What codes are used to bill for certification and re-certification?
The HCPCS code for initial certification of home health care patients is G0180. This code applies only to new orders and there should rarely be more than one bill for a particular patient during any 60-day interval. Code G0179 is used when a physician re-certifies a subsequent episode of care. Typically, this will occur every 60 days in prolonged episodes and may also be used if a patient requires a complete renewal of orders midway through a 60-day interval due to a change in condition. (Be careful not to use this code when certifying medical equipment and other services, and note that it does not apply to the many “change orders” or other documents that a home health agency sends for physician signature throughout the care process). • 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-certifi
