ALL >> Health >> View Article
Specificity Scores Over Length When It Comes To Hospice Documentation

Worried about how physicians should write their attestations of hospice patients terminal illness? Hospices don't get much guidance from a recent CMS Q&A on the matter.
When you check out the new CMS requirement that took effect on October 1 last year, you'll find out that they have not mandated that specific language be included in the physician's attestation.
CMS lays down that any language under the physician's signature which attests that by signing, the physician confirms that she composed the narrative based on her review of the patient's medical record or, if applicable, her examination of the patient meets the attestation regulatory requirement.
The physician narrative is not tricky, but it can be hard to get physician paperwork. As such, you need to have a system in place where you track down the doctor to get the dated and signed certification paper work before you bill.
In fact, some home health agencies send clerks to wait in the doctor's office and ...
... actually find that it saves money in the long run. Instead, if you are caught up in a fraud edit, you would need to pull records, make copies and scans, pay for an attorney, and conduct an appeals process. All this can add up to great expenditure.
Performing internal compliance audits, with the help of a qualified attorney can be cheaper in the long run. Anything found would be covered under attorney client privilege and you can fix what you found before it lands you in trouble with the government.
The narrative can be short, but by simply stating ‘based on the patient's diagnosis, I certify that this patient has a prognosis of six months or less' will do the trick for you.
Surveyors can cite failure to have this documentation on file. If you miss a record, it can bring unwanted attention. The narrative must be specific and unique to the patient and should not contain check boxes or boilerplate text.
Provides free weekly newswire of home health agency and offers learning opportunity about hospice documentation and CMS that keeps connected to the latest developments in health-oriented services.
Add Comment
Health Articles
1. 8 Best Postnatal Vitamins For 2025Author: Vikash Sharma
2. 6 Reasons Why Your Spine Sounds Like A Maraca
Author: Katerina Vlasova
3. Planning A Baby With Thalassemia Minor? Know The Risks And Safe Options
Author: SEO Pahlajani
4. Your Complete Guide To Pain Management Doctors In Fort Worth, Texas
Author: ipsdfw
5. Bipolar Disorder Treatments
Author: cognizant
6. Break Free: Internet Addiction & Anxiety Help In Naples
Author: Advanced Hypnotherapy of Naples
7. Types Of Measuring Tools You Need For Accurate Work
Author: medguard
8. Widal Test: Understanding Typhoid Fever Diagnosis
Author: Richard
9. Why Choosing The Right Children’s Dentist Is Important For Your Child’s Oral Health
Author: Kristin Adam
10. Why Choose A Cosmetic Dentist For A Perfect Smile
Author: cosmetic dentist Winnipeg
11. Why Choose A Pediatric Dentist For Your Child’s Oral Health
Author: Kristin Adam
12. Discover The Best Dentist And Top Orthodontist In Northeast Philadelphia At Nusmile Dental Office
Author: Rebecca Willliams
13. Say Goodbye To Ingrown Hairs: Laser Hair Removal In Pimpri Chinchwad
Author: aaliya
14. Spinal Fracture And Their Types With Treatment
Author: Ridhima
15. Achieving Long-term Pain Relief For Trigeminal Neuralgia (suicide Disease): Expert Insights
Author: Andy