Home Health & Hospice Week
Face-To-Face:
Medicare Adds 800,000 F2Fs A Year To HHAs' Workload
Watch out if you carry a heavy managed care patient load. How you currently handle hos... Read more
Medicare Adds 800,000 F2Fs A Year To HHAs' Workload
Watch out if you carry a heavy managed care patient load. How you currently handle hos... Read more
Know Your Facts:
Feds Examine Subsequent SOC Episodes For F2F
Subsequent SOC episodes have different diagnosis about ¾ of the time, data reveal... Read more
Feds Examine Subsequent SOC Episodes For F2F
Subsequent SOC episodes have different diagnosis about ¾ of the time, data reveal... Read more
Quality:
Get Ready For A 5-Star Rating System On HH Compare
CMS proposes 10 measures for inclusion in star calculation. Wondering why you should c... Read more
Get Ready For A 5-Star Rating System On HH Compare
CMS proposes 10 measures for inclusion in star calculation. Wondering why you should c... Read more
Quality:
Polish Up These 10 Measures Selected To Calculate Your Star Rating
Acute hospitalization is included. Medicare officials say they gave a lot of thought t... Read more
Polish Up These 10 Measures Selected To Calculate Your Star Rating
Acute hospitalization is included. Medicare officials say they gave a lot of thought t... Read more
OASIS:
Say Hello To New Year, Goodbye To Flu Confusion On OASIS-C1
Reorganization takes the guesswork out of vaccine items. The flu vaccine OASIS questio... Read more
Say Hello To New Year, Goodbye To Flu Confusion On OASIS-C1
Reorganization takes the guesswork out of vaccine items. The flu vaccine OASIS questio... Read more
OASIS:
Boost Your Quality Measures With Accurate Vaccine Info On OASIS-C1
Do you know the ropes of the new vaccine items? The flu vaccine items aren’t the... Read more
Boost Your Quality Measures With Accurate Vaccine Info On OASIS-C1
Do you know the ropes of the new vaccine items? The flu vaccine items aren’t the... Read more
HIPAA:
Emergencies Don't Trump Your HIPAA Requirements, HHS Says
Ebola sparks new HIPAA guidance. Do you know your patients’ HIPAA privacy rights... Read more
Emergencies Don't Trump Your HIPAA Requirements, HHS Says
Ebola sparks new HIPAA guidance. Do you know your patients’ HIPAA privacy rights... Read more
Referrals:
Help Physicians Obtain Chronic Care Management Payment With These 6 Requirements
Hopefully Medicare’s red tape won’t keep your physicians from claiming their... Read more
Help Physicians Obtain Chronic Care Management Payment With These 6 Requirements
Hopefully Medicare’s red tape won’t keep your physicians from claiming their... Read more
OASIS:
Prepare Now For Summer OASIS Benchmark
Tap data already available to you. Baby, it’s cold outside — but the feds ... Read more
Prepare Now For Summer OASIS Benchmark
Tap data already available to you. Baby, it’s cold outside — but the feds ... Read more
Assessment:
Look For Silver Lining In Assessment Changes
IMPACT Act could pave the way for increased home care usage. Get ready for a change to... Read more
Look For Silver Lining In Assessment Changes
IMPACT Act could pave the way for increased home care usage. Get ready for a change to... Read more
Industry Notes:
OIG Highlights HHA, Hospice Fraud & Noncompliance In Semiannual Report
Fraudulent Texas physician gets the spotlight. Even though the physician narrative for... Read more
OIG Highlights HHA, Hospice Fraud & Noncompliance In Semiannual Report
Fraudulent Texas physician gets the spotlight. Even though the physician narrative for... Read more
Industry Notes:
Budget Bill Lacks Typical Bite For 2015
Home care providers can breathe a sigh of relief as Congress has approved a 2015 budget ... Read more
Budget Bill Lacks Typical Bite For 2015
Home care providers can breathe a sigh of relief as Congress has approved a 2015 budget ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Plan Around OASIS Dead Zone This Month
Reminder: The state-based OASIS submission system is scheduled to shut down permanently ... Read more
Plan Around OASIS Dead Zone This Month
Reminder: The state-based OASIS submission system is scheduled to shut down permanently ... Read more
Face-To-Face:
Prepare For More Resentment From Docs For New F2F Rules
Ring in the New Year with more documentation requests for referring physicians. While... Read more
Prepare For More Resentment From Docs For New F2F Rules
Ring in the New Year with more documentation requests for referring physicians. While... Read more
Documentation:
Will A Simple Signature And Date Suffice For F2F Documentation?
Agencies seek answers as the new F2F implementation date nears. With Jan. 1 right arou... Read more
Will A Simple Signature And Date Suffice For F2F Documentation?
Agencies seek answers as the new F2F implementation date nears. With Jan. 1 right arou... Read more
Regulations:
Use These 8 Tips To Ramp Up For F2F Change In The New Year
Work on your physician relationships ASAP. Face-to-face physician encounter requiremen... Read more
Use These 8 Tips To Ramp Up For F2F Change In The New Year
Work on your physician relationships ASAP. Face-to-face physician encounter requiremen... Read more
Education:
Check Out These Offerings To Stock Your Doc Training Toolbox
Only one CMS educational event is updated with the new requirements. Home care provide... Read more
Check Out These Offerings To Stock Your Doc Training Toolbox
Only one CMS educational event is updated with the new requirements. Home care provide... Read more
Medical Review:
CMS Runs Down Its Checklist For Home Care Eligibility
Physicians’ records need this documentation. Not sure what medical reviewers wil... Read more
CMS Runs Down Its Checklist For Home Care Eligibility
Physicians’ records need this documentation. Not sure what medical reviewers wil... Read more
Industry Notes:
Study Debunks Nursing Home/Home Dichotomy For Hospice
‘Crossover’ patients see longest stays, highest costs, study finds. Nursin... Read more
Study Debunks Nursing Home/Home Dichotomy For Hospice
‘Crossover’ patients see longest stays, highest costs, study finds. Nursin... Read more
Industry Note:
Double-Check Your Wage Index For 2015 PPS Payment Rates With This New CR
You can check to see whether your home health PPS wage index figures for 2015 are correc... Read more
Double-Check Your Wage Index For 2015 PPS Payment Rates With This New CR
You can check to see whether your home health PPS wage index figures for 2015 are correc... Read more
Industry Note:
Mind Sequencing For NOTR Submission Success
You’ll have a hard time making your Notice of Termination/Revocation filing deadli... Read more
Mind Sequencing For NOTR Submission Success
You’ll have a hard time making your Notice of Termination/Revocation filing deadli... Read more
Industry Note:
MAC Launches Medical Review Targeted At 2 Nutrition-Related Hospice Groups
Be sure your claims for hospice patients with two nutrition conditions are up to snuff, ... Read more
MAC Launches Medical Review Targeted At 2 Nutrition-Related Hospice Groups
Be sure your claims for hospice patients with two nutrition conditions are up to snuff, ... Read more
Industry Note:
Multi-State Chain Grows On West Coast
The Ensign Group has expanded its presence in Southern California. The Mission Viejo, Ca... Read more
Multi-State Chain Grows On West Coast
The Ensign Group has expanded its presence in Southern California. The Mission Viejo, Ca... Read more
Industry Note:
Jury Slaps Boston-Area HHA Owner With Guilty Verdict For Medicare Fraud
A jury has convicted At Home VNA owner Michael Galatis on multiple counts of fraud and m... Read more
Jury Slaps Boston-Area HHA Owner With Guilty Verdict For Medicare Fraud
A jury has convicted At Home VNA owner Michael Galatis on multiple counts of fraud and m... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
CMS Devises New Ways To Yank Your Medicare Billing Privileges
Providers may live in fear of arbitrary decision-making by CMS. Take extra care with y... Read more
CMS Devises New Ways To Yank Your Medicare Billing Privileges
Providers may live in fear of arbitrary decision-making by CMS. Take extra care with y... Read more
Compliance:
Will Your Billing Record Pass Muster On These 6 Factors?
New providers will be at a disadvantage. Medicare will use these six factors to decide... Read more
Will Your Billing Record Pass Muster On These 6 Factors?
New providers will be at a disadvantage. Medicare will use these six factors to decide... Read more
Regulations:
CMS Will Use New Fingerprint Background Checks Under Anti-Fraud Rule
Plus: Your prior Medicare debt history will count against you. In addition to the revo... Read more
CMS Will Use New Fingerprint Background Checks Under Anti-Fraud Rule
Plus: Your prior Medicare debt history will count against you. In addition to the revo... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Guilty Pleas Continue To Pour In From Nation's Hot Spots
Plus, VNSNY faces Medicaid fraud scandal. The feds are racking up guilty pleas and len... Read more
Guilty Pleas Continue To Pour In From Nation's Hot Spots
Plus, VNSNY faces Medicaid fraud scandal. The feds are racking up guilty pleas and len... Read more
Enforcement:
RN Manager Receives Nearly $4 Million In Whistleblower Case
Feds keep the heat on home care providers in recent weeks. A whistleblower in the case... Read more
RN Manager Receives Nearly $4 Million In Whistleblower Case
Feds keep the heat on home care providers in recent weeks. A whistleblower in the case... Read more
Industry Notes:
Avoid Hospice Claims Delays With MAC's Drug Reporting Tips
Medication reporting errors mess up hospice claims processing. Starting back in April,... Read more
Avoid Hospice Claims Delays With MAC's Drug Reporting Tips
Medication reporting errors mess up hospice claims processing. Starting back in April,... Read more
Industry Notes:
Submit ADR Responses Within 45 Days
Thirty days hath September, but you’ll have 45 to get your documentation supportin... Read more
Submit ADR Responses Within 45 Days
Thirty days hath September, but you’ll have 45 to get your documentation supportin... Read more
Industry Notes:
Get New Therapy Reassessment Start Date Right
Don’t adjust your therapy reassessment dates for episodes ending Jan. 1 or later, ... Read more
Get New Therapy Reassessment Start Date Right
Don’t adjust your therapy reassessment dates for episodes ending Jan. 1 or later, ... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Pushes COP Deadline
If you don’t submit your comments on revisions to the Home Health Conditions of Pa... Read more
CMS Pushes COP Deadline
If you don’t submit your comments on revisions to the Home Health Conditions of Pa... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospitals Shed HHAs
A sign of tough times for home care is two Texas hospitals that are closing their home c... Read more
Hospitals Shed HHAs
A sign of tough times for home care is two Texas hospitals that are closing their home c... Read more
Industry Notes:
NQF Mulls New HHA Quality Measure For Endorsement
Of the 202 quality measures the Na-tional Quality Forum is reviewing for endorsement thi... Read more
NQF Mulls New HHA Quality Measure For Endorsement
Of the 202 quality measures the Na-tional Quality Forum is reviewing for endorsement thi... Read more
Industry Notes:
Rehab Facility Chain Buys 5th Largest HH Company
Inpatient rehab facility chain Health-South Corp. has agreed to buy the parent of Encomp... Read more
Rehab Facility Chain Buys 5th Largest HH Company
Inpatient rehab facility chain Health-South Corp. has agreed to buy the parent of Encomp... Read more
Industry Notes:
HHA Owner Pleads Guilty
A home health agency owner in Texas has pled guilty to stealing patient info from his ho... Read more
HHA Owner Pleads Guilty
A home health agency owner in Texas has pled guilty to stealing patient info from his ho... Read more
Reader Question:
What's Wrong With Mailing Postcards To Patients?
Tip: Shell out the bucks for envelopes. Question: We would like to send out postcards ... Read more
What's Wrong With Mailing Postcards To Patients?
Tip: Shell out the bucks for envelopes. Question: We would like to send out postcards ... Read more
Regulations:
Direct Your F2F Information To The Correct Physician
OASIS-C1, COPs, Value-Based Purchasing also addressed in Open Door Forum. You can fina... Read more
Direct Your F2F Information To The Correct Physician
OASIS-C1, COPs, Value-Based Purchasing also addressed in Open Door Forum. You can fina... Read more
Hospice:
Cap Calculations Will Include Sequestration Dollars Medicare Never Paid You
Overpayments will be based on reimbursement you never received, CMS confirms. Hospices... Read more
Cap Calculations Will Include Sequestration Dollars Medicare Never Paid You
Overpayments will be based on reimbursement you never received, CMS confirms. Hospices... Read more
Hospice:
Hundreds Of Hospices Lag On HIS Submission
NOE billing, CAHPS also addressed in Open Door Forum. You’d better get on the st... Read more
Hundreds Of Hospices Lag On HIS Submission
NOE billing, CAHPS also addressed in Open Door Forum. You’d better get on the st... Read more
Reimbursement:
How It Works: Notice Of Election Billing
For a reminder on how you can qualify for an exception to the five-day Notice of Elec-ti... Read more
How It Works: Notice Of Election Billing
For a reminder on how you can qualify for an exception to the five-day Notice of Elec-ti... Read more
HIPAA:
Give Your HIPAA Policies A Tune-Up In Light Of Same-Sex Marriage Guidance
OCR augments the definitions of spouse, marriage, and family member. The U.S. Supreme ... Read more
Give Your HIPAA Policies A Tune-Up In Light Of Same-Sex Marriage Guidance
OCR augments the definitions of spouse, marriage, and family member. The U.S. Supreme ... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Use 3 ICD-10 Answers To Prepare For New Coding System
Hint: Forget everything you know about ICD-9’s ‘excludes’ codes when c... Read more
Use 3 ICD-10 Answers To Prepare For New Coding System
Hint: Forget everything you know about ICD-9’s ‘excludes’ codes when c... Read more
Industry Notes:
OIG Keeps Pressure On Home Health, Hospice
Watchdog agency touts F2F as fraud prevention measure. Don’t expect to say goodb... Read more
OIG Keeps Pressure On Home Health, Hospice
Watchdog agency touts F2F as fraud prevention measure. Don’t expect to say goodb... Read more
Industry Notes:
You Won't See New Hospitalization Data In Jan
Watch for the next Home Health Com-pare update in the New Year. The Centers for Medicare... Read more
You Won't See New Hospitalization Data In Jan
Watch for the next Home Health Com-pare update in the New Year. The Centers for Medicare... Read more
Industry Notes:
Comply With Owner Fingerprint Requests ASAP
If you get a request from Medicare asking for a fingerprint background check for owners,... Read more
Comply With Owner Fingerprint Requests ASAP
If you get a request from Medicare asking for a fingerprint background check for owners,... Read more
Industry Notes:
Therapy Caps Nudge Up $20 In New Year
Starting Jan. 1, you’ll have a little bit more room under the therapy cap, if you ... Read more
Therapy Caps Nudge Up $20 In New Year
Starting Jan. 1, you’ll have a little bit more room under the therapy cap, if you ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Check Out Revamped Home Oxygen Safety Goal
You can now download the Joint Com-mission’s National Patient Safety Goals for hom... Read more
Check Out Revamped Home Oxygen Safety Goal
You can now download the Joint Com-mission’s National Patient Safety Goals for hom... Read more
Industry Notes:
Know What To Include In Your ADR Response
How much is too much, not enough or just right? One Medicare Administrative Contract-or ... Read more
Know What To Include In Your ADR Response
How much is too much, not enough or just right? One Medicare Administrative Contract-or ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Tap New Diabetes Guidelines From NIH
Your patients with diabetes may benefit from new guidance from the NIH. The National In-... Read more
Tap New Diabetes Guidelines From NIH
Your patients with diabetes may benefit from new guidance from the NIH. The National In-... Read more
Value-Based Purchasing:
Brace For Major Payment Change In 2016 Via P4P
Anticipate cash flow problems under looming system. You need to get on the ball now re... Read more
Brace For Major Payment Change In 2016 Via P4P
Anticipate cash flow problems under looming system. You need to get on the ball now re... Read more
Finance:
Beware Of Cash Flow Crunch Under Value-Based Purchasing
Think ahead on financing options. Under the new value-based purchasing program CMS is ... Read more
Beware Of Cash Flow Crunch Under Value-Based Purchasing
Think ahead on financing options. Under the new value-based purchasing program CMS is ... Read more
Regulations:
HHAs Decry Large VBP Pool
CMS doesn’t budge from 5-8% figure in final rule. Home health agencies and their... Read more
HHAs Decry Large VBP Pool
CMS doesn’t budge from 5-8% figure in final rule. Home health agencies and their... Read more
Reimbursement:
Reconsider Areas For VBP Pilot, Commenters Urge
Rural providers may get short end of the VBP stick. Numerous commenters on the 2015 HH... Read more
Reconsider Areas For VBP Pilot, Commenters Urge
Rural providers may get short end of the VBP stick. Numerous commenters on the 2015 HH... Read more
OASIS:
Expect More OASIS Changes In Wake Of IMPACT Act
OASIS-C1 only the tip of the iceberg. Hospices may know the recently passed IMPACT Act... Read more
Expect More OASIS Changes In Wake Of IMPACT Act
OASIS-C1 only the tip of the iceberg. Hospices may know the recently passed IMPACT Act... Read more
Industry Notes:
Another Study Proves Hospice Saves Money
75 percent of non-hospice patients died in facilities vs. 14 percent of hospice patients... Read more
Another Study Proves Hospice Saves Money
75 percent of non-hospice patients died in facilities vs. 14 percent of hospice patients... Read more
Industry Notes:
Late HIS Submissions Won't Dock Your Pay
Don’t sweat it if your Hospice Item Set submissions haven’t been perfect. La... Read more
Late HIS Submissions Won't Dock Your Pay
Don’t sweat it if your Hospice Item Set submissions haven’t been perfect. La... Read more
Industry Notes:
Home Care Gears Up To Face Ebola
The doctor discharged Nov. 11 from a New York City hospital after recovering from Ebola ... Read more
Home Care Gears Up To Face Ebola
The doctor discharged Nov. 11 from a New York City hospital after recovering from Ebola ... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS To School Docs On Face-To-Face Changes
CMS is following through on its promise to educate physicians about the upcoming face-to... Read more
CMS To School Docs On Face-To-Face Changes
CMS is following through on its promise to educate physicians about the upcoming face-to... Read more
Industry Notes:
Bust This Common ICD-10 Coding Myth
You’ve heard there won’t be an ICD-10 book that your coders can keep on thei... Read more
Bust This Common ICD-10 Coding Myth
You’ve heard there won’t be an ICD-10 book that your coders can keep on thei... Read more
Industry Notes:
Pittsburgh Health System, Home Care Chain Join Forces
Allegheny Health Network and Celtic Healthcare Inc. are forming a for-profit joint ventu... Read more
Pittsburgh Health System, Home Care Chain Join Forces
Allegheny Health Network and Celtic Healthcare Inc. are forming a for-profit joint ventu... Read more
Industry Notes:
LHC Adds 2 More Hospitals To Joint Venture List
Another joint venture is taking place between chain LHC Group Inc., Southeast Ala-bama M... Read more
LHC Adds 2 More Hospitals To Joint Venture List
Another joint venture is taking place between chain LHC Group Inc., Southeast Ala-bama M... Read more
Industry Notes:
HHA Pays 5 figures For Fudging Doc Signature Dates
A Michigan home health agency has agreed to pay a $57,000 fraud settlement. Ad-vanced Pr... Read more
HHA Pays 5 figures For Fudging Doc Signature Dates
A Michigan home health agency has agreed to pay a $57,000 fraud settlement. Ad-vanced Pr... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
HHA Rates To Fall Next Year
No last-minute reprieve for HHAs on rate reduction. There isn’t much change to h... Read more
HHA Rates To Fall Next Year
No last-minute reprieve for HHAs on rate reduction. There isn’t much change to h... Read more
Payment:
Some Rural HHAs Take Extra Hit In PPS Final Rule
Check out your new CBSA designation. The Home Health Prospective Payment System final ... Read more
Some Rural HHAs Take Extra Hit In PPS Final Rule
Check out your new CBSA designation. The Home Health Prospective Payment System final ... Read more
Face To Face:
HHAs' Hopes For F2F Relief Dashed In Final Rule
Say goodbye to the narrative, but hello to another crushing F2F burden. Home health ut... Read more
HHAs' Hopes For F2F Relief Dashed In Final Rule
Say goodbye to the narrative, but hello to another crushing F2F burden. Home health ut... Read more
Face-To-Face:
HHAs Lose On Retroactive Relief For Physician Narrative
Keep an eye on narratives for a few more months. While home health agencies aren&rsquo... Read more
HHAs Lose On Retroactive Relief For Physician Narrative
Keep an eye on narratives for a few more months. While home health agencies aren&rsquo... Read more
Therapy:
Therapy Reassess Deadline Lengthened To 30 Days
Final rule contains improvement. Home health agencies are happy that CMS is ditching i... Read more
Therapy Reassess Deadline Lengthened To 30 Days
Final rule contains improvement. Home health agencies are happy that CMS is ditching i... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Insulin Injection Code List May Guide Medical Review
Are you documenting everything you need to for coverage? Your insulin-injection-based ... Read more
Insulin Injection Code List May Guide Medical Review
Are you documenting everything you need to for coverage? Your insulin-injection-based ... Read more
Reimbursement:
No Change To Outlier Math In 2015, Despite Requests
CMS studies how it pays for costliest patients. You won’t have an easier time ac... Read more
No Change To Outlier Math In 2015, Despite Requests
CMS studies how it pays for costliest patients. You won’t have an easier time ac... Read more
OASIS:
CMS Keeps Part, Nixes Part Of OASIS Benchmark
You still have to hit 70 percent in July. Gear up to reach Medicare’s new minimu... Read more
CMS Keeps Part, Nixes Part Of OASIS Benchmark
You still have to hit 70 percent in July. Gear up to reach Medicare’s new minimu... Read more
Industry Notes:
OIG Targets Home Health, Hospice In 2015 Work Plan
HHA billing, GIP top hit list. Watch for two OIG reports on HHAs to come out next year... Read more
OIG Targets Home Health, Hospice In 2015 Work Plan
HHA billing, GIP top hit list. Watch for two OIG reports on HHAs to come out next year... Read more
Industry Notes:
Celebrate This Month
It’s not too late to celebrate National Home Care and Hospice Month, the National ... Read more
Celebrate This Month
It’s not too late to celebrate National Home Care and Hospice Month, the National ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospice Doc Pleads Guilty
A newspaper exposé about a long-stay hospice patient getting hooked on narcotics ... Read more
Hospice Doc Pleads Guilty
A newspaper exposé about a long-stay hospice patient getting hooked on narcotics ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Download OASIS-C1 Specs
Get a jump on OASIS-C1/ICD-9 implementation by downloading new OASIS data specs.OAS... Read more
Download OASIS-C1 Specs
Get a jump on OASIS-C1/ICD-9 implementation by downloading new OASIS data specs.OAS... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Proposed Rule Takes Aim At Eligibility For Insulin Patients
CMS devotes time to insulin pen circumstances in regulation. Medicare may be gearing u... Read more
Proposed Rule Takes Aim At Eligibility For Insulin Patients
CMS devotes time to insulin pen circumstances in regulation. Medicare may be gearing u... Read more
Know Your Facts:
New Data Point Feds To Insulin Injection Coverage Problems
Florida isn’t the only hot spot for insulin injection assistance abuse. The Cent... Read more
New Data Point Feds To Insulin Injection Coverage Problems
Florida isn’t the only hot spot for insulin injection assistance abuse. The Cent... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
Case Mix Recalibration Rewards High Therapy, HHAs Complain
Another payment update, another significant case mix revision. Get ready for your bott... Read more
Case Mix Recalibration Rewards High Therapy, HHAs Complain
Another payment update, another significant case mix revision. Get ready for your bott... Read more
Reimbursement:
Current Outlier Calculation Leaves Money On The Table
CMS should reexamine the FDL ratio. Medicare’s outlier payment policy may actual... Read more
Current Outlier Calculation Leaves Money On The Table
CMS should reexamine the FDL ratio. Medicare’s outlier payment policy may actual... Read more
Marketing:
Tread Carefully With Your Social Media Presence
Weigh the pros and cons of an online presence. Social networking is a huge part of tod... Read more
Tread Carefully With Your Social Media Presence
Weigh the pros and cons of an online presence. Social networking is a huge part of tod... Read more
Industry Notes:
Newspaper Offers Up 'Hospice Compare' Substitute
Post continues its scrutiny. You’d better make sure your hospice cost report sub... Read more
Newspaper Offers Up 'Hospice Compare' Substitute
Post continues its scrutiny. You’d better make sure your hospice cost report sub... Read more
Industry Notes:
Give Your 2 Cents On Proposed COPs Before Holiday Rush Hits.
