What is the primary objective of the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HHPPS)?

The primary objective of the Home Health Prospective Payment System (HHPPS) is to reimburse home health agencies with a predetermined base payment. This system was designed to establish a more predictable and standardized payment process for home health services, which helps to streamline the reimbursement process and mitigate the variation in payments that can occur with fee-for-service models.

Under HHPPS, reimbursements are determined based on clinical characteristics and service needs of the patient rather than the specific services delivered. This predetermined payment system is intended to ensure that agencies receive a set amount for care provided during a specific period, thus promoting efficiency and encouraging agencies to manage care costs effectively while maintaining quality.

By having a fixed payment amount, HHPPS also encourages agencies to enhance patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary services, as payment is not tied directly to the number of visits or services rendered. This approach contrasts with unlimited service provisions or adjustments purely based on patient volume, fostering a more equitable and sustainable reimbursement model for home health care providers.