B. Post-cataract surgery convalescence

Uncomplicated post-cataract surgery convalescence, after the immediate postoperative period, usually does not require skilled nursing services since application of eye drops and ointments can generally be performed by any person with brief instructions. Other services usually furnished to such persons are protective in nature and primarily concerned with meeting the activities of daily living since the patient's mobility is restricted.

However, where a patient is transferred from a hospital to an SNF within one or two days following surgery, the patient is still in the immediate unstabilized postoperative period during which the possibility of adverse reaction to anesthesia and other aspects of the operative procedures necessiates close skilled monitoring. During this immediate postsurgical period, the services provided may be skilled nursing services.