Since its introduction approximately 20 years ago, changes to the Home Health Consolidated Billing listing have been rare. In the most recent release of the 2025 listing, 71 new codes have been added to the listing.
Consolidated billing means that any supply included on the consolidated billing list is the financial responsibility of the Home Health Agency. If a supply is necessary for a patient’s care during their home health payment period, the agency must provide it as part of the overall care, and is not paid for separately.
The consolidated billing list is updated annually, and in a rare occurrence, has several changes this year. Of the 71 new codes added to the 2025 Home Health Consolidated Billing Listing, many are primarily for lymphedema therapy supplies. In 2024, it was established that the Home Health Medicare program must cover lymphedema therapy, but CMS had not included the related supplies in the consolidated billing list. That addition will take effect on January 1, 2025. Given the high cost of these supplies, there has understandably been significant concern regarding their inclusion on the list. The updated 2025 Home Health Consolidated Billing Listing can be found on our “Free Download” page by clicking here.
HPS has consistently advocated for accurately recording the supplies from the consolidated billing list that you provide to your patients on your claims. For CMS to truly understand the costs associated with patient care, they need to see the supplies being provided. If these supplies aren’t included in the claim, they won’t be properly documented in the Medicare cost report’s supply cost center. Essentially, if it’s not on the claim or the cost report, CMS does not recognize it.
Additionally, changes to the wage index included in the proposed rule have occurred and are expected to be finalized soon. If you experience a significant decrease in your wage index due to these changes, you’ll need to use a temporary CBSA code.
Lastly, for negative pressure wound therapy involving a disposable device, the Home Health Agency is responsible for removing the old device, discarding it, and placing a new one. This new device must be included on your home health claim, and this requirement went into effect in 2024. The updated rates for 2025 will be detailed in the Home Health final rule. According to the proposed rule, the rate will remain at $270, plus any adjustments based on the consumer price index. We’ll have more information once the final rule is released. Remember, the device should be billed separately on your home health claim using the correct codes, while the skilled nursing visit is simply recorded as another skilled nursing visit on the claim.
Healthcare Provider Solutions is a comprehensive billing and collections entity for both home health and hospice agencies. Our dedicated team of knowledgeable, US-based professionals stand ready to support you with your billing and collection needs. Whether it be accelerated payments, managing claim denials, clinical chart reviews, managed care services or more, we’re ready to tackle any specific challenges that come up. Click here to schedule a call with our team and discover how our Billing and Collections services can support your organization in achieving its financial goals.
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