Liver disease is one of the only diagnoses for which the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) Cigna Government Services (CGS), National Government Services (NGS), and Palmetto, have set laboratory value guidelines to determine eligibility for hospice services. These values and comorbidities assist with determining when a patient is going from chronic... Keep Reading
Aging and age-related illnesses and conditions can cause changes in sleep patterns, from decreases in deep sleep to waking up during the night. March 8-14 is National Sleep Awareness Week and a good time for caregivers to ensure that the seniors in their care have healthy sleep habits, also known... Keep Reading
The Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) Cigna Government Services (CGS), National Government Services (NGS), and Palmetto, have set disease-specific criteria for pulmonary disease eligibility that include assessing the non-disease specific criteria alongside the disease-specific criteria. As with all diagnoses for hospice patients, eligibility is ultimately determined by the physician’s narrative statement... Keep Reading
Hospices must understand that Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) Cigna Government Services (CGS), National Government Services (NGS) and Palmetto set disease-specific criteria for eligibility for a stroke that include assessing the non-disease specific criteria alongside the disease-specific criteria. As with all diagnoses for hospice patients, the eligibility is determined by... Keep Reading
When the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) was implemented on January 1, it initiated 30-day billing periods that categorize diagnoses into 432 case-mix groups t to determine payments.
While many home health agencies are adapting to this payment model, there are still a number of agencies who do not fully... Keep Reading
It’s no secret that the cost of home care can mount and mount quickly. Unfortunately, there’s not one program that provides payment for all the help that a client might need. The best options often depend upon a combined quilt of services from businesses, social service agencies, nonprofits, and insurers, as well... Keep Reading
Hospice professionals, whether they be a case manager, hospice aide or executive director, are all affected by staff retention. Members of the IDG rely on one another to provide compassionate and compliant care. When there is a change to the IDG team due to staff turnover, it can stress team... Keep Reading
Axxess received some great news recently that affirms our standing as the industry’s leading technology innovator and dedication to empower healthcare organizations and professionals with the world’s best technology solutions. As a result of several successful implementations in multiple locations, Axxess has been named a preferred vendor for Interim Healthcare,... Keep Reading
When determining hospice admission eligibility, it is important to remember that Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs), Cigna Government Services (CGS) and National Government Services (NGS) developed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) criteria for eligibility that is non-disease specific. This is meant to aid in clearly documenting patient eligibility to assist the hospice... Keep Reading
Your client has researched all their options and finally decided that home care is best for their loved one. Now what? As a home care provider, you understand that clients can struggle with bringing a professional into their home and trusting that person with their loved one. Your initial contact... Keep Reading
There’s no more bracing for impact. PDGM has hit and it’s here to stay. For some agencies, it’s been quite the blow to their resources and psyches. Agencies must now plan, deliver, document, and bill for care twice as often. So, how do you stay ahead of the new pace?... Keep Reading
An area of concern and scrutiny during hospice admission and recertification is determining eligibility and accurately predicting prognosis. The Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for the geographic area in which your agency is located are considered guidelines to assist the hospice physician with determining eligibility. Ultimately, the decision to certify a... Keep Reading