Some provisions of the final 2013 PPS rule are already in effect for episodes that will end in 2013, but therapy provisions of the rule will only apply to episodes that start on or after Jan. 1.
 
That’s according to a recent clarification CMS posted on its home health center page. The clarification is tucked away at the bottom of an existing bullet discussing final rule provisions.
 
One question raised by the clarification: Are new flexibilities for face-to-face encounter documentation included in the final rule already in effect? “The answer is yes,” a CMS spokesperson says. The new flexibilities allow facility non-physician practitioners to conduct encounters and communicate findings to the certifying physician via a treating physician at the facility. They also allow agencies to title and date encounter documentation, a task previously limited to certifying physicians.
 
For details on how other provisions of the final rule will be affected by the clarification and when agencies can expect additional guidance on therapy provisions, turn to the Dec. 3 issue of HHL.