Hospice: Physicians' Face To Face Encounters of Hospice Patients Start In Just A Few Weeks

Why This Topic Matters

The rule affects hospice recertification workflows, staffing, scheduling, and the ability to bill for ongoing patient care. Providers need to understand the broad compliance and operational implications so they can prepare internal processes before the effective date.

Article Sections

1. Introduction

   Introduces the upcoming hospice face-to-face encounter requirement and its expected effect on long-stay patients and provider finances.

2. Timing changes in the final rule

   Summarizes the finalized timing window for completing encounters and the CMS response to public comments on implementation timing.

3. Hospices with patients in rural areas and long stays bear brunt of new rule

   Discusses the operational burden described by providers, including access challenges, rural logistics, and the population of patients most likely to be affected.

4. Try this:

   Describes general CMS suggestions for verifying beneficiary information and checking hospice history using available systems and patient sources.

5. FFE challenges lie ahead

   Outlines anticipated compliance challenges, including staffing, scheduling, and maintaining accurate benefit-period information.