ADLs or cognition? Billing cognition codes in an acute care setting

Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are trained and licensed to provide interventions addressing functional participation challenges that arise from cognitive impairments. However, OTPs often work in settings that limit their ability to fully use their skills because of concerns about disciplinary boundaries, overlapping services, reimbursement denials, and a lack of understanding among other health care professionals regarding the types of cognitive interventions provided by OTPs. This article addresses these concerns by discussing cognitive difficulties experienced after a cancer diagnosis and detailing steps taken to increase reimbursable cognitive services within a specialized acute care hospital.