Re: screen verus eval

[Guest guest]

I work for a company that contracts rehab services in LTC/SNF

setting. We have defined screens as a consult, using the

definition/information provided in the " Guide to Physical Therapist

Practice. " We view screens as a " hands-off " task -- strictly for

data gathering to determine if there is a need for skilled

intervention, which includes a chart review, interview w/nursing and

the resident/family -- for all disciplines.

If the clinician needs to make a modification to an existing program

or determines that there has been a change in status warranting

skilled intervention, then he/she needs to complete a comprehensive

evaluation and develop a plan of care. Otherwise, they are providing

skilled services without an approved plan of care, and leave

themselves wide-open to liability if an injury occurs during or as a

result of the intervention.

Hope that helps.

Kerri Bednarcik, PT

Phila, PA

> Looking for what other facilities are doing in regard to this

topic... If

> working in a SNF/sub acute setting and therapies are asked to help

in making

> an assessment if a resident will need skilled rehab services or

other

> testing/interventions, should one perform a screen or ask for eval

orders?

> We screen (not eval) residents routinely and often recommend

changes in

> restorative programs, perform staff ed, recommend further

diagnostic tests or

> other services be performed, but will often only see this resident

for this

> one episode. My question is should these services be considered a

screen or

> an eval? I have heard that some facilities will only perform a

chart review

> if they are asked to screen, and if they are going to actually put

their

> hands on a resident that they need eval orders (except for annual

> assessments).

> Any input/advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

>

> Kim Malloy-Salmon, PT, MHP