Amedisys (AMED) 10-K 28 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 23, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	AMED
Entity Registrant Name	AMEDISYS INC
Entity Central Index Key	896,262
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,984,771
Entity Public Float			$ 1.5
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 86,363	$ 30,197
Patient accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $20,866, and $17,716	201,196	166,056
Prepaid expenses	7,329	7,397
Other current assets	16,268	11,260
Total current assets	311,156	214,910
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $146,814 and $138,650	31,122	36,999
Goodwill	319,949	288,957
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $30,610 and $27,864	46,061	46,755
Deferred income taxes	56,064	107,940
Other assets, net	49,130	38,468
Total assets	813,482	734,029
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	25,384	30,358
Payroll and employee benefits	89,936	82,480
Accrued expenses	89,104	63,290
Current portion of long-term obligations	10,638	5,220
Total current liabilities	215,062	181,348
Long-term obligations, less current portion	78,203	87,809
Other long-term obligations	3,791	3,730
Total liabilities	297,056	272,887
Commitments and Contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized; 35,747,134, and 35,253,577 shares issued; and 33,964,767 and 33,597,215 shares outstanding	35	35
Additional paid-in capital	568,780	537,472
Treasury stock at cost 1,782,367, and 1,656,362 shares of common stock	(53,713)	(46,774)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15	15
Retained earnings (deficit)	204	(30,545)
Total Amedisys, Inc. stockholders’ equity	515,321	460,203
Noncontrolling interests	1,105	939
Total equity	516,426	461,142
Total liabilities and equity	$ 813,482	$ 734,029

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Patient accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 20,866	$ 17,716
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	146,814	138,650
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 30,610	$ 27,864
Preferred stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, authorized (shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized (shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, issued (shares)	35,747,134	35,253,577
Common stock, outstanding (shares)	33,964,767	33,597,215
Treasury stock at cost (shares)	1,782,367	1,656,362

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net service revenue	$ 1,533,680	$ 1,437,454	$ 1,280,541
Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization	900,726	833,055	725,915
General and administrative expenses:
Salaries and benefits	305,938	306,981	279,425
Non-cash compensation	16,295	16,401	11,824
Other	159,980	180,048	161,186
Provision for doubtful accounts	25,059	19,519	14,053
Depreciation and amortization	17,123	19,678	20,036
Asset impairment charge	1,323	4,432	77,268
Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net	28,712	0	0
Operating expenses	1,455,156	1,380,114	1,289,707
Operating income (loss)	78,524	57,340	(9,166)
Other income (expense):
Interest income	158	75	71
Interest expense	(5,031)	(5,164)	(10,783)
Equity in earnings from equity method investments	3,381	5,588	9,823
Miscellaneous, net	3,769	3,727	9,747
Total other income, net	2,277	4,226	8,858
Income (loss) before income taxes	80,801	61,566	(308)
Income tax expense	(50,118)	(23,935)	(2,004)
Net income (loss)	30,683	37,631	(2,312)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(382)	(370)	(709)
Net income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc.	$ 30,301	$ 37,261	$ (3,021)
Basic earnings per common share:
Income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc. common stockholders (usd per share)	$ 0.90	$ 1.12	$ (0.09)
Weighted average shares outstanding (shares)	33,704	33,198	33,018
Diluted earnings per common share:
Income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc. common stockholders (usd per share)	$ 0.88	$ 1.10	$ (0.09)
Weighted average shares outstanding (shares)	34,304	33,741	33,018

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 30,683	$ 37,631	$ (2,312)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	30,683	37,631	(2,312)
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	(382)	(370)	(709)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc.	$ 30,301	$ 37,261	$ (3,021)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 397,762	$ 35	$ 481,762	$ (19,860)	$ 15	$ (64,785)	$ 595
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		34,569,526
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of stock - employee stock purchase plan	2,204		2,204
Issuance of stock - employee stock purchase plan (shares)		79,323
Issuance of stock - 401 (k) plan	6,032		6,032
Issuance of stock - 401 (k) plan (shares)		184,412
Issuance/(cancellation) of non-vested stock	0
Issuance/(cancellation) of non-vested stock (shares)		(61,675)
Exercise of stock options	399		399
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		15,380
Non-cash compensation	11,824		11,824
Tax benefit from stock options exercised and restricted stock vesting	2,073		2,073
Tax deficit from stock options exercised and restricted stock vesting	(4)		(4)
Surrendered shares	(2,525)			(2,525)
Shares repurchased	(4,581)			(4,581)
Noncontrolling interest distribution	(436)						(436)
Net income (loss)	(2,312)					(3,021)	709
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Dec. 31, 2015	410,436	$ 35	504,290	(26,966)	15	(67,806)	868
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		34,786,966
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of stock - employee stock purchase plan	2,483		2,483
Issuance of stock - employee stock purchase plan (shares)		63,688
Issuance of stock - 401 (k) plan	6,682		6,682
Issuance of stock - 401 (k) plan (shares)		145,660
Issuance/(cancellation) of non-vested stock	0
Issuance/(cancellation) of non-vested stock (shares)		257,263
Non-cash compensation	16,401		16,401
Tax benefit from stock options exercised and restricted stock vesting	7,241		7,241
Surrendered shares	(7,493)			(7,493)
Shares repurchased	(12,315)			(12,315)
Noncontrolling interest distribution	(329)						(329)
Assets contributed to equity investment	405		375				30
Net income (loss)	37,631					37,261	370
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Dec. 31, 2016	461,142	$ 35	537,472	(46,774)	15	(30,545)	939
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		35,253,577
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of stock - employee stock purchase plan	2,382		2,382
Issuance of stock - employee stock purchase plan (shares)		53,848
Issuance of stock - 401 (k) plan	8,223		8,223
Issuance of stock - 401 (k) plan (shares)		156,487
Issuance/(cancellation) of non-vested stock	0
Issuance/(cancellation) of non-vested stock (shares)		139,016
Exercise of stock options	$ 4,554		4,554
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	144,206	144,206
Non-cash compensation	$ 16,295		16,295
Tax benefit from stock options exercised and restricted stock vesting	448					448
Surrendered shares	(6,939)			(6,939)
Noncontrolling interest distribution	(216)						(216)
Assets contributed to equity investment	(146)		(146)
Net income (loss)	30,683					30,301	382
Balance, Stockholders Equity at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 516,426	$ 35	$ 568,780	$ (53,713)	$ 15	$ 204	$ 1,105
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017		35,747,134

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 30,683	$ 37,631	$ (2,312)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,123	19,678	20,036
Provision for doubtful accounts	25,059	19,519	14,053
Non-cash compensation	16,295	16,401	11,824
401(k) employer match	8,754	6,875	6,089
Write-off of investment	0	196	0
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	0	582	775
Gain on sale of care centers	0	0	(184)
Deferred income taxes	52,178	24,547	(677)
Write off of deferred debt issuance costs/debt discount	0	0	2,512
