Effect of Delay in Initiation of Deferred Care

20.2.2.4 - Effect of Delay in Initiation of Deferred Care (Rev. 1, 10-01-03) A3-3131.3.B.4, SNF-212.3.B.4 As indicated, where the required care commences within the anticipated time frame, the transfer requirement would be considered met even though more than 30 days have elapsed. However, situations may occur where complications necessitate delayed initiation of the required care and treatment beyond the usual anticipated time frame (e.g., skilled rehabilitative services which will enable an amputee patient to use a prosthetic device must be deferred due to an infection in the stump). In such situations, the 30-day transfer requirement may still be met even though care is not started within the usual anticipated time frame, if the care is begun as soon as medically possible and the care at that time is still reasonable and necessary for the treatment of a condition for which the patient received inpatient hospital care.