As of Oct 1st Medicare requires more specificity for ICD9 codes for dementia, sometimes involving a “partner” code.

 

We are questioning whether the 485 needs to be redone back to the beginning of the cert period that Oct 1st resides in for all the dementia patients affected .

 

I have searched high and low for the answer to that question with no success.   Logic tells me that the dementia code which was accepted and legal at the beginning of the cert or election need not necessitate a new 485 back to that date, when the only change required is a mandated revision for the same essential diagnosis.

 

I know that logic and medicare are two separate entities.

 

Does anyone out there have an answer for this question?

 

 

Steve Hotvedt

Healthpartners Hospice and Palliative Care

steve.w.hotvedt@healthpartners.com

Phone:  651-415-4015

Fax:  651-415-4010

 



This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or the individual responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, please be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited.

If you have received this communication in error, please return it to the sender immediately and delete the original message and any copy of it from your computer system. If you have any questions concerning this message, please contact the sender. Disclaimer R001.0