Yes. Until September 2001, the CORF program was
one of the last of the cost-based accounting programs. Reimbursement for
services provided was determined by a complex formula that factored all the
costs associated with facility operation and service provision. The intent was
to operate in a non-profit, break even manner that discouraged treatment of
non-Medicare patients.
Beginning in October of 2001, Medicare instituted
a physician fee schedule (PPS- Perspective Payer System) that allows the
facility to operate on a for profit basis. This change has opened the doors to
treatment of non-Medicare patients outside the regulations and restrictions of
the Medicare funded program. Regulations mandate establishment and notification
of CORF operational hours (determined by the facility administration) during
which time Medicare patients ONLY are
to be treated, and the program rules and regulations are to be strictly adhered
to. Outside of those delineated hours however, the clinic becomes an outpatient
treatment facility available to any and all that may seek treatment or avail
themselves of the services offered. This one key difference from the previous
reimbursement system has exponentially expanded the available patient base and
facility potential. No longer are the facilities considered Medicare only.
Program guidelines provide for allowance of a dual-use
facility, meaning the CORF may be established and operated inside a clinic
or office being used for provision of other medical disciplines (chiropractic is
the most common). Current front office staff may be utilized as well as the
patient waiting area and entrance. There is no need for hiring additional
reception personnel or establishing a separate entrance or waiting area. CORF
patient files and records must be kept separate in a locked file cabinet. No
commingling of records is permitted. There should be a separate corporate
structure (C corp.) established (seek the advice of your accountant) as well as
separate bank accounts, phone number, and corporate mailing address (PO Box).
More
|