Description:

Did you know? Many of the “policies” occupational therapy practitioners follow are not actual policies, but are myths, and have become "rules of thumb". Do you want to know more about how policy is impacting practice now? This discussion will explore how actual policies and regulations are impacting occupational therapy practice. This is an opportunity to discuss challenges you are facing in your practice in regards to policy and regulations. This panel discussion will help you walk away more equipped to adapt to policy changes in the future and ensure you are implementing best practice OT. Specific settings to be discussed include: acute care, post acute-care, SNF, Home Health, and pediatric private practice. 

Objectives:

• Identify strategies for best clinical decision making in relation to policy and regulation.
• Describe the impact of policy and payment on occupational therapy practice. 
• Recognize the importance of utilizing credible resources to understand policy and payment. 
• Examine the hierarchy of clinical decision making in regards to the regulatory process. 

Presenters:

Brenda Koverman, PhD, MBA, MS, OTR/L 
Patrick J Bloom, MA, FAOTA
Sarah B. Gallik, MS, OTR/L
Jenna Verdicchio OTR/L
Caren Schranz DrOT, MS, OTR/L

UPDATE:

During the January 25th presentation, and in this video recording, there was some discussion regarding "common myths within practice" and about how care giver education was a billable service contrary to what some clinicians believed. Dr. Frank Czuba, co-chair of ILOTA's Administration & Management Special Interest Section (along with Nancy Richman), wanted to add some detail/context information regarding correctly recording a billable service for care giver education. Please see Frank's follow-up clarification below:

"Care giver or family training/education is a billable service under Medicare (and by default most other 3rd party payers - check with specific insurance guidelines for details) if it meets the following criteria:

  *  The patient or client is present during the training (CPT wording for each specific code is "direct one-on-one patient contact")

  *  The training is specifically related to the patient or client's condition/situation/occupational performance (Utilize the specific CPT code based on the content of the care giver education)

  *  The training should include the active engagement of the patient or client (Includes physical and or cognitive engagement)"