Medicaid Documentation Guidelines for Rehabilitative Services: Assessment

Module Four

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• Introduction*
• Diagnostic Assessment*
• Crisis Assessment *
• Functional Assessment*
• Interpretive Summary*
• Challenge*

Severity Rating Scale

A good level of care tool will look at many different areas to determine service needs. The Level of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) is a good example of a level of care tool.

Providers are encouraged to use this tool in place of the severity rating scale that is a part of the current functional assessment form.

Starting July 1, 2010 the use of the LOC tool, the LOCUS, will be required for prior authorizations. Starting October 1, 2010, the LOCUS will be required as part of the eligibility process for IRT's, ACT, ARMHS, Day Treatment and Partial Hospitalization.

On October 1, 2010 the severity rating scale will no longer be required as the LOCUS score will replace the severity rating scale.