Don’t forget to submit your comments on the biggest changes to the home health Con... Read more
Give Your 2 Cents On Proposed COPs Before Holiday Rush Hits.
Don’t forget to submit your comments on the biggest changes to the home health Con... Read more
Industry Notes:
Therapy Legislation Could Facilitate Telemedicine Reimbursement
Home health agencies that furnish Part B outpatient therapy in the home should keep thei... Read more
Therapy Legislation Could Facilitate Telemedicine Reimbursement
Home health agencies that furnish Part B outpatient therapy in the home should keep thei... Read more
Industry Notes:
Minimum Appeals Dollar Requirements To Increase In The New Year
The minimum dollar amount required for your appeal to go before the ALJ or federal court... Read more
Minimum Appeals Dollar Requirements To Increase In The New Year
The minimum dollar amount required for your appeal to go before the ALJ or federal court... Read more
Industry Notes:
Michigan HHA Owner Pleads Guilty
The founder of three Detroit-area home health agencies has pleaded guilty in federal cou... Read more
Michigan HHA Owner Pleads Guilty
The founder of three Detroit-area home health agencies has pleaded guilty in federal cou... Read more
Industry Notes:
Company Hopes To Sell 104-Location HHA Chain For $700 Million
Cressey & Co. is selling privately held Encompass Home Health Inc. in an auction pro... Read more
Company Hopes To Sell 104-Location HHA Chain For $700 Million
Cressey & Co. is selling privately held Encompass Home Health Inc. in an auction pro... Read more
Industry Notes:
Federal Contractor Buys Texas HHA
Federal contractor Chenega Corp. bought AQTS Home Health Care in San Antonio to expand i... Read more
Federal Contractor Buys Texas HHA
Federal contractor Chenega Corp. bought AQTS Home Health Care in San Antonio to expand i... Read more
OASIS:
Prep For These OASIS-C1 Deletions
Welcome greater clarity, fewer items. You have only a few short months to prepare for ... Read more
Prep For These OASIS-C1 Deletions
Welcome greater clarity, fewer items. You have only a few short months to prepare for ... Read more
Assessment:
Look Forward To OASIS-C1 Cutting Down On Confusion
Will wording changes reduce common errors? In addition to item deletions in the new OA... Read more
Look Forward To OASIS-C1 Cutting Down On Confusion
Will wording changes reduce common errors? In addition to item deletions in the new OA... Read more
OASIS:
Watch For These Renumbered OASIS-C1 Items
Tip: Renumbering indicates major changes to an OASIS item. If you treat renumbered OAS... Read more
Watch For These Renumbered OASIS-C1 Items
Tip: Renumbering indicates major changes to an OASIS item. If you treat renumbered OAS... Read more
HIPAA:
Don't Let Paper Records Haunt You When It Comes To HIPAA
OCR sheds no light on how it calculated the whopping $800,000 penalty. If you’re... Read more
Don't Let Paper Records Haunt You When It Comes To HIPAA
OCR sheds no light on how it calculated the whopping $800,000 penalty. If you’re... Read more
Human Resources:
Give A Successful Performance Appraisal
Follow these dos and don’ts to make your annual reviews more beneficial for both y... Read more
Give A Successful Performance Appraisal
Follow these dos and don’ts to make your annual reviews more beneficial for both y... Read more
Industry Notes:
Alert Your SNF Partners To Hospice Changes In RAI Manual
Note these key revisions in Chapter 2. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service... Read more
Alert Your SNF Partners To Hospice Changes In RAI Manual
Note these key revisions in Chapter 2. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service... Read more
Industry Notes:
Part A Deductible Rises While Part B Deductible Is Flat
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has kept Part B deductibles level for 2... Read more
Part A Deductible Rises While Part B Deductible Is Flat
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has kept Part B deductibles level for 2... Read more
Industry Notes:
Consult New Training Tool On LGBT Seniors
If your staff needs training in understanding the rights and needs of older lesbian, gay... Read more
Consult New Training Tool On LGBT Seniors
If your staff needs training in understanding the rights and needs of older lesbian, gay... Read more
Industry Notes:
MAC Updates Hospice Payment Rate Calculator
Want a quick way to check your hospice payment rate now that rates have changed? HHH Med... Read more
MAC Updates Hospice Payment Rate Calculator
Want a quick way to check your hospice payment rate now that rates have changed? HHH Med... Read more
Industry Notes:
Tune In For Info On PPS Grouper Under ICD-10
Want to find out more about how the Home Health PPS Grouper will look under ICD-10? Tune... Read more
Tune In For Info On PPS Grouper Under ICD-10
Want to find out more about how the Home Health PPS Grouper will look under ICD-10? Tune... Read more
Industry Notes:
HHA Owner's Guilty Plea Centers On Kickbacks
A Michigan HHA owner has pleaded guilty in a $22 million Medicare fraud scheme. Usman Bu... Read more
HHA Owner's Guilty Plea Centers On Kickbacks
A Michigan HHA owner has pleaded guilty in a $22 million Medicare fraud scheme. Usman Bu... Read more
Industry Notes:
Choose Your CAHPS Vendors From Final List
If you’ve put off choosing a hospice CAHPS vendor because CMS’s vendor list ... Read more
Choose Your CAHPS Vendors From Final List
If you’ve put off choosing a hospice CAHPS vendor because CMS’s vendor list ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Take Care With CERT Responses, MAC Urges
Don’t get sloppy just because it’s the CERT contractor requesting your recor... Read more
Take Care With CERT Responses, MAC Urges
Don’t get sloppy just because it’s the CERT contractor requesting your recor... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
Rebasing Cuts Will Decimate Home Health Industry
It will be IPS all over again if CMS moves ahead with rate slashing, commenters warn. ... Read more
Rebasing Cuts Will Decimate Home Health Industry
It will be IPS all over again if CMS moves ahead with rate slashing, commenters warn. ... Read more
OASIS:
Reconsider OASIS Submission Timeline, Benchmark, Commenters Tell CMS
Can agencies really achieve 90 percent? The proposed July 2015 deadline for hitting a ... Read more
Reconsider OASIS Submission Timeline, Benchmark, Commenters Tell CMS
Can agencies really achieve 90 percent? The proposed July 2015 deadline for hitting a ... Read more
Mergers & Acquisitions:
Kindred Finally Succeeds In Gentiva Takeover
The home health industry’s heavyweight chain just got heavier. Five months of pl... Read more
Kindred Finally Succeeds In Gentiva Takeover
The home health industry’s heavyweight chain just got heavier. Five months of pl... Read more
HIPAA:
New HIPAA Audits Could Cost You In CMPs
Take 7 steps to get ready for second round of OCR audits. Now that the Phase 1 audits ... Read more
New HIPAA Audits Could Cost You In CMPs
Take 7 steps to get ready for second round of OCR audits. Now that the Phase 1 audits ... Read more
Privacy:
Small Entities Struggle Most, Phase 1 HIPAA Audits Revealed
Nine out of 10 covered entities audited had compliance problems. If you’re wonde... Read more
Small Entities Struggle Most, Phase 1 HIPAA Audits Revealed
Nine out of 10 covered entities audited had compliance problems. If you’re wonde... Read more
Industry Notes:
Terminal Diagnosis Figures In OIG Claims Determinations
Hospice sees 7 percent of claims kicked out by federal watchdog agency. Hospices hopin... Read more
Terminal Diagnosis Figures In OIG Claims Determinations
Hospice sees 7 percent of claims kicked out by federal watchdog agency. Hospices hopin... Read more
Industry Notes:
Claims Glitch Fixed
The problem causing erroneous E4502 suspensions has been resolved, but you still may see... Read more
Claims Glitch Fixed
The problem causing erroneous E4502 suspensions has been resolved, but you still may see... Read more
Industry Notes:
Tune In For Comparative Billing Report Info Straight From The MAC
Wondering how to use your Compar-ative Billing Reports? One Medicare Administra-tive Con... Read more
Tune In For Comparative Billing Report Info Straight From The MAC
Wondering how to use your Compar-ative Billing Reports? One Medicare Administra-tive Con... Read more
Industry Notes:
Find Out How To Use Your PEPPER Correctly
You now can receive new PEPPER training at your convenience. Hospice PEPPER contractor T... Read more
Find Out How To Use Your PEPPER Correctly
You now can receive new PEPPER training at your convenience. Hospice PEPPER contractor T... Read more
Industry Notes:
Keep These HIPAA Safeguards In Mind When Conferring About Patients
Do you need to slog through more paperwork hassle when you want to confer with another h... Read more
Keep These HIPAA Safeguards In Mind When Conferring About Patients
Do you need to slog through more paperwork hassle when you want to confer with another h... Read more
Industry Notes:
Southeast Chain Makes Tennessee Buy
Five Points Healthcare has entered the Tennessee market with an acquisition. Atlanta-bas... Read more
Southeast Chain Makes Tennessee Buy
Five Points Healthcare has entered the Tennessee market with an acquisition. Atlanta-bas... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospices Expand, Open In Face Of Reimbursement And Regulatory Pressures
Despite increasing reimbursement pressure and regulatory scrutiny, hospices continue to ... Read more
Hospices Expand, Open In Face Of Reimbursement And Regulatory Pressures
Despite increasing reimbursement pressure and regulatory scrutiny, hospices continue to ... Read more
Compliance:
CMS Proposes Revised COPs
‘Dramatic changes’ ahead for Conditions of Participation. Nearly 20 years ... Read more
CMS Proposes Revised COPs
‘Dramatic changes’ ahead for Conditions of Participation. Nearly 20 years ... Read more
Regulations:
Get Ready For These Major Changes To The COPs
Expect finalization of the COPs next year. The first changes to the home health COPs i... Read more
Get Ready For These Major Changes To The COPs
Expect finalization of the COPs next year. The first changes to the home health COPs i... Read more
Quality Improvement:
Roll Up Your Sleeves For Some Serious QAPI Work
Proposed COP revisions contain more than just tweaks. Leave space in your calendar for... Read more
Roll Up Your Sleeves For Some Serious QAPI Work
Proposed COP revisions contain more than just tweaks. Leave space in your calendar for... Read more
Compliance:
COP Proposal Contains Some Pluses
Sixty-day summary change should please while discharge proposal is impossible. The new... Read more
COP Proposal Contains Some Pluses
Sixty-day summary change should please while discharge proposal is impossible. The new... Read more
Documentation:
Beef Up Clinical Records Or Risk Deficiencies Under New COPs
Make sure your records contain these 6 proposed elements. How robust are your clinical... Read more
Beef Up Clinical Records Or Risk Deficiencies Under New COPs
Make sure your records contain these 6 proposed elements. How robust are your clinical... Read more
Regulations:
Beware This Discharge Provision In New COPs
Aide and HIPAA changes may bring new headaches, too. At first glance, the proposed Con... Read more
Beware This Discharge Provision In New COPs
Aide and HIPAA changes may bring new headaches, too. At first glance, the proposed Con... Read more
Labor Law:
Don't Let Exemption Delay Lure You Into Lawsuits
DOL puts off enforcement 6 months. Elimination of the companionship exemption to minim... Read more
Don't Let Exemption Delay Lure You Into Lawsuits
DOL puts off enforcement 6 months. Elimination of the companionship exemption to minim... Read more
Industry Notes:
High-Therapy Claims Rack Up More Denials
Twenty-plus therapy visits are a red flag. Face-to-face and OASIS problems continue to... Read more
High-Therapy Claims Rack Up More Denials
Twenty-plus therapy visits are a red flag. Face-to-face and OASIS problems continue to... Read more
Industry Notes:
New F2F-Focused Review Underway, Trade Group Says
Thought you’d seen the last of scrutiny for face-to-face claims, now that the phys... Read more
New F2F-Focused Review Underway, Trade Group Says
Thought you’d seen the last of scrutiny for face-to-face claims, now that the phys... Read more
Industry Notes:
IMPACT Law To Bring Data Changes As Well As More Frequent Hospice Surveys
Watch for efforts to standardize the patient data you collect across post-acute care set... Read more
IMPACT Law To Bring Data Changes As Well As More Frequent Hospice Surveys
Watch for efforts to standardize the patient data you collect across post-acute care set... Read more
Industry Notes:
Watch This Reason For Bogus Claims Suspensions
If you’re having trouble with claims suspending with reason code E4502, you’... Read more
Watch This Reason For Bogus Claims Suspensions
If you’re having trouble with claims suspending with reason code E4502, you’... Read more
Industry Notes:
Laws Other Than HIPAA May Launch Patient Privacy Lawsuits
HIPAA isn’t your only compliance wor-ry when it comes to patients’ health in... Read more
Laws Other Than HIPAA May Launch Patient Privacy Lawsuits
HIPAA isn’t your only compliance wor-ry when it comes to patients’ health in... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Avoid Returned Claims With Correct Manifestation Coding
Give yourself a manifestation coding refresher to avoid cash flow problems in the new ye... Read more
Avoid Returned Claims With Correct Manifestation Coding
Give yourself a manifestation coding refresher to avoid cash flow problems in the new ye... Read more
OASIS:
Handle Diagnosis Code Sequencing Conflicts Correctly
Tip: Be sure your policy on correcting diagnosis coding is crystal clear. Can you over... Read more
Handle Diagnosis Code Sequencing Conflicts Correctly
Tip: Be sure your policy on correcting diagnosis coding is crystal clear. Can you over... Read more
Hospice:
Hospices Open, Expand Facilities Across The Nation
Nursing homes, hospitals make willing partners to hospice facility growth. As regulati... Read more
Hospices Open, Expand Facilities Across The Nation
Nursing homes, hospitals make willing partners to hospice facility growth. As regulati... Read more
Education:
Get Training On HHA Compliance, NOEs, And NOTRs
Also, check out Eli audioconference on documenting eligibility for hospice patients. Y... Read more
Get Training On HHA Compliance, NOEs, And NOTRs
Also, check out Eli audioconference on documenting eligibility for hospice patients. Y... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Feds Root Out Fraud In Nation's Hot Spots
You don’t have to be in a HEAT strike force city to catch the feds’ attentio... Read more
Feds Root Out Fraud In Nation's Hot Spots
You don’t have to be in a HEAT strike force city to catch the feds’ attentio... Read more
Industry Note:
MAC Denies 40% Of Claims In Therapy Reviews
More than 70% of denied claims due to F2F in recent probe. Whether Medicare will make ... Read more
MAC Denies 40% Of Claims In Therapy Reviews
More than 70% of denied claims due to F2F in recent probe. Whether Medicare will make ... Read more
Industry Note:
Follow Up On HQRP Reconsideration Requests
If you submitted a request for reconsideration on your Hospice Quality Reporting Pro-gra... Read more
Follow Up On HQRP Reconsideration Requests
If you submitted a request for reconsideration on your Hospice Quality Reporting Pro-gra... Read more
Industry Note:
Home Care Visits Curb Readmissions At This Hospital
Another home health success story shows how the service can curb hospital readmissions. ... Read more
Home Care Visits Curb Readmissions At This Hospital
Another home health success story shows how the service can curb hospital readmissions. ... Read more
Industry Note:
Troubleshoot Hospice Item Set Submission Errors
As hospices are getting the hang of Hospice Item Set submission, they are encountering m... Read more
Troubleshoot Hospice Item Set Submission Errors
As hospices are getting the hang of Hospice Item Set submission, they are encountering m... Read more
Industry Note:
1/3 Of Health Systems Drop Out Of ACO Program
You may not have to spend too much time worrying about fitting into Accountable Care Org... Read more
1/3 Of Health Systems Drop Out Of ACO Program
You may not have to spend too much time worrying about fitting into Accountable Care Org... Read more
Industry Note:
Don't Forget Former Staff For HIPAA Compliance
You still have to worry about employees’ laptops and portable devices when it come... Read more
Don't Forget Former Staff For HIPAA Compliance
You still have to worry about employees’ laptops and portable devices when it come... Read more
Industry Note:
Another Health System Sheds Its Home Health Agency
The University of Arizona Medical Cen-ter in Tucson is the latest hospital to shutter it... Read more
Another Health System Sheds Its Home Health Agency
The University of Arizona Medical Cen-ter in Tucson is the latest hospital to shutter it... Read more
Reader Question:
Does Breach Of Single Person's PHI Require Notification?
