Home Health & Hospice Week
F2F Takes Its Toll Already
Face-to-face encounter requirements are hurting home health agencies' bottom lines, including those of publicly traded companies. Baton Rouge, La.-based chain Amedisys Inc. saw profits tumble 33 percent and revenues decrease 11 percent. In the quarter ended June 30, Amedisys reported a $21.7 million profit on $373.7 million in revenues, compared to $32.3 million in net income on $422.3 million in revenues for the same period in 2010. "We believe the Face-to-Face requirement had a negative impact on volumes during the quarter as physicians adjusted the referral behavior in light of the additional burden of the documentation," the company said in a conference call, according to Reuters. On the bright side, Amedisys is scheduled to receive a $4.7 million bonus from Medicare's pay for performance demonstration's second year, it says in a release. Louisville, Ky.-based Almost Family Inc. also saw earnings decreases, with profits nosediving 41 percent. The regional chain reported net income of $4.95 million on revenues of $81.7 million for the quarter, compared to an $8.3 million profit on $85.1 million in revenues for the same time in 2010. "Our results reflect the initial operational challenges of implementing and complying with" the F2F and therapy reassessment rules, CEO William Yarmuth says in a release. Almost Family also announced its acquisition of Cambridge Home Health Care Holdings Inc., which has 38 branches in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Almost Family will pay $32.5 million for the largely personal care agency with $38 million in annual revenue.
Home Health & Hospice Week
- Reimbursement:
Hospice Payment Rates To Increase 2.5% In October
Plus: Soon you'll need to make your hospice cap calculation decision. Unlike home health agencies, [...] - Hospice:
Hospice Quality Reporting Starts In January
The two initially reported measures are just the beginning, CMS says. The hospice 2012 wage [...] - Regulations:
Know New Hospice F2F Ropes Or Risk Compliance, And Pay
CMS clarifies what to do when the face-to-face requirement isn't fulfilled. Complying with the hospice [...] - Fraud & Abuse:
Feds Turn Up The HEAT On Home Care Fraudsters
Four case studies show the newly expanded strike force is on the prowl. The rate [...] - Industry Note:
Debt Deal Puts Threat Of Cuts On The Horizon
You could get an unwelcome Christmas present under newly enacted compromise. Home care providers have [...] - Industry Note:
F2F Takes Its Toll Already
Face-to-face encounter requirements are hurting home health agencies' bottom lines, including those of publicly traded [...] - Industry Note:
In 2013, Hospitals To See Pay Cut For Readmissions
The proposal that would give hospitals an incentive to line up home care for their [...] - Industry Note:
New Enrollment Form Confuses Providers
When you need to fill out an 855A form for enrollment or revalidation, you'd be [...] - Industry Note:
Keep An Eagle Eye Out For DDE Access Letter
If you miss this important letter, you could get shut out of the Medicare claims [...] - Industry Note:
MAC: You're Responsible For Physician Documentation
Don't think you're off the hook for medical record submission if those records are at [...] - Industry Note:
Find New ICD-9 Code Titles With This Resource
If you're trying to get a handle on the new ICD-9 codes that take effect [...] - Industry Note:
Resolve Your Most Common Billing Errors With CGS Tool
Having a hard time figuring out why your Medicare claim got returned or rejected? Check [...] - Industry Note:
Now's The Time To Update Your Emergency Plan
You'd better put updating your emergency preparedness plan on your priority list if you live [...] - Industry Note:
Are You Meeting Both Therapy Reassessment Deadlines?
Don't think you can keep billing for therapy if you meet one therapy reassessment requirement, [...]