Equity in earnings from equity method investments	(3,381)	(5,588)	(9,823)
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs/debt discount	735	740	959
Return on equity investment	5,321	4,323	5,610
Asset impairment charge	1,323	4,432	77,268
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of impact of acquisitions:
Patient accounts receivable	(59,731)	(55,519)	(36,493)
Other current assets	(4,940)	4,231	6,455
Other assets	(12,749)	(11,415)	(3,523)
Accounts payable	(2,843)	3,970	7,639
Accrued expenses	31,843	(7,618)	8,406
Other long-term obligations	61	(726)	(829)
Net cash provided by operating activities	105,731	62,259	107,785
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of deferred compensation plan assets	622	230	1,229
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	249	0	20,000
Purchases of deferred compensation plan assets	0	0	(19)
Purchases of property and equipment	(10,707)	(15,717)	(21,429)
Purchase of investments	(476)	(1,040)	(3,485)
Proceeds from sale of investment	0	0	5,000
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(33,715)	(35,522)	(69,130)
Proceeds from disposition of care centers	0	0	413
Net cash used in investing activities	(44,027)	(52,049)	(67,421)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of stock upon exercise of stock options and warrants	4,554	0	399
Proceeds from issuance of stock to employee stock purchase plan	2,382	2,483	2,204
Shares withheld upon stock vesting	(6,939)	0	0
Tax benefit from stock options exercised and restricted stock vesting	0	7,241	2,073
Non-controlling interest distribution	(216)	(329)	(436)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	0	134,500	63,400
Repayments of revolving line of credit	0	(134,500)	(78,400)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term obligations	0	0	100,000
Principal payments of long-term obligations	(5,319)	(5,000)	(103,000)
Debt issuance costs	0	0	(2,553)
Purchase of company stock	0	(12,315)	(4,581)
Assets contributed to equity investment	0	405	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,538)	(7,515)	(20,894)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	56,166	2,695	19,470
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	30,197	27,502	8,032
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	86,363	30,197	27,502
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest	2,697	2,897	6,175
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds received	$ 315	$ 755	$ (12,185)

NATURE OF OPERATIONS, CONSOLIDA

NATURE OF OPERATIONS, CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
NATURE OF OPERATIONS, CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	NATURE OF OPERATIONS, CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Amedisys, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (“Amedisys,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) are a multi-state provider of home health, hospice and personal care services with approximately 75% , 78% and 80% of our revenue derived from Medicare for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 , we owned and operated 323 Medicare-certified home health care centers, 83 Medicare-certified hospice care centers and 15 personal-care care centers in 34 states within the United States and the District of Columbia. Use of Estimates Our accounting and reporting policies conform with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”). In preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Reclassifications and Comparability Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to the current period’s presentation. Principles of Consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Amedisys, Inc., and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in our accompanying consolidated financial statements, and business combinations accounted for as purchases have been included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. In addition to our wholly owned subsidiaries, we also have certain equity investments that are accounted for as set forth below. Equity Investments We consolidate investments when the entity is a variable interest entity and we are the primary beneficiary or if we have controlling interests in the entity, which is generally ownership in excess of 50% . Third party equity interests in our consolidated joint ventures are reflected as noncontrolling interests in our consolidated financial statements. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2016, we sold a 30% interest in one of our care centers while maintaining controlling interest in the newly formed joint venture. We account for investments in entities in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence under the equity method if we hold 50% or less of the voting stock and the entity is not a variable interest entity in which we are the primary beneficiary. The book value of investments that we accounted for under the equity method of accounting was $26.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and $27.8 million as of December 31, 2016 . We account for investments in entities in which we have less than a 20% ownership interest under the cost method of accounting if we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Revenue Recognition We earn net service revenue through our home health, hospice and personal-care care centers by providing a variety of services almost exclusively in the homes of our patients. This net service revenue is earned and billed either on an episode of care basis, on a per visit basis, on a daily basis or based on authorized hours, visits or units, depending upon the payment terms and conditions established with each payor for services provided. We refer to home health revenue earned and billed on a 60 -day episode of care as episodic-based revenue. When we record our service revenue, we record it net of estimated revenue adjustments and contractual adjustments to reflect amounts we estimate to be realizable for services provided, as discussed below. We believe, based on information currently available to us and based on our judgment, that changes to one or more factors that impact the accounting estimates (such as our estimates related to revenue adjustments, contractual adjustments and episodes in progress) we make in determining net service revenue, which changes are likely to occur from period to period, will not materially impact our reported consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or our future financial results. Home Health Revenue Recognition Medicare Revenue Net service revenue is recorded under the Medicare prospective payment system (“PPS”) based on a 60 -day episode payment rate that is subject to adjustment based on certain variables including, but not limited to: (a) an outlier payment if our patient’s care was unusually costly (capped at 10% of total reimbursement per provider number); (b) a low utilization payment adjustment (“LUPA”) if the number of visits was fewer than five ; (c) a partial payment if our patient transferred to another provider or we received a patient from another provider before completing the episode; (d) a payment adjustment based upon the level of therapy services required (with various incremental adjustments made for additional visits, with larger payment increases associated with the sixth, fourteenth and twentieth visit thresholds); (e) adjustments to payments if we are unable to perform periodic therapy assessments; (f) the number of episodes of care provided to a patient, regardless of whether the same home health provider provided care for the entire series of episodes; (g) changes in the base episode payments established by the Medicare Program; (h) adjustments to the base episode payments for case mix and geographic wages; and (i) recoveries of overpayments. In addition, we make adjustments to Medicare revenue if we find that we are unable to produce appropriate documentation of a face to face encounter between the