Keep in mind your HHS reporting duties. Question: What must we do in terms of breach n... Read more
Does Breach Of Single Person's PHI Require Notification?
Keep in mind your HHS reporting duties. Question: What must we do in terms of breach n... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
14-Day Therapy Reassessments A No-Go, HHAs Tell CMS
Agency reps will be happy to say goodbye to confusing visit counting reassessments, thou... Read more
14-Day Therapy Reassessments A No-Go, HHAs Tell CMS
Agency reps will be happy to say goodbye to confusing visit counting reassessments, thou... Read more
Regulations:
Therapy Paperwork Burden Overwhelms Clinical Needs
When do therapists have time for patient care? The frequent reassessment visits requir... Read more
Therapy Paperwork Burden Overwhelms Clinical Needs
When do therapists have time for patient care? The frequent reassessment visits requir... Read more
Therapy:
What Timeline Will Work For Therapy Reassessment?
Medicare regulators must hit the sweet spot between oversight and clinical need. Comme... Read more
What Timeline Will Work For Therapy Reassessment?
Medicare regulators must hit the sweet spot between oversight and clinical need. Comme... Read more
Therapy:
Agencies Consider Therapy Reassessment Options Of Less Than 30 Days
A little more time is better than none, commenters indicate. The vast majority of comm... Read more
Agencies Consider Therapy Reassessment Options Of Less Than 30 Days
A little more time is better than none, commenters indicate. The vast majority of comm... Read more
Industry Notes:
MAC Targets High-Paying HIPPS Code For Review
Florida, Texas hit hardest by new probe edits. If you’re billing for resource-in... Read more
MAC Targets High-Paying HIPPS Code For Review
Florida, Texas hit hardest by new probe edits. If you’re billing for resource-in... Read more
Industry Notes:
F2F Lawsuit Aims At Retroactive Rejections
The National Association for Home Care & Hospice’s lawsuit over the face-to-fa... Read more
F2F Lawsuit Aims At Retroactive Rejections
The National Association for Home Care & Hospice’s lawsuit over the face-to-fa... Read more
Industry Notes:
Learn From This HIPAA Lawsuit Over Laptops
Another HIPAA laptop theft lawsuit is showing why you could be safe from state lawsuits ... Read more
Learn From This HIPAA Lawsuit Over Laptops
Another HIPAA laptop theft lawsuit is showing why you could be safe from state lawsuits ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Note This Change To The Hospice Cost Report
One troubling aspect of the new hospice cost report has been cleared up. “We reque... Read more
Note This Change To The Hospice Cost Report
One troubling aspect of the new hospice cost report has been cleared up. “We reque... Read more
Industry Notes:
MAC: New NOE Deadline Applies To Oct.1 Admissions
You don’t have to worry about patients admitted before Oct. 1 when it comes t... Read more
MAC: New NOE Deadline Applies To Oct.1 Admissions
You don’t have to worry about patients admitted before Oct. 1 when it comes t... Read more
Industry Notes:
New Law: Hospices To Be Surveyed Every 3 Years
After a series of high-profile, extremely critical articles about some hospices&rsq... Read more
New Law: Hospices To Be Surveyed Every 3 Years
After a series of high-profile, extremely critical articles about some hospices&rsq... Read more
Industry Notes:
County Sells HHA But Retains Hospice
One North Carolina county is getting out of the home health business. Craven County... Read more
County Sells HHA But Retains Hospice
One North Carolina county is getting out of the home health business. Craven County... Read more
Industry Notes:
HHA Settles Kickback Charges For $1.65 Million
A whistleblower lawsuit has led to a seven-figure settlement of kickback charges fo... Read more
HHA Settles Kickback Charges For $1.65 Million
A whistleblower lawsuit has led to a seven-figure settlement of kickback charges fo... Read more
Reader Question:
When Should You Use Q5003 Versus Q5004 For Hospice?
You may have to tweak your information-gathering for nursing home residents. Question:... Read more
When Should You Use Q5003 Versus Q5004 For Hospice?
You may have to tweak your information-gathering for nursing home residents. Question:... Read more
Face-To-Face:
Agencies Give CMS An Earful On F2F Burdens
Burdensome face-to-face requirement is keeping patients from entering home care. The f... Read more
Agencies Give CMS An Earful On F2F Burdens
Burdensome face-to-face requirement is keeping patients from entering home care. The f... Read more
Compliance:
Face-To-Face Costs Are Crippling Home Health Agencies
Rule commenters note added FTEs to deal with the F2F burden. The face-to-face physicia... Read more
Face-To-Face Costs Are Crippling Home Health Agencies
Rule commenters note added FTEs to deal with the F2F burden. The face-to-face physicia... Read more
Regulations:
HHAs Skewer Proposal To Base Eligibility Determination On Docs' Clinical Records
Can agencies obtain F2F relief instead of just a burden swap? If CMS thinks it was doi... Read more
HHAs Skewer Proposal To Base Eligibility Determination On Docs' Clinical Records
Can agencies obtain F2F relief instead of just a burden swap? If CMS thinks it was doi... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
One Agency's Letter Encapsulates F2F Struggles
Agencies are between a rock and a hard spot, and that rock is poised to crush them. Wi... Read more
One Agency's Letter Encapsulates F2F Struggles
Agencies are between a rock and a hard spot, and that rock is poised to crush them. Wi... Read more
Human Resources:
Take These 3 Steps To Keep Your Employees Engaged
Follow this expert advice to create a ‘get it done’ culture in your agency. ... Read more
Take These 3 Steps To Keep Your Employees Engaged
Follow this expert advice to create a ‘get it done’ culture in your agency. ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Do You Know Your NPI From Your PTAN?
CMS offers tips on these basics. You know just where to list your NPI on your Medicare... Read more
Do You Know Your NPI From Your PTAN?
CMS offers tips on these basics. You know just where to list your NPI on your Medicare... Read more
Industry Notes:
Resubmitting PECOS Edit- Booted Claims Won't Work
Hold your horses if you are trying to correct a PECOS-edit related error. HHH Medicare A... Read more
Resubmitting PECOS Edit- Booted Claims Won't Work
Hold your horses if you are trying to correct a PECOS-edit related error. HHH Medicare A... Read more
Industry Notes:
AHATakes On HHS Over Claims Extrapolation
Extrapolation of claims errors may not bedevil home care providers as much under prospec... Read more
AHATakes On HHS Over Claims Extrapolation
Extrapolation of claims errors may not bedevil home care providers as much under prospec... Read more
Industry Notes:
Transfer Hospice Patients Get Double HIS
Transfer patients get a double helping of data under the new Hospice Item Set system. ... Read more
Transfer Hospice Patients Get Double HIS
Transfer patients get a double helping of data under the new Hospice Item Set system. ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Tune In For Free PEPPER Report Training
Confused about how to use your hospice PEPPER report? PEPPER contractor TMF Health Quali... Read more
Tune In For Free PEPPER Report Training
Confused about how to use your hospice PEPPER report? PEPPER contractor TMF Health Quali... Read more
Industry Notes:
MAC Offers Job Aid For Timely Claims Filing
Don’t think a claim adjustment will get you out of Medicare’s one-year timel... Read more
MAC Offers Job Aid For Timely Claims Filing
Don’t think a claim adjustment will get you out of Medicare’s one-year timel... Read more
Industry Notes:
Bankrupt Hospice Pays Nearly $3M To Settle Charges
A big chunk of San Diego Hospice’s remaining assets are going to its former employ... Read more
Bankrupt Hospice Pays Nearly $3M To Settle Charges
A big chunk of San Diego Hospice’s remaining assets are going to its former employ... Read more
Hospice:
Focus On These Cancer Patients To Facilitate Hospice Access
New study points the way to underserved populations. If you don’t see a lot of h... Read more
Focus On These Cancer Patients To Facilitate Hospice Access
New study points the way to underserved populations. If you don’t see a lot of h... Read more
OASIS:
Don't Let OASIS-C1 Catch You Unprepared
Does your training process for the new assessment tool need an overhaul? Are you ready... Read more
Don't Let OASIS-C1 Catch You Unprepared
Does your training process for the new assessment tool need an overhaul? Are you ready... Read more
Assessment:
Get Up To Speed On These OASIS-C1 Highlights
Clinicians will welcome the changes with open arms, experts predict. These are some of... Read more
Get Up To Speed On These OASIS-C1 Highlights
Clinicians will welcome the changes with open arms, experts predict. These are some of... Read more
Hospice:
Add These Attending Physician Changes To Your Hospice Duties
Tip: Make sure your election form includes language indicating patient choice. I... Read more
Add These Attending Physician Changes To Your Hospice Duties
Tip: Make sure your election form includes language indicating patient choice. I... Read more
Compliance:
Include This Physician Info On The NOE
Make sure your patients’ election statements comply with new rules Oct. 1. You h... Read more
Include This Physician Info On The NOE
Make sure your patients’ election statements comply with new rules Oct. 1. You h... Read more
Regulations:
Hospices Get A Breather On Bundling Pressure
Final rule also addresses patient eligibility documentation. The feds appear to be rea... Read more
Hospices Get A Breather On Bundling Pressure
Final rule also addresses patient eligibility documentation. The feds appear to be rea... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Authorities Root Out More Fraudsters In Nation's Home Health Hot Spots
Kickbacks played key part in fraud schemes in Detroit, Miami. The heat may be letting ... Read more
Authorities Root Out More Fraudsters In Nation's Home Health Hot Spots
Kickbacks played key part in fraud schemes in Detroit, Miami. The heat may be letting ... Read more
Industry Note:
Peruse This Target List For Risk Area Clues
Make sure you are documenting your high therapy cases extremely well. If you’re ... Read more
Peruse This Target List For Risk Area Clues
Make sure you are documenting your high therapy cases extremely well. If you’re ... Read more
Industry Note:
Bundling List Grows By One
Add a new code to the list of items and services you are responsible for covering under ... Read more
Bundling List Grows By One
Add a new code to the list of items and services you are responsible for covering under ... Read more
Industry Note:
Review Foot Care Coverage For Home Health On New MAC Website
Do you know when foot care services are covered under the home health benefit, and when ... Read more
Review Foot Care Coverage For Home Health On New MAC Website
Do you know when foot care services are covered under the home health benefit, and when ... Read more
Industry Note:
Is Emailing Blank Forms OK Under HIPAA?
If you’re wondering whether it’s OK under HIPAA to send blank forms to a pat... Read more
Is Emailing Blank Forms OK Under HIPAA?
If you’re wondering whether it’s OK under HIPAA to send blank forms to a pat... Read more
Industry Note:
Home Care Staffer Murdered Outside Client's Home In North Carolina
A recent murder in North Carolina highlights the dangers visiting staff may face in deli... Read more
Home Care Staffer Murdered Outside Client's Home In North Carolina
A recent murder in North Carolina highlights the dangers visiting staff may face in deli... Read more
Industry Note:
Whistleblower In San Diego Hospice Case May Net Seven Figures
A whistleblower who filed suit against now defunct San Diego Hospice may receive as much... Read more
Whistleblower In San Diego Hospice Case May Net Seven Figures
A whistleblower who filed suit against now defunct San Diego Hospice may receive as much... Read more
Industry Note:
One County-Run HHA To Remain In This State
Warren County, N.J. is selling its home health agency’s operations, reports The Ex... Read more
One County-Run HHA To Remain In This State
Warren County, N.J. is selling its home health agency’s operations, reports The Ex... Read more
Regulations:
HHAs Wait For Final OASIS-C1 Documents
CAHPS, PECOS problems also addressed in Open Door Forum. CMS already has commenced its... Read more
HHAs Wait For Final OASIS-C1 Documents
CAHPS, PECOS problems also addressed in Open Door Forum. CMS already has commenced its... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Strike Nearly 40 Dx Codes Off Your List For Hospice Claims
Debility, Adult Failure To Thrive, Dementia codes and more will get your claim kicked ba... Read more
Strike Nearly 40 Dx Codes Off Your List For Hospice Claims
Debility, Adult Failure To Thrive, Dementia codes and more will get your claim kicked ba... Read more
Reimbursement:
Get NOE-Related Billing Straight Or Risk RTPs
Use this modifier to indicate your request for an NOE deadline exception. At CMS&rsquo... Read more
Get NOE-Related Billing Straight Or Risk RTPs
Use this modifier to indicate your request for an NOE deadline exception. At CMS&rsquo... Read more
Hospice:
Get Familiar With New Hospice Cost Report This Fall -- Unless You Are Provider-Based
CAHPS requirements also addressed in Open Door Forum. Hospices will need to get used t... Read more
Get Familiar With New Hospice Cost Report This Fall -- Unless You Are Provider-Based
CAHPS requirements also addressed in Open Door Forum. Hospices will need to get used t... Read more
Human Relations:
Use 5 Steps To Combat Defensiveness When Addressing Problem Behavior
Get your ‘problem employee’ on a new behavioral track with clear, strong com... Read more
Use 5 Steps To Combat Defensiveness When Addressing Problem Behavior
Get your ‘problem employee’ on a new behavioral track with clear, strong com... Read more
Industry Notes:
MAC Targets More Therapy Claims For Review
Get ready to justify your services. A quick way to lose an entire episode’s reim... Read more
MAC Targets More Therapy Claims For Review
Get ready to justify your services. A quick way to lose an entire episode’s reim... Read more
Industry Notes:
Keep Up F2F Efforts
Don’t slack off on face-to-face encoun-ter requirements just because the F2F physi... Read more
Keep Up F2F Efforts
Don’t slack off on face-to-face encoun-ter requirements just because the F2F physi... Read more
Industry Notes:
PECOS-Related Claims Glitch Persists
You’ll have to wait a while longer for a fix to a PECOS-related claims system glit... Read more
PECOS-Related Claims Glitch Persists
You’ll have to wait a while longer for a fix to a PECOS-related claims system glit... Read more
Industry Notes:
Accrediting Body Issues Tubing Misconnection Alert
Technology may eventually lead to the near elimination of tubing misconnections. But unt... Read more
Accrediting Body Issues Tubing Misconnection Alert
Technology may eventually lead to the near elimination of tubing misconnections. But unt... Read more
Industry Notes:
ICD-10 Testing Scheduled
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced three separate testing we... Read more
ICD-10 Testing Scheduled
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced three separate testing we... Read more
Industry Notes:
Stolen Laptop Leads To HIPAA Breach
Even when a stolen laptop ends up in the bottom of a lake, if you didn’t encrypt t... Read more
Stolen Laptop Leads To HIPAA Breach
Even when a stolen laptop ends up in the bottom of a lake, if you didn’t encrypt t... Read more
Industry Notes:
OIG Dings 18% Of Claims In Recent HHA Audit
The feds may seem to be hammering for-profit hospices, but non-profits are getting their... Read more
OIG Dings 18% Of Claims In Recent HHA Audit
The feds may seem to be hammering for-profit hospices, but non-profits are getting their... Read more
Industry Notes:
Feds Intervene In Two Whistleblower Lawsuits Against Hospice Chain
Alleged high pressure on employees to recruit and retain patients ineligible for the Med... Read more
Feds Intervene In Two Whistleblower Lawsuits Against Hospice Chain
Alleged high pressure on employees to recruit and retain patients ineligible for the Med... Read more
Reader Question:
Must You Encrypt B2B Communications When The Patient Makes This Request?
Don’t let email confusion lead to a HIPAA breach. Question: I understand that a ... Read more
Must You Encrypt B2B Communications When The Patient Makes This Request?
