We know that understanding hospice billing training can be a daunting task, but don’t worry; Continua Learning has your back. We offer a complete hospice training solution for your agency with over 120 hospice specific training courses, in addition to over 200 home health courses, to comprehensively address your hospice compliance training and skill-building requirements in a single solution. 

As part of our training solution, we offer several hospice biling webinars that train your hospice team on the billing process, helping your team become billing pros. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Hospice Billing Success: A Two-Part Series

Hospice Billing for Success:  Navigating Medicare Benefits and Financial Issues (Part 1)

This first course is all about getting a solid foundation in hospice billing (a bit like hospice billing for dummies if you will :). Here’s what your staff will learn:

1. Important aspects related to billing and financial issues of the Hospice Medicare Benefit: This will help you better understand the ins and outs of Medicare hospice billing for hospice services, and how to bill hospice claims.
2. Common hospice billing vocabulary terms: So you can talk the talk and walk the walk with confidence.
3. Different bill types required for Hospice Notice of Elections: This knowledge will ensure you’re prepared to handle all hospice billing situations.

Hospice Billing for Success: Navigating Late and Adjustment Claims (Part 2)

Ready to take your hospice billing skills to the next level? In this course, you’ll learn how to:

1. Identify basic bill types and correct bill types for late and adjustment claims: You can keep those claims on track and avoid costly errors.
2. Identify when to bill a late or adjustment claim: Timing is everything, and this course will help you nail it.
3. Identify codes on adjustment claims: This skill will be invaluable when managing claims efficiently and effectively.
4. Define an RTP (Return to Provider) claim: Understanding this type of claim will help you address issues and keep your hospice agency running smoothly.

Why Choose Hospice Billing Success?

Here’s a taste of what sets Continua Learning apart from the rest:

• Conversational and helpful: Our courses are designed with you in mind, so we’ve ditched the jargon and opted for a more engaging, friendly style.
• Flexible learning: With our pre-recorded webinar format, you can learn at your own pace and on your schedule.
• Comprehensive content: Our courses cover everything from the basics to more advanced topics, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle all your hospice billing needs.

In addition to the above course, a subscription to Continua Learning provides your hospice team with hundreds of courses covering everything from infection control to OASIS. Here’s a taste of some of our coding and billing titles via our content partnership that are new in 2023:

• Online Briefing: Final OASIS-E Instrument and Changes
• Home Health Billing Webinar Series
• MAC Legacy – A Guide to OASIS Success for Clinician
• HCAF: Hop on the Oasis-E Train
• HCAF: Home Care ICD-10 Coding for PDGM

If you’re new to hospice billing, read on for an overview of why this training is so critical to your agency. 

What is Hospice Billing?

Hospice billing is an essential aspect of the hospice care industry. It involves submitting claims for reimbursement to insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as managing payments and denials. Professionals in this field need proper hospice billing training to ensure accuracy, eligibility, compliance, and efficiency in this process.

Importance of Hospice Billing Training

Accuracy and Compliance

Hospice billing training is crucial for maintaining accuracy and compliance with federal and state regulations. Billing errors can result in financial penalties and delayed reimbursements, negatively affecting a hospice’s financial health. Well-trained hospice billing professionals help ensure that claims are submitted correctly, reducing the risk of errors and denials.

Efficiency and Revenue Growth

Efficient hospice billing processes directly impact an organization’s revenue. With proper training, billing staff can expedite claims processing, leading to faster reimbursements and improved cash flow. Investing in training also enables staff to identify underpayments and appeal denials, increasing the overall revenue potential for the hospice.

Key Components of Hospice Billing Training

Medical Coding

A strong understanding of medical coding is essential for accurate hospice billing. Training programs should cover the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) coding system, which is used to classify diagnoses and procedures on hospice claims.

Claims Submission

Training should also address the process of submitting claims to insurance carriers, Medicare, and Medicaid. This includes understanding the different claim forms, electronic submission methods, and documentation requirements to ensure timely and accurate reimbursement.

Billing Software

Hospice billing software is a vital tool for efficient billing processes. Training programs should familiarize staff with hospice software features, such as data entry, claims tracking, and reporting, to optimize their use of these systems.

Medicare and Medicaid Payment Regulations

Billing professionals need to be well-versed in the payment regulations and guidelines specific to the hospice industry. Training should cover Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates, billing requirements for various levels of care, and the Hospice Cap.

Monitoring and Auditing

Monitoring and auditing hospice billing processes are crucial for maintaining accuracy and compliance. Training should include strategies for identifying potential issues, conducting internal audits, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.

Types of Hospice Billing Training

In-Person Training

In-person hospice billing training typically involves workshops or seminars led by experienced professionals. These sessions offer hands-on instruction and opportunities for networking with other professionals in the industry. However, in-person training can be time-consuming and costly, especially for organizations with limited resources.

Online Billing Training

Online hospice billing training offers a flexible, cost-effective alternative to in-person training. Participants can access courses and materials at their own pace from any device, allowing them to balance their hospice education with work and personal commitments. Online hospice training may include video lessons, quizzes, realistic scenarios, and interactive exercises.

Choosing the Right Hospice Billing Training Provider

Experience and Reputation

When selecting a hospice billing training provider, consider their experience and reputation in the industry. Look for educators with a proven track record of successful training programs and positive feedback from past participants.

Course Content and Structure

Evaluate the course content and structure to ensure it covers all relevant aspects of hospice billing. A comprehensive training program should include medical coding, claims submission, billing software, payment regulations, and monitoring and auditing.

Support and Resources

A quality training provider should offer ongoing support and resources for participants, such as access to reference materials, updates on industry changes, and assistance with billing questions. This support can be invaluable in helping billing professionals stay current and maintain accuracy and compliance.

The Bottom Line

Hospice billing training is crucial for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in the billing process. Hospice organizations can improve their revenue potential by investing in comprehensive training and maintaining financial stability. If you’d like to learn more about our hospice training offerings, contact us today for demo.

FAQs

Are there any certifications available for hospice billing professionals?

Yes, certifications such as the Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator (CHPCA) or the Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Billing Specialist (CHPBS) can demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field.

Can hospice billing training help with career advancement?

Absolutely! Gaining specialized knowledge and skills in hospice billing can lead to new job opportunities and career growth within the hospice industry. If you’re a hospice aide, nurse, or even a hospice chaplain looking for a career move, consider billing training. 

Is it necessary to have a background in healthcare to pursue hospice billing training?

While a background in healthcare can be beneficial, it is not a requirement. Many hospice billing training programs are designed for individuals with varying levels of experience in the industry.

How often should hospice billing professionals update their training?

Regular updates and continuing education are crucial for staying current with industry changes and maintaining accuracy and compliance. Many training providers offer ongoing support and resources to help professionals stay up-to-date.

What CPT code is used for palliative care?

The CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code used for palliative care depends on the specific service provided. For evaluation and management services, you might use codes ranging from 99201-99215 for office visits, 99217-99220 for hospital observation, or 99221-99233 for inpatient care. It is essential to refer to the CPT codebook and guidelines for the appropriate code based on the specific service rendered.

What is the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP)?

The Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) is a mandatory CMS initiative that requires hospice providers to submit specific quality data to improve patient care. The program aims to enhance transparency, promote informed decision-making, and encourage continuous improvement in hospice care through data-driven insights.