Frequently-Asked Questions About SNF/NF and Hospice Care
Can hospice general inpatient care days be used as the three-day qualifying stay for a SNF stay once the beneficiary revokes from a hospice?
Yes. The Medicare Benefit Policy Manual (CMS Pub 100-02), Ch. 8 §40.1.5 and §1861 (1) of the Social Security Act specifies that SNF qualifying criteria includes a hospital stay of at least three consecutive days, not including the day of discharge. The CFR 42 §409.3(a)(1) further specifies that the stay must have been "in a participating or qualifying hospital, for medically necessary inpatient care."
Does it make a difference if the hospice general inpatient days, that are necessary to qualify for a SNF stay, occur in a hospital or a hospice inpatient care facility?
Yes. The stay must be in a qualified hospital or participating critical access hospital (CAH), in accordance with CFR 42 §409.30(a).
Page last updated: March 20, 2008
