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Hospice documentation guide

Stroke and Coma (Cerebrovascular Disease)

ICD-10: I69.x / G93.1

LCD L34538 Eligibility Criteria

Part II required for all diagnoses:PPS <70 AND dependence in 2+ ADLs. These apply in addition to diagnosis-specific criteria below.
  • 1Stroke with severe functional deficits not expected to improve further
  • 2OR coma of any etiology
  • 3KPS/PPS ≤40
  • 4Post-stroke complications: aspiration pneumonia, septicemia, renal failure, dysphagia, bowel/bladder incontinence, pressure ulcers
  • 5Dependence in 2+ ADLs

Charting Tips for Audit Defense

  • Document PPS 40 or below with functional description (not just score)
  • Note inability to improve further from a rehabilitation standpoint
  • List post-stroke complications present
  • Record feeding status: PEG, dysphagic, texture-modified
  • Document neurological status and cognition at every visit

Common Documentation Mistakes

PPS above 40 without strong supporting language for hospice eligibility
Not documenting that rehabilitative potential is exhausted
Missing post-stroke complications

Sample Note Findings (LCD-Aligned)

These examples show the level of specificity needed to survive ADR review. Generic language will not suffice.

Massive right MCA stroke 01/08/2026, per hospital records. Transferred to SNF 01/22/2026. No further rehabilitation potential per PT/OT evaluation 02/15/2026.
PPS 30: patient is bedridden >95% of day. Unable to perform any self-care. Requires repositioning by staff q2h for pressure injury prevention. Intake minimal.
Post-stroke complications present: dysphagia (PEG placed 01/30/2026), urinary incontinence (Foley), left-side neglect, non-verbal. Aspiration pneumonia 03/22/2026 treated with IV antibiotics in SNF.
Left hemiplegia complete, no purposeful movement in left extremities. Able to follow 1-step verbal commands intermittently. GCS 9 today (E3V2M4).

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