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Recertify the Plan of Care (POC)

Learn how and when to edit or recertify a plan of care.

Updated over 5 months ago

What Does It Mean to Recertify a Plan of Care (POC)?

Recertifying a POC means that the patient requires care beyond the initial treatment period.
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To recertify a POC a physician or NPP reviews, approves, and signs the updated treatment plan to confirm the continued need for therapy.
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It ensures that the patient's therapy remains medically necessary and aligns with their progress and treatment goals.

When is Recertification Required?

Recertification is required in the following situations:

  1. Every 90 days after treatment begins or before the initial POC expires, whichever comes first.

  2. Or, When there are significant changes to the treatment plan, such as:

    • New therapy goals

    • Adjustments to the type, frequency, or duration of therapy

    • A change in the patient’s condition requiring modified treatment

Edit or Recertify POCs in PatientStudio

PatientStudio provides two options when for adjusting the POC - Edit and Recertify.

Editing a POC

Editing a POC modifies the existing plan for the current treatment period without creating a new POC.

When to Use Editing:

  • Minor changes or corrections to the current Plan of Care.

Example:

  • A goal was written incorrectly or contains typos. The POC can be edited to correct the mistake.

How to Edit a POC

1. From the note, click "Edit"

2. A warning message will appear. Click "Edit"

3. Make applicable changes to POC and/or goals

4. Click "Save"

Recertifying a POC

Recertifying a POC creates a new plan with an updated treatment period, goals, and other relevant details.

When to Use Recertification:

  • A treatment period has ended.

  • A significant change in the patient’s status or condition requires an updated plan.

How to Recertify a POC

1. Click "Recertify"

2. A warning message will appear. Click "Continue"

3. Make changes or add goals accordingly.

4. The validity period will automatically update based on the treatment duration.

5. Click "Save"

6. Finish the note

7. Optionally E-fax the Note

8. On the case screen, a new POC will be created.

Note: If the payer requires certification the certification status will automatically set to "signature required."

Related Articles

  1. Plan of Care Basics

  2. Progress Notes vs Reevaluations vs Recertification

  3. Release Notes: Plan of Care Updates

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