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Post NP covering for inpatient hospice medical director
Author: susanredding
Date: Oct 16, 2008 12:55 pm
For several years we have operated a palliative care consult service at a 750 bed teaching hospital. My CPA covers me for consults only at this time. Recently I was asked by the medical director of the inpatient hospice operated by the hospice affiliated with our hospital health system to round for him at the hospice on the days he may be unable to do so. I have checked with our state hospice organization in an attempt to clarify my ability to do this. I understand I will have to amend my CPA and add the hospice medical director as a back up physician. I am unsure, however, if, as an FNP, I can function in this role. Thanks so much to anyone who may be able to advise me. Susan
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Re:NP covering for inpatient hospice medical director (by janetbraun on 12/05/2008)
Hi Susan,

I've checked with our VP of Clinical Services at Hospice of the Bluegrass and understand that
you are able to cover for your CPA, if you have been entered into the hospice data base as the "attending" for the days that the physician is absent. As the designated attending you would be able to bill Medicare for your visits.
If you have not been designated as the attending, then you could do the visit and write notes but you would not be able to bill Medicare for those services. You can not certify terminal illness. Hoping this helps.

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