Hospice: Find out how and when you should get paid for treatment of hospice patients; Hospice care may hold more payments than you think

Why This Topic Matters

Hospice billing can affect whether a physician or hospice organization receives payment and which part of Medicare is responsible. Understanding the general framework helps practices and hospices avoid avoidable claim problems and better coordinate care for hospice patients.

Article Sections

1. Hospice payment overview

   Introduces the basic hospice payment framework and explains the general relationship between hospice election and Medicare reimbursement.

2. Attending physician billing in hospice

   Describes the role of the attending physician and the broad payment distinctions discussed for services provided to hospice patients.

3. Modifiers and professional versus technical services

   Covers the billing distinctions discussed for professional and technical components of services furnished to hospice patients.

4. Common billing concerns and practice considerations

   Summarizes the article’s discussion of operational issues, care setting concerns, and communication between physicians and hospices.

5. Hospice utilization trends and CMS activity

   Reviews the broader trend information and the CMS activity mentioned in the article regarding hospice care and physician involvement.

6. Table: Who pays for physician services in the hospice?

   Presents the source table that compares broad categories of physician services, reimbursement responsibility, and billing party in hospice settings.