What are the Differences between Skilled Nursing Facility (POS 31) and Nursing facility (POS 32)?
The differences between Skilled Nursing Facility POS Code 31 and Nursing Facility POS Code 32 are as follows:
As per CPT(R), POS code 31 stands for Skilled Nursing Facility and describes a facility that primarily provides inpatient skilled nursing care and related services to patients who require medical, nursing, or rehabilitation services, but does not provide the level of treatment available in a hospital.
POS code 32 is similar and describes a Nursing Facility that provides nursing care and related services for the rehabilitation of injured, disabled, or sick persons above the level of custodial care to other than mentally disabled persons. It is important to know the difference between the two as they are slightly similar. Always make sure one is using the correct POS.
The care rendered in each location is different. Care provided in a Skilled Nursing Facility requires the involvement of skilled nursing and/or rehabilitative staff on a daily basis, which might include registered nurses, licensed practical and vocational nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists. Care that can be given by non-professional staff isn?t considered skilled care, but rather custodial or personal care, and includes assistance with activities of daily living, such as: bathing, dressing eating, grooming, getting in and out of bed, or toileting.