Knowledge Base Article

Question:
What discharge disposition code is assigned for a patient that is discharged from an Acute-Care Hospital to an Assisted Living Facility?

Answer:
Assign disposition code “04” (Discharged/transferred to a Facility that Provides Custodial or Supportive Care) for patients discharged to an Assisted Living Facility.

Per the latest NUBC revisions (effective 10/1/09): 

            04--Discharged/transferred to a Facility that Provides Custodial or Supportive Care

Usage Note – Includes:  Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs) if specifically designated at the state level.  Also, used to designate patients that are discharged/transferred to a nursing facility with neither Medicare nor Medicaid certification AND for discharge/transfers to Assisted Living Facilities.

Per a direct email MMPI received from the AHA/NUBC on 2/3/10—“There was a time when one of the FAQs (that has since been deleted – FAQ #41 effective 10/1/09) indicated that if a Nursing Facility was the permanent residence that 01 could be appropriate.  Now, no discharge to any facility is 01.”