CMS to require additional documentation when ordering home health care

Why This Topic Matters

The update affects how home health services are certified, what documentation agencies may request, and how practices coordinate with agencies to support claims. It is especially relevant to clinicians and billing staff who manage home health referrals, certifications, and encounters tied to Medicare coverage.

Article Sections

1. Home health documentation requirements

   Overview of the new CMS documentation expectations for home health certifications and the general timing requirements discussed in the article.

2. How the documentation may be completed

   Discussion of the forms, addenda, and electronic record options that may be used to provide the required documentation to home health agencies.

3. Related hospice care requirement

   Brief coverage of a similar CMS documentation requirement for hospice patients entering later benefit periods.

4. Billing and payment context

   General discussion of reimbursement considerations, billing for covered encounters, and the CMS guidance referenced in the article.

5. Certification code usage and documentation notes

   Additional notes about certification billing context, agency documentation expectations, and supporting information referenced from CMS guidance.