“She came with a loving heart and a knowing mind — our angel here on earth.”
Former BAPTIST HEALTH Hospice family memberNews and announcements
New Medicare Requirement to Receive Home Health and Hospice Services
Medicare has a new requirement starting in 2011 for both Home Health and Hospice services called the "Face-to-Face Encounter." This regulation is different for each type of program, as explained below:
Home HealthA physician, or a specially trained associate working with the physician, must conduct a face-to-face assessment of each patient for whom home health services are being ordered. This assessment must occur within 90 days prior to the start of home health care, or within 30 days after the start of home health care. In this assessment the physician documents the need for home health services and certifies that the patient is homebound* as required by Medicare regulations. This assessment must be related to the reason the physician orders home health for the patient.
HospiceThe hospice requirement is similar, but the timeframe is different. The hospice physician, or hospice nurse practitioner, must conduct the face-to-face assessment within 30 days prior to the patient being in hospice six months. Unlike home health, no assessment is required prior to hospice admission. If the patient continues in the hospice program beyond 6 months, additional face-to-face encounters will be required every 60 days.
In summary, face-to-face encounters must occur in the 90 days prior to, or within 30 days after the start of home health services, and after the start of hospice services if the patient is in the program for at least 6 months. If you have any questions regarding this new requirement, please call our Customer Service Center at 501-202-7882 or 1-800-850-6789.
*Medicare defines "homebound" as "a normal inability to leave the home, and when leaving, a considerable and taxing effort is required." In addition, absences must be infrequent and of short duration (medical appointments, church services, hair appointments, etc.)
Inspiring Story of Father Udo
Watch the inspiring story of Father Udo who was partially paralyzed in an accident, but remains determined to continue his ministry and keep his joy. It was our joy to provide therapy services in his home as a part of his rehabilitation program.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
To report any concerns you may have about patient safety or quality of care directly to the Joint Commission, you may contact them by phone or e-mail.
Call: 1-800-994-6610
or
complaint@jointcommission.org