MedicaidDocumentationHigh impact
Face to Face Encounter Requirements for Home Health Care Services
Illinois Medicaid - HFS·IL · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice·Provider Notice
Effective date
Jan 1, 2014
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Starting January 1, 2014, Illinois Medicaid requires face-to-face encounters for all home health certifications, with specific timing and documentation requirements. The encounter must occur within 90 days before or 30 days after home health start of care and be documented separately in the certification.
Action Required
Immediately: Home health agencies and certifying physicians must ensure all home health certifications include documented face-to-face encounters occurring within 90 days prior to or 30 days after start of care. Create separate documentation section in certifications titled, dated, and signed by certifying physician. Submit face-to-face encounter documentation with Plan of Care for prior approval services. Maintain documentation in participant records regardless of prior approval requirements.