The primary reason for documentation is to maintain accurate records of all care and services provided by the agency. Accurate documentation also proves that all regulatory requirements are met. This allows reimbursement for services provided. Medicare requires certain conditions to be met in order to reimburse the agency. Many agencies use the Home Health Certification and Care Plan. This document contains information about diagnoses, types of services, visit lengths and times, treatments, medications, allergies, prognosis, and other patient information. Although this form of documentation is not required, many agencies still use it because it helps them document the patient's plan of care. Medicare also requires documentation of a medical certification attesting to the need for in-home care. The physician must certify that he or she is a licensed non-physician practitioner and has had an in-person encounter with the patient within 90 days before the start of home care and within 30 days after the start of care. There should also be a comprehensive assessment documented. This documentation includes information about the patient, such as illness, medications taken, emergency plan, and skilled nursing care.