- Hospice Transfers
- Hospice Levels of Care: Routine Home Care
- Hospice Documentation Checklist
- Hospice Documentation Tips
- Implementation of the Election Statement Addendum
- Hospice Beneficiary Election Statement Addendum Frequently Asked Questions
- Documentation for Hospice Transfers
- Tips for Responding to a Hospice ADR
- General Inpatient Check Off List
- Documentation Requirements for the Medicare Hospice Election Statement
Hospice Transfers
The purpose of a hospice transfer is to allow the beneficiary the opportunity to transfer to another agency without affecting the current benefit period and providing continuity of care. Instead of the beneficiary revoking the hospice benefit, or the transferring hospice agency having to discharge the patient as a result causing the receiving hospice agency to complete a new admission; CMS allows the beneficiary to transfer their care from one hospice agency to another. The focus of the transfer should be the beneficiary and ensuring a smooth transition to the receiving agency.
When a beneficiary or their authorized representative elects to receive the Medicare hospice benefit, an election statement must be filed with the hospice agency of their choice. Once during each benefit period, (60-day or 90-day) a beneficiary can transfer from on hospice agency to another.
When a hospice transfer occurs, the benefit period dates are not affected. However, the receiving hospice must file a new Notice of Election and complete all assessments required by the hospice conditions of participation as described in 42 CFR 418.54.
If the patient is in the third or later benefit period and transfers hospices, a face-to-face encounter is not required if the receiving hospice can verify that the originating hospice had the encounter.
To transfer to another hospice agency, the beneficiary or their representative must file a written statement or transfer agreement that includes the following information:
- The name of the hospice agency from which the beneficiary has been receiving care and the name of the new hospice agency from which the beneficiary plans to receive care.
- The date the transfer is to be effective.
- The signature of the beneficiary or their representative.
It is expected that one of the hospice agencies will assist the beneficiary or their representative with the completion of the transfer agreement. A beneficiary transfer agreement must be filed with both the transferring and receiving agencies. Both hospice agencies are required to keep a copy of the signed transfer agreement on file.
The transferring and receiving hospice agencies should collaborate and agree upon the date of transfer. This should be the same day as each is permitted to bill for the day of transfer. (For more information, see the Billing Hospice Transfers job aid).
Did You Know?
A change of ownership of a hospice is not considered a change in the patient’s designation of a hospice and requires no action on the patient’s part.
Related Content:
CMS IOM Publication 100-02, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 9
CMS IOM, Publication 100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 11
Posted 7/12/2024