patient and physician. We make adjustments to Medicare revenue to reflect differences between estimated and actual payment amounts, our discovered inability to obtain appropriate billing documentation or authorizations and other reasons unrelated to credit risk. We estimate the impact of such adjustments based on our historical experience, which primarily includes a historical collection rate of over 99% on Medicare claims, and record this estimate during the period in which services are rendered as an estimated revenue adjustment and a corresponding reduction to patient accounts receivable. Therefore, we believe that our reported net service revenue and patient accounts receivable will be the net amounts to be realized from Medicare for services rendered. In addition to revenue recognized on completed episodes, we also recognize a portion of revenue associated with episodes in progress. Episodes in progress are 60 -day episodes of care that begin during the reporting period, but were not completed as of the end of the period. We estimate this revenue on a monthly basis based upon historical trends. The primary factors underlying this estimate are the number of episodes in progress at the end of the reporting period, expected Medicare revenue per episode and our estimate of the average percentage complete based on the number of days elapsed during an episode of care relative to the average length of an episode of care. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the difference between the cash received from Medicare for a request for anticipated payment (“RAP”) on episodes in progress and the associated estimated revenue was immaterial and, therefore, the resulting credits were recorded as a reduction to our outstanding patient accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheets for such periods. Non-Medicare Revenue Episodic-based Revenue. We recognize revenue in a similar manner as we recognize Medicare revenue for episodic-based rates that are paid by other insurance carriers, including Medicare Advantage programs; however, these rates can vary based upon the negotiated terms which generally range from 90% to 100% of Medicare rates. Non-episodic based Revenue. Gross revenue is recorded on an accrual basis based upon the date of service at amounts equal to our established or estimated per-visit rates, as applicable. Contractual adjustments are recorded for the difference between our standard rates and the contracted rates to be realized from patients, third parties and others for services provided and are deducted from gross revenue to determine net service revenue and are also recorded as a reduction to our outstanding patient accounts receivable. In addition, we receive a minimal amount of our net service revenue from patients who are either self-insured or are obligated for an insurance co-payment. Hospice Revenue Recognition Hospice Medicare Revenue Gross revenue is recorded on an accrual basis based upon the date of service at amounts equal to the estimated payment rates. The estimated payment rates are daily or hourly rates for each of the four levels of care we deliver. The four levels of care are routine care, general inpatient care, continuous home care and respite care. Routine care accounts for 99% of our total net Medicare hospice service revenue for each of 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Beginning January 1, 2016, CMS has provided for two separate payment rates for routine care: payments for the first 60 days of care and care beyond 60 days. In addition to the two routine rates, beginning January 1, 2016, Medicare is also reimbursing for a service intensity add-on (“SIA”). The SIA is based on visits made in the last seven days of life by a registered nurse (“RN”) or medical social worker (“MSW”) for patients in a routine level of care. We make adjustments to Medicare revenue for an inability to obtain appropriate billing documentation or acceptable authorizations and other reasons unrelated to credit risk. We estimate the impact of these adjustments based on our historical experience, which primarily includes our historical collection rate on Medicare claims, and record it during the period services are rendered as an estimated revenue adjustment and as a reduction to our outstanding patient accounts receivable. Additionally, as Medicare hospice revenue is subject to an inpatient cap limit and an overall payment cap for each provider number, we monitor these caps and estimate amounts due back to Medicare if we estimate a cap has been exceeded. We record these adjustments as a reduction to revenue and an increase in other accrued liabilities. Beginning for the cap year ending October 31, 2017, providers are required to self-report and pay their estimated cap liability by February 28th of the following year. As of December 31, 2017 , we have settled our Medicare hospice reimbursements for all fiscal years through October 31, 2012 and we have recorded $0.9 million for estimated amounts due back to Medicare in other accrued liabilities for the Federal cap years ended October 31, 2013 through September 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2016 , we had recorded $0.8 million for estimated amounts due back to Medicare in other accrued liabilities for the Federal cap years ended October 31, 2013 through September 30, 2017. Hospice Non-Medicare Revenue We record gross revenue on an accrual basis based upon the date of service at amounts equal to our established rates or estimated per day rates, as applicable. Contractual adjustments are recorded for the difference between our established rates and the amounts estimated to be realizable from patients, third parties and others for services provided and are deducted from gross revenue to determine our net service revenue and patient accounts receivable. Personal Care Revenue Recognition Personal Care Non-Medicare Revenue We generate net service revenues by providing our services directly to patients primarily on a per hour, visit or unit basis. We receive payment for providing such services from our payor clients, including state and local governmental agencies, managed care organizations, commercial insurers and private consumers. Payor clients include the following elder service agencies: Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs), Senior Care Options (SCOs), Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and the Veterans Administration (VA). Net service revenues are principally provided based on authorized hours, visits or units determined by the relevant agency, at a rate that is either contractual or fixed by legislation, which are recognized as net service revenue at the time services are rendered. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include certificates of deposit and all highly liquid debt instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased. Patient Accounts Receivable Our patient accounts receivable are uncollateralized and consist of amounts due from Medicare, Medicaid, other third-party payors and patients. As of December 31, 2017 , there is no single payor, other than Medicare, that accounts for more than 10% of our total outstanding patient receivables. Thus, we believe there are no other significant concentrations of receivables that would subject us to any significant credit risk in the collection of our patient accounts receivable. Our policy is to fully reserve for accounts which are aged at 365 days or greater; however, we have elected not to apply this policy to those accounts impacted by the Florida ZPIC audit (see Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies). We write off accounts on a monthly basis once we have exhausted our collection efforts and deem an account to be uncollectible. We believe the collectibility risk associated with our Medicare accounts, which represent 59% and 61% of our net patient accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, is limited due