Hospice Face-To-Face Encounter and Telehealth Technology

Published 04/01/2025

Section 2207 (f) of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act 2025 extended the use of telecommunications technology by a hospice physician or hospice nurse practitioner to conduct a face-to-face encounter for the sole purpose of hospice recertification. This extension is applicable for claims with dates of service through September 30, 2025. This constitutes a temporary change in the regulations at 42 CFR 418.22(a)(4)(ii).

A telehealth encounter must be two-way audio-video telecommunications technology that allows for real-time interaction between the hospice physician/hospice nurse practitioner and the patient. An encounter by audio or video only is not acceptable. 

Resource: Thursday, March 27, 2025, MLN Connects Newsletter.


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