What is the difference between a hospice revocation and a hospice transfer?
A hospice revocation occurs when a beneficiary chooses to end their hospice care. The beneficiary must sign a revocation form indicating the date they wish the revocation to become effective. When the hospice submits their final hospice claim, it must include an occurrence code 42 with the date of revocation. A hospice transfer is where a hospice patient transfers from one hospice to another. A Medicare beneficiary can change hospices once per benefit period (90-day or 60-day). When a patient transfers to a different hospice, they continue in the same benefit period. Their hospice benefits are continuous, and there is no break in hospice care. An occurrence code 42 should never be used on a hospice claim where the patient is transferring hospices.