Don’t let email confusion lead to a HIPAA breach. Question: I understand that a ... Read more
Documentation:
Beef Up Your Intake Process As ICD-10 Looms
Start at the beginning to improve documentation. Your intake department has an opportu... Read more
Beef Up Your Intake Process As ICD-10 Looms
Start at the beginning to improve documentation. Your intake department has an opportu... Read more
Hospice:
Add Hospice Cap Calculation, Repayment To Your To-Do List
CMS implements new aggregate cap procedures but leaves inpatient cap as-is. If you fai... Read more
Add Hospice Cap Calculation, Repayment To Your To-Do List
CMS implements new aggregate cap procedures but leaves inpatient cap as-is. If you fai... Read more
Know Your Facts:
Feds Used These Stats To Decide On Your Cap Requirements
More than one in 10 hospices exceeds its per patient cap. Wondering why the Centers fo... Read more
Feds Used These Stats To Decide On Your Cap Requirements
More than one in 10 hospices exceeds its per patient cap. Wondering why the Centers fo... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Strike Force Cities Rack Up Indictments, Guilty Pleas
Shady physicians, a fugitive nurse, and more figure in home care fraud heat wave. It&r... Read more
Strike Force Cities Rack Up Indictments, Guilty Pleas
Shady physicians, a fugitive nurse, and more figure in home care fraud heat wave. It&r... Read more
Industry Notes:
Eliminate Manifestation Codes As Primary Before Jan. 1
Incorrect diagnosis code reporting could bounce your claims back to you when new edits h... Read more
Eliminate Manifestation Codes As Primary Before Jan. 1
Incorrect diagnosis code reporting could bounce your claims back to you when new edits h... Read more
Industry Notes:
Learn Drug Reporting Lessons From New MAC Tool
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may have fixed the claims system glitch... Read more
Learn Drug Reporting Lessons From New MAC Tool
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may have fixed the claims system glitch... Read more
Industry Notes:
State Supreme Court Nixes Alzheimer's Lawsuits
Your employees won’t be able to sue your clients for injuries that occur when cari... Read more
State Supreme Court Nixes Alzheimer's Lawsuits
Your employees won’t be able to sue your clients for injuries that occur when cari... Read more
Industry Notes:
'Confined To Home' Definition Hits The Books -- Again
Nearly three years later, CMS’s regs are catching up with its rulemaking. In the 2... Read more
'Confined To Home' Definition Hits The Books -- Again
Nearly three years later, CMS’s regs are catching up with its rulemaking. In the 2... Read more
Industry Notes:
Medicare Trust Fund Is Safe A Little Longer
The latest Medicare Trustees’ Report released last month offers some good news and... Read more
Medicare Trust Fund Is Safe A Little Longer
The latest Medicare Trustees’ Report released last month offers some good news and... Read more
Industry Notes:
Don't Forget Wage Index Change For 2015
You can look at your new hospice payment rates in an official Change Request to MACs. Th... Read more
Don't Forget Wage Index Change For 2015
You can look at your new hospice payment rates in an official Change Request to MACs. Th... Read more
Industry Notes:
Texas HHA Faces Suit Over Murdered Family Member
Your policies on checking out your workers before hiring them may save you in a negligen... Read more
Texas HHA Faces Suit Over Murdered Family Member
Your policies on checking out your workers before hiring them may save you in a negligen... Read more
Industry Notes:
Long-Term Care Chain Makes L.A. Acquisition
The Ensign Group Inc. has acquired Angeles Home Health Care in Los Angeles, the L.A.-bas... Read more
Long-Term Care Chain Makes L.A. Acquisition
The Ensign Group Inc. has acquired Angeles Home Health Care in Los Angeles, the L.A.-bas... Read more
OASIS:
Stay On Top Of OASIS-C1 Prep As New Year Approaches
Don’t forget to listen to CMS’s OASIS-C1 call Sept. 3. The diagnosis code ... Read more
Stay On Top Of OASIS-C1 Prep As New Year Approaches
Don’t forget to listen to CMS’s OASIS-C1 call Sept. 3. The diagnosis code ... Read more
Hospice:
Gear Up For New 5-Day NOE Deadline
Notices of Termination/Revocation also subject to the new time limit. Hospices will ha... Read more
Gear Up For New 5-Day NOE Deadline
Notices of Termination/Revocation also subject to the new time limit. Hospices will ha... Read more
Regulations:
CMS Relents On Exceptions To NOE Filing Deadline
Hint: An IT meltdown will not qualify you for a filing deadline exception. CMS got an ... Read more
CMS Relents On Exceptions To NOE Filing Deadline
Hint: An IT meltdown will not qualify you for a filing deadline exception. CMS got an ... Read more
Reimbursement:
Hospice Rates Will Increase 1.4% In October
Sequestration reductions likely to continue to harm hospices’ bottom lines. Hosp... Read more
Hospice Rates Will Increase 1.4% In October
Sequestration reductions likely to continue to harm hospices’ bottom lines. Hosp... Read more
Industry Note:
Earnings Up For Publicly Reported Chains
Home care execs praise PPS proposed rule face-to-face provisions. This quarter’s... Read more
Earnings Up For Publicly Reported Chains
Home care execs praise PPS proposed rule face-to-face provisions. This quarter’s... Read more
Industry Note:
Review Rules For Claims Spanning ICD-10 Start Date
October 2015 is now officially the new ICD-10 implementation date. The Department of Hea... Read more
Review Rules For Claims Spanning ICD-10 Start Date
October 2015 is now officially the new ICD-10 implementation date. The Department of Hea... Read more
Industry Note:
Brace For Claims Rejections, Adjustments Due To Hospitals
Get ready for your reimbursement reconciliation process to get more confusing. Starting ... Read more
Brace For Claims Rejections, Adjustments Due To Hospitals
Get ready for your reimbursement reconciliation process to get more confusing. Starting ... Read more
Industry Note:
RAP Payments For Managed Care Patients History
You’ll no longer receive RAP payments from fee-for-service Medicare for Medicare A... Read more
RAP Payments For Managed Care Patients History
You’ll no longer receive RAP payments from fee-for-service Medicare for Medicare A... Read more
Industry Note:
New Study Blasts For-Profit Home Care Providers
The longstanding tension between for-profit and non-profit home care providers has been ... Read more
New Study Blasts For-Profit Home Care Providers
The longstanding tension between for-profit and non-profit home care providers has been ... Read more
Industry Note:
Excluded Employee Costs Another HHA 6 Figures
If you don’t have an extra $320,000 rattling around in your pocket, you’d be... Read more
Excluded Employee Costs Another HHA 6 Figures
If you don’t have an extra $320,000 rattling around in your pocket, you’d be... Read more
Industry Note:
Submit PPS Rule Comments Before It's Too Late
You’ve only got a few weeks left to give CMS your two cents on the prospective pay... Read more
Submit PPS Rule Comments Before It's Too Late
You’ve only got a few weeks left to give CMS your two cents on the prospective pay... Read more
Industry Note:
Non-Profit Hospices In Virginia To Merge
Two hospices in Virginia plan to merge. The Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville a... Read more
Non-Profit Hospices In Virginia To Merge
Two hospices in Virginia plan to merge. The Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville a... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
HHA Moratoria Extended In 6 Cities
Existing agencies may get a boost from the prolonged restriction. The so-called &ldquo... Read more
HHA Moratoria Extended In 6 Cities
Existing agencies may get a boost from the prolonged restriction. The so-called &ldquo... Read more
Compliance:
L.A., Other Strike Force Cities Get A Pass On Moratoria
Which locations are next on the hit list? The feds’ extension of HHA moratoria d... Read more
L.A., Other Strike Force Cities Get A Pass On Moratoria
Which locations are next on the hit list? The feds’ extension of HHA moratoria d... Read more
HIPAA:
Portable Device Theft Gets Spotlight In HITECH Reports
HHS collected millions in HIPAA penalties in recent years. HIPAA breaches caused by ... Read more
Portable Device Theft Gets Spotlight In HITECH Reports
HHS collected millions in HIPAA penalties in recent years. HIPAA breaches caused by ... Read more
Privacy:
Take 3 Steps To Avoid Punishing HIPAA Penalties
Look for compliance clues in two new government reports. Recent HIPAA reports mandated... Read more
Take 3 Steps To Avoid Punishing HIPAA Penalties
Look for compliance clues in two new government reports. Recent HIPAA reports mandated... Read more
Industry Notes:
Get OASIS-C1 Details For Jan. 1 Implementation
Stand by for a question-and-answer document. You should write OASIS-C1 training in ink... Read more
Get OASIS-C1 Details For Jan. 1 Implementation
Stand by for a question-and-answer document. You should write OASIS-C1 training in ink... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Separates Review, Quality Improvement Duties Under Major QIO Restructure
Heads up: You may have a new Quality Improvement Organization with which to work. The ... Read more
CMS Separates Review, Quality Improvement Duties Under Major QIO Restructure
Heads up: You may have a new Quality Improvement Organization with which to work. The ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Takebacks Underway Based On SMRC Therapy Review
Home health agencies that furnish Part B outpatient therapy in the home may soon see the... Read more
Takebacks Underway Based On SMRC Therapy Review
Home health agencies that furnish Part B outpatient therapy in the home may soon see the... Read more
Industry Notes:
HIPAA Penalties May Leave You High And Dry Despite Insurance Coverage
If your company undergoes a HIPAA investigation, will your directors and officers insura... Read more
HIPAA Penalties May Leave You High And Dry Despite Insurance Coverage
If your company undergoes a HIPAA investigation, will your directors and officers insura... Read more
Industry Notes:
Home Care Bills Introduced
Two new pieces of legislation could af-fect home care providers. The Securing Access Via... Read more
Home Care Bills Introduced
Two new pieces of legislation could af-fect home care providers. The Securing Access Via... Read more
Industry Notes:
ICD-10 Testing Succeeds Despite Delay
ICD-10 implementation may be de-layed, but at least some providers are still making prog... Read more
ICD-10 Testing Succeeds Despite Delay
ICD-10 implementation may be de-layed, but at least some providers are still making prog... Read more
Industry Notes:
RN Workforce Larger Than Experts Predicted
If your nurse hiring isn’t as squeezed as you expected lately, it may be because R... Read more
RN Workforce Larger Than Experts Predicted
If your nurse hiring isn’t as squeezed as you expected lately, it may be because R... Read more
Industry Notes:
Kindred Gives Up Hostile Takeover Bid For Gentiva
Kindred Healthcare’s hostile takeover bid for Gentiva Health Services Inc. appears... Read more
Kindred Gives Up Hostile Takeover Bid For Gentiva
Kindred Healthcare’s hostile takeover bid for Gentiva Health Services Inc. appears... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Let Initial Assessment Rules Confuse You
Remember: Therapy-only episodes have different initial visit rules. Question: I have a... Read more
Don't Let Initial Assessment Rules Confuse You
Remember: Therapy-only episodes have different initial visit rules. Question: I have a... Read more
Hospice:
Hospices Win Relief From PA Edits On All But 4 Drugs
Prior auth is still in effect for analgesics, antinauseants, laxatives, and antianxiety ... Read more
Hospices Win Relief From PA Edits On All But 4 Drugs
Prior auth is still in effect for analgesics, antinauseants, laxatives, and antianxiety ... Read more
Coverage:
Categorize PA Drugs As Unrelated With One Simple Word
Warning: But your clinical documentation had better tell the whole story. You may be c... Read more
Categorize PA Drugs As Unrelated With One Simple Word
Warning: But your clinical documentation had better tell the whole story. You may be c... Read more
Reimbursement:
Master 6 PA Steps To Minimize Medication-Related Headaches
Tip: Get to know the new standardized prior authorization form. Hospices struggling wi... Read more
Master 6 PA Steps To Minimize Medication-Related Headaches
Tip: Get to know the new standardized prior authorization form. Hospices struggling wi... Read more
HIPAA:
Beware Risks Of Using Private Email Accounts
Does a staffer sending herself patient info to a Gmail account equal a HIPAA breach? I... Read more
Beware Risks Of Using Private Email Accounts
Does a staffer sending herself patient info to a Gmail account equal a HIPAA breach? I... Read more
OASIS:
Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed With SOC Assessments
Take your time when filling out this critical OASIS timepoint. If you’re rushing... Read more
Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed With SOC Assessments
Take your time when filling out this critical OASIS timepoint. If you’re rushing... Read more
Industry Notes:
Excluded Employee Costs Hospice Six Figures
Multiple cases of excluded individuals rack up CMPs around the country. Are you runnin... Read more
Excluded Employee Costs Hospice Six Figures
Multiple cases of excluded individuals rack up CMPs around the country. Are you runnin... Read more
Industry Notes:
Therapy Claim Review Racks Up Denials
The pending elimination of the face-to-face physician narrative requirement hasn’t... Read more
Therapy Claim Review Racks Up Denials
The pending elimination of the face-to-face physician narrative requirement hasn’t... Read more
Industry Notes:
LUPA Error Fix On Deck
You can expect relief from a few longstanding claims glitches soon, pledges one HHH Medi... Read more
LUPA Error Fix On Deck
You can expect relief from a few longstanding claims glitches soon, pledges one HHH Medi... Read more
Industry Notes:
Palmetto Initiates Fix For Hospice Infusion Pump Claims
One more HHH Medicare Administra-tive Contractor has revealed its timeline for fixing ho... Read more
Palmetto Initiates Fix For Hospice Infusion Pump Claims
One more HHH Medicare Administra-tive Contractor has revealed its timeline for fixing ho... Read more
Industry Notes:
Bidding Recompete May Affect Your Patients'DME
Your home care patients may have to start getting supplies from a different DME pro-vide... Read more
Bidding Recompete May Affect Your Patients'DME
Your home care patients may have to start getting supplies from a different DME pro-vide... Read more
Industry Notes:
Joint Commission To Require New Oxygen Safety Measures
If you’re accredited by the Joint Com-mission and your patients use oxygen at home... Read more
Joint Commission To Require New Oxygen Safety Measures
If you’re accredited by the Joint Com-mission and your patients use oxygen at home... Read more
Industry Notes:
Consult New HIS Fact Sheets For Latest Info
Medicare is offering you a helping hand with the Hospice Item Set. The Centers for Medi-... Read more
Consult New HIS Fact Sheets For Latest Info
Medicare is offering you a helping hand with the Hospice Item Set. The Centers for Medi-... Read more
Industry Notes:
Gentiva Sees More Bids
The bidding war for Gentiva continues. After long-term care giant Kindred Healthcare upp... Read more
Gentiva Sees More Bids
The bidding war for Gentiva continues. After long-term care giant Kindred Healthcare upp... Read more
Industry Notes:
Chain Buys 14 HHAs
LHC Group Inc. plans to purchase Life Care Home Health Inc.’s 14 home health agenc... Read more
Chain Buys 14 HHAs
LHC Group Inc. plans to purchase Life Care Home Health Inc.’s 14 home health agenc... Read more
Industry Notes:
HIPAA Penalties Loom
HHS continues to bang the HIPAA enforcement drum. Department of Health and Human Service... Read more
HIPAA Penalties Loom
HHS continues to bang the HIPAA enforcement drum. Department of Health and Human Service... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
Get Ready To Lose Case Mix Points For 200 Diagnosis Codes
Two OASIS items also axed from case mix system in proposed rule. While CMS is proposin... Read more
Get Ready To Lose Case Mix Points For 200 Diagnosis Codes
Two OASIS items also axed from case mix system in proposed rule. While CMS is proposin... Read more
Regulations:
Retroactive Date For Nixing F2F Narrative A Possibility
Other PPS rule provisions, CAHPs also addressed in Open Door Forum. Home health agenci... Read more
Retroactive Date For Nixing F2F Narrative A Possibility
Other PPS rule provisions, CAHPs also addressed in Open Door Forum. Home health agenci... Read more
Hospice:
Fix For Infusion Pump-Related Claims Glitch On The Way
CAHPS, Part D problems, and late billing also addressed in Open Door Forum. You should... Read more
Fix For Infusion Pump-Related Claims Glitch On The Way
CAHPS, Part D problems, and late billing also addressed in Open Door Forum. You should... Read more
Compliance:
Are Your Patients Also Your Auditors?
Senior Medicare Patrol recovered $9.1 million last year. Various types of government a... Read more
Are Your Patients Also Your Auditors?
Senior Medicare Patrol recovered $9.1 million last year. Various types of government a... Read more
Industry Notes:
Probe Targeting 1 State Denies Whopping 79% Of Claims
Close to half of errors were due to face-to-face. Utah home health agencies may be in ... Read more
Probe Targeting 1 State Denies Whopping 79% Of Claims
Close to half of errors were due to face-to-face. Utah home health agencies may be in ... Read more
Industry Notes:
MACs, SMRCs Must Post Review Issues
You should have a better idea of just what your Medicare Contractor is reviewing your cl... Read more
MACs, SMRCs Must Post Review Issues
You should have a better idea of just what your Medicare Contractor is reviewing your cl... Read more
Industry Notes:
Direct Docs To Signature Requirement Pointers
Whether they’re certifying terminal illness for hospice, ordering home health or r... Read more
Direct Docs To Signature Requirement Pointers
Whether they’re certifying terminal illness for hospice, ordering home health or r... Read more
Industry Notes:
MAC Offers Advice On Hospice POC Denials
If you’re receiving claims denials related to the hospice plan of care, you’... Read more
MAC Offers Advice On Hospice POC Denials
If you’re receiving claims denials related to the hospice plan of care, you’... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Proposes Easier Chronic Care Management Payments For Physicians
You might have an easier time getting physicians more involved in your patients’ c... Read more
CMS Proposes Easier Chronic Care Management Payments For Physicians
You might have an easier time getting physicians more involved in your patients’ c... Read more
Industry Notes:
RAC Review Of Hospice Coverage Underway
One of the Recovery Audit Contractors has had a hospice issue approved for months, but t... Read more
RAC Review Of Hospice Coverage Underway
One of the Recovery Audit Contractors has had a hospice issue approved for months, but t... Read more
Industry Notes:
Kindred Ups Offer For Gentiva -- Again
Long-term care giant Kindred Health-care is still pursuing the hostile takeover of Gen-t... Read more
Kindred Ups Offer For Gentiva -- Again
Long-term care giant Kindred Health-care is still pursuing the hostile takeover of Gen-t... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospital Closes HHA
One Illinois hospital is closing its home care unit, thanks to deteriorating reimburseme... Read more
Hospital Closes HHA
One Illinois hospital is closing its home care unit, thanks to deteriorating reimburseme... Read more
Reader Question:
Will Your General Liability Policy Cover HIPAA Breaches?
Not knowing the answer could close your doors in the event of a laptop theft. Question... Read more
Will Your General Liability Policy Cover HIPAA Breaches?
Not knowing the answer could close your doors in the event of a laptop theft. Question... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
CMS To Whittle Medicare HHA Rates By 0.3% In 2015
Rebasing to cost industry hundreds of millions. The news on face-to-face may be good, ... Read more
CMS To Whittle Medicare HHA Rates By 0.3% In 2015
Rebasing to cost industry hundreds of millions. The news on face-to-face may be good, ... Read more
Face To Face:
Ding Dong, The F2F Physician Narrative Is Dead
Continue to collect the narrative until CMS implements the change, experts warn. After... Read more
Ding Dong, The F2F Physician Narrative Is Dead
Continue to collect the narrative until CMS implements the change, experts warn. After... Read more
Face To Face:
New Documentation Standard Could Torpedo Claims
Are you trading F2F narrative dependence on physicians for an even harder doc standard? ... Read more
New Documentation Standard Could Torpedo Claims
Are you trading F2F narrative dependence on physicians for an even harder doc standard? ... Read more
Reimbursement:
P4P May Finally Become A Reality In 2016
Get ready for Medicare to tie a big chunk of your reimbursement to outcomes. Pay for p... Read more
P4P May Finally Become A Reality In 2016
Get ready for Medicare to tie a big chunk of your reimbursement to outcomes. Pay for p... Read more
Therapy Reassessment Scheduling Takes A Step In The Right Direction In PPS Rule
Agencies can count days instead of visits. Home health agencies harried by the byzanti... Read more
Agencies can count days instead of visits. Home health agencies harried by the byzanti... Read more
OASIS:
Step Up Your OASIS Submission Game If You've Been Slacking
CMS proposes OASIS submission benchmarks starting in 2015. Getting the majority of you... Read more
Step Up Your OASIS Submission Game If You've Been Slacking
CMS proposes OASIS submission benchmarks starting in 2015. Getting the majority of you... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Proposes Relaxation Of Speech Therapist Requirements
COP change one of the provisions in PPS proposed rule. The Centers for Medicare & ... Read more
CMS Proposes Relaxation Of Speech Therapist Requirements
COP change one of the provisions in PPS proposed rule. The Centers for Medicare & ... Read more
Industry Notes:
High Provider Numbers, Utilization Led To Home Health Moratoria, GAO Explains
The Government Accountability office is reminding Congress of home care’s reputati... Read more
High Provider Numbers, Utilization Led To Home Health Moratoria, GAO Explains
The Government Accountability office is reminding Congress of home care’s reputati... Read more
Industry Notes:
Gentiva Board Rejects Third Kindred Offer
The attempted hostile takeover of Gen-tiva Health Service Inc. is getting more complicat... Read more
Gentiva Board Rejects Third Kindred Offer
The attempted hostile takeover of Gen-tiva Health Service Inc. is getting more complicat... Read more
Documentation:
Use New Code Set To Motivate Better Documentation
Could your marketing staff play a role in documentation improvement? As you work towar... Read more
Use New Code Set To Motivate Better Documentation
Could your marketing staff play a role in documentation improvement? As you work towar... Read more
Finance:
Home Care Franchises See Explosive Growth
Rapid expansion of franchises may lead to fraud and abuse problems, industry veteran fea... Read more
Home Care Franchises See Explosive Growth
Rapid expansion of franchises may lead to fraud and abuse problems, industry veteran fea... Read more
Education:
Get Training On ACOs, F2F, And Documenting Prognosis
Also, check out Eli audioconferences on surveys, skin and wound care, and fraud-and-abus... Read more
Get Training On ACOs, F2F, And Documenting Prognosis
Also, check out Eli audioconferences on surveys, skin and wound care, and fraud-and-abus... Read more
Reimbursement:
Cost Report Confusion Hounds Home Care Providers
Get your blue pen handy to avoid rejections. You shouldn’t be surprised to see y... Read more
Cost Report Confusion Hounds Home Care Providers
Get your blue pen handy to avoid rejections. You shouldn’t be surprised to see y... Read more
Human Resources:
Give Feedback That Leads To Constructive Change
Learn how to get employees to really hear you. Giving feedback isn’t enough. You... Read more
Give Feedback That Leads To Constructive Change
Learn how to get employees to really hear you. Giving feedback isn’t enough. You... Read more
Industry Notes:
Be Prepared For Diagnosis Code Changes, Despite 'Freeze'
You don’t get to ignore coding revisions for years. Medicare has extended its IC... Read more
Be Prepared For Diagnosis Code Changes, Despite 'Freeze'
You don’t get to ignore coding revisions for years. Medicare has extended its IC... Read more
Industry Notes:
Home Care Workers Spread Infection Among Patients, Study Says
Home care workers are under fire for spreading infections among patients. Home care &ldq... Read more
Home Care Workers Spread Infection Among Patients, Study Says
Home care workers are under fire for spreading infections among patients. Home care &ldq... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospice Claims With 6+ Consecutive Respite Days Kicked Back Starting July 1
Don’t forget: CMS will start enforcing Medicare’s five-day respite care limi... Read more
Hospice Claims With 6+ Consecutive Respite Days Kicked Back Starting July 1
Don’t forget: CMS will start enforcing Medicare’s five-day respite care limi... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Backs Off Face-To-Face Encounter Requirements For Medicare Advantage Patients
Home health agencies have caught a break in F2F requirements in one area at least &mdash... Read more
CMS Backs Off Face-To-Face Encounter Requirements For Medicare Advantage Patients
Home health agencies have caught a break in F2F requirements in one area at least &mdash... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospice Election Statements Big Problem In OIG Review
The HHS Office of Inspector General continues to train a close eye on Medicaid hospice s... Read more
Hospice Election Statements Big Problem In OIG Review
The HHS Office of Inspector General continues to train a close eye on Medicaid hospice s... Read more
Industry Notes:
Report Facility NPI Too For Patients In SNF, Hospital
Don’t forget to report a service facility NPI when billing place of service HCPCS ... Read more
Report Facility NPI Too For Patients In SNF, Hospital
Don’t forget to report a service facility NPI when billing place of service HCPCS ... Read more
Medical Review:
Improve Communication For High-Therapy Claims Review
Study the data to home in on problem areas. High-therapy claims are under intense re-v... Read more
Improve Communication For High-Therapy Claims Review
Study the data to home in on problem areas. High-therapy claims are under intense re-v... Read more
Hospice:
Finalize Your HIS Prep In The Next 2 Weeks
Watch out for noncompliance with the completion date. Whether you’ve been workin... Read more
Finalize Your HIS Prep In The Next 2 Weeks
Watch out for noncompliance with the completion date. Whether you’ve been workin... Read more
Quality:
Your HIS Data Will Result In These 7 Quality Measures
Plus: Get to know the HIS tool sections that will generate the quality standards. It... Read more
Your HIS Data Will Result In These 7 Quality Measures
Plus: Get to know the HIS tool sections that will generate the quality standards. It... Read more
Data Collection:
Master HIS Collection With These 11 Tips
Tracking deadlines is essential to compliance. Your future reimbursement is on the lin... Read more
Master HIS Collection With These 11 Tips
Tracking deadlines is essential to compliance. Your future reimbursement is on the lin... Read more
Resources:
Use Array Of Educational Resources For HIS Implementation
Have you checked out all of CMS’s instructions on filling out the Hospice Item Set... Read more
Use Array Of Educational Resources For HIS Implementation
Have you checked out all of CMS’s instructions on filling out the Hospice Item Set... Read more
Industry Notes:
Avoid Mistake That Caused Biggest-Ever HIPAA Settlement
Double-check your system safeguards. If you search your loved one’s name on the ... Read more
Avoid Mistake That Caused Biggest-Ever HIPAA Settlement
Double-check your system safeguards. If you search your loved one’s name on the ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Senate Confirms New HHS Secretary
As expected, the popular Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget has... Read more
Senate Confirms New HHS Secretary
As expected, the popular Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget has... Read more
Industry Notes:
Note These Program Integrity Manual Changes Regarding Authorized Officials
Updates to Medicare’s Provider Integ-rity Manual have resulted in changes to the p... Read more
Note These Program Integrity Manual Changes Regarding Authorized Officials
Updates to Medicare’s Provider Integ-rity Manual have resulted in changes to the p... Read more
Industry Notes:
Medicare Administrative Contractor Gives More Time To Recertify
You’ve got a little more time to recertify for DDE access if National Government S... Read more
Medicare Administrative Contractor Gives More Time To Recertify
You’ve got a little more time to recertify for DDE access if National Government S... Read more
Industry Notes:
One Medicare Administrative Contractor Offers More Details For Claims Denials
You should get more information about denials that come from one HHH Medicare Admin-istr... Read more
One Medicare Administrative Contractor Offers More Details For Claims Denials
You should get more information about denials that come from one HHH Medicare Admin-istr... Read more
Industry Notes:
Nurse Owners Sell Decades-Old Agency
A former hospital executive has purchased Tyler, Texas-based Genesis Homecare & Hosp... Read more
Nurse Owners Sell Decades-Old Agency
A former hospital executive has purchased Tyler, Texas-based Genesis Homecare & Hosp... Read more
OASIS:
Take An OASIS Submission Break Over The Holidays
Claims system glitches, COPs, CAHPS also addressed in Open Door Forum. In case you did... Read more
Take An OASIS Submission Break Over The Holidays
Claims system glitches, COPs, CAHPS also addressed in Open Door Forum. In case you did... Read more
Hospice:
Submit Your Concurrent Care Demo Application This Month
HIS Manual, NOE deadline also raised in ODF. If you want to get in on Medicare’s... Read more
Submit Your Concurrent Care Demo Application This Month
HIS Manual, NOE deadline also raised in ODF. If you want to get in on Medicare’s... Read more
Reimbursement:
Medicare Overpays Hospitals $32 Million For Home Care Patients, OIG Says
Medicare claims system fails to apply postacute transfer policy. Hospitals are feeling... Read more
Medicare Overpays Hospitals $32 Million For Home Care Patients, OIG Says
Medicare claims system fails to apply postacute transfer policy. Hospitals are feeling... Read more
HIPAA:
Avoid Paying The HIPAA Bill For Your Associate's Mistakes
Warning: Private lawsuits can be just as costly as federal HIPAA fines. You might thin... Read more
Avoid Paying The HIPAA Bill For Your Associate's Mistakes
Warning: Private lawsuits can be just as costly as federal HIPAA fines. You might thin... Read more
Compliance:
Do Your Pre-Existing BA Agreements Need An Update?
