In response to industry concerns about the length of the “clinical template” it created to reduce home health claims denials for lack of face-to-face information, CMS posted a reminder on its website Feb. 5 that the five-page form is voluntary.
 
CMS also reminded commenters that not all sections will be relevant for all patients, and thus certain portions can be skipped.
 
In addition, the federal Medicare agency told commenters that once a physician/practitioner completes the clinical template, the document will serve as a progress note or office note that serves as part of the patient’s medical record. “The note must contain all relevant information sufficient for patient care and sufficient for the physician/practitioner to bill for the appropriate level Evaluation and Management service.”
 
CMS announced Jan. 28 that it is considering developing electronic and paper versions of the template for physicians to complete during face-to-face examinations of Medicare patients.
 
Although CMS removed the face-to-face narrative requirement for episodes beginning Jan. 1, 2015, it also made clear that it expects to see documentation within a patient’s medical record verifying why the patient is eligible for home health services (HHL 1/26/15).