Notice of Admission

The Notice of Admission (NOA) is on the horizon for Medicare-certified home health agencies.  Beginning January 1, 2022, the NOA will replace the no-pay RAP.  This notification to Medicare will be a one-time requirement from admission to discharge (replacing the every 30 day no-pay RAP).  The same penalties apply for non-timely filing past the required 5 calendar days.  As you may have experienced, the penalties add up fast and need to be avoided at all costs.  Agencies need to start planning for patients who will continue home health care from 2021 to 2022.  The first 30-day period of 2022 for these patients will require submission of an NOA to Medicare with an artificial admission date on TOB 32A.  That date will be the beginning date of the first 30-day period falling in 2022.  Every final claim submitted until the patient is discharged from home health services will require the artificial admission date entered into the start of care date.  This will allow Medicare to match the claims.  If the actual start of care date is entered into these unique billing claims, it will be returned to the provider as unpayable and a replacement claim will need to be submitted.  It represents some diligence on the part of the agency biller to ensure claims of this type are submitted correctly.  Agencies should immediately speak with their software vendors to determine if there is an automated method to alter the start of care date for these continuing patients.  There are many financial implications related to the NOA.  We invite you to join us for an informative 75 minute webinar on December 15, 2021 at 12pm CST.  It’s a must to ensure your agency is ready for this change.