to our historical collection rate of over 99% from Medicare and the fact that Medicare is a U.S. government payor. Accordingly, we do not record an allowance for doubtful accounts for our Medicare patient accounts receivable, which are recorded at their net realizable value after recording estimated revenue adjustments as discussed above. During 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we recorded $14.4 million , $7.9 million and $6.1 million , respectively, in estimated revenue adjustments to Medicare revenue. We believe there is a certain level of collectibility risk associated with non-Medicare payors. To provide for our non-Medicare patient accounts receivable that could become uncollectible in the future, we establish an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce the carrying amount to its estimated net realizable value. Medicare Home Health For our home health patients, our pre-billing process includes verifying that we are eligible for payment from Medicare for the services that we provide to our patients. Our Medicare billing begins with a process to ensure that our billings are accurate through the utilization of an electronic Medicare claim review. We submit a RAP for 60% of our estimated payment for the initial episode at the start of care or 50% of the estimated payment for any subsequent episodes of care contiguous with the first episode for a particular patient. The full amount of the episode is billed after the episode has been completed (“final billed”). The RAP received for that particular episode is then deducted from our final payment. If a final bill is not submitted within the greater of 120 days from the start of the episode, or 60 days from the date the RAP was paid, any RAPs received for that episode will be recouped by Medicare from any other claims in process for that particular provider number. The RAP and final claim must then be resubmitted. Medicare Hospice For our hospice patients, our pre-billing process includes verifying that we are eligible for payment from Medicare for the services that we provide to our patients. Our Medicare billing begins with a process to ensure that our billings are accurate through the utilization of an electronic Medicare claim review. We bill Medicare on a monthly basis for the services provided to the patient. Non-Medicare Home Health, Hospice, and Personal Care For our non-Medicare patients, our pre-billing process primarily begins with verifying a patient’s eligibility for services with the applicable payor. Once the patient has been confirmed for eligibility, we will provide services to the patient and bill the applicable payor. Our review and evaluation of non-Medicare accounts receivable includes a detailed review of outstanding balances and special consideration to concentrations of receivables from particular payors or groups of payors with similar characteristics that would subject us to any significant credit risk. We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our assessment of historical and expected net collections, business and economic conditions, trends in payment and an evaluation of collectability based upon the date that the service was provided. Based upon our best judgment, we believe the allowance for doubtful accounts adequately provides for accounts that will not be collected due to credit risk. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost and we depreciate it on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Additionally, we have internally developed computer software for our own use. Additions and improvements (including interest costs for construction of qualifying long-lived assets) are capitalized. Maintenance and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred. The cost of property and equipment sold or disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the property and related accumulated depreciation accounts, and any gain or loss is credited or charged to other general and administrative expenses. We consider our reporting units to represent asset groups for purposes of testing long-lived assets for impairment. We assess the impairment of a long-lived asset group whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include but are not limited to the following: • A significant change in the extent or manner in which the long-lived asset group is being used. • A significant change in the business climate that could affect the value of the long-lived asset group. • A significant change in the market value of the assets included in the asset group. If we determine that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, we compare the carrying value of the asset group to the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is indicated. An impairment charge is recognized to the extent that the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its fair value. We generally provide for depreciation over the following estimated useful service lives. Years Building 39 Leasehold improvements Lesser of life or lease or expected useful life Equipment and furniture 3 to 7 Vehicles 5 Computer software 3 to 5 As of December 31, 2014, we had $75.8 million of internally developed software costs related to the development of AMS3 Home Health and Hospice (“AMS3”). Expanded beta testing to additional sites in February of 2015 demonstrated that AMS3 was disruptive to operations. Additional analysis of the system determined that the system was not ready to be fully implemented and would require significant time and investment to redesign. Therefore, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, we made the decision to discontinue AMS3 and recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $75.2 million to write-off the software costs incurred related to the development of AMS3. During 2015, we began the transition of all our care centers from our proprietary operating system to Homecare Homebase (“HCHB”), a leading home health and hospice platform, with all of our care centers operating on HCHB as of December 31, 2016. As part of our conversion process, we determined that a number of assets (primarily laptops) were not compatible with HCHB and had no other alternative or secondary use. As a result, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $4.4 million to write-off these assets during the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, we commenced an active program to sell our corporate headquarters located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we classified this asset as held for sale and reduced the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell the asset; no further depreciation expense for the asset was recorded. As a result, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $2.1 million during the three-month period ended September 30, 2015. The asset was sold during the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 and the Company now leases equivalent office space. The following table summarizes the balances related to our property and equipment for 2017 and 2016 (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 Building and leasehold improvements 7.8 6.9 Equipment and furniture 72.9 71.9 Computer software 97.2 96.8 177.9 175.6 Less: accumulated depreciation (146.8 ) (138.6 ) $ 31.1 $ 37.0 Depreciation expense for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $14.4 million , $17.2 million and $20.0 million , respectively. