Electronic Physician Face-To-Face Template - 8/27/2015

CMS published notice for public comment on intention to collect electronic physician face-to-face template.  The template is designed to assist physicians in documentation for the face-to-face encounter necessary for Medicare home health certification.  The template use is voluntary.

The template contains some check boxes and blank space for narratives.  CMS claims it will take physicians 10 minutes to compete compared to the normal paperwork of 15 minutes.  Public comments on the proposed rule are due by October 13^th.

CMS failed in the past to train physicians in face-to-face documentation.  We believe the new template will also fail due to lack of training as well as lack of incentives for physicians to complete the documentation.  Oral arguments were heard on August 6^th on the National Associations of Home Care’s lawsuit regarding face-to-face.  We are hopeful of a favarable decision.  We will keep you informed in future emails.

Federal Register Notice

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-08-12/pdf/2015-19818.pdf

Home Health Face-to-Face Encounter Clinical Templates Download ZIP File

https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/PaperworkReductionActof1995/PRA-Listing-Items/CMS-10564.html