Don't Let Oasis C Throw You

By Author: Angela Martin
Total Articles: 205
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Major OASIS C changes are coming your way, and you'll need to be ready for them by Jan. 1, 2010. Many home health agencies are dreading the transition to the new OASIS C form and process measures. Despite these new challenges, the right information can help you ride the OASIS C wave without pulling your hair out.

OASIS C -- What You Need to Know Now

Arm yourself with the correct tools and preparation to get ready for these OASIS C process changes:

New process measures that CMS is adding to the OASIS C;
Time points -- and interpreting how they impact each process item;
Internal process changes;
Medication process items, pain assessment and heart failure changes;
Changes to wound measures, depression screening and falls risk assessment; and
Problems with plan-of-care and intervention synopsis items.

Although CMS claims that OASIS C changes will have no impact on reimbursement ...
... and the items are "optional," that is not entirely true. OASIS C measures could eventually influence the refinements to the case mix adjustor. Also, CMS could soon develop a quality-based purchasing component (formerly known as pay for performance) to reimbursement, and agencies that don't incorporate these measures could lose out on payments.

Why OASIS C Isn't All Bad News

CMS is planning to offer extensive training on OASIS C measures, including a "Train the Trainer" package for OASIS Coordinators, scheduled for release in the fall. Other high notes include the changes implemented in the new OASIS C form regarding activities of daily living.

January may seem far into the future, but you'll be glad that you started your preparations for OASIS C now, instead of scrambling at the last minute.