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the amount of the purchase price in excess of the fair values assigned to the underlying identifiable net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to an annual impairment test. Tests are performed more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. These events or circumstances include but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in the business environment; regulatory environment or legal factors; or a substantial decline in market capitalization of our stock. Each of our operating segments described in Note 14 – Segment Information is considered to represent an individual reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. We consider each of our home health care centers to constitute an individual business for which discrete financial information is available. However, since these care centers have substantially similar operating and economic characteristics and resource allocation and significant investment decisions concerning these businesses are centralized and the benefits broadly distributed, we have aggregated these care centers and deemed them to constitute a single reporting unit. We have applied this same aggregation principle to our hospice care centers and personal-care care centers and have also deemed them to be a single reporting unit. During 2017 , we performed a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units are less than its carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances including financial performance, market conditions and share price. Based on this assessment, we did not record any goodwill impairment charges and none of the goodwill associated with our various reporting units was considered at risk of impairment as of October 31, 2017 . Since the date of our last annual goodwill impairment test, there have been no material developments, events, changes in operating performance or other circumstances that would cause management to believe it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units would be less than its carrying amount. Intangible assets consist of Certificates of Need, licenses, acquired names and non-compete agreements. We amortize non-compete agreements and acquired names that we do not intend to use in the future on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which is generally three years for non-compete agreements and up to five years for acquired names. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the intangible asset below its carrying amount. During 2017, we performed a qualitative assessment to determine that our indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired. There have been no material developments, events, changes in operating performance or other circumstances that would cause management to believe it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our intangible assets would be less than its carrying amount. Debt Issuance Costs We amortize deferred debt issuance costs related to our long-term obligations over its term through interest expense, unless the debt is extinguished, in which case unamortized balances are immediately expensed. We amortized $0.7 million , $0.7 million and $0.8 million in deferred debt issuance costs in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.9 million and $2.7 million , respectively, recorded as long-term obligations, less current portion in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unamortized debt issuance costs of $1.9 million at December 31, 2017 , will be amortized over a weighted-average amortization period of 2.7 years. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following details our financial instruments where the carrying value and the fair value differ (amounts in millions): Fair Value at Reporting Date Using Financial Instrument As of Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Long-term obligations $ 90.7 $ — $ 91.8 $ — The fair value hierarchy is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs are as follows: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. • Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Our deferred compensation plan assets are recorded at fair value and are considered a level 2 measurement. For our other financial instruments, including our cash and cash equivalents, patient accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and employee benefits and accrued expenses, we estimate the carrying amounts’ approximate fair value. Income Taxes We use the asset and liability approach for measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences existing at each balance sheet date using currently enacted tax rates. Our deferred tax calculation requires us to make certain estimates about future operations. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when we believe it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect of a change in tax rate is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 our net deferred tax assets were $56.1 million and $107.9 million , respectively. Our net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2017 includes a $21.4 million decrease resulting from the remeasurement of deferred taxes using the reduced U.S. corporate tax rates included in H.R. 1 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) enacted on December 22, 2017. Management regularly assesses the ability to realize deferred tax assets recorded in the Company’s entities based upon the weight of available evidence, including such factors as the recent earnings history and expected future taxable income. In the event future taxable income is below management’s estimates or is generated in tax jurisdictions different than projected, we could be required to increase the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. This would result in an increase in our effective tax rate. Share-Based Compensation We record all share-based compensation as expense in the financial statements measured at the fair value of the award. We recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. We reflect the excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises as financing cash flows. Share-based compensation expense for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $16.3 million , $16.4 million and $11.8 million , respectively, and the total income tax benefit recognized for these expenses was $6.4 million , $6.4 million and $4.7 million , respectively. Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding Net income (loss) per share attributable to Amedisys, Inc. common stockholders, calculated on the treasury stock method, is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, shares used in our computation of the weighted-average shares outstanding, which are used to calculate our basic and diluted net income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc. common stockholders (amounts in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic 33,704 33,198 33,018 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 281 162 — Non-vested stock and stock units 319 381 — Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted 34,304 33,741 33,018 Anti-dilutive securities 271 221 922 Advertising Costs We expense advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $6.5 million , $7.8 million and $6.9 million , respectively. