Failure to Ensure Timely Physician Face-to-Face Visits After Admission
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that three out of seven reviewed residents received a face-to-face visit by a physician within the required first 30 days after admission. Record reviews showed that these residents were only seen by nurse practitioners (NPs) for their initial admission assessments and subsequent care, with no documentation of a physician visit within the mandated timeframe. Specifically, one resident was admitted and seen by an NP for both the initial assessment and recertification, while two other residents were also only seen by NPs for their admission history and physicals. Interviews with facility staff confirmed that there was no policy in place regarding physician visits, and the Medical Director stated that NPs conducted the initial assessments, with the physician only becoming involved if concerns were raised by the NP.