Palmetto GBA recently provided guidance regarding the documentation process for home health recertifications involving a change in the certifying physician or non-physician practitioner (NPP).

Previously, Palmetto GBA posted information regarding home health agency documentation for physician hand-off in such situations. This information has since been removed from their website.

What You Need to Know

• Changes in Certifying Providers: Home health certifying physicians or nurse practitioners may change due to various reasons such as retirement, vacation, or patient preference.
• Provider Responsibility: When the recertifying physician/NPP differs from the original, home health agencies must document in the medical record that they have verified a different physician/NPP is authorized to care for the patient in the original practitioner's absence.
• Documentation Requirements: The good news is that there's no specific format required. Documentation simply needs to demonstrate the home health agency confirmed the change in certifying physician/NPP. While not mandatory, including attempts to contact the original practitioner is encouraged.
• Palmetto GBA Review: Reviewers will verify that all necessary elements are included in the recertification documentation. Claims with insufficient documentation may not be paid.

Palmetto GBA's revised article can be found here.

For further clarification, please contact:

• Palmetto GBA Provider Contact Center – (855) 696-0705
• Patti Heid, HCAF Senior Director of Best Practices & Compliance – (850) 222-8967 or pheid@homecarefla.org