Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE)

The Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) Cheat Sheet outlines CMS’ design for a new assessment tool for all hospice agencies. Although still in the developmental stages, the assessment strives to be patient-centered to create a  more positive end of life experience.

Home Health Certification and Recertification Signatures

On May 7th, CMS issued Change Request 12218 to clarify who is allowed to sign plans of care.  The January 1, 2021 benefit policy manual update erroneously included language limiting who was allowed to sign the plan of care when the certifying physician or certifying allowed practitioner (nurse practitioner, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists)…

Proposed Hospice Final Rule Change

CMS proposes to make some of the waiver changes permanent. One of these modifications is regarding hospice aide training.  The current CoP, 418.76 (c)(1) specifies aides must be evaluated by observation of their performance of the task with a live patient.  The proposed change would affect CoP 418.3 by allowing evaluation of aide competency to…

Coding and COVID-19

During this time of the year coders begin to ponder the potential coding changes that are brought about by the Spring Coordination and Maintenance Committee meeting.  This year’s virtual meeting proposes multiple changes that will create lots of questions for those of us who spend the majority of the day with our noses pondering the…

Continuity of Business

Although the COVID-19 Pandemic is not over, many business are returning to daily operations and navigating the post-pandemic fall out.  There are several steps your agency can take to prepare for State survey. Updating/creating policies to adhere to stringent infection control guidelines and vaccine guidance Updating your Emergency Preparedness Plan to include newly released Interpretive…

Emergency Preparedness Policies

Your agency’s emergency preparedness policies must reflect the recent Interpretive Guidelines released by CMS. Policies should include guidance related to Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs), alternate energy sources, patient surge and staffing, facility needs during emergencies among others. These policy changes can and will affect your State survey so prepare now!  Appendix Z – State Operations…

National Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Parkinson’s Disease is a movement disorder that affects over 1 million people in the U.S. With multiple treatments options now available, those affected can be instrumental in designing a regimen that’s right for them. Education and creating a support team to navigate the mental and physical effects is key. Learn more about the 5 stages…

Emergency Preparedness Plan Changes

On March 26, 2021, CMS released updated interpretive guidelines and updates to Appendix Z of the State Operations Manual (SOM) as well as Expanded Guidance related to Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs). These are effective immediately. One prominent change was the addition of Emerging Infectious Diseases. This addition impacts various aspects of your emergency plan and…

National Physicians Week

Thank you to all our home care and hospice physicians! With COVID-19 waivers, physicians have the capabilities to do home health visits via telemed allowing vulnerable seniors to continue to receive care while staying safely in their homes. We honor all physicians this week and appreciate your dedication to the healthcare industry and the well…

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Education & Awareness Month

MS is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system and even though there is a lot of research being done, the cause of MS is not known. In 2017 there were almost a million people diagnosed with some form of MS and even though the rate of progression varies widely, the disease…