Changing & Maintaining Body Position Functional Limitation, Discharge Status (G8983)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name: Functional Limitation Discharge Assessment
• Medical Term: HCPCS Procedure Code G8983

Summary

This procedure entails evaluating and documenting a patient's ability to change and maintain body positions at the time of discharge from therapy. It is part of a standardized assessment used to track functional improvement and outcomes.

Purpose

This assessment is designed to address the effectiveness of therapy in improving a patient's ability to move and maintain different body positions. The goal is to capture the patient's functional status at discharge to ensure proper follow-up and continued care as needed.

Indications

• Patients undergoing physical or occupational therapy
• Conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or musculoskeletal disorders that affect mobility
• End of a therapy regimen

Preparation

• None required on the part of the patient.
• The healthcare provider and therapist might review previous assessments and therapy notes.

Procedure Description

1. Assessment preparation: The therapist prepares by reviewing the patient's therapy goals and progress.
2. Functional tasks: The patient is asked to perform specific tasks that involve changing and maintaining body positions, like sitting, standing, lying down, and transitioning between these positions.
3. Evaluation metrics: The therapist uses standardized metrics to evaluate the patient's performance.
4. Documentation: The results are documented in the patient's medical record and are coded under HCPCS G8983.

Duration

The assessment typically takes about 20-30 minutes.

Setting

• Outpatient therapy clinic
• Hospital rehabilitation unit
• Home health care setting

Personnel

• Physical Therapist (PT)
• Occupational Therapist (OT)
• Therapy Assistants (as needed)

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risk as it is a non-invasive assessment
• Potential discomfort if the patient has severe mobility limitations or pain

Benefits

• Provides a clear picture of the patient's functional improvements
• Aids in planning future care and identifying needed supports
• Facilitates communication between healthcare providers

Recovery

• No recovery period needed as it is an assessment rather than a treatment procedure
• Routine continuation of therapy exercises as recommended by the therapist

Alternatives

• Other functional limitation assessments focusing on different areas (e.g., walking, limb movement)
• Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
• Activity of Daily Living (ADL) assessments

Patient Experience

• Patients might feel a sense of accomplishment or mild frustration depending on their progress
• Comfort and encouragement by therapists to ensure a positive experience