Medicare Benefit Policy Manual (Pub. 100-02), Ch. 4 § 10.2
Institution's Status in Determining Days Deducted
10.2 - Institution's Status in Determining Days Deducted
(Rev. 1, 10-01-03)
A3-3104.2, HO-217.2
The status of a psychiatric hospital (or a distinct part of such a hospital) as of the
individual's first day of entitlement is controlling in determining whether days spent there
during the preceding 150 days are to be deducted. Thus, deductions would be made for
days spent in a hospital (or distinct part) that was participating as of the individual's first
day of entitlement even though it was not participating during all or part of the preceding
150 days. However, where an institution is not participating as of the individual's first
day of entitlement, deductions would not be made for days spent in that institution during
the preceding 150 days, even though the institution is later certified for participation as a
psychiatric hospital.
Where a participating psychiatric hospital is a distinct part of an institution, deductions
are made only for days spent in the wards, floors, wings, etc., included in the
participating distinct part as of the individual's first day of entitlement, even though it was
not participating during all or part of the preceding 150 days. Deductions are not made
for days spent in a part of the institution not included in the participating distinct part as
of the individual's first day of entitlement, e.g., days spent in a custodial section of the
institution or days spent in a general medical-surgical facility participating as a general
hospital.
EXAMPLE l:
Alice was admitted to Spring Psychiatric Hospital, which is a participating hospital, on
January 2 and discharged January 31. She was admitted to General Mental Health
Hospital, which is not a Medicare participating hospital, on March 1 through March 30.
On March 31, Alice was admitted to Spring Psychiatric Hospital. Alice’s Medicare
became effective April 1. The pre-entitlement days deducted from Mary’s first benefit
period are those used during her stay in Spring Psychiatric Hospital, which is a Medicare
participating hospital. The pre-entitlement days used are 29 in January and 1 in March
for a total of 30. Therefore, Alice has 120 days remaining in her first benefit period.