OASIS-Central

Q: This is a question about OASIS-C and referral dates. Currently we are requesting our hospital liaisons put the referral in our computer system as soon as the patient has made their choice. This could be three to four days before they leave the hospital. This gives the impression we do not see the patient for three to four days from that date. This information is going to go in M0104, date of referral. (Again, this could be three to four days earlier than when we are admitting the patient). Is this going to be a problem regulatory wise? Could they come back and say we do not see our patients within 24-48 hours of referral or a specific date set by the physician? Or does M1005, inpatient discharge date, cover us?

A: The Conditions of Participation require that the patient be seen within 48 hours of EITHER the referral date OR the patient’s return home, or on a date specified by the physician. The date in M1005 covers this situation.