Section 322.1(b)(2) states that a patient receiving treatment must be reevaluated by a PT: 1) at least once every 60 days, or at a higher frequency as established by the PT; 2) or in response to a change in the patient’s medical status that affects physical therapy treatment, when a change in the physical therapy plan of care is needed, or prior to any planned discharge.
There is no specific reference to hospitalization, but if hospitalization occurs it might cause a change to the patient’s medical status that affects physical therapy treatment – and the PT may need to revise the plan of care. It is up to the PT to determine whether the plan of care needs to be revised. If a PTA is treating the patient and the patient is hospitalized during the course of treatment, the PTA should discuss this issue with the PT prior to continuing treatment so that the PT can make the determination regarding the plan of care. This may require a reevaluation by the PT or it may not, but that determination is the responsibility of the PT. (3/2010)