Ignoring face-to-face rule could cause patient complaints, office hassles

Why This Topic Matters

The topic matters because home health claims and patient access can be affected when certification requirements are not met, creating risk for delayed care, administrative burden, and provider complaints.

Article Sections

1. Face-to-face requirement and consequences

   Introduces the Medicare home health certification requirement and the general consequences of not meeting it for providers, agencies, and patients.

2. CMS guidance and home health eligibility

   Summarizes CMS-related conditions for home health coverage and the timing expectations associated with certification and the plan of care.

3. Patients being asked to do more

   Describes how some home health agencies are shifting responsibility to patients and using follow-up letters and contact attempts.

4. Focus on the patient

   Discusses access-to-care concerns, the impact on patients without an established physician relationship, and broader perspectives from home health stakeholders.