Re-Certifications of Therapy Plans of Care

What is a Recertification?

A re-certification is a change to a patient's initial therapy plan of care.  Medicare guidelines state that a Re-Certification of the Plan of Care shall be done when: 

• The initial certification period is expiring, and continued skilled therapy is medically necessary to complete a therapy plan. 

• When additional visits are needed to achieve the therapy goals.

• When there is a substantial change in the patient’s condition that requires a revision of the patient’s therapy goals (ie, a new condition).

When Are Recertifications Done?

Recertifications are done as part of the scheduled progress/supervisory visit for a patient.  

How Are Re-Certifications Done?

Recertifications are included during a progress/supervisory visit.  se the correct appointment type (Progress with Recertification) and load the Template for Progress with Recertification for your discipline.

How Long Are They Effective?

 The maximum recertification period under Medicare is 90 calendar days.  UnitedHealthcare recertifications are only 60 days.  LifeCare recommends that you use the entire certification period for plans of care. This will help prevent the need for re-certification on a date-only basis due to unexpected delays (e.g., due to holidays or illness).