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue for which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , to defer the effective date of the standard from January 1, 2017, to January 1, 2018, with an option that permits companies to adopt the standard as early as the original effective date. The new ASU reflects the decisions reached by the FASB at its meeting in July 2015. Early application prior to the original effective date is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company will retrospectively adopt ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2015-14 (collectively, "ASC 606") on January 1, 2018 and as a result, substantially all amounts that were previously presented as provision for doubtful accounts in our consolidated statements of operations will now be considered an implicit price concession resulting in a reduction in net service revenue. Except for this adjustment, the company does not expect a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon implementation of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . The amendments in this ASU required that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. ASU 2015-03 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. We adopted this ASU during the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, and applied the change retrospectively for prior period balances of unamortized debt issuance costs, resulting in a $3.4 million reduction in other assets, net and long-term obligations, less current portion, on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which will require lessees to recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The standard requires a modified retrospective transition method which requires application of the new guidance for all periods presented. While the Company expects adoption of this standard to lead to a material increase in the assets and liabilities recorded on our balance sheet, we are still evaluating the overall impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplified the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The ASU was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2017, and as a result, we recorded a $0.4 million increase to our non-current deferred tax asset and retained earnings for tax benefits that were not previously recognized under the prior rules. Additionally, on a prospective basis, we recorded excess tax benefits as a discrete item in our income tax provision within our consolidated statements of operations. We recorded excess tax benefits of $3.2 million within our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, respectively. Historically these amounts were recorded as additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheet. We also elected to prospectively apply the change to the presentation of cash payments made to taxing authorities on the employees' behalf for shares withheld upon stock vesting on our consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017. We have also elected to continue our current policy of estimating forfeitures of stock-based compensation awards at grant date and revising in subsequent periods to reflect actual forfeitures. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues not specifically addressed by U.S. GAAP. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The standard should be applied using a retrospective transition method unless it is impractical to do so for some of the issues. In such case, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company does not expect an impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures upon implementation of ASU 2

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS We complete acquisitions from time to time in order to pursue our strategy of increasing our market presence by expanding our service base and enhancing our position in certain geographic areas as a leading provider of home health, hospice and personal care services. The purchase price paid for acquisitions is negotiated through arm’s length transactions, with consideration based on our analysis of, among other things, comparable acquisitions and expected cash flows. Acquisitions are accounted for as purchases and are included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. Goodwill generated from acquisitions is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over tangible and identifiable intangible assets because of the expected contributions of the acquisitions to our overall corporate strategy. We typically engage outside appraisal firms to assist in the fair value determination of identifiable intangible assets. Preliminary purchase price allocation is adjusted, as necessary, up to one year after the acquisition closing date if management obtains more information regarding asset valuation and liabilities assumed. 2017 Acquisitions Personal Care Division On February 1, 2017, we acquired the assets of Home Staff, L.L.C. which owns and operates three personal-care care centers servicing the state of Massachusetts for a total purchase price of $4.0 million (subject to certain adjustments), of which $0.4 million was placed in a promissory note to be paid over 24 months, subject to any offsets or withholds for indemnification purposes. The purchase price was paid with cash on hand on the date of the transaction. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2017, we recorded goodwill ( $3.8 million ), other intangibles - non-compete agreements ( $0.2 million ) and other assets and liabilities, net ( $0.5 million ) in connection with the acquisition. We expect the entire amount of goodwill recorded for this acquisition to be deductible for income tax purposes over approximately 15 years. On October 1, 2017, we acquired the assets of Intercity Home Care which owns and operates four personal-care care centers servicing the state of Massachusetts for a total purchase price of $9.6 million (subject to certain adjustments), of which $1.0 million was placed in escrow for indemnification purposes and working capital price adjustments. The purchase price was paid with cash on hand on the date of the transaction. During the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, we recorded goodwill ( $9.1 million ), other intangibles - non-compete agreements ( $0.4 million ) and other assets and liabilities, net ( $0.1 million ) in connection with the acquisition. We expect the entire amount of goodwill recorded for this acquisition to be deductible for income tax purposes over approximately 15 years. Home Health and Hospice Divisions On May 1, 2017, we acquired three home health care centers (one in each Illinois, Massachusetts, and Texas) and two hospice care centers (one in each Arizona and Massachusetts) from Tenet Healthcare for a total purchase price of $20.5 million , (subject to certain adjustments). The purchase price was paid with cash on hand on the date of the transaction. Based on our preliminary purchase price allocation, we recorded goodwill ( $20.9 million ) and other assets and liabilities, net ( $0.8 million ) in connection with this acquisition during the three-month period ended June 30, 2017. During the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, we received the final report from our outside appraisal firm. As a result, we reduced our preliminary goodwill by $2.8 million and recorded corresponding increases in other intangibles - Medicare licenses ( $0.1 million ) and other intangibles - acquired names of business ( $2.7 million ). We expect the entire amount of goodwill recorded for this acquisition to be deductible for income tax purposes over approximately 15 years. The following table contains unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations information for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 assuming that our 2017 acquisitions closed on January 1, 2016 (amounts in millions, except per share data): 2017 2016 Net service revenue $ 1,557.6 $ 1,501.5 Operating income (loss) 78.7 59.7 Net income 30.8 39.0 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.90 $ 1.16 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.89 $ 1.15 The pro forma information presented above includes adjustments for (i) amortization of identifiable intangible assets and (ii) income tax provision using the Company’s statutory tax rate. This pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of the results of operations that would have actually occurred. In addition, future results may vary significantly from the results reflected in the pro forma information. 