Medicare rules for use of community pool - apply to private practice, physicians office, outpatient hospital or outpatient SNF

Just a reminder of a change that happened in Medicare policy last summer...

According to the CMS:

When therapy services may be furnished appropriately in a community pool by a clinician in a PT or OT private practice, physician office, outpatient hospital, or outpatient SNF, the practice/office or provider shall rent or lease the pool, or a specific portion of the pool. [Emphasis added]

The use of that part of the pool during specified times shall be restricted to the patients of that practice or provider. The written agreement to rent or lease the pool shall be available for review on request. When part of the pool is rented or leased, the agreement shall describe the part of the pool that is used exclusively by the patients of that practice/office or provider and the times that exclusive use applies.

Other providers, including providers of outpatient physical therapy and speech-language pathology (OPTs or rehabilitation agencies) and CORFs, are subject to the requirements outlined in the respective State Operations Manual regarding rented or leased community pools.

Medicare Benefit Policy Manual- Chapter 15 – Covered Medical and Other Health Services (See Section 220C) (Revision 109, 08-07-09)