Rooted in Arts and Crafts Occupational Therapy is a unique medical profession because its origins are not based on a traditional medical model. Let\u2019s rewind 100+ years to 1917:<\/p>\n Eventually, occupational therapy became recognized as a science driven, evidence-based profession. In light of Occupational\u00a0Therapy Month, I found it befitting to discuss ways that occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) can best demonstrate the distinct value of Occupational Therapy in the everchanging world of Medicare.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 1960s – Medicare is born and OT focuses on Community-Based Care\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n Prior to 1960s, occupational therapy services were limited to hospital settings. However, with the Geriatric Consumerism Movement<\/em> and the Community Mental Health Act of 1963<\/em>, occupational therapy began to focus on mental health and community-based care. Then in 1965, the following pivotal changes occurred:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n OT is introduced to the SNF<\/strong><\/p>\n From the 1970s to 1990s, occupational therapy began to embrace its holistic roots once again with a community focus. This brought about more specialized practice areas and settings including:<\/p>\n Additionally, in 1986 occupational therapy became a provider of Medicare part B services. This change in the industry\u00a0introduced\u00a0occupational therapy to the SNF setting and quickly brought about new opportunities for the profession; but not without its challenges. A profession rooted largely in art, social work, and education must now prove through documentation that it is services are \u201cmedically necessary\u201d for Medicare reimbursement. This, coupled with productivity demands make it challenging to address ADL and IADL needs in a way that is practical and holistic.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Keeping it Relevant<\/strong><\/p>\n To address these challenges, many OTPs feel pressure to fit OT into a PT mold. Upper extremity strengthening has quickly become a go-to treatment but there are times that this doesn\u2019t fit a logical framework for treatment. For example, a Medicare reviewer would not expect that a hip replacement would result in upper extremity weakness. However, a person may still have ADL deficits due to the joint pain and instability post-surgery. This presents a quandary for OTPs who are pressured to provide upper body therapeutic exercise. Well good news! With an evidence-based methodology and the use of occupation-based standardized assessments, occupational therapy professionals can both meet the demands of Medicare to establish medical necessity, while also maintaining the integrity and organic roots of the occupational therapy profession.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Want to know more? Be sure to register for this course coming soon! It is proven to be beneficial for all therapy disciplines – Medicare Documentation: Practical Strategies for Justifying Therapy Services.<\/strong> Together, we can advocate for the efficacy of Occupational Therapy and support its rich legacy.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n References:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Other Courses by Melinda Butler, OTR\/L, OTD, BCPA:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Functional Geriatrics: Documentation and Treatment Strategies<\/a><\/p>\n Creating Value-Based Treatment<\/a><\/p>\n Telehealth in the SNF<\/a><\/p>\n Ethical Trends in Occupational Therapy<\/a><\/p>\n Preventing and Preparing for Medicare Audits<\/a><\/p>\n Successful Implementation of the PDPM & PGPM<\/a><\/p>\n Coding and Billing for the PDPM and PGPM<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Coming Soon:<\/strong><\/p>\n Rehabilitation for the Frail or Cognitively-Impaired Older Adult: Part I <\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogcontent.summit-education.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rooted-in-Arts-Crafts.jpg\")
<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\n
\u00a0 <\/a><\/a><\/p>\n\n