Ill. HFS Handbook for Hospice Agencies, Topic K-250.3

Inpatient respite care is applicable for each day in which the patient is in an

approved inpatient facility (see Topic K-234.1) and is receiving respite care. Respite

care is short-term inpatient care provided to the patient when, in the opinion of the

attending physician, it is necessary to relieve the family members or other persons

caring for the patient at home. This must be documented in the patient’s medical

record.

Respite care may be provided only on an occasional basis and may not be

reimbursed for more than five (5) consecutive days at a time including the date of

admission but not counting the date of discharge. Charges for the sixth (6th) and any

subsequent days are to be made at the routine home care rate. On the day of

discharge from an inpatient unit, the appropriate home care rate is to be billed

unless the patient dies as an inpatient. When the patient is discharged deceased,

the inpatient respite rate is to be billed for the discharge date.