CMS to Retract Guidance on OASIS Collection for Outpatient Therapy Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has informed the Alliance that it will be retracting its recent guidance regarding OASIS data collection for patients receiving outpatient therapy services—physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), or speech-language pathology (SLP)—through a home health agency (HHA).

CMS confirmed that completion of the OASIS is not required for PT, OT, or SLP outpatient services billed under the Medicare Part B benefit when a home health plan of care is not in effect. This clarification resolves widespread concern and confusion stemming from earlier instructions that suggested otherwise.

To ensure consistency and accuracy, CMS will be revising the relevant OASIS Q&A item to reflect the corrected guidance. The update will provide clearer direction on how payer data should be collected for the OASIS in relation to these outpatient therapy services.

This decision marks an important step toward reducing unnecessary administrative burden on HHAs and ensuring that OASIS data collection requirements are applied appropriately. The Alliance will continue to monitor CMS’s revisions and keep members updated as further details become available.