Start work now to meet the September deadline. Don’t let your BAAs put you at in... Read more
Do Your Pre-Existing BA Agreements Need An Update?
Start work now to meet the September deadline. Don’t let your BAAs put you at in... Read more
Industry Notes:
OIG Puts Employee Background Checks Under The Microscope
Popular press isn’t happy that 10 states require no checks on home care workers. ... Read more
OIG Puts Employee Background Checks Under The Microscope
Popular press isn’t happy that 10 states require no checks on home care workers. ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Add Certifying Physicians To Your PECOS Edit Checklist
Don’t forget to prepare for the next wave of so-called PECOS edits, which hits nex... Read more
Add Certifying Physicians To Your PECOS Edit Checklist
Don’t forget to prepare for the next wave of so-called PECOS edits, which hits nex... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospitals Sue HHS Over Long ALJ Wait
A lawsuit from the American Hospital Association aims to shorten wait times for appeals.... Read more
Hospitals Sue HHS Over Long ALJ Wait
A lawsuit from the American Hospital Association aims to shorten wait times for appeals.... Read more
Industry Notes:
Excluded Staffer Costs Provider Six Figures
Beware: Even if you don’t self-disclose your employment of a staffer excluded from... Read more
Excluded Staffer Costs Provider Six Figures
Beware: Even if you don’t self-disclose your employment of a staffer excluded from... Read more
Industry Notes:
Test ICD-10 Claims After October, CMS Suggests
Don’t feel like you have to hold off on claims testing for ICD-10, just because th... Read more
Test ICD-10 Claims After October, CMS Suggests
Don’t feel like you have to hold off on claims testing for ICD-10, just because th... Read more
Industry Notes:
Religious Meetings Lead To Employee Lawsuit
False claims and Wage and Hour violations aren’t the only things that may land you... Read more
Religious Meetings Lead To Employee Lawsuit
False claims and Wage and Hour violations aren’t the only things that may land you... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospital Agency Expands Service Area
Sonoma Valley Hospital in California is expanding its home care services into Marin and ... Read more
Hospital Agency Expands Service Area
Sonoma Valley Hospital in California is expanding its home care services into Marin and ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Detroit HHA Owner Draws 6-Year Prison Sentence
A year after pleading guilty to Medicare fraud, a Detroit home health agency owner and o... Read more
Detroit HHA Owner Draws 6-Year Prison Sentence
A year after pleading guilty to Medicare fraud, a Detroit home health agency owner and o... Read more
Surveys & Certification:
Feds Want 4 More Reasons To Sock You With CMPs
OIG considers expanding civil monetary penalties. Just when you’ll be getting us... Read more
Feds Want 4 More Reasons To Sock You With CMPs
OIG considers expanding civil monetary penalties. Just when you’ll be getting us... Read more
Medical Review:
Use These 2 Techniques To Head Off Denials For HTN Patients
Tip: Are you missing your chance to document the action you’re taking for HTN pati... Read more
Use These 2 Techniques To Head Off Denials For HTN Patients
Tip: Are you missing your chance to document the action you’re taking for HTN pati... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Keep Your Eye Out For Coming ICD-10 Rule
Meanwhile, CMS confirms extension of diagnosis code freeze. The recent delay of ICD-10... Read more
Keep Your Eye Out For Coming ICD-10 Rule
Meanwhile, CMS confirms extension of diagnosis code freeze. The recent delay of ICD-10... Read more
HIPAA:
Just One Laptop Theft Causes $1.7 Million HIPAA Settlement
Reminder: If you know your systems are at risk, fix them immediately. It’s just ... Read more
Just One Laptop Theft Causes $1.7 Million HIPAA Settlement
Reminder: If you know your systems are at risk, fix them immediately. It’s just ... Read more
Hospice:
Hospices Face Repayment Demands For Analgesics
Tip: Don’t delay in filing a dispute. Medicare’s new policy on prior autho... Read more
Hospices Face Repayment Demands For Analgesics
Tip: Don’t delay in filing a dispute. Medicare’s new policy on prior autho... Read more
Mergers & Acquisitions:
Acquisitions, Expansions Occur In Hospice Market
But closures are also taking place in the turbulent hospice environment. There’s... Read more
Acquisitions, Expansions Occur In Hospice Market
But closures are also taking place in the turbulent hospice environment. There’s... Read more
Industry Notes:
OIG Focuses On Missing Home Health OASIS Data
Watchdog agency calls for prepay claims check. You’d better make sure you’... Read more
OIG Focuses On Missing Home Health OASIS Data
Watchdog agency calls for prepay claims check. You’d better make sure you’... Read more
Industry Notes:
Highlight Your Documentation For Medical Reviewers -- But Not Literally
Don’t make things worse instead of better when it comes to medical review. Probl... Read more
Highlight Your Documentation For Medical Reviewers -- But Not Literally
Don’t make things worse instead of better when it comes to medical review. Probl... Read more
Industry Notes:
Post-Acute Chain Makes Florida Home Health Buy
Greystone Healthcare Management Corp. in Tampa, Fla., has agreed to purchase the home he... Read more
Post-Acute Chain Makes Florida Home Health Buy
Greystone Healthcare Management Corp. in Tampa, Fla., has agreed to purchase the home he... Read more
Industry Notes:
More Hospice Execs Face Medicare Fraud Charges In Illinois Case
Two top executives at now-shuttered Passages Hospice, plus the hospice itself, are facin... Read more
More Hospice Execs Face Medicare Fraud Charges In Illinois Case
Two top executives at now-shuttered Passages Hospice, plus the hospice itself, are facin... Read more
Industry Notes:
Former Hospice Owner Draws 14-Year Prison Term; More Charges Filed In Case
A former hospice owner convicted of Medicare fraud has drawn a whopping 14.5-year prison... Read more
Former Hospice Owner Draws 14-Year Prison Term; More Charges Filed In Case
A former hospice owner convicted of Medicare fraud has drawn a whopping 14.5-year prison... Read more
OASIS:
CMS Sets Jan. 1 As New OASIS-C1 Date
You don’t need to learn the 5 coding items — yet. Home health agencies won... Read more
CMS Sets Jan. 1 As New OASIS-C1 Date
You don’t need to learn the 5 coding items — yet. Home health agencies won... Read more
Regulations:
Look Forward To These OASIS-C1 Changes Jan. 1
New OASIS-C1 M0 items on wounds, vaccinations, and synopses are among those with much-an... Read more
Look Forward To These OASIS-C1 Changes Jan. 1
New OASIS-C1 M0 items on wounds, vaccinations, and synopses are among those with much-an... Read more
Compliance:
6 Tips To Prepare Your OASIS-C1 Ramp-Up Schedule
Don’t rely on last minute training in December. It may be 15 months later than f... Read more
6 Tips To Prepare Your OASIS-C1 Ramp-Up Schedule
Don’t rely on last minute training in December. It may be 15 months later than f... Read more
Assessment:
Expect These Pressure Ulcer Changes in OASIS-C1
Say goodbye to your old M1308 headaches in the revised assessment tool. The OASIS inte... Read more
Expect These Pressure Ulcer Changes in OASIS-C1
Say goodbye to your old M1308 headaches in the revised assessment tool. The OASIS inte... Read more
Assessment:
More OASIS-C1 Wound Item Changes Are On Deck
Stasis ulcer nonsense should be eliminated. The OASIS pressure ulcer questions aren&rs... Read more
More OASIS-C1 Wound Item Changes Are On Deck
Stasis ulcer nonsense should be eliminated. The OASIS pressure ulcer questions aren&rs... Read more
Industry Notes:
GAO Pushes HHA Surety Bonds In Senate Hearing
Will CMS cave to pressure? You’ll have one more cost and regulatory requirement,... Read more
GAO Pushes HHA Surety Bonds In Senate Hearing
Will CMS cave to pressure? You’ll have one more cost and regulatory requirement,... Read more
Industry Notes:
Make Sure Records Support OASIS
Documentation that doesn’t support the OASIS M0 items chosen is climbing the chart... Read more
Make Sure Records Support OASIS
Documentation that doesn’t support the OASIS M0 items chosen is climbing the chart... Read more
Industry Notes:
Infusion Pump Claims Bedevil Hospices
If your hospice claims with infusion pump items are getting denied, you’re not alo... Read more
Infusion Pump Claims Bedevil Hospices
If your hospice claims with infusion pump items are getting denied, you’re not alo... Read more
Industry Notes:
Don't Let Your Staffers Become Password Slackers
Providers that don’t make staffers change their passwords quarterly are taking unn... Read more
Don't Let Your Staffers Become Password Slackers
Providers that don’t make staffers change their passwords quarterly are taking unn... Read more
Industry Notes:
Register For Your Hospice Item Set Passwords
Don’t forget to register for your User IDs to submit your Hospice Item Set informa... Read more
Register For Your Hospice Item Set Passwords
Don’t forget to register for your User IDs to submit your Hospice Item Set informa... Read more
Industry Notes:
Patient Recruiter Draws 7-Year Prison Sentence
A patient recruiter for a network of fraudulent home health agencies in Detroit is facin... Read more
Patient Recruiter Draws 7-Year Prison Sentence
A patient recruiter for a network of fraudulent home health agencies in Detroit is facin... Read more
Industry Notes:
LTC Giant Tries Takeover Of Gentiva
The industry’s largest HHA chain could get a lot bigger, if a takeover bid ends up... Read more
LTC Giant Tries Takeover Of Gentiva
The industry’s largest HHA chain could get a lot bigger, if a takeover bid ends up... Read more
Industry Notes:
VNA Joins Health System In Pennsylvania
VNA/Hospice of Monroe County in East Stroudsburg, Pa., has joined Pocono Health System, ... Read more
VNA Joins Health System In Pennsylvania
VNA/Hospice of Monroe County in East Stroudsburg, Pa., has joined Pocono Health System, ... Read more
Face-To-Face:
You May Get A Breather On The Narrative In F2F Medical Review
Warning: Don’t stop collecting the troublesome piece of F2F. The home care indus... Read more
You May Get A Breather On The Narrative In F2F Medical Review
Warning: Don’t stop collecting the troublesome piece of F2F. The home care indus... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Latest Fraud Takedown Features Home Care Schemes
Physician kickbacks included in charges. The nation’s Medicare fraud hot spots h... Read more
Latest Fraud Takedown Features Home Care Schemes
Physician kickbacks included in charges. The nation’s Medicare fraud hot spots h... Read more
Finance:
Rebasing Cuts Take A Bite Out Of Chains' Bottom Lines
Weather also puts a dent in publicly traded companies’ earnings in Q1. The natio... Read more
Rebasing Cuts Take A Bite Out Of Chains' Bottom Lines
Weather also puts a dent in publicly traded companies’ earnings in Q1. The natio... Read more
HIPAA:
Stolen Unencrypted Laptops Lead To Nearly $2 Million In HIPAA Fines
Learn a lesson from these recent HIPAA cases. Two recently announced HIPAA settlements... Read more
Stolen Unencrypted Laptops Lead To Nearly $2 Million In HIPAA Fines
Learn a lesson from these recent HIPAA cases. Two recently announced HIPAA settlements... Read more
Compliance:
Use These Real-World Tips To Avoid Laptop HIPAA Breaches
OCR is pushing entities harder to perform risk assessments. Two breach cases based on ... Read more
Use These Real-World Tips To Avoid Laptop HIPAA Breaches
OCR is pushing entities harder to perform risk assessments. Two breach cases based on ... Read more
Industry Notes:
MAC Rejects More Than 2/3 Of Long-Stay Hospice Claims
Key: Your documentation must continue to support a six-month prognosis. If you’r... Read more
MAC Rejects More Than 2/3 Of Long-Stay Hospice Claims
Key: Your documentation must continue to support a six-month prognosis. If you’r... Read more
Industry Notes:
HHS Secretary Confirmation Hearings Proceed
The current Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget appears poised t... Read more
HHS Secretary Confirmation Hearings Proceed
The current Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget appears poised t... Read more
Industry Notes:
Start HIS Training Now
The July 1 deadline to start administering the Hospice Item Set is creeping closer. Take... Read more
Start HIS Training Now
The July 1 deadline to start administering the Hospice Item Set is creeping closer. Take... Read more
Industry Notes:
Get Concurrent Care Demo Answers With New Q&As;
Not sure if you want to participate in Medicare’s new concurrent care demonstratio... Read more
Get Concurrent Care Demo Answers With New Q&As;
Not sure if you want to participate in Medicare’s new concurrent care demonstratio... Read more
Industry Notes:
CMS Change Smoothes PECOS-Supporting Process
Are you still working hard to get all your docs signed up in PECOS, so your claims don&r... Read more
CMS Change Smoothes PECOS-Supporting Process
Are you still working hard to get all your docs signed up in PECOS, so your claims don&r... Read more
Industry Notes:
Aggressive HIPAA Audits To Hit This Fall
On top of everything else, more aggressive HIPAA audits may be in your future. If you re... Read more
Aggressive HIPAA Audits To Hit This Fall
On top of everything else, more aggressive HIPAA audits may be in your future. If you re... Read more
Industry Notes:
Consult Corrected Hospice Wage Index Table
Wondering exactly how the proposed payment rates for 2015 will affect your hospice (see ... Read more
Consult Corrected Hospice Wage Index Table
Wondering exactly how the proposed payment rates for 2015 will affect your hospice (see ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Tune Into Special Forum On F2F Template May 20th
Home health agencies have high hopes that CMS will eliminate the physician narrative por... Read more
Tune Into Special Forum On F2F Template May 20th
Home health agencies have high hopes that CMS will eliminate the physician narrative por... Read more
Industry Notes:
OIG Urges Prorated DRG When Patients Go To Hospice
Referrals to hospice from the hospital may become more scarce, if legislators listen to ... Read more
OIG Urges Prorated DRG When Patients Go To Hospice
Referrals to hospice from the hospital may become more scarce, if legislators listen to ... Read more
Hospice:
Hospice 2015 Proposed Rule Foreshadows Bundling Crisis
Warning: Your medication coverage may have to be broader than you think. The idea has ... Read more
Hospice 2015 Proposed Rule Foreshadows Bundling Crisis
Warning: Your medication coverage may have to be broader than you think. The idea has ... Read more
Reimbursement:
Hospices May See 1.3% Pay Increase In October -- Depending On Sequestration
No payment reform yet, but it’s on the horizon. Hospices’ financial burden... Read more
Hospices May See 1.3% Pay Increase In October -- Depending On Sequestration
No payment reform yet, but it’s on the horizon. Hospices’ financial burden... Read more
Regulations:
Prepare For Review Focus On Patient Eligibility
HIS, CAHPS to make your load heavier soon. Medicare may not want to appear to be penal... Read more
Prepare For Review Focus On Patient Eligibility
HIS, CAHPS to make your load heavier soon. Medicare may not want to appear to be penal... Read more
Industry Notes:
October 2015 Set As New ICD-10 Deadline
Don’t let skepticism endanger your compliance. Mark your calendar in red for Oct... Read more
October 2015 Set As New ICD-10 Deadline
Don’t let skepticism endanger your compliance. Mark your calendar in red for Oct... Read more
Industry Notes:
Fix For Software Glitches May Mean Returned Underpayments For You
You might get a little pay bump this month, if your claims have been affected by two sys... Read more
Fix For Software Glitches May Mean Returned Underpayments For You
You might get a little pay bump this month, if your claims have been affected by two sys... Read more
Industry Notes:
Use One MAC's Tips To Avoid Cash Flow Problems From Cost Report Rejections
A cost report rejection may result in payment suspension while you fix the errors, warns... Read more
Use One MAC's Tips To Avoid Cash Flow Problems From Cost Report Rejections
A cost report rejection may result in payment suspension while you fix the errors, warns... Read more
Industry Notes:
Former Cosmetologist HHA Owner ChargedWith Fraud
A Missouri home health agency owner has pled guilty to health care fraud and other char-... Read more
Former Cosmetologist HHA Owner ChargedWith Fraud
A Missouri home health agency owner has pled guilty to health care fraud and other char-... Read more
Industry Notes:
Penn. HHA Target Of State Search Warrant
How would you handle unfavorable press attention? That’s what Bayada Home Health C... Read more
Penn. HHA Target Of State Search Warrant
How would you handle unfavorable press attention? That’s what Bayada Home Health C... Read more
Industry Notes:
Largest Nonprofit HHA In The Country Lays Off 1,300+ Workers
More proof that non-profits are struggling in today’s reimbursement environment: T... Read more
Largest Nonprofit HHA In The Country Lays Off 1,300+ Workers
More proof that non-profits are struggling in today’s reimbursement environment: T... Read more
Reader Question:
Be Wary of Software that Does Your OASIS Job For You
Question: Our software vendor claims that an upcoming upgrade will allow our agency to r... Read more
Be Wary of Software that Does Your OASIS Job For You
Question: Our software vendor claims that an upcoming upgrade will allow our agency to r... Read more
Face-To-Face:
Employ These 6 Strategies To Prevent F2F Meltdown
Guarantee: New contractor will review your face-to-face physician encounter documentatio... Read more
Employ These 6 Strategies To Prevent F2F Meltdown
Guarantee: New contractor will review your face-to-face physician encounter documentatio... Read more
Compliance:
Build A Better F2F Form With These Tips
Will checkboxes help or hinder your face-to-face compliance? Your path to optimal face... Read more
Build A Better F2F Form With These Tips
Will checkboxes help or hinder your face-to-face compliance? Your path to optimal face... Read more
Documentation:
Provide These Narrative Examples To Your Physicians To Improve F2F Compliance
Three sentences is all it takes to get into compliance — but they must be the righ... Read more
Provide These Narrative Examples To Your Physicians To Improve F2F Compliance
Three sentences is all it takes to get into compliance — but they must be the righ... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Whistleblowers Net $26 Million From Amedisys Settlement
Government finalizes $150 million fraud settlement and releases surprising details. Th... Read more
Whistleblowers Net $26 Million From Amedisys Settlement
Government finalizes $150 million fraud settlement and releases surprising details. Th... Read more
Industry Notes:
Ease Your PECOS Edit Appeals Burden With Reopenings
Tip: Don’t bother filing a reopening if your doc isn’t yet in PECOS. If yo... Read more
Ease Your PECOS Edit Appeals Burden With Reopenings
Tip: Don’t bother filing a reopening if your doc isn’t yet in PECOS. If yo... Read more
Industry Notes:
Lack Of OASIS Support #1 Denial Reason
Lack of documentation for OASIS M0 items edged out face-to-face as the chief reason for ... Read more
Lack Of OASIS Support #1 Denial Reason
Lack of documentation for OASIS M0 items edged out face-to-face as the chief reason for ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Study: Med Management Helps Some Patients Avoid Hospital
Your lowest risk patients may benefit from medication management to reduce rehospitaliza... Read more
Study: Med Management Helps Some Patients Avoid Hospital
Your lowest risk patients may benefit from medication management to reduce rehospitaliza... Read more
Industry Notes:
MAC Gets Ready To Recoup FISS Glitch Overpayments
If you received an overpayment related to sequestration, it’ll soon be time to pay... Read more
MAC Gets Ready To Recoup FISS Glitch Overpayments
If you received an overpayment related to sequestration, it’ll soon be time to pay... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospital Agencies Merge With Competitors
Market consolidation continues. In Dan-ville, Pa., Geisinger Community Health Services a... Read more
Hospital Agencies Merge With Competitors
Market consolidation continues. In Dan-ville, Pa., Geisinger Community Health Services a... Read more
Industry Notes:
Okla. Hospice Owner, Manager Charged With Medicare Fraud
Allegedly lying in an audit has landed a hospice owner and general manager on the receiv... Read more
Okla. Hospice Owner, Manager Charged With Medicare Fraud
Allegedly lying in an audit has landed a hospice owner and general manager on the receiv... Read more
Industry Notes:
Texas HHA Biller Faces False Claims Charges
It’s not just the boss who goes to jail for Medicare fraud. Case in point: A for... Read more
Texas HHA Biller Faces False Claims Charges
It’s not just the boss who goes to jail for Medicare fraud. Case in point: A for... Read more
Reader Question:
Handle Existing Meds This Way On Hospice Claims
MACs answer agencies’ questions about drug reporting in newly expanded Q&As. ... Read more
Handle Existing Meds This Way On Hospice Claims
MACs answer agencies’ questions about drug reporting in newly expanded Q&As. ... Read more
Face To Face:
OIG Shoots Down 1/3 Of Claims Reviewed Due To F2F
Avoid these common F2F pitfalls identified by the watchdog agency. Physicians’ f... Read more
OIG Shoots Down 1/3 Of Claims Reviewed Due To F2F
Avoid these common F2F pitfalls identified by the watchdog agency. Physicians’ f... Read more
Documentation:
Reviewers Want To See These 6 Items In Your F2F Documentation
Don’t let missing title, date torpedo your claim. Home care providers and physic... Read more
Reviewers Want To See These 6 Items In Your F2F Documentation
Don’t let missing title, date torpedo your claim. Home care providers and physic... Read more
Medical Review:
Medicare Contractor Reviews Claims From Every HHA
New OIG report urges CMS to implement standardized F2F form. If your claims haven&rsqu... Read more
Medicare Contractor Reviews Claims From Every HHA
New OIG report urges CMS to implement standardized F2F form. If your claims haven&rsqu... Read more
Hospice:
Examine Your Live Discharge Rate -- Before Reviewers Do
Correction: CMS found 71 hospices had a 100 percent live discharge rate. You should in... Read more
Examine Your Live Discharge Rate -- Before Reviewers Do
Correction: CMS found 71 hospices had a 100 percent live discharge rate. You should in... Read more
OASIS:
Make The Most Of The ICD-10 Extension With These Quick Tips
No word yet on possible OASIS-C1 delay, but webinar is postponed. Home health agencies... Read more
Make The Most Of The ICD-10 Extension With These Quick Tips
No word yet on possible OASIS-C1 delay, but webinar is postponed. Home health agencies... Read more
Industry Notes:
MAC Continues String Of F2F Denials
Palmetto GBA prepares to expand its review of high-therapy claims. In its latest me... Read more
MAC Continues String Of F2F Denials
Palmetto GBA prepares to expand its review of high-therapy claims. In its latest me... Read more
Industry Notes:
Use Finalized HIS Form For Preparation
You’ve finally got an official final version of the new Hospice Item Set that goes... Read more
Use Finalized HIS Form For Preparation
You’ve finally got an official final version of the new Hospice Item Set that goes... Read more
Industry Notes:
Recovery Audit Contractor Activity Hasn't Totally Halted
Don’t be lulled into complacency by the break in Additional Development Requests (... Read more
Recovery Audit Contractor Activity Hasn't Totally Halted
Don’t be lulled into complacency by the break in Additional Development Requests (... Read more
Industry Notes:
Medicare Adoption Of Life Safety Code Updates Will Impact Inpatient Hospices
Inpatient hospices, take note: CMS is proposing updates to the Life Safety Code fire pre... Read more
Medicare Adoption Of Life Safety Code Updates Will Impact Inpatient Hospices
Inpatient hospices, take note: CMS is proposing updates to the Life Safety Code fire pre... Read more
Industry Notes:
Home Health Compare Second-Most-Frequently Used Compare Site
Feel like your outcomes data is getting sucked into a vacuum? It may matter more than yo... Read more
Home Health Compare Second-Most-Frequently Used Compare Site
Feel like your outcomes data is getting sucked into a vacuum? It may matter more than yo... Read more
Industry Notes:
Annual PEPPER Reports Are Not In The Mail -- Download Them Instead
The new Hospice Program for Evalu-ating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER), wit... Read more
Annual PEPPER Reports Are Not In The Mail -- Download Them Instead
The new Hospice Program for Evalu-ating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER), wit... Read more
Industry Notes:
Indiana Company Makes HHA, Hospice Buy
Dublin, Ohio-based ViaQuest has ac-quired the Indiana operations of TriStar Home Health ... Read more
Indiana Company Makes HHA, Hospice Buy
Dublin, Ohio-based ViaQuest has ac-quired the Indiana operations of TriStar Home Health ... Read more
Hospice:
Include This Vital Element In Your Prior Authorization Documentation For Hospice Patients' Unrelated Drugs
Part D drug claims will get rejected, not denied,under new system starting next month. ... Read more
Include This Vital Element In Your Prior Authorization Documentation For Hospice Patients' Unrelated Drugs
Part D drug claims will get rejected, not denied,under new system starting next month. ... Read more
Hospice:
Reach Out To Part D Drug Plans At Admission To Avoid Billing Confusion
Tip: Collect hospice patients’ Part D plan information at admission. Expect the ... Read more
Reach Out To Part D Drug Plans At Admission To Avoid Billing Confusion
Tip: Collect hospice patients’ Part D plan information at admission. Expect the ... Read more
Patient Outcomes:
Improve Your Patients' Outcomes By Facilitating Better Pain Management
Learn some pain management lessons from the nursing home setting. Poorly treated pain ... Read more
Improve Your Patients' Outcomes By Facilitating Better Pain Management
Learn some pain management lessons from the nursing home setting. Poorly treated pain ... Read more
Tool:
Make Screening For Pain As Easy As ABCDE
End-of-life care tool can help all home care patients. The Centers for Medicare & ... Read more
Make Screening For Pain As Easy As ABCDE
End-of-life care tool can help all home care patients. The Centers for Medicare & ... Read more
Human Resources:
Avoid Overlapping Tasks Among Team Members
Important: Don’t confuse authority roles. The critical function of a team is to ... Read more
Avoid Overlapping Tasks Among Team Members
Important: Don’t confuse authority roles. The critical function of a team is to ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Beneficiaries Indicted In Latest Home Care Fraud Ring
Miami, Detroit continue as hot beds of home care fraud. The feds continue their fraud-... Read more
Beneficiaries Indicted In Latest Home Care Fraud Ring
Miami, Detroit continue as hot beds of home care fraud. The feds continue their fraud-... Read more
Therapy Cap Exceptions Extended One Year
If you furnish outpatient therapy in the home under the Part B benefit, you have almost ... Read more
If you furnish outpatient therapy in the home under the Part B benefit, you have almost ... Read more
New Doc NPI Edits Coming
Don’t forget that starting July 1, you’ll need to put on claims the NPI for ... Read more
Don’t forget that starting July 1, you’ll need to put on claims the NPI for ... Read more
Labs' HIPAA Exemptions Nixed In Recent Rule
Having trouble getting certain lab reports from your patients’ doctors? Now you ha... Read more
Having trouble getting certain lab reports from your patients’ doctors? Now you ha... Read more
ICD-10 Edits Cause Claims Problems Already
The ICD-10 deadline has been put off at least a year, but the new code set may still be ... Read more
The ICD-10 deadline has been put off at least a year, but the new code set may still be ... Read more
MAC Gives Cancel Pointers
You’ll have to wait for your claim to pay before you can cancel it, says HHH ... Read more
You’ll have to wait for your claim to pay before you can cancel it, says HHH ... Read more
LHC Buys More Agencies
LHC Group Inc. has purchased the assets of St. Joseph Hospital Home Health and Hospice i... Read more
LHC Group Inc. has purchased the assets of St. Joseph Hospital Home Health and Hospice i... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
OIG Announces $2 Million Amedisys Hospice Settlement
Foundering chain self-reports hospice certification fraud. After the $150 million sett... Read more
OIG Announces $2 Million Amedisys Hospice Settlement
Foundering chain self-reports hospice certification fraud. After the $150 million sett... Read more
Reader Question:
How Often Do You Really Need To Perform A HIPAA Risk Assessment?
If you’re getting new software, put a HIPAA review at the top of your priority lis... Read more
How Often Do You Really Need To Perform A HIPAA Risk Assessment?
If you’re getting new software, put a HIPAA review at the top of your priority lis... Read more
Know Your Facts:
Data-Crunching May Lead Investigators To Your Door
CMS puts long LOS, high live discharge rates under its microscope. Medicare is analyzi... Read more
Data-Crunching May Lead Investigators To Your Door
CMS puts long LOS, high live discharge rates under its microscope. Medicare is analyzi... Read more
Hospice:
Keep Watch For Hospice Payment Reform
Quality reporting, CAHPS also addressed at recent industry conference. Centers for Med... Read more
Keep Watch For Hospice Payment Reform
Quality reporting, CAHPS also addressed at recent industry conference. Centers for Med... Read more
OASIS:
ICD-10 Delay May Lead To OASIS-C1 Postponement
Surprise: ICD-10 deadline extended for at least one year. Just as you were preparing t... Read more
ICD-10 Delay May Lead To OASIS-C1 Postponement
Surprise: ICD-10 deadline extended for at least one year. Just as you were preparing t... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Anatomy Of A Code Set Postponement
Lawmakers override CMS’s wishes on ICD-10. After repeated assertions from the Ce... Read more
Anatomy Of A Code Set Postponement
Lawmakers override CMS’s wishes on ICD-10. After repeated assertions from the Ce... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Don't Submit Claims Before OASIS Data, OIG Report Stresses
Sixty-five percent of claims reviewed by OIG flunk OASIS edit. Do you think you’... Read more
Don't Submit Claims Before OASIS Data, OIG Report Stresses
Sixty-five percent of claims reviewed by OIG flunk OASIS edit. Do you think you’... Read more
Industry Notes:
Reviewers Slaughter HHA Claims For F2F
HHH Medicare Administrative Contractor denies more than half of HH claims reviewed. Me... Read more
Reviewers Slaughter HHA Claims For F2F
HHH Medicare Administrative Contractor denies more than half of HH claims reviewed. Me... Read more
OIG Warns Senate Of Home Health Fraud.
Expect your claims with high therapy to come under even more review. “Another area... Read more
Expect your claims with high therapy to come under even more review. “Another area... Read more
Will New Home Health Conditions Of Participation Finally See The Light Of Day?
Once again, home care providers can start a COP watch. The revised home health condition... Read more
Once again, home care providers can start a COP watch. The revised home health condition... Read more
Gov't-Run Organizations Not Immune From HIPAA
Even government entities are finding that keeping up with patient privacy laws can be a ... Read more
Even government entities are finding that keeping up with patient privacy laws can be a ... Read more
MAC Offers Pointers On Reconsiderations Versus Redeterminations
Keep your timelines straight when it comes to Medicare claims appeals, so you don’... Read more
Keep your timelines straight when it comes to Medicare claims appeals, so you don’... Read more
Chain Shutters Locations
Another big chain is showing the strain of the new reimbursement environment. Amedi... Read more
Another big chain is showing the strain of the new reimbursement environment. Amedi... Read more
Doc Pleads Guilty To Fraud For Home Health Kickbacks
A physician has pled guilty to her role in a Detroit-area home care scheme. Adelina He... Read more
A physician has pled guilty to her role in a Detroit-area home care scheme. Adelina He... Read more
Doc Practice Owners Sentenced For Bogus CPO Claims
Two co-owners of a physician house call practice in Dallas will be doing serious ti... Read more
Two co-owners of a physician house call practice in Dallas will be doing serious ti... Read more
EEOC Sues HHA For Alleged ADAViolation Against Aide
Medicare fraud and abuse isn’t the only way to get in trouble with the law. The fe... Read more
Medicare fraud and abuse isn’t the only way to get in trouble with the law. The fe... Read more
Face-To-Face:
NAHC Prepares To File Face-To-Face Lawsuit Against CMS
Agencies are fed up to here with the unrealistic F2F requirement, they say. A solution... Read more
NAHC Prepares To File Face-To-Face Lawsuit Against CMS
Agencies are fed up to here with the unrealistic F2F requirement, they say. A solution... Read more
OASIS:
Start Your OASIS-C1 Ramp-Up, CMS Advises
The feds want you to clean up your open assessments before the ASAP switch. If you&rsq... Read more
Start Your OASIS-C1 Ramp-Up, CMS Advises
The feds want you to clean up your open assessments before the ASAP switch. If you&rsq... Read more
Regulations:
Alternative Sanctions Guidance For Surveyors Hits The Books
PPS 2015, ICD-10 implementation, and more discussed in recent conference. Home health ... Read more
Alternative Sanctions Guidance For Surveyors Hits The Books
PPS 2015, ICD-10 implementation, and more discussed in recent conference. Home health ... Read more
HIPAA:
Your Unencrypted Laptops Can Lead To A Lawsuit Against You
Class action suit based on laptop theft results in serious damages. A failure to encry... Read more
Your Unencrypted Laptops Can Lead To A Lawsuit Against You
Class action suit based on laptop theft results in serious damages. A failure to encry... Read more
Compliance:
Head Off Lawsuits With These 6 Data Security Steps
Don’t skimp on HIPAA training, or you could pay the price. Home care providers a... Read more
Head Off Lawsuits With These 6 Data Security Steps
Don’t skimp on HIPAA training, or you could pay the price. Home care providers a... Read more
Industry Notes:
HH Fraudsters Sentenced In Nation's Compliance Hot Spots
Physician CPO features in Texas fraud case. Increasingly, the feds are not letting phy... Read more
HH Fraudsters Sentenced In Nation's Compliance Hot Spots
Physician CPO features in Texas fraud case. Increasingly, the feds are not letting phy... Read more
Industry Notes:
Match Up Incarcerated Beneficiary Checks With Paperwork.
HHH Medicare Administrative Con-tractor National Government Services has finally begun t... Read more
Match Up Incarcerated Beneficiary Checks With Paperwork.
