When must the Initial Assessment Visit occur?

• A. On the day of discharge.
• B. Within 48 hours of referral.
• C. Within 72 hours of referral.
• D. Within 24 hours of referral.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is getting the patient evaluated and the plan of care started promptly after referral. The initial assessment visit should happen within 48 hours of referral so clinicians can quickly determine the patient’s needs, safety concerns, and home environment, and begin the appropriate skilled services without delay. This timely assessment supports timely start of care, accurate care planning, and compliance with standard expectations for initiation. Waiting longer than 48 hours can delay needed services and care decisions. The day of discharge isn’t relevant since the initial assessment occurs at the start of care, not the end, and a 72-hour window is longer than the standard, while a 24-hour window, though sometimes possible, is not the required timeframe in this context.