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encounter

CMS Updates Claims Processing Manual to Reflect Failure of Timely Hospice Face-to-Face

[10/11/11]

Posted on October 11, 2011 in Long-Term Care, Home Health & Hospice

Written by: Bufford, David W.

As previously discussed, hospice providers are required to have a hospice physician or nurse practitioner perform a face-to-face encounter with each hospice patient whose total length of stay is anticipated to reach the third benefit period.  This encounter must be performed no more than thirty days prior to the third benefit period recertification, and... READ MORE

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In FY 2012: Medicare Hospice Wage Index Increases 2.5%, Other Hospice Changes

[07/29/11]

Posted on July 29, 2011 in Long-Term Care, Home Health & Hospice

Written by: Bufford, David W.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) increased fiscal year (FY) 2012 Medicare payments by 2.5% for hospice providers in a final regulation released July 29.  Also included in the final regulation are requirements for hospice providers to start collecting quality of care data and changes to the way CMS counts hospice patients... READ MORE

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