By Stuart S. Kurlander, JD, MHA
More Highlights From HCFA Supervision, students, and SNFs are all affected by new memorandums. Do you perform tasks under the supervision of a physician? If so, then you need to pay particular attention to Program Memorandum B-01-28, which was issued after the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) became aware of the confusion surrounding the physician supervision requirements for diagnostic tests. Program Memorandum B-01-28 comes with a complete list of all diagnostic tests and the specific levels of supervision required for each test and definitions of the three levels of supervision: General supervision—the physician provides overall direction and control, but is not required to be present during the procedure; Direct supervision—the physician must be present in the office suite and immediately available to furnish assistance and directions during the procedure; andPersonal supervision—the physician must be in the room during the procedure. Physical therapists will be happy to note that, effective July 1, 2001, the current procedural technology (CPT) codes in the range of 95860 through 95937 will have new supervision levels, making it possible for physical therapists to acquire certification required to perform certain services without supervision. Following is a summary of the codes listed in Program Memorandum B-01-28 that are specific to physical therapists:
