Certification

30.2.1.1 - Certification (Rev. 253, Issued: 12- 14-18, Effective: 01-16-19, Implementation: 01- 16-19) The certification period begins with the order for inpatient admission. The content requirements of the certification differ from those for other hospitals because the care furnished in inpatient psychiatric facilities is often purely custodial and thus not covered under Medicare. The purpose of the statements, therefore, is to help ensure that Medicare pays only for services of the type appropriate for Medicare coverage. The certification that a physician must provide, with respect to IPF services, is documentation that the services furnished can reasonably be expected to improve the patient's condition or for diagnostic study. The certification is required at the time of admission or as soon thereafter that is reasonable and practicable.