PhysicalTherapy.com Phone: 866-782-6258


Medicare Part B Guidelines for Student Treatment

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS

December 28, 2016

Share:

Question

Can you review the Medicare Part B guidelines as it relates to students treating patients?

Answer

The following criteria need to be met in order to bill for the services that the student provides:

  • The qualified professional, meaning the therapist or the assistant who is supervising, is present in the room for the entire session.
  • The clinician is directing the service; they are making the skilled judgment, and as such, are responsible for the assessment and the treatment.
  • That clinician is not engaged in treating any other patient, and they are not engaged in doing any other tasks at the same time.
  • The qualified professional must sign all documentation. 

Now, the student can also sign the documentation, but it's technically not necessary because what Medicare pays for is the therapist's services for supervising, not the student's services to the patient. So basically what's happening here, is a co-treatment between the supervisor and the student. The student can certainly be working with that patient, that's not a problem. They don't have to be hands-off, but what we need to see happening is that the supervisor is there 100% of the time, directing it, making that skilled judgment, and they are responsible, so in essence, it is, in fact, a co-treatment between the therapist or assistant, (whoever's supervising that student), and the student.


kathleen d weissberg

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS

In her 30+ years of practice, Dr. Kathleen Weissberg has worked in rehabilitation and long-term care as an executive, researcher, and educator.  She has established numerous programs in nursing facilities; authored peer-reviewed publications on topics such as low vision, dementia quality care, and wellness; and has spoken at national and international conferences. She provides continuing education support to over 40,000 individuals nationwide as National Director of Education for Select Rehabilitation. She is a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner, a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner, and a Certified Fall Prevention Specialist.  She serves as the Region 1 Director for the American Occupational Therapy Association Political Action Committee and adjunct professor at Gannon University in Erie, PA. 


Related Courses

Supporting the LGBTQ Senior in Healthcare
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Course: #4096Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'The instructor was clear and experienced and had interesting anecdotes to share/illustrate the concepts'   Read Reviews
This training describes the required elements for responding to the emerging needs of long term care communities to provide sensitive and respectful services to LGBT elders. The training reviews definitions related to sexual orientation and gender identity challenges experienced by LGBT older adults, and strategies for communication and policies that honor residents' rights. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT and PTA.

Supervising Assistants, Students, and Aides: Upholding Your Ethics in a Challenging Health Care Environment
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Course: #4377Level: Intermediate2 Hours
  'She spoke clearly and concisely'   Read Reviews
This presentation reviews the definitions of supervision as well as APTA guidance related to supervising assistants, students, and aides in various healthcare environments. Documentation guidelines for Medicare are reviewed as these relate to what an assistant can complete versus a therapist. The use of students and rehab aides in long-term care is reviewed in accordance with Medicare guidelines. Real examples of common supervisory ethical dilemmas from the field, including the appropriate action steps to take in each one, are highlighted. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA

Bullying Among Older Adults: Not Just a Playground Problem
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Course: #4692Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'This course gave me alot of context in what to look for and how to provide intervention in bullying situations in senior care'   Read Reviews
In this session, participants learn the definition and incidence of bullying in adult living communities and day centers, including what older adult bullying looks like in this population. Characteristics of older adult bullies, as well as their targets and gender differences, are explored. The reasons why bullying occurs, as well as the five different types of bullies, are defined. Interventions for the organization, the bully, and the target are reviewed to help communities minimize (and prevent, where possible) bullying and mitigate the effects on the target. Addressing bullying behavior among older adults is critically important for enhancing the quality of life and promoting emotional well-being; strategies to create caring and empathic communities for all residents and staff members are reviewed.

Health Literacy: Effective Client Communication and Education
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Course: #3177Level: Intermediate1 Hour
  'I was able to easily understand the information presented'   Read Reviews
This session will review techniques for clear and effective communication, verbal and written communication with those from other cultures, writing and selecting easy-to-read health materials, and assessment tools to use to ensure that clients understand the therapy services provided and have the skills needed to access, understand, and use health information.

Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Presented by Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Recorded Webinar

Presenter

Kathleen D. Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, CMDCP, CDP, CFPS
Course: #4713Level: Introductory1 Hour
  'Comprehensive'   Read Reviews
Harassment, and more specifically, sexual harassment, is illegal. This course reviews the definition of sexual harassment, ways to prevent harassment, and what to do should harassment occur in the workplace. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience. By using our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy.