Do the certification/re-certification codes include physician certification of hospice?
No. These codes are used only when the physician certifies or re-certifies home health plans of care. • Can an NP or PA bill for initial certification and re-certification? No. • Can home care referrals initiated from the hospital be billed for certification? No. The time to make a home care or hospice referral is bundled into hospital and nursing home discharge day codes. • What type of documentation is required for billing certification/re-certification? While no specific documentation requirements were enumerated, physicians should retain a copy of the signed HCFA-485 (home health plan of care), signed interim or telephone orders, and any other documentation that supports the provision of these services.
