Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs, also known as Inpatient Rehab. Hospitals/IRHs)
The intensive rehabilitation therapy requirement for IRF coverage, commonly defined as the ‘‘3-hour’’ rule, is relaxed, but IRFs should instead make a note in the medical record to explain why this requirement is not able to be met due to specified issues arising from the COVID-19 crisis. Telehealth services can be used for the required 3 physician supervision visits per week. The post-admission physician evaluation can count as one of the “face-to-face” visits, if it is performed. The post- admission physician evaluation requirement, is removed for all IRFs.
For more information, here is the website: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fiscal-year-fy-2021-inpatient-rehabilitation-facilities-irf-prospective-payment-system-pps-cms-1729