HHH Medicare Administrative Con-tractor National Government Services has finally begun t... Read more
Industry Notes:
NIH Senior Site Advocates Home Care, Hospice
You may see more patients availing themselves of hospice and home care, thanks to a new ... Read more
NIH Senior Site Advocates Home Care, Hospice
You may see more patients availing themselves of hospice and home care, thanks to a new ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Overpayment Letters May Be In The Mail
It will soon be time to pay up on overpayments caught up in a claims system glitch. Th... Read more
Overpayment Letters May Be In The Mail
It will soon be time to pay up on overpayments caught up in a claims system glitch. Th... Read more
Industry Notes:
Spanish-Language NPP Finally Available
If you have Spanish-speaking patients, you now have a model Notice of Privacy Practices ... Read more
Spanish-Language NPP Finally Available
If you have Spanish-speaking patients, you now have a model Notice of Privacy Practices ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Non-Profit Hospices In The Carolinas Merge
Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare-Center in Wilmington, N.C. is merging with Mer-cy... Read more
Non-Profit Hospices In The Carolinas Merge
Lower Cape Fear Hospice & LifeCare-Center in Wilmington, N.C. is merging with Mer-cy... Read more
Industry Notes:
Hospice Facilities Open -- And Close
With General Inpatient Care billing un-der continued scrutiny, more hospice facilities c... Read more
Hospice Facilities Open -- And Close
With General Inpatient Care billing un-der continued scrutiny, more hospice facilities c... Read more
Industry Notes:
HHA Owner Pleads Guilty To Stealing Employee Tax Money
You don’t have to be violating Medicare rules to run into serious criminal charges... Read more
HHA Owner Pleads Guilty To Stealing Employee Tax Money
You don’t have to be violating Medicare rules to run into serious criminal charges... Read more
Hospice:
Brace For Hospice Drug Coverage Burden Starting May 1
The good news is that Part D plans have to take your word for it on unrelatedness &mdash... Read more
Brace For Hospice Drug Coverage Burden Starting May 1
The good news is that Part D plans have to take your word for it on unrelatedness &mdash... Read more
Regulations:
Use These Format Hints From CMS For Prior Authorization Forms
CMS wants your feedback on a future required PA form for hospice patients’ drugs. ... Read more
Use These Format Hints From CMS For Prior Authorization Forms
CMS wants your feedback on a future required PA form for hospice patients’ drugs. ... Read more
Reimbursement:
Use These 9 Tips To Prepare For New Drug PA Process
Skilled diagnosis coding may ease your burden. Hospices will have their hands full wit... Read more
Use These 9 Tips To Prepare For New Drug PA Process
Skilled diagnosis coding may ease your burden. Hospices will have their hands full wit... Read more
HIPAA:
Random HIPAA Audit Program Ramps Up
Can your HIPAA procedures withstand scrutiny? Get ready: All signs point to an imminen... Read more
Random HIPAA Audit Program Ramps Up
Can your HIPAA procedures withstand scrutiny? Get ready: All signs point to an imminen... Read more
Industry Notes:
Use MAC Q&As To Guide New Hospice Claims Data Reporting
Question-and-answer set involves 30 items on drug reporting alone. The deadline for va... Read more
Use MAC Q&As To Guide New Hospice Claims Data Reporting
Question-and-answer set involves 30 items on drug reporting alone. The deadline for va... Read more
Industry Notes:
Beware: A HIPAA Breach May Bring You More Than Health Information Law-Related Penalties
If you have a HIPAA security breach, you know you could face the wrath of the HHS Office... Read more
Beware: A HIPAA Breach May Bring You More Than Health Information Law-Related Penalties
If you have a HIPAA security breach, you know you could face the wrath of the HHS Office... Read more
Industry Notes:
Politics Torpedo Permanent Doc Fix Solution
Home care providers looking forward to a permanent solution to the Medicare physician pa... Read more
Politics Torpedo Permanent Doc Fix Solution
Home care providers looking forward to a permanent solution to the Medicare physician pa... Read more
Industry Notes:
MACs Will Hold Claims With This Reason Code
You can expect to wait for final adjudication of claims denied with reason code V8030. &... Read more
MACs Will Hold Claims With This Reason Code
You can expect to wait for final adjudication of claims denied with reason code V8030. &... Read more
Industry Notes:
Use This Helping Hand With Top Denials
Get a grip on your top denials with new fact sheets from one HHH Medicare Administrative... Read more
Use This Helping Hand With Top Denials
Get a grip on your top denials with new fact sheets from one HHH Medicare Administrative... Read more
Industry Notes:
Check Revalidation List For Your Name
If you miss your revalidation request, you’re risking your Medicare participation.... Read more
Check Revalidation List For Your Name
If you miss your revalidation request, you’re risking your Medicare participation.... Read more
Industry Notes:
Publicly Traded Chain Makes Kentucky Buy
Regional chain Almost Family Inc, plans to buy the assets of a Medicare-certified home h... Read more
Publicly Traded Chain Makes Kentucky Buy
Regional chain Almost Family Inc, plans to buy the assets of a Medicare-certified home h... Read more
Industry Notes:
LTC Company Enters Home Health Market
A Louisville-based long-term care company is getting into the home care business. Signat... Read more
LTC Company Enters Home Health Market
A Louisville-based long-term care company is getting into the home care business. Signat... Read more
OASIS:
CMS Kicks OASIS-C1 Transition Into Gear
Mark your calendars for training on the newly finalized OASIS-C1 tool. It’s time... Read more
CMS Kicks OASIS-C1 Transition Into Gear
Mark your calendars for training on the newly finalized OASIS-C1 tool. It’s time... Read more
Regulations:
Consider CAHPS For 2016 As Start Date Approaches
Pricer software also addressed in forum. If you failed to collect and submit CAHPS dat... Read more
Consider CAHPS For 2016 As Start Date Approaches
Pricer software also addressed in forum. If you failed to collect and submit CAHPS dat... Read more
Billing:
Hospices To Shoulder Heavy Claims Burden Starting April 1
New drug reporting requirement is a killer. You need to be working with your facility ... Read more
Hospices To Shoulder Heavy Claims Burden Starting April 1
New drug reporting requirement is a killer. You need to be working with your facility ... Read more
Compliance:
Prior Authorization For Unrelated Drugs Required For Hospice Patients May 1
Hospices are already seeing preauthorization denials, they report. Some tweaks in Medi... Read more
Prior Authorization For Unrelated Drugs Required For Hospice Patients May 1
Hospices are already seeing preauthorization denials, they report. Some tweaks in Medi... Read more
Hospice:
Hit April 1 Hospice Quality Deadline Or Lose Money
Hospice Item Set, CAHPS broached in forum. Fail to submit your structural and pain mea... Read more
Hit April 1 Hospice Quality Deadline Or Lose Money
Hospice Item Set, CAHPS broached in forum. Fail to submit your structural and pain mea... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Get A Jump On ICD-10 Prep With 'End-To-End' Testing
Expect no delay to new diagnosis coding system. CMS held an ICD-10 testing period this... Read more
Get A Jump On ICD-10 Prep With 'End-To-End' Testing
Expect no delay to new diagnosis coding system. CMS held an ICD-10 testing period this... Read more
Industry Notes:
Home Care Chains' Earnings A Mixed Bag In Q4
The only publicly traded company that improved its income still suffered a loss. The h... Read more
Home Care Chains' Earnings A Mixed Bag In Q4
The only publicly traded company that improved its income still suffered a loss. The h... Read more
Industry Notes:
Crack-Down On Hospital Billing For Hospice Patients Looms
CMS may have recently pulled back new instructions regarding hospital billing for hospic... Read more
Crack-Down On Hospital Billing For Hospice Patients Looms
CMS may have recently pulled back new instructions regarding hospital billing for hospic... Read more
Industry Notes:
Brush Up On Claims Adjustments And Cancels
If claims adjustments and cancels are throwing your billing into disarray, you may want ... Read more
Brush Up On Claims Adjustments And Cancels
If claims adjustments and cancels are throwing your billing into disarray, you may want ... Read more
Industry Notes:
HHA Learns Exclusion Lesson The Hard Way
If you’re not cross-checking your em-ployees against the OIG’s excluded prov... Read more
HHA Learns Exclusion Lesson The Hard Way
If you’re not cross-checking your em-ployees against the OIG’s excluded prov... Read more
Industry Notes:
Detroit Physician Pleads Guilty To Fraud
A physician who furnished house calls in Detroit has pleaded guilty to an $11.5 million ... Read more
Detroit Physician Pleads Guilty To Fraud
A physician who furnished house calls in Detroit has pleaded guilty to an $11.5 million ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Home Care Nurse's Rapists Plead Guilty
In 2012, one of home care workers’ looming fears happened to a Louisiana home heal... Read more
Home Care Nurse's Rapists Plead Guilty
In 2012, one of home care workers’ looming fears happened to a Louisiana home heal... Read more
Industry Notes:
Assess Your Market Carefully For Inpatient Hospice
One hospice is growing its inpatient business while another is shuttering it. The Center... Read more
Assess Your Market Carefully For Inpatient Hospice
One hospice is growing its inpatient business while another is shuttering it. The Center... Read more
Face-To-Face:
HHAs Rack Up F2F Denials With Another MAC
CGS denies 80% of claims for F2F. Evidence of the flaws in the face-to-face physician ... Read more
HHAs Rack Up F2F Denials With Another MAC
CGS denies 80% of claims for F2F. Evidence of the flaws in the face-to-face physician ... Read more
Compliance:
New Contractor Turns Up Heat On Face-To-Face
Get to know your SMRC. If you haven’t been targeted by the many ADRs sent by HHH... Read more
New Contractor Turns Up Heat On Face-To-Face
Get to know your SMRC. If you haven’t been targeted by the many ADRs sent by HHH... Read more
Medical Review:
Take These 7 Steps To Minimize F2F Losses
NAHC readies lawsuit over punishing face-to-face requirements. Home health agencies ar... Read more
Take These 7 Steps To Minimize F2F Losses
NAHC readies lawsuit over punishing face-to-face requirements. Home health agencies ar... Read more
Budget:
Get Ready For Another Home Health Budget Battle
More than 40% of HHAs will be under water on Medicare this year, trade group says. Pre... Read more
Get Ready For Another Home Health Budget Battle
More than 40% of HHAs will be under water on Medicare this year, trade group says. Pre... Read more
Industry Note:
JAMA Study Focuses On Differences Between For-Profit, Non-Profit Hospices
New study keeps hot button issue of live discharges front and center. Referral sources... Read more
JAMA Study Focuses On Differences Between For-Profit, Non-Profit Hospices
New study keeps hot button issue of live discharges front and center. Referral sources... Read more
Industry Note:
HHAs Have 'Diseconomies Of Scale'
The home health prospective payment system has produced a population of for-profit home ... Read more
HHAs Have 'Diseconomies Of Scale'
The home health prospective payment system has produced a population of for-profit home ... Read more
Industry Note:
CMS Extends Window For Bundling Proposals
You still have a chance to participate in CMS’s Bundled Payments for Care Improvem... Read more
CMS Extends Window For Bundling Proposals
You still have a chance to participate in CMS’s Bundled Payments for Care Improvem... Read more
Industry Note:
Docs Must Compose Hospice Narrative, MAC Stresses
When medical reviewers find your hospice certifications inadequate, it can mean big deni... Read more
Docs Must Compose Hospice Narrative, MAC Stresses
When medical reviewers find your hospice certifications inadequate, it can mean big deni... Read more
Industry Note:
Hospice NPI Claims System Glitch Resolved
If your hospice reimbursement has been held up by CMS’s hold on claims with servic... Read more
Hospice NPI Claims System Glitch Resolved
If your hospice reimbursement has been held up by CMS’s hold on claims with servic... Read more
Industry Note:
Physician Enters Guilty Plea In Home Care Fraud Scheme
The doctor charged in a Boston-area home health fraud scheme has pled guilty to Medi-car... Read more
Physician Enters Guilty Plea In Home Care Fraud Scheme
The doctor charged in a Boston-area home health fraud scheme has pled guilty to Medi-car... Read more
Industry Note:
Feds Raid Hospices In 2 States
The feds’ anti-fraud activities in home care continue. The FBI, HHS Office of Insp... Read more
Feds Raid Hospices In 2 States
The feds’ anti-fraud activities in home care continue. The FBI, HHS Office of Insp... Read more
Industry Note:
Newspaper Investigates Dallas Fraud's Ethnic Links
A major newspaper has taken on the touchy issue of race and Medicare fraud. The Dallas M... Read more
Newspaper Investigates Dallas Fraud's Ethnic Links
A major newspaper has taken on the touchy issue of race and Medicare fraud. The Dallas M... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Count On Timely Filing Exception
Slow action from a patient doesn't make good grounds for an exception. Reader Ques... Read more
Don't Count On Timely Filing Exception
Slow action from a patient doesn't make good grounds for an exception. Reader Ques... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Beware New Sanctions For Problem Providers
CMPs, exclusion could be in store for agencies that don’t show improvement. If y... Read more
Beware New Sanctions For Problem Providers
CMPs, exclusion could be in store for agencies that don’t show improvement. If y... Read more
Compliance:
These Factors Could Make Or Break Potentially Recalcitrant Providers
Your appeals success rate may save your bacon. If your MAC and CMS agree that you fit ... Read more
These Factors Could Make Or Break Potentially Recalcitrant Providers
Your appeals success rate may save your bacon. If your MAC and CMS agree that you fit ... Read more
Reimbursement:
Providers Get A HETS Breather
CMS scrambles to get hospice functionality in place for new inquiry system. You won&rs... Read more
Providers Get A HETS Breather
CMS scrambles to get hospice functionality in place for new inquiry system. You won&rs... Read more
Education:
Get Training On Compliance, Face-To-Face Requirements
Also, check out Eli audioconferences on hospice diagnosis coding and OASIS-C1 changes. ... Read more
Get Training On Compliance, Face-To-Face Requirements
Also, check out Eli audioconferences on hospice diagnosis coding and OASIS-C1 changes. ... Read more
Industry Notes:
Autodenials For Related Claims May Spell Trouble
How ‘related’ are your claims? Financial implications for your denia... Read more
Autodenials For Related Claims May Spell Trouble
How ‘related’ are your claims? Financial implications for your denia... Read more
Industry Note:
CMS Presses 'Pause' On RAC Reviews
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has removed home health agencies from R... Read more
CMS Presses 'Pause' On RAC Reviews
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has removed home health agencies from R... Read more
Industry Note:
HHAs Fight Rebasing Cuts, Copays
Home health agencies are getting help from their friends in Congress in their effort to ... Read more
HHAs Fight Rebasing Cuts, Copays
Home health agencies are getting help from their friends in Congress in their effort to ... Read more
Industry Note:
Guide Dual Eligibles With Their ABN Selections
Home health agencies now have further guidance on completing ABNs for patients dually el... Read more
Guide Dual Eligibles With Their ABN Selections
Home health agencies now have further guidance on completing ABNs for patients dually el... Read more
Industry Note:
CMS Pulls Back Hospital Billing CR For Hospice Diagnosis
Stay tuned for new instructions regarding hospital billing for hospice patients. Last No... Read more
CMS Pulls Back Hospital Billing CR For Hospice Diagnosis
Stay tuned for new instructions regarding hospital billing for hospice patients. Last No... Read more
Industry Note:
CMS Makes Nationwide DME Bidding Plans
If you haven’t felt the impact of Durable Medical Equipment competitive bidding, y... Read more
CMS Makes Nationwide DME Bidding Plans
If you haven’t felt the impact of Durable Medical Equipment competitive bidding, y... Read more
Industry Note:
Under Pressure, Amedisys CEO And Founder Steps Down
Rocky financial times for a national chain have led to its CEO’s resignation. Bato... Read more
Under Pressure, Amedisys CEO And Founder Steps Down
Rocky financial times for a national chain have led to its CEO’s resignation. Bato... Read more
Industry Note:
Authorities Bust Home Care Fraud Ring in DC
A Medicaid home care fraud investigation in Washington, D.C. has led to the arrests of 2... Read more
Authorities Bust Home Care Fraud Ring in DC
A Medicaid home care fraud investigation in Washington, D.C. has led to the arrests of 2... Read more
Industry Note:
Hospice Chain Closes After Co-Owner Charged With Fraud
Passages Hospice said it would continue to operate after co-owner Seth Gillman was charg... Read more
Hospice Chain Closes After Co-Owner Charged With Fraud
Passages Hospice said it would continue to operate after co-owner Seth Gillman was charg... Read more
Reader Question:
Don't Be Overly Strict With Collecting Physician Orders
Lighten your load with this reader Q&A. Question: I have a question on how to accu... Read more
Don't Be Overly Strict With Collecting Physician Orders
Lighten your load with this reader Q&A. Question: I have a question on how to accu... Read more
Face-To-Face:
F2F Denials Are Growing
MAC to discontinue one therapy-focused probe. Face-to-face physician encounter denials... Read more
F2F Denials Are Growing
MAC to discontinue one therapy-focused probe. Face-to-face physician encounter denials... Read more
Documentation:
Review This MAC's Documentation Checklist To Protect Against Medical Necessity Denials
How well do your patients’ records tell their story? Wondering how to make sure ... Read more
Review This MAC's Documentation Checklist To Protect Against Medical Necessity Denials
How well do your patients’ records tell their story? Wondering how to make sure ... Read more
Medical Review:
Beef Up Documentation To Avoid Medical Necessity Pitfalls
Be sure to cover all your technical bases, too. The physician face-to-face encounter r... Read more
Beef Up Documentation To Avoid Medical Necessity Pitfalls
Be sure to cover all your technical bases, too. The physician face-to-face encounter r... Read more
Hospice:
Limit Your Respite Care Billing To 5 Consecutive Days
Claims with respite care stretching more than 5 days will RTP starting this summer. Ho... Read more
Limit Your Respite Care Billing To 5 Consecutive Days
Claims with respite care stretching more than 5 days will RTP starting this summer. Ho... Read more
Reimbursement:
Use Reopening For Certain PECOS Edit Denials, MAC Says
Good news may lighten your PECOS edit load. Don’t waste time on the resource-con... Read more
Use Reopening For Certain PECOS Edit Denials, MAC Says
Good news may lighten your PECOS edit load. Don’t waste time on the resource-con... Read more
Industry Note:
HIS Implementation May Overwhelm Hospices
Take time out to watch new CMS HIS training. You can now learn more about the Hospice ... Read more
HIS Implementation May Overwhelm Hospices
Take time out to watch new CMS HIS training. You can now learn more about the Hospice ... Read more
Industry Note:
Providers Gain Much-Needed Breathing Room On Employer Mandate
Many home care providers are breathing a sigh of relief at the latest Obamacare delay. S... Read more
Providers Gain Much-Needed Breathing Room On Employer Mandate
Many home care providers are breathing a sigh of relief at the latest Obamacare delay. S... Read more
Industry Note:
Cancel NOE When Previous Hospice Asks Or For Coding Mistakes, MAC Says
If you have an error on your hospice patient’s Notice of Election (NOE), you&rsquo... Read more
Cancel NOE When Previous Hospice Asks Or For Coding Mistakes, MAC Says
If you have an error on your hospice patient’s Notice of Election (NOE), you&rsquo... Read more
Industry Note:
Looming Doc Fix Deadline Threatens Home Care
As the March 31 deadline for the Medi-care physician pay cut nears, home care providers ... Read more
Looming Doc Fix Deadline Threatens Home Care
As the March 31 deadline for the Medi-care physician pay cut nears, home care providers ... Read more
Industry Note:
Know ICD-10 Testing Requirements For Next Month
March 3 is only a few weeks away, so MACs are prepping now for ICD-10 testing week, whic... Read more
Know ICD-10 Testing Requirements For Next Month
March 3 is only a few weeks away, so MACs are prepping now for ICD-10 testing week, whic... Read more
Industry Note:
Detroit HHA, Therapy Company Co-Owner Gets 10 Years In Prison
A Detroit-area HHA owner has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his 2012 Medi-care... Read more
Detroit HHA, Therapy Company Co-Owner Gets 10 Years In Prison
A Detroit-area HHA owner has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his 2012 Medi-care... Read more
Industry Note:
Beleaguered Gentiva Reveals It Will Close 46 Locations, Lay Off Hundreds Of Workers
Trying reimbursement times are leading to expansion for some and contraction for others.... Read more
Beleaguered Gentiva Reveals It Will Close 46 Locations, Lay Off Hundreds Of Workers
Trying reimbursement times are leading to expansion for some and contraction for others.... Read more
Compliance:
HHA Moratorium Hits 4 More Metro Areas
What took so long, industry members ask about some of the cities chosen. What happens ... Read more
HHA Moratorium Hits 4 More Metro Areas
What took so long, industry members ask about some of the cities chosen. What happens ... Read more
Regulations:
Look At HEAT Strike Force Cities For Future Moratoria Clues
CMS won’t stop with six moratorium areas, experts predict. Based on its implemen... Read more
Look At HEAT Strike Force Cities For Future Moratoria Clues
CMS won’t stop with six moratorium areas, experts predict. Based on its implemen... Read more
Know Your Facts:
Stats Draw Feds' Wrath Down On Moratorium Cities
One moratorium area has twice as many agencies per bene. Home health agencies’ o... Read more
Stats Draw Feds' Wrath Down On Moratorium Cities
One moratorium area has twice as many agencies per bene. Home health agencies’ o... Read more
Hospice:
OIG Investigates Hospice Provision In ALF Setting
Prevent ALF-related compliance trouble — before the feds coming knocking. After ... Read more
OIG Investigates Hospice Provision In ALF Setting
Prevent ALF-related compliance trouble — before the feds coming knocking. After ... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Documentation, Background Checks On OIG's Hit List For HHAs This Year
HHAs bilk Medicare of $1 billion, OIG says. The OIG lists no new topics for HHAs in it... Read more
Documentation, Background Checks On OIG's Hit List For HHAs This Year
HHAs bilk Medicare of $1 billion, OIG says. The OIG lists no new topics for HHAs in it... Read more
