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Documentation Requirements for the Hospice Physician Certification/Recertification

This article provides information on specific elements that are required for a physician certification and recertification as stated in the “Medicare Benefit Policy Manual,” Chapter 9, Section 20.1- Timing and Content of Certification. This article is intended to provide guidance on the requirements for a valid physician certification and recertification. The article is informational only and does not convey any new or revised policy. In addition, any examples provided in this article are for illustration purposes only and do not in any way imply this is the only acceptable format. Hospice providers may choose to design their own forms or format, so long as all requirements of a valid physician certification are met.

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Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Issue Date: November 23, 2016

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.