COVID-19 FAQ Telehealth 1 – National Association for Home Care & Hospice

Testimonials

The HHFMA Mentorship program has provided me with a great professional relationship with someone outside of my own organization. My mentor has been a great sounding board and someone I can reach out to as for insight and guidance related to professional development, speaking opportunities, educational resources and especially career aspirations. We often work together to discuss both financial and regulatory changes that will impact the home health and/or hospice industries. I cannot stress enough the value I have received being in the HHFMA Mentorship program and plan to become a mentor myself.
Mike Simione, Director of Cost Reports, SimiTree Healthcare Consulting
Through the HHFMA Mentorship program I have had several formal and informal conversations with my assigned mentor. This has provided the opportunity to evaluate and achieve my career goals within the industry – like being appointed to the HHFMA Workgroup. The knowledge I have gained since joining the industry has been extensive and the HHFMA Mentorship program has played a major role in my career development. I will continue to contribute to the success of this initiative, including becoming a mentor myself.
RJ Gagnon, CFO, Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice
When I first became a homecare executive, my predecessor and first home health & hospice mentor advised me to join HHFMA. “And never miss the Finance conference!” It was fantastic advice. The HHFMA has been a great source of current information over my career, and its mentoring program was a terrific additional benefit. I was fortunate to be assigned a wonderful mentor, Marcylle Combs. She answered my questions, introduced me to others, and helped me navigate all the resources available to members through NAHC and the HHFMA. I’ve also really enjoyed mentoring others over the years. If you are new to the HHFMA, a mentor can help you optimize your membership. If you are experienced, serving as a mentor is a wonderful way to give back to the homecare and hospice community.
Carolyn Flietstra BSN RN, Executive Vice President (Retired), Christian Living Services
One of the most significant benefits of joining a professional organization, like NAHC, is the opportunity it provides to either be a mentor or to find one. As a previous “mentoree,” I am a huge advocate for the NAHC Mentorship program. I was blessed to gain Carolyn Fleistra as a mentor. Carolyn offered me the ability to learn the industry and association from someone who had worked in the industry at the executive level for years and someone who had been involved in the organization at a high level. She shared her experiences, shared tips, ensured I knew where to be, and above all, gave me a sense of belonging. I highly encourage anyone to seek mentorship
Summer Napier, President, Healing Hands Healthcare, LLC

Issue: Telehealth

Question: Can clinicians conduct visits via telehealth and these covered by Medicare?

Answer: Both home health and hospice providers are able to communicate with patients via telehealth; HOWEVER, CMS has not indicated these communications will qualify as visits and be considered covered under Medicare. There are two recent waivers which are applicable – one regarding expanded Medicare telehealth coverage and one regarding HIPAA. Please see below for these additional details.

The Trump Administration announced expanded Medicare telehealth coverage. Beginning on March 6, 2020, Medicare will temporarily pay practitioners to provide telehealth services for beneficiaries residing across the entire country. There are a lot of questions from home health and hospice providers about this announcement. Below is a summary of the key points as well as a link to a Fact Sheet and an FAQ document:

Still, only practitioners can bill for telehealth services.
Home health agencies, while not being able to bill for telehealth services, may find relief in that the physicians can utilize telehealth technology for a home health F2F encounter.
Hospices – We have been in touch with CMS and understand that they are still thinking the issue through, but we have encouraged them (and some of our advocates in Congress) to permit this same flexibility for hospice providers.
Telehealth technology has been expanded. The FAQ below describes the various technology that will be allowed during this state of emergency (emphasis added).

Issue: Telehealth

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