CMS Still Has Not Issued Hospice CAP Forms

The new rules require hospices to complete their own aggregate CAP Form calculations for the period of 11/1/2013 to 10/31/2014 and to remit any overpayments. The reports are due by March 31, 2015. We have a brief paragraph below from the Palmetto GBA website. 

The website states the release of the CMS approved form to use in submitted the self-determined cap is pending.  As soon as the form is approved, we will provide and post an update to our website.  It also states that Palmetto will be sending payment and beneficiary count for all hospices served by Palmetto GBA in February. They issued instructions on how to order your PSR.  We will send further email updates when CMS releases the Final Hospice CAP Forms.

Link to Palmetto GBA webpage 

Link for PSR Instructions 

Expect More HIPAA Enforcement in 2015

All healthcare providers, suppliers, physicians, and insurers should expect more HIPAA enforcement actions from HHS Office for Civil Rights in 2015.  They have received more money in the 2015 budget and they expect to collect more fines, so we can expect more activity this year.  It is a good time to check that you are complying will all of the HIPAA Privacy Rules and Regulations.  Look at potential holes due to phones, laptops, and tablets being unsecured.  Make sure you have Business Associates Agreements will all applicable contractors who may have access to your patient information.

We will have Robert Liles speaking at our "Cutting Edge Leadership Summit" in Maui, HI in August of 2015 on the topic of "Shielding Your Company from HIPAA Violations".  We have three separate seminars. One for home health, one for hospice and one for private duty.  Make plans to attend.

CMS Moves Forward on Home Health 5 Star Rating System

Based on CMS's latest open meeting it is moving forward with its 5 Star Rating System for Home Health Agencies, but they have actually added more breadth to the rating system by adding half stars.  This will be listed on the Home Health Compare site beginning sometimes this summer. 

They propose to use 4 Process Measures and 6 Outcome Measures. 

The Process Measures:

1. Timely Initiation of Care
2. Drug Education on all Medications Provider to Patient/Caregiver
3. Influenza Immunization Received for Current Flu Season
4. Pneumococcal Vaccine Ever Received.

The Outcome Measures:

1. Improvement in Ambulation
2. Improvement in Bed Transferring
3. Improvement in Bathing
4. Improvement in Pain Interfering With Activity
5. Improvement in Shortness of Breath
6. Acute Care Hospitalization

More Information

Medicare Cost Report

Is your year end December 31 for Medicare and Taxes?  Seventy Percent of Home Health Agencies and Hospice have a year end of December 31.  This means that your Company Income Tax return is due on March 15 and your Medicare Cost Report is due on May 31.  This mean it is time to start working on Year End Reports.  If we are preparing your Medicare Cost Report you should have an email with information or will soon be receiving a letter with information.  Please call us if you have questions, we do not want you to waste time spinning your wheels and not accomplishing anything, we want it to be as painless as possible for you.   Is someone else is preparing it for you call them, they should be able to help you. Thing to consider when choosing who to prepare your Medicare Cost Report Cost report preparation experience prior to 2000 Helpfulness - Answers your questions timely Price that is affordable to your company