2016 Acquisitions Personal Care Division On March 1, 2016, we acquired Associated Home Care ("AHC") for a total purchase price of $27.7 million , net of cash acquired (subject to certain adjustments), of which $0.5 million was placed in escrow for indemnification purposes and working capital price adjustments. The purchase price was paid with cash on hand on the date of the transaction. AHC owned and operated nine personal-care care centers servicing the state of Massachusetts. In connection with the acquisition, we recorded goodwill ( $18.5 million ), other intangibles ( $4.8 million ) and other assets and liabilities, net ( $4.4 million ). We expect the entire amount of goodwill recorded for this acquisition to be deductible for income tax purposes over approximately 15 years. On September 1, 2016, we acquired the assets of Professional Profiles, Inc. ("PPI") for a total purchase price of $4.4 million , (subject to certain adjustments), of which $0.7 million was placed in a promissory note to be paid over 24 months, subject to any offsets or withholds for indemnification purposes. PPI owned and operated four personal-care care centers servicing the state of Massachusetts. In connection with the acquisition, we recorded goodwill ( $4.2 million ) and other intangibles – non-compete agreements ( $0.2 million ). We expect the entire amount of goodwill recorded for this acquisition to be deductible for income tax purposes over approximately 15 years. Home Health Division On October 20, 2016, we acquired the assets of a former nonprofit organization in New York for a purchase price of $4.6 million . In connection with the acquisition, we recorded goodwill ( $4.4 million ) and other intangibles – certificate of need ( $0.2 million ). We expect the entire amount of goodwill recorded for this acquisition to be deductible for income tax purposes over approximately 15 years. 2015 Acquisitions Hospice Division On July 24, 2015, we acquired one hospice care center in Tennessee for a total purchase price of $5.8 million . The purchase price was paid with cash on hand on the date of the transaction. In connection with the acquisition, we recorded goodwill ( $5.5 million ) and other intangibles ( $0.3 million ). Home Health Division On October 2, 2015, we acquired the assets of a home health care center in Georgia for a total purchase price of $0.3 million . The purchase price was paid with cash on hand on the date of the transaction. In connection with the acquisition, we recorded goodwill ( $0.3 million ). On December 31, 2015, we acquired Infinity HomeCare (“Infinity”) for a total purchase price of $63 million , net of cash acquired (subject to certain adjustments), of which $3.2 million was placed in escrow for indemnification purposes and working capital price adjustments. The purchase price was paid with cash on hand on the date of the transaction. Infinity owned and operated 15 home health care centers servicing the state of Florida. In connection with the acquisition, we recorded goodwill ( $50.2 million ), other intangibles ( $10.9 million ) and other assets and liabilities, net ( $1.9 million ). Approximately $47.6 million of the $50.2 million recorded as goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes over approximately 15 years.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET During 2017 , we did not record any goodwill impairment charges as a result of our annual impairment test and none of the goodwill associated with our various reporting units were considered at risk of impairment as of October 31, 2017 . Since the date of our last annual goodwill impairment test, there have been no material developments, events, changes in operating performance or other circumstances that would cause management to believe it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units would be less than its carrying amount. During 2017, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $1.3 million related to those care centers that were closed or consolidated during 2017 as discussed in Note 12 - Exit and Restructuring Activities. During the fiscal year 2016 , we did not record any goodwill impairment charges as a result of our annual impairment test and none of the goodwill associated with our various reporting units were considered at risk of impairment. During the fiscal year 2015 , we did not record any goodwill impairment charges as a result of our annual impairment test and none of the goodwill associated with our various reporting units were considered at risk of impairment. The following table summarizes the activity related to our goodwill for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (amounts in millions): Goodwill Home Health Hospice Personal Care Total Balances at December 31, 2014 $ 16.5 $ 189.1 $ — $ 205.6 Additions 50.6 5.5 — 56.1 Balances at December 31, 2015 67.1 194.6 — 261.7 Additions 4.4 — 22.7 27.1 Adjustments related to acquisitions (1) 0.1 — — 0.1 Balances at December 31, 2016 71.6 194.6 22.7 288.9 Additions 13.4 4.7 12.9 31.0 Balances at December 31, 2017 $ 85.0 $ 199.3 $ 35.6 $ 319.9 (1) During 2016, we adjusted goodwill by $0.1 million as a result of our completion of the purchase price accounting for our 2015 acquisition of Infinity. The following table summarizes the activity related to our other intangible assets, net for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (amounts in millions): Other Intangible Assets, Net Certificates of Need and Licenses Acquired Names of Business Non-Compete Agreements (2) Total Balances at December 31, 2014 $ 23.1 $ 10.1 $ — $ 33.2 Additions 1.1 4.1 5.9 11.1 Write-off (0.3 ) — — (0.3 ) Balances at December 31, 2015 23.9 14.2 5.9 44.0 Additions 0.2 3.5 1.5 5.2 Amortization — — (2.5 ) (2.5 ) Balances at December 31, 2016 24.1 17.7 4.9 46.7 Additions 0.1 2.7 0.6 3.4 Write-off (1) (0.5 ) (0.8 ) — (1.3 ) Amortization — — (2.7 ) (2.7 ) Balances at December 31, 2017 $ 23.7 $ 19.6 $ 2.8 $ 46.1 (1) Write-off of intangible assets related to the closure and consolidation of care centers as discussed in Note 12 - Exit and Restructuring Activities. (2) The weighted average amortization period of our non-compete agreements is 1.3 years . See Note 3 – Acquisitions for further details on additions to goodwill and other intangible assets, net. The estimated aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years is as follows (amounts in millions): 2018 $ 2.4 2019 0.3 2020 0.1 2021 — 2022 — $ 2.8

DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEE

DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Details Of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]
DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS	DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS Additional information regarding certain balance sheet accounts is presented below (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 Other current assets: Payroll tax escrow $ 7.2 $ 6.7 Income tax receivable 3.4 1.3 Due from joint ventures 2.0 1.7 Other 3.7 1.6 $ 16.3 $ 11.3 Other assets: Workers’ compensation deposits $ 0.4 $ 0.4 Health insurance deposits 0.5 0.5 Other miscellaneous deposits 0.9 0.9 Indemnity receivable 17.0 4.9 Investments 26.4 27.8 Other 3.9 4.0 $ 49.1 $ 38.5 Accrued expenses: Health insurance $ 14.1 $ 10.6 Workers’ compensation 29.3 26.8 Florida ZPIC audit, gross liability 17.4 — Legal and other settlements 6.4 5.7 Lease liability 0.9 0.4 Charity care 1.5 1.4 Estimated Medicare cap liability 0.9 0.8 Hospice cost of revenue 9.1 7.2 Patient liability 5.3 4.3 Other 4.2 6.1 $ 89.1 $ 63.3 Other long-term obligations: Reserve for uncertain tax positions $ — $ 0.3 Deferred compensation plan liability 1.9 1.8 Other 1.9 1.6 $ 3.8 $ 3.7

