trained skills and/or to generalize use of skills. This is exactly what we needed and it has boosted our efficiency. The fear is What if I dont document correctly?. PTs and PTAs are permitted to provide maintenance therapy services under Medicare Part A in home health and skilled nursing facility settings and across Part B settings. I am a physical therapist working in Md. They didnt stop there. PT graded task to standing single leg stands for hip flexion and abd on compliant surface 310. When using 97530, you should focus on tasks ending in "ing" such as carrying, lifting, handling, reaching, transferring and transporting to improve overall function. hb```B@((jHBSCM7$::#)V @, Across PT sub-disciplines, there are different standards for official physical therapy documentation. What is an example of an Ownership Change vs. a CHOW? Physical Therapy Documentation Examples and Documentation Best Practices Physical Therapy Documentation Examples (Downloadable) and Best Practices with Physical Therapy Forms At In Touch EMR, we get daily calls from clinicians, owners and students asking us for physical therapy documentation examples that qualify as 'defensible documentation'. Patient denied SOB or pain, but reported that was a good workout. O2 monitored pre, during, and post exercise with readings > 94%. OT developed HEP and patient instructed in self ROM/stretches to increase I with HEP for BUE exercises. Physical therapy documentation can be time-consuming and confusing for a PT team. Lower Extremity Functional Outcome Score: 55% disability score. In addition to supervising the services provided by the PTA, the qualified therapist is still responsible for the initial assessment, plan of care, maintenance program development and modifications, and reassessment every 30 days. Engaged In seated position, patient was instructed in LLE strengthening exercises to decrease left foot drop during ambulation prior to functional mobility task. 26 N. Beach St., Suite A Jimmo, Data collection is the foundation for monitoring progress, but, in itself is a daunting task. Did it result in an improvement in the condition of the patient and help the patient get back to activities of daily living?. However, keep in mind that including one or two of these words/phrases does not in and of itself demonstrate skilled care, the therapist or assistant should use these key words/phrases in notes like the examples above. Problem Summary: Increased pain at left knee, decreased ROM of left knee, decreased strength of L LE, balance deficits in standing, difficulty with weight bearing activities, altered posture, lack of home exercise program, impaired gait form and use of assistive device. 4 0 obj hXjIzLLrk`gzX=@U-YKR:%Bk%!$F#+nv"jNP2(dPL-Lp:Ra185XM9^D]D;a@&FiaB;al. A lot of therapists think that they can just cramp in a few notes after the sessions or write down what they remember within the week, but notes-taking, especially for therapy, doesn't work that way. He demonstrates gait deviations that include the following: increased lateral trunk lean to the left with stance phase, decreased push off bilaterally, poor knee flexion with swing, decreased hip extension with push off and impaired ability to turn corners due to unsteadiness attributed to unnatural use of walker. endstream endobj startxref The patient will maintain the use of safe swallow strategies as instructed by Speech therapy at each meal to prevent aspiration. In any case, the intensity of therapy shall be reasonable and necessary and shall never exceed the patient's level of need or tolerance, or compromise the patient's safety. 1. Increased time needed to execute and allow for therapeutic rest. Within 2 weeks, the patient will report a 20% reduction in knee pain at night in order to facilitate their ability to fall asleep. PHd$2 +4^{D=fO:%hWVuOq~4ssatP6 Precautions: WBAT with FWW, progressing to cane as tolerated. 4. Outlining patient progression through a series of goals that are achieved and modified is an excellent way to convey progress and justify treatment. Therapy, RR <20 following task and RPE 2. Privacy Policy | Website Supported by Paradox Marketing, Harmony Healthcare International (HHI) Blog, Maintenance Therapy: Skilled Nursing Facility Goal Setting, 2023 Harmony Healthcare International, Inc. (HHI). Our biller is able to pull up detailed reports, exactly the way we want. Several nonfederal payers also have clarified their policies regarding the improvement standard and skilled maintenance coverage. Monitored There are some abbreviations considered as Do Not Use (DNU) according to JCAHO National An X-ray revealed severe arthritis and the patient elected to undergo total knee replacement in December of 2015. The patient will safely ambulate outside and manage barriers (doors, steps, obstacles) without loss of balance and minimal assistance from physical therapist. The patient will maintain _____ degrees AAROM UE to reduce risk of fixed bony contracture. The Note Ninjas The Remarks Ninjas The . For Advertisers, Exhibitors, and Sponsors | For Media. Recommend continue POC. Patient denies tenderness behind the knee and along the incision. Since In Touch EMR has been very proactive at staying at the forefront of emerging guidelines for EMR vendors, you are assured higher quality, higher security and more compliance with CMS and other payer regulations. My LE swells when I stand more than 3 hours at a time, but resting for 20 minutes allows me to stand throughout the day. Medically necessary services can be rehabilitative, maintenance, or slowing of decline, based on the physical therapist's ability to justify that they are reasonable and necessary and require the skills of the physical therapist. Thank you for this referral and please call xxx-xxx-xxxx with any questions or concerns. Using red TB, pt. Patient frustrated at times, but OT provided hand over hand as needed and patient with resultant improved performance. Patient reporting 3 episodes of nocturia increasing risks of falls. Are you a business looking to collaborate? Skin appears dark pink, dry and well healing. Patient progressed this session to standing wall squats with physio