CMS published revisions to the inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) section of the Medicare Claims Processing Manual (Chapter 3, Section 140 of Pub. 100-04) in Transmittal 2638 [PDF] on January 18, 2013. According to CMS, the changes are intended only to clarify existing IRF payment policies. The changes address the following issues:
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IRF classification requirements
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Criteria for inpatient rehabilitation units
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Verification process used to determine if IRF meets classification criteria
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New IRFs
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Changes in the status of an IRF unit
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New IRF beds
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Change of ownership or leasing
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IRF mergers
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Full time equivalent resident cap
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Outlier payments
The related provider education article (MLN Matters Number: MM8127) can be accessed here [PDF]. The effective date of the revised manual provisions is April 22, 2013.