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term debt consisted of the following for the periods indicated (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 $100.0 million Term Loan; principal payments plus accrued interest payable quarterly; interest rate at ABR Rate plus applicable percentage or Eurodollar Rate plus the applicable percentage (3.57% at December 31, 2017); due August 28, 2020 $ 90.0 $ 95.0 $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility; interest only quarterly payments; interest rate at ABR Rate plus applicable percentage or Eurodollar Rate plus the applicable percentage; due August 28, 2020 — — Promissory notes 0.7 0.7 Principal amount of long-term obligations 90.7 95.7 Deferred debt issuance costs (1.9 ) (2.7 ) 88.8 93.0 Current portion of long-term obligations (10.6 ) (5.2 ) Total $ 78.2 $ 87.8 Maturities of debt as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (amounts in millions): Long-term obligations 2018 $ 10.6 2019 10.1 2020 70.0 2021 — 2022 — $ 90.7 Credit Agreement On August 28, 2015, we entered into a Credit Agreement that provides for senior secured facilities in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $300 million (the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities are comprised of (a) a term loan facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of $100 million (the “Term Loan”); and (b) a revolving credit facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of up to $200 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility provides for and includes within its $200 million limit a $25 million swingline facility and commitments for up to $50 million in letters of credit. Upon lender approval, we may increase the aggregate loan amount under the Credit Facilities by a maximum amount of $150 million . The net proceeds of the Term Loan and existing cash on hand were used to pay off (i) our existing term loan under our prior Credit Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2012, as amended (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) with a principal balance of $27 million and (ii) our existing term loan under our prior Second Lien Credit Agreement dated July 28, 2014 (the “Second Lien Credit Agreement”), with a principal balance of $70 million . The final maturity of the Term Loan is August 28, 2020 . The Term Loan began amortizing on March 31, 2016 and will continue amortizing over 10 quarterly installments ( eight remaining quarterly installments of $2.5 million beginning March 31, 2018, followed by two quarterly installments of $3.1 million beginning March 31, 2020, subject to adjustment for prepayments), with the remaining balance due upon maturity. The Revolving Credit Facility may be used to provide ongoing working capital and for general corporate purposes of the Company and our subsidiaries, including permitted acquisitions, as defined in the Credit Agreement. The final maturity of the Revolving Credit Facility is August 28, 2020 and will be payable in full at that time. The interest rate in connection with the Credit Facilities shall be selected from the following by us: (i) the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate or (ii) the Eurodollar Rate plus the Applicable Rate. The “Base Rate” means a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum, (b) the prime rate of interest established by the Administrative Agent, and (c) the Eurodollar Rate for an interest period of one month plus 1% per annum. The “Eurodollar Rate” means the rate at which Eurodollar deposits in the London interbank market for an interest period of one , two , three or six months (as selected by us) are quoted. The “Applicable Rate” is based on the consolidated leverage ratio and is presented in the table below. As of December 31, 2017 , the Applicable Rate is 1.00% per annum for Base Rate Loans and 2.00% per annum for Eurodollar Rate Loans. We are also subject to a commitment fee and letter of credit fee under the terms of the Credit Facilities, as presented in the table below. Consolidated Leverage Ratio Margin for ABR Loans Margin for Eurodollar Loans Commitment Fee Letter of Credit Fee ≥ 2.75 to 1.0 2.00 % 3.00 % 0.40 % 3.00 % < 2.75 to 1.0 but ≥ 1.75 to 1.0 1.50 % 2.50 % 0.35 % 2.50 % < 1.75 to 1.0 but ≥ 0.75 to 1.0 1.00 % 2.00 % 0.30 % 2.00 % < 0.75 to 1.0 0.50 % 1.50 % 0.25 % 1.50 % Our weighted average interest rate for our $100.0 million Term Loan, under our Credit Agreement, was 3.1% and 2.5% for the period ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Our weighted average interest rate for our $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility was 3.5% for the period ended December 31, 2016 . As of December 31, 2017 , our availability under our $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility was $167.3 million as we had $32.7 million outstanding in letters of credit. The Credit Agreement requires maintenance of two financial covenants: (i) a consolidated leverage ratio of funded indebtedness to EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Agreement, and (ii) a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of EBITDA plus rent expense (less cash taxes less capital expenditures) to scheduled debt repayments plus interest expense plus rent expense, all as defined in the Credit Agreement. Each of these covenants is calculated over rolling four-quarter periods and also is subject to certain exceptions and baskets. As of December 31, 2017 , our consolidated leverage ratio was 0.9 and our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was 4.4 and we are in compliance with the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement also contains customary covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on: incurrence of liens; incurrence of additional debt; sales of assets and other fundamental corporate changes; investments; and declarations of dividends. These covenants contain customary exclusions and baskets. The Credit Facilities are guaranteed by substantially all of our wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement requires at all times that we (i) provide guarantees from wholly-owned subsidiaries that in the aggregate represent not less than 95% of our consolidated net revenues and adjusted EBITDA from all wholly-owned subsidiaries and (ii) provide guarantees from subsidiaries that in the aggregate represent not less than 70% of consolidated adjusted EBITDA, subject to certain exceptions. In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, we entered into (i) a Security Agreement with the Administrative Agent dated August 28, 2015 and (ii) a Pledge Agreement with the Administrative Agent dated as of August 28, 2015 for the purpose of securing the payment of our obligations under the Credit Agreement. Pursuant to the Security Agreement and the Pledge Agreement, as of the effective date of the Credit Agreement, our obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by (i) the grant of a first lien security interest in the non-real estate assets of substantially all of our direct and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries (subject to exceptions) and (ii) the pledge of the equity interests in (a) substantially all of our direct and indirect, wholly-owned corporate, limited liability company and limited partnership subsidiaries and (b) those joint ventures which constitute subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement (subject, in the case of the Pledge Agreement, to exceptions). In connection with our entry into the Credit Agreement, on August 28, 2015, each of the Prior Credit Agreement and the Second Lien Credit Agreement were terminated. The Company paid a call premium of $700,000 associated with the termination of the Second Lien Credit Agreement and the voluntary prepayment of the amounts owed thereunder as of August 28, 2015, and expensed $2.5 million in deferred debt issuance costs during the three-month period ended September 30, 2015. Also in connection with our entry into the Credit Agreement, we recorded $2.4 million in deferred debt issuance costs as other assets in our consolidated balance sheet during 2015 which was reclassified to long-term obligations, less current portion during 2016 in accordance with ASU 2015-03. Promissory Notes Our promissory notes outstanding of $0.7 million , issued in conjunction with acquisitions, bear an interest rate in a range of 2.6% to 2.9% .

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Income taxes attributable to continuing operations consist of the following (amounts in millions): For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current income tax expense/(benefit): Federal $ (2.0 ) $ (0.5 ) $