The landscape of home health care is constantly evolving, and with it, the complexities of medical coding and compliance. To address the specific challenges within hospice care, the Board of Medical Specialty Coding & Compliance (BMSC), in collaboration with the Association of Home Care Coding & Compliance (AHCC), has introduced a vital new credential: the Home Care Coding Specialist—Hospice (HCS-H) certification. This certification marks BMSC’s third professional credential in the home health sector, emphasizing their commitment to expertise in this crucial field.
AHCC and BMSC Logos: Gateway to Home Care Coding and Compliance Certifications
Understanding the Critical Need for Specialized Hospice Coding Expertise
The HCS-H certification is designed to validate a professional’s deep understanding of the intricate CMS coding regulations and guidelines, specifically as they apply to ICD-10-CM coding within the hospice environment. The certification exam rigorously tests the candidate’s ability to accurately select, apply, and sequence diagnosis codes in hospice care scenarios.
Recent shifts in coding regulations have significantly impacted hospice providers. Notably, since October 1, 2014, hospice agencies can no longer utilize generalized codes like debility and adult failure to thrive as principal diagnoses. Instead, the guidelines mandate the selection of codes that precisely reflect the terminal diagnosis. Furthermore, hospice coders are now required to assign all other pertinent diagnoses with the highest level of specificity, mirroring coding expectations across all healthcare provider settings.
Failing to adhere to these updated, more stringent coding guidelines can lead to significant financial repercussions for hospice organizations, including claim delays and denials. In an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny focused on hospice care, precise code selection and sequencing are paramount for ensuring compliant and accurate reimbursement for the essential end-of-life support services provided.
The HCS-H Certification: Your Gateway to Hospice Coding Proficiency
According to Tricia A. Twombly, BSN RN HCS-D HCS-O HCS-H COS-C, CHCE, and CEO of BMSC, the HCS-H certification addresses a critical need in the hospice sector. “Today, more than ever before, it is imperative that hospice agencies have on staff a coding specialist with the unique knowledge and skills needed to ensure compliant hospice coding,” she states. “Hiring coders who have earned the HCS-H credential will give administrators confidence that the agency is meeting the requirements of the law.” This credential serves as a gateway for professionals to demonstrate their specialized expertise in hospice coding, offering agencies assurance of compliant practices.
Joining the Gold Standard of Home Care Credentials
The HCS-H certification proudly joins the ranks of the Home Care Coding Specialist—Diagnosis (HCS-D) and the Home Care Clinical Specialist—OASIS (HCS-O) certifications as a hallmark of professional excellence in home care. BMSC has been at the forefront of credentialing home care professionals since 2003 with the HCS-D, and followed by HCS-O in 2011. Both HCS-D and HCS-O hold national accreditation from the National Commission on Credentialing Agencies (NCCA), underscoring the rigorous standards and industry recognition of these credentials.
About AHCC and BMSC: Leaders in Home Care Compliance
The Association of Home Care Coding & Compliance (AHCC) serves as a community hub for professionals dedicated to upholding quality care standards in post-acute care settings. AHCC is committed to establishing, meeting, and maintaining the highest standards of expertise within the field.
The Board of Medical Specialty Coding & Compliance (BMSC), AHCC’s credentialing body, offers a suite of professional credentials, including the nationally accredited HCS-D, the only credential focusing exclusively on home health coding skills, and the nationally accredited HCS-O. BMSC has been a trusted credentialing body for home health coders since 2003, with over 63% of agencies requiring the HCS-D credential as a condition of employment, highlighting its industry-wide recognition and value. The credentials are overseen by an independent board of nationally recognized home health and OASIS experts, all seasoned educators with over 25 years of experience in home health and hospice.
In Conclusion
The introduction of the Home Care Coding Specialist—Hospice (HCS-H) certification represents a significant step forward in ensuring accuracy and compliance within hospice coding. For professionals seeking to establish themselves as experts in this specialized area, and for hospice agencies striving for compliant and efficient operations, the HCS-H certification offers a crucial gateway to achieving these goals. Learn more about BMSC credentials and how the HCS-H certification can benefit your career or organization by visiting the AHCC website.
