Hospice Certifications and Recertifications
Presented by Cathleen Armato
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The hospice certification and recertification process is a critical component in compliance and quality care. Despite the significance, many clinicians do not have a clear understanding of the process and their role in that process. Timing of the certification and face-to-face encounter, verbal certifications, written certifications, physician narratives, and other elements can be confusing, and this may result in errors that impact the patient, the hospice, and the individual clinicians. In this course, we will review the regulatory requirements and the individual responsibilities of each team member in the certification and recertification process. After taking this course, team members will have a strong understanding of the process and their role.
Meet your instructor
Cathleen Armato
Cathleen Armato is an experienced executive with 22 years in the home care and hospice industry. She has served in various roles during that time, including VP of operations and chief compliance officer for a nationwide healthcare provider. In 2012, Cat became a consultant. Since that time, she has assisted multiple…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The Physician Certification and Recertification
While all team members are involved in the certification and recertification process, it is the physician that has the most critical part. Determination of appropriateness, physician narratives, face-to-face encounters, and the actual certification of the patient are all significant responsibilities, and physicians are held legally responsible for these decisions.
2. The Initial Certification
There are several elements involved in an initial certification, and clinicians need a high level of comfort with the requirements and responsibilities. This chapter reviews the content and timing of the initial certification and will prepare interdisciplinary team members to meet their obligations with confidence.
3. Recertification
Recertifications are complex, especially when the patient is entering a 60-day benefit period. This chapter examines the elements of a complete recertification and defines the role of interdisciplinary team members.
