Can an anesthesiologist meet the Medicare requirement for direct physician supervision for Phase II cardiac rehabiliation services?
A. Yes. The coverage criteria for cardiac rehabilitation services located in the Coverage Issues Manual under Publication 100-3, Chapter 1, Section 20-10) states that “services of non-physician personnel must be under the direct supervision of a physician”. The guidelines do not specify a particular physician specialty such as a cardiologist; however, the designated physician must be ACLS certified. It is imperative that providers ensure that the physician designated to cover the rehabiliation unit during the Phase II cardiac rehabilition sessions is aware that she/he is the supervising physician. Direct supervision means that a physician must be in the exercise program area and immediately available and accessible for an emergency at all times the exercise program is conducted.
Related Questions
- Is there a requirement that the CPT codes submitted for payment to Medicare by the hospital and by the emergency physician be identical, or "match"?
- Can an anesthesiologist meet the Medicare requirement for direct physician supervision for Phase II cardiac rehabiliation services?
- Ive heard that one hour of supervision every three weeks does not meet the 1.5 hours per month requirement, is this true?
