Eli's Hospice Insider

Know your certification basics.

Question: I know we have until two days after admission to obtain either a written certification from the physician or an oral certification. But can we get a cert early?

Answer: Yes, but not too early. “You cannot get a certification or recertification more than 15 days prior to the start of the benefit period,” said hospice expert Charlene Ross in a recent Eli-sponsored audioconference. “Be really careful on how far out your dates are, because it must be within … 15 days prior to the start of the benefit period,” Ross emphasized in the program, “Hospice Eligibility and Certification — the Continuing Saga.”

Resource: You can order a recording of the audioconference at www.audioeducator.com/hospice/regulatory-requirements-certification-recertification.html.