Re: Gastrostomy tubes

[RRS2000]

This is not correct.  The regulations have not changed in a long time.  Once benefits are exhausted, as long as the resident remains in the SNF (or a hospital) and continues to meet the criteria for Part A coverage, he will not have a 60-day break in skilled services and  therefore will not be able to qualify for a new benefit period.  Diagnosis is not a consideration.

See Benefit Periods at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/101_general/ge101c03.asp

Rena

Rena R. Shephard, MHA, RN, FACDONA, RAC-C
Chair, American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

-----Original Message-----
From: Tracy Howard [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2004 8:33 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Gastrostomy tubes




          I was told yesterday that there was an update to Medicare a couple of years ago that stated that g-tube feeders who have used their 100 days for their g-tube, can be reskilled for something else such as an infection or wound later on after 60 days and had a 3 day qualifying stay, but can never be skilled for their g-tube again.    Is this correct?  Does anyone have any references to this?

                                               Tracy Howard, RN, BSN