The OIG will review hospice services in connection with nursing facilities. According to the Work Plan, “in a recent report, OIG found that 82 percent of hospice claims for beneficiaries in nursing facilities did not meet Medicare coverage requirements.” As a result, the OIG will look closely to nursing facilities that utilize hospice care. Furthermore, the OIG will examine the business relationships between hospices and nursing facilities “and assess the marketing practices and materials of hospices associated with high utilization patterns.” Additionally, the OIG will look at the services provided by both hospices and nursing facilities to hospice beneficiaries residing in nursing facilities to determine the extent to which the two entities coordinate care, service, and payment arrangements.
For more information, please contact Abby Pendleton, Esq. and Jessica L. Gustafson, Esq. at (248) 996-8510 or (212) 734-0128 or visit the Hospice specialty page on the HLP website.
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