What is the difference between a Home Health Agency and a Rehabilitation Agency like Comprehensive Rehabilitation?

A Home Health Agency provides nursing and skilled therapy services to those who are homebound. It is primarily reimbursed by Medicare Part A. A Rehabilitation Agency provides only skilled physical, occupational and speech therapy to clients in their home or in a therapy clinic. It is reimbursed through Medicare Part B.

Does Comprehensive Therapeutics have a quality assurance program?

Yes. Comprehensive is committed to monitoring and improving all of the services that we provide. The following activities support our mission of excellence in service delivery:

• Quarterly documentation audits
• Patient outcome reports
• Client and patient satisfaction surveys
• Operational reports to managers
• Staff training programs

How does Comprehensive Therapeutics remain aware of changes in legislation and rules and regulations regarding Medicare?

As a Rehabilitation Agency, we receive updates from our Medicare intermediary. We are also a member of state, local and national associations that provide current information. These changes are published in our newsletters and disseminated to clients and staff electronically

Does Comprehensive Therapeutics employ therapy professionals?

CTL has a large pool of occupational, physical and speech therapists that we employ on a full-time, part-time and PRN basis. We do our best to match the skills and experience of our therapists to each of the settings that we place them in while keeping in mind their geographic location and minimizing travel.

What is the experience level and clinical skills of Comprehensive therapists?

We have a careful selection process that includes obtaining a resume, performing multiple interviews, completing a case study and skills checklist, and conducting reference and background checks. All of these tools, in conjunction with our extensive continuing education and one-to-one and group mentoring opportunities, allow us to assure you that only the top therapists will be working at our client facilities. Comprehensive encourages clients to call and request résumés and skills check list on specific therapists.

How much notice do you need to fill a request for interim staffing? Can you guarantee staff if a longer lead-time is provided?

While we do not have any specific requirement for notice or staff requests, we try to plan ahead as much as possible, so our staff is always aware of upcoming assignments. So the more notice provided us, the more likely we are to meet each request. Assignments and census fluctuate regularly, so there is also the possibility of us having a therapist available for last minute requests.

What is the Comprehensive cancellation policy for interim staffing?

Our confirmation agreement details that a one-week cancellation notice is required. This allows us the opportunity to find another match for our staff and allows them the opportunity to tie up any loose ends at their assignment. We are always willing to discuss any unusual circumstances or needs that may apply to a specific organization.

Why would a hospital choose to have Comprehensive Therapeutics manage their rehabilitation services?

With a short labor pool, hospitals may have difficulty finding qualified and experienced staff. Even if they have their own staff, managing this area successfully requires expertise in reimbursement, coding, documentation and productivity that is unique to the field of rehabilitation. It is difficult to find therapists with this level of knowledge and understanding. In addition, Comprehensive Therapeutics is able to recruit the number of needed qualified professionals for each setting and will ensure “bottom-line” results, as well as physician satisfaction with quality of service.

Does Comprehensive currently manage inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services for hospitals?

Yes, since 1993, Comprehensive has managed hospitals and outpatient sites and consulted to hospitals desiring program enhancement, reviews of systems, productivity and profitability analysis.

Is the new Medicaid reimbursement system just like the old IOC in regard to documentation?

No. The entire Medicaid reimbursement program is based on the MDS. The documentation required is according to the MDS 2.0 Guidelines. There is no additional IDPA manual or documentation outside of these guidelines. There are several systems that can be implemented to ensure reimbursement.

Do Long Term Care Facilities need Subpart S programming for everyone who is depressed?

No. According to IDPH, for the purpose of Subpart S, "Serious Mental Illness" is defined as the presence of a major disorder as classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

My Activity Director has been doing Activities for over 10 years; do I have to have a consultant more than two times a year?

Yes. According to the IDPH, Section 300.1410 Activity Programs, quarterly consultation is required unless the activity director is a Certified Therapeutic Specialist (CTRS), an Occupational Therapist Registered and Licensed (OTR/L); a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Do long-term care facilities need a Certified Rehab Nurse to write restorative programs under the new Medicaid reimbursement program?

No, according to the RAI, a licensed nurse may do an evaluation.

Do long-term care facilities need a Certified Rehab Nurse on staff?

Yes. The person in charge of the Restorative/Rehabilitative Nursing program shall have successfully completed a course that provides a certificate from an accredited school or agency. (Illinois Department of Public Health, Administrative Code, Section 300.1210: General Requirements for Nursing and Personal Care)

Does the Director of Nursing (D.O.N.) in a long term care facility need to be Rehab Certified?

No, unless this person is in charge of the restorative/rehabilitative nursing program. However, the D.O.N. shall have knowledge and training in restorative/rehabilitative nursing per the Illinois Department of Public Health. If the D.O.N. is deficient in rehabilitation skills, he/she must receive training. (Illinois Department of Public Health, Administrative Code, Section 300.1220.a)