ball and min A, heel raises with BUE support and cues for posture. Maintenance therapy has long been a covered service for physical therapy and occupational therapy. Within 6 weeks, the patient will report the ability to walk for 45 minutes without knee pain in order to perform work tasks such as navigating the plant facility. The rendering provider (clinician) has the unique skills, expertise, knowledge, experience and clinical judgment to provide a set of skilled services to the client or patient. Here are some additional guidelines for defensible documentation: In Touch EMR is a fully integrated scheduling, documentation and billing software for physical therapy practices. HCPCS code C9746 (Transperineal implantation of permanent adjustable balloon continence device, with cystourethroscopy, when performed and/or fluoroscopy, when performed), which was effective July 1, 2017, was deleted June 30, 2019. Because Physical Therapists deserve to go home to family, not paperwork. To find out more visit our privacy policy. Initial Patient/Client Management A. With my 60+ examples of assessment phrases in real-life scenarios, youll have access to a comprehensive resource that will improve the efficiency and quality of your writing. Min A provided due to RE weakness and prevention of substitution movements. Documentation Concepts Rehab -Maintenance Assessments Rehabilitative Maintenance The patient will maintain ambulation to 250 feet without loss of balance or shortness of breath utilizing [devise or type of strategy i.e. In Touch EMR is a leader in web-based EMR for our practice. b) Work with a caregiver to achieve outcomes. The treatments that are provided are they absolutely necessary? 3. % PT assessed progress as follows: Increase of 4 degrees R hip flexion, 3 degrees hip abduction and 2 degrees in extension post ther ex when compared to previous session. The patient reports the surgery was performed with no issues. Learn more about this, and other related topics in the course Audit Proof Your Skilled Therapy Documentation. Fear makes us focus on quantity as opposed to quality of documentation. (Skilled terminology is highlighted in red.) Cold pack x 10 minutes in supine following ther ex. Patient reporting exercises are helping him not drag my foot as often.. Maintenance Therapy, The moment the patient can: a) Complete exercises / treatment safely and effectively on their own and Supervising Medicare does indeed cover services to maintain or manage a beneficiary's current condition when no functional improvement is possible. INITIAL EXAMINATION/EVALUATION Physical Therapy Documentation: 3 Examples. This creates a vicious cycle where wedocument too much. Rather than singular phrases, document the billing code, the body part (s) treated, the muscles and joints targeted, and the specific activities performed, such as isometric or isokinetic exercises. The front desk automation (certification alerts, patient portal, birthday reminders, e-newsletters) and clinician automation (progress note and reevaluation countdown, autotext technology, flowsheet templates, tasks and messages) are sufficient to set them apart. Patient is L hand dominant. Min A provided due to LE weakness and prevention of substitution movements. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Patient educated on purpose and instructed in Codmans exercise x 1-minute x 5 RUE clockwise, then counter clockwise. That doesnt tell us anything, and it neglects to mention any cueing you provided. Patient is at risk for increased back pain without training to stabilize core muscles. C9746 has been replaced with CPT code 0548T and 0549T effective July 1, 2019. Every license unlimited ongoing support (phone / email / live chat), billing software integration, unlimited appointments, unlimited documentation, unlimited document uploads and unlimited electronic faxing. The 2013 Jimmo vs. Sebelius settlement sought to dispel this fallacy and provide clarifications to safeguard against unfair denials by Medicare contractors for skilled therapy services that aid in maintaining a patient's current condition or to prevent or slow decline. Documentation begins even before the patient is seen by the clinician. The billing software is extremely versatile I can review number of claims sent / on hold, payer breakdown, charges per visit and collections per visit. 2021 PTProgress - Our content does not constitute medical, financial, or legal consultation. In closing, Harmony Healthcare International (HHI) encourages providers to educate themselves on Maintenance therapy and stay on the lookout for further educational outreach from CMS. to develop a key of frequently used abbreviations on most documentation forms or request therapists to completely spell any word the first time it is written with the shortened form in parentheses (e.g. All of this is possible thanks to clients across the country, who have embraced In Touch EMR. As best practice, rendering providers should have a basic understanding of compliant documentation, and how insurance payments work since they generate the claims. Patient is independent with advanced HEP and is agreeable to discharge with all goals met. Instructed the patient in co-contraction of quads to improve motor recruitment in order to achieve greater knee extension., Poor recruitment of glutes is a major factor in the patients lack of hip stability. What are the skilled areas that require maintenance therapy? CMS looks favorably on the use of CEHRT since HHS is trying to encourage the adoption of CEHRT amongs providers nationwide as part of a long term push towards electronic documentation and interoperability between EMR systems. My front desk staff has the ability to track authorizations and create progress note alerts, physician prescription alerts and fax reports to physicians with the click of a button in In Touch EMR. Skilled therapy services are covered when an individualized assessment of the patient's clinical condition demonstrates that the specialized judgment, knowledge, and skills of a qualified therapist ("skilled care") are necessary for the performance of a safe and effective maintenance program.