Industry Note:
Deadline For Increased Hospice Claims Data Nearly Here
CMS issues a few more details about the expanded requirements. Medicare is offering so... Read more
Deadline For Increased Hospice Claims Data Nearly Here
CMS issues a few more details about the expanded requirements. Medicare is offering so... Read more
Industry Note:
Hop To HETS If You Haven't Already
Don’t forget: "Provider access to … eligibility systems will be termin... Read more
Hop To HETS If You Haven't Already
Don’t forget: "Provider access to … eligibility systems will be termin... Read more
Industry Note:
Measurable Variables Key To Hospice Documentation
You can avoid medical necessity denials under Comprehensive Error Rate Testing by includ... Read more
Measurable Variables Key To Hospice Documentation
You can avoid medical necessity denials under Comprehensive Error Rate Testing by includ... Read more
Industry Note:
Hospitals Emulate Hospices
Hospitals will be taking a page from hospices’ book, if they heed a new study in t... Read more
Hospitals Emulate Hospices
Hospitals will be taking a page from hospices’ book, if they heed a new study in t... Read more
Industry Note:
Know Which Patients To Visit First In An Emergency
Home care providers are performing the often unsung work of furnishing care in patients&... Read more
Know Which Patients To Visit First In An Emergency
Home care providers are performing the often unsung work of furnishing care in patients&... Read more
Industry Note:
Hospice Co-Owner Charged With GIP Medicare Fraud
How you treat your employees could determine whether the authorities show up at your doo... Read more
Hospice Co-Owner Charged With GIP Medicare Fraud
How you treat your employees could determine whether the authorities show up at your doo... Read more
Industry Note:
Texas HHA Owner, DON Face Fraud Charges
A Texas couple is facing charges of Medicare fraud. Stella Maduka, director of nursing, ... Read more
Texas HHA Owner, DON Face Fraud Charges
A Texas couple is facing charges of Medicare fraud. Stella Maduka, director of nursing, ... Read more
Industry Note:
Chain Makes Big Buy
For-profit chain LHC Group Inc. will purchase Deaconess HomeCare and Elk Valley Health S... Read more
Chain Makes Big Buy
For-profit chain LHC Group Inc. will purchase Deaconess HomeCare and Elk Valley Health S... Read more
Industry Note:
Hospital To Shed HHA
Another hospital is making plans to shed its home care business. Pauls Valley General Ho... Read more
Hospital To Shed HHA
Another hospital is making plans to shed its home care business. Pauls Valley General Ho... Read more
Industry Note:
Gentiva Opens Hospice Inpatient Unit In Hospital
Gentiva Health Services Inc. has opened a hospice inpatient unit in Athens Regional Medi... Read more
Gentiva Opens Hospice Inpatient Unit In Hospital
Gentiva Health Services Inc. has opened a hospice inpatient unit in Athens Regional Medi... Read more
HIS:
Kick Your HIS Preparations Into Gear With These 6 Tips
Make room for new HIS training sessions on your calendar. Even though it’s the d... Read more
Kick Your HIS Preparations Into Gear With These 6 Tips
Make room for new HIS training sessions on your calendar. Even though it’s the d... Read more
Quality:
7 New Hospice Quality Measures
How well you prepare to fill out the new Hospice Information Set tool may influence your... Read more
7 New Hospice Quality Measures
How well you prepare to fill out the new Hospice Information Set tool may influence your... Read more
Hospice:
Nail HIS Data Submission Details For HQRP Success
What software do you plan to use? Collecting the clinical information you need for the... Read more
Nail HIS Data Submission Details For HQRP Success
What software do you plan to use? Collecting the clinical information you need for the... Read more
Reimbursement:
Reduce Your PECOS Edit Denials With These Pointers
MAC makes PECOS RAP correction. There’s no doubt that home care providers we... Read more
Reduce Your PECOS Edit Denials With These Pointers
MAC makes PECOS RAP correction. There’s no doubt that home care providers we... Read more
Medical Review:
MAC Targets More High-Therapy Claims For Review
High payment equals high levels of scrutiny. Be ready to defend your high-dollar claim... Read more
MAC Targets More High-Therapy Claims For Review
High payment equals high levels of scrutiny. Be ready to defend your high-dollar claim... Read more
Industry Note:
Face-To-Face Rises To Top Of Claims Denial List
Rely on physician office staff to help avoid reimbursement-draining denials. If you fe... Read more
Face-To-Face Rises To Top Of Claims Denial List
Rely on physician office staff to help avoid reimbursement-draining denials. If you fe... Read more
Industry Note:
Beware HIPAA Exposure With Common Software
You may have heard that Microsoft announced it will stop supporting Windows XP on April ... Read more
Beware HIPAA Exposure With Common Software
You may have heard that Microsoft announced it will stop supporting Windows XP on April ... Read more
Industry Note:
Sound Off On Emergency Preparedness Problems
Do you think CMS’ proposed emergency preparedness requirement is a bad fit for the... Read more
Sound Off On Emergency Preparedness Problems
Do you think CMS’ proposed emergency preparedness requirement is a bad fit for the... Read more
Industry Note:
OIG Tells Provider It's OK To Pay For Referrals
Providers that furnish a wide array of services may be able to pay for referrals to thei... Read more
OIG Tells Provider It's OK To Pay For Referrals
Providers that furnish a wide array of services may be able to pay for referrals to thei... Read more
Industry Note:
HCBS Program Changes May Lead To More Home Care In Your State
CMS is making it easier for your state to provide home care and community living options... Read more
HCBS Program Changes May Lead To More Home Care In Your State
CMS is making it easier for your state to provide home care and community living options... Read more
Industry Note:
Get Patient Status Codes Right Following HH Patient Deaths
Is your home health agency using the correct patient status code on claims when the pati... Read more
Get Patient Status Codes Right Following HH Patient Deaths
Is your home health agency using the correct patient status code on claims when the pati... Read more
Industry Note:
Figure Out Overpayments With New MAC Tool
Being under so much medical review, home care and hospice providers are getting hit with... Read more
Figure Out Overpayments With New MAC Tool
Being under so much medical review, home care and hospice providers are getting hit with... Read more
Industry Note:
DOJ Ups Prosecutions
You can expect the Department of Jus-tice to keep the heat on Medicare providers. "... Read more
DOJ Ups Prosecutions
You can expect the Department of Jus-tice to keep the heat on Medicare providers. "... Read more
Reader Question:
Test Your ICD-10 Coding This Spring
Question: I have heard that there will be a test period for using ICD-10 codes on claims... Read more
Test Your ICD-10 Coding This Spring
Question: I have heard that there will be a test period for using ICD-10 codes on claims... Read more
Audits:
RACs Launch New Home Care Reviews This Month
Medical necessity, long stays top Recovery Audit Contractors’ new hit lists. Hom... Read more
RACs Launch New Home Care Reviews This Month
Medical necessity, long stays top Recovery Audit Contractors’ new hit lists. Hom... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Use 3 Coding Questions To Bolster Medical Necessity
Beware of recycling diagnoses for recertifications. RACs and other Medicare contractor... Read more
Use 3 Coding Questions To Bolster Medical Necessity
Beware of recycling diagnoses for recertifications. RACs and other Medicare contractor... Read more
Medical Review:
Get Up To Speed On These RAC FAQs
Undergoing one RAC audit doesn’t mean you won’t get hit with another for the... Read more
Get Up To Speed On These RAC FAQs
Undergoing one RAC audit doesn’t mean you won’t get hit with another for the... Read more
Therapy:
High Therapy May Land You On MAC's Radar
Check these claims to make sure you can back up your patients’ therapy visits and ... Read more
High Therapy May Land You On MAC's Radar
Check these claims to make sure you can back up your patients’ therapy visits and ... Read more
Reimbursement:
MedPAC Finalizes Rate Cut Recommendations For Home Health, Hospice
Influential advisory body continues its pressure to implement a home health copay. You... Read more
MedPAC Finalizes Rate Cut Recommendations For Home Health, Hospice
Influential advisory body continues its pressure to implement a home health copay. You... Read more
Industry Note:
LUPA Hold Throws Agencies For A Loop
Hold may affect more than LUPA claims. A new claims system glitch is slowing home heal... Read more
LUPA Hold Throws Agencies For A Loop
Hold may affect more than LUPA claims. A new claims system glitch is slowing home heal... Read more
Industry Note:
Therapy Cap Exception Process Expires In 2 Months
For home care providers furnishing Part B therapy in the home, you’ve got a bit mo... Read more
Therapy Cap Exception Process Expires In 2 Months
For home care providers furnishing Part B therapy in the home, you’ve got a bit mo... Read more
Industry Note:
New Education Tool Explains F2F To Physicians
CMS is offering you a helping hand to get docs on board with face-to-face encounter docu... Read more
New Education Tool Explains F2F To Physicians
CMS is offering you a helping hand to get docs on board with face-to-face encounter docu... Read more
Industry Note:
HHS Moves Patient Appeals To Front Of ALJ Line
Your claims appeals may be put on hold for two years if you want an ALJ hearing, but you... Read more
HHS Moves Patient Appeals To Front Of ALJ Line
Your claims appeals may be put on hold for two years if you want an ALJ hearing, but you... Read more
Industry Note:
Rogue Employee Causes Major HIPAA Violation
If you don’t have a good handle on what your employees are up to with your patient... Read more
Rogue Employee Causes Major HIPAA Violation
If you don’t have a good handle on what your employees are up to with your patient... Read more
Industry Note:
Joint Commission Revises Home Care Requirements
Home health agencies accredited by The Joint Commission will see revised requirements ef... Read more
Joint Commission Revises Home Care Requirements
Home health agencies accredited by The Joint Commission will see revised requirements ef... Read more
Industry Note:
CMS Podcast Helps Docs With Hospice Billing Basics
You can help out physicians who refer hospice patients to your organization by pointing ... Read more
CMS Podcast Helps Docs With Hospice Billing Basics
You can help out physicians who refer hospice patients to your organization by pointing ... Read more
Industry Note:
HHAs Open While Hospice Downsizes
Growth and change continue in the home health and hospice markets. In North Carolina: ... Read more
HHAs Open While Hospice Downsizes
Growth and change continue in the home health and hospice markets. In North Carolina: ... Read more
Industry Note:
2 Veteran Consulting Firms Join Forces
Two industry veterans in home care consulting have joined forces. Simione Healthcare ... Read more
2 Veteran Consulting Firms Join Forces
Two industry veterans in home care consulting have joined forces. Simione Healthcare ... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
Are You Losing Reimbursement On These Codes Nixed From PPS Case Mix?
Focus on accurate diagnosis coding and OASIS scoring now that 170 codes are out of the c... Read more
Are You Losing Reimbursement On These Codes Nixed From PPS Case Mix?
Focus on accurate diagnosis coding and OASIS scoring now that 170 codes are out of the c... Read more
Diagnosis Coding:
Top 10 Diagnosis Codes Deleted From PPS Case Mix
Examine your claims to make sure you’re using these codes correctly. &n... Read more
Top 10 Diagnosis Codes Deleted From PPS Case Mix
Examine your claims to make sure you’re using these codes correctly. &n... Read more
Fraud & Abuse:
Physician Staff Targeted In Home Care Investigations
Miami dominates the home care fraud market. While you were busy delivering gifts and c... Read more
Physician Staff Targeted In Home Care Investigations
Miami dominates the home care fraud market. While you were busy delivering gifts and c... Read more
Education:
Get Training On PECOS Edits, PPS Billing Changes
Also, check out Eli audioconferences on OASIS-C1, the OIG’s plans for hospices, an... Read more
Get Training On PECOS Edits, PPS Billing Changes
Also, check out Eli audioconferences on OASIS-C1, the OIG’s plans for hospices, an... Read more
Regulations:
New Emergency Preparedness Requirement On Deck
Will your current plan meet the newly proposed regulatory mandate? You’ve probab... Read more
New Emergency Preparedness Requirement On Deck
Will your current plan meet the newly proposed regulatory mandate? You’ve probab... Read more
Industry Note:
Medicare Claims Processing System Glitches Cleared Up In The New Year
But beware of one home health agency overpayment snafu that continues. A number of cla... Read more
Medicare Claims Processing System Glitches Cleared Up In The New Year
But beware of one home health agency overpayment snafu that continues. A number of cla... Read more
Industry Note:
Manual Changes, Education Call Shed Light On Change In Improvement Standard
If you’re trying to get a handle on what the Jimmo settlement agreement means for ... Read more
Manual Changes, Education Call Shed Light On Change In Improvement Standard
If you’re trying to get a handle on what the Jimmo settlement agreement means for ... Read more
Industry Note:
ALJ Delays Stretch Into Years
The wheels of justice grind slowly — and now will be even slower when it comes to ... Read more
ALJ Delays Stretch Into Years
The wheels of justice grind slowly — and now will be even slower when it comes to ... Read more
Industry Note:
Sequestration Cuts Expected To Last For Years
Home care providers escaped being a funding source for a temporary ‘doc fix’... Read more
Sequestration Cuts Expected To Last For Years
Home care providers escaped being a funding source for a temporary ‘doc fix’... Read more
Industry Note:
CMPs And Exclusions Await Medicare Providers That Are Repeat Offenders
Medicare is finally implementing procedures to go after providers that blatantly engage ... Read more
CMPs And Exclusions Await Medicare Providers That Are Repeat Offenders
Medicare is finally implementing procedures to go after providers that blatantly engage ... Read more
Industry Note:
Hospices Across The Nation Dispute Post Allegations Of Gaming The Medicare Benefit
Hospices aren’t taking the allegations made against the industry by the Washington... Read more
Hospices Across The Nation Dispute Post Allegations Of Gaming The Medicare Benefit
Hospices aren’t taking the allegations made against the industry by the Washington... Read more
Industry Note:
Is Scrutiny Of Therapy In Skilled Nursing Facilities A Preview For Home Care?
Home care providers aren’t the only ones getting major scrutiny for therapy. The D... Read more
Is Scrutiny Of Therapy In Skilled Nursing Facilities A Preview For Home Care?
Home care providers aren’t the only ones getting major scrutiny for therapy. The D... Read more
Industry Note:
IRS Mileage Rate Decreases Slightly This Year
Don’t forget that the IRS mileage rate decreased to 56 cents per mile as of Jan. 1... Read more
IRS Mileage Rate Decreases Slightly This Year
Don’t forget that the IRS mileage rate decreased to 56 cents per mile as of Jan. 1... Read more
Prospective Payment System:
Take These 10 Steps To Tackle Rebasing Cuts
Tip: Know your stats like the back of your hand. Now that rebasing cuts have hit, you ... Read more
Take These 10 Steps To Tackle Rebasing Cuts
Tip: Know your stats like the back of your hand. Now that rebasing cuts have hit, you ... Read more
Reimbursement:
Diversify Your Payers, But Beware Of Low Rates
Toughen up your rate negotiation tactics. With Medicare profit margins sinking lower a... Read more
Diversify Your Payers, But Beware Of Low Rates
Toughen up your rate negotiation tactics. With Medicare profit margins sinking lower a... Read more
Strategy:
Keep These Tips In Mind When Pursuing Growth
To achieve efficiencies and economies of scale required by the newly reduced PPS rates, ... Read more
Keep These Tips In Mind When Pursuing Growth
To achieve efficiencies and economies of scale required by the newly reduced PPS rates, ... Read more
Human Resources:
Pass It On: 5 Ways To Keep Employees Informed
Use regular newsletters and company-wide meetings to let your employees in on important ... Read more
Pass It On: 5 Ways To Keep Employees Informed
Use regular newsletters and company-wide meetings to let your employees in on important ... Read more
Industry Note:
Get Ready For Hospice Item Set Implementation
HIS manual, training video coming. Your crash course in the new data collection tool f... Read more
Get Ready For Hospice Item Set Implementation
HIS manual, training video coming. Your crash course in the new data collection tool f... Read more
Industry Note:
Medicare Increases Its Focus On Hospitalizations
You aren’t the only ones getting the third degree for hospital transfers. Skilled ... Read more
Medicare Increases Its Focus On Hospitalizations
You aren’t the only ones getting the third degree for hospital transfers. Skilled ... Read more
Industry Note:
Medicare Cracks Down On Transfer Prorations
You may see increased pushback from hospitals that had eluded proration of DRGs for pati... Read more
Medicare Cracks Down On Transfer Prorations
You may see increased pushback from hospitals that had eluded proration of DRGs for pati... Read more
Industry Note:
Ready, Set, Submit Your Hospice Quality Data
You may now submit your Hospice Qual-ity Reporting Program (HQRP) data for 2013 on CMS&r... Read more
Ready, Set, Submit Your Hospice Quality Data
You may now submit your Hospice Qual-ity Reporting Program (HQRP) data for 2013 on CMS&r... Read more
Industry Note:
OIG Highlights Hospice GIP For Scrutiny
The OIG hasn’t overlooked hospices in its latest semiannual report to Congress. Th... Read more
OIG Highlights Hospice GIP For Scrutiny
The OIG hasn’t overlooked hospices in its latest semiannual report to Congress. Th... Read more
Industry Note:
You Must Handle Your Own Managed Care Disputes
If you’ve got a payment dispute with a Medicare Advantage Organization, you’... Read more
You Must Handle Your Own Managed Care Disputes
If you’ve got a payment dispute with a Medicare Advantage Organization, you’... Read more
Industry Note:
Docs' Personal Preferences Drive Hospice Timing
Physician preference, rather than pa-tient preference, may be guiding hospice utilizatio... Read more
Docs' Personal Preferences Drive Hospice Timing
Physician preference, rather than pa-tient preference, may be guiding hospice utilizatio... Read more
Industry Note:
Accrediting Body Whittles Home Care Requirements
Home health agencies accredited by the Joint Commission have nine less requirements to w... Read more
Accrediting Body Whittles Home Care Requirements
Home health agencies accredited by the Joint Commission have nine less requirements to w... Read more
Industry Note:
Another Prominent Newspaper Addresses Hospice Care
After a scathing exposé on for-profit hospices recruiting long-stay patients, the... Read more
Another Prominent Newspaper Addresses Hospice Care
After a scathing exposé on for-profit hospices recruiting long-stay patients, the... Read more
Reader Question:
Use These Precautions When E-Mailing Patient Info
Watch your step or you’ll violate HIPAA. Reader Question: I sometimes e... Read more
Use These Precautions When E-Mailing Patient Info
Watch your step or you’ll violate HIPAA. Reader Question: I sometimes e... Read more
Reimbursement:
PECOS Edits Are Upon You
Edits are based on Jan. 6 ‘From’ dates. You may have some extra weeks befo... Read more
PECOS Edits Are Upon You
Edits are based on Jan. 6 ‘From’ dates. You may have some extra weeks befo... Read more
Edits:
Ready Your PECOS Response Plan
Be prepared to turn away referrals from noncompliant physicians. Hopefully the vast ma... Read more
Ready Your PECOS Response Plan
Be prepared to turn away referrals from noncompliant physicians. Hopefully the vast ma... Read more
Documentation:
Focus On These 7 Qualities To Boost Documentation
Support medical necessity, codes or risk denials. You already know that when the clini... Read more
Focus On These 7 Qualities To Boost Documentation
Support medical necessity, codes or risk denials. You already know that when the clini... Read more
OASIS:
Watch for Under-Documented OASIS, Billing Areas
Be sure your documentation backs up your OASIS responses and resulting claims, especiall... Read more
Watch for Under-Documented OASIS, Billing Areas
Be sure your documentation backs up your OASIS responses and resulting claims, especiall... Read more
Patient Privacy:
Implement An Information Security Management Process Before It's Too Late
Tip: Run your data security like a business. With so many reimbursement and regulatory... Read more
Implement An Information Security Management Process Before It's Too Late
Tip: Run your data security like a business. With so many reimbursement and regulatory... Read more
HIPAA:
Get Expert Help For Your Security Policy
Follow the right framework to create and update your policy. As you wade through the m... Read more
Get Expert Help For Your Security Policy
Follow the right framework to create and update your policy. As you wade through the m... Read more
HIPAA:
Follow This HIPAA Security Process Checklist
As you’re preparing your information security management process, keep this checkl... Read more
Follow This HIPAA Security Process Checklist
As you’re preparing your information security management process, keep this checkl... Read more
Industry Note:
MedPAC Lobbies For Lower Home Health Payment Rates
Advisory body pushes home health copayment once again. Declining utilization and profi... Read more
MedPAC Lobbies For Lower Home Health Payment Rates
Advisory body pushes home health copayment once again. Declining utilization and profi... Read more
Industry Note:
MedPAC Wants A Rate Freeze For Hospices In 2015
Hospices have often gotten a pass from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission — ... Read more
MedPAC Wants A Rate Freeze For Hospices In 2015
Hospices have often gotten a pass from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission — ... Read more
Industry Note:
OIG Calls For More Home Health Cuts
Add the HHS Office of Inspector Gene-ral to the list of organizations that want lower ho... Read more
OIG Calls For More Home Health Cuts
Add the HHS Office of Inspector Gene-ral to the list of organizations that want lower ho... Read more
Industry Note:
Newspaper Exposé Slams For-Profit Hospices For Long-Stay, Ineligible Patients
Expect hospice payment reform to get on an even faster track, thanks to a high-profile e... Read more
Newspaper Exposé Slams For-Profit Hospices For Long-Stay, Ineligible Patients
Expect hospice payment reform to get on an even faster track, thanks to a high-profile e... Read more
Industry Note:
Comment On Hospice Drug Coverage Guidance ASAP
If you were slammed by the holidays and didn’t have time to comment on Medicare&rs... Read more
Comment On Hospice Drug Coverage Guidance ASAP
If you were slammed by the holidays and didn’t have time to comment on Medicare&rs... Read more