Frequently Asked Question of the Month:
True or false? A Therapy Assistant (PTA/COTA) cannot perform maintenance therapy for home health patients.
False. In Home Health, both the therapist and assistants can provide skilled maintenance treatments. The CY 2020 Home Health PPS Final Rule changed the HH regulations to allow therapist assistants to perform maintenance therapy services under a maintenance program established by a qualified therapist under the home health benefit, if acting within the therapy scope of practice defined by state licensure laws (84 FR 60550). The qualified therapist is still responsible for the initial assessment; plan of care; maintenance program development and modifications; and reassessment every 30 days, in addition to supervising the services provided by the therapist assistant.
Symbria is committed to maintaining a high standard and level of communication with our clients and employees regarding clinical education, PDGM understanding, patient assessment, home health regulations, and coding efficiency. As a result, the Home Health Insider was born. In this monthly offering, we hope to provide some valuable information that can foster a quality level of care that meets the needs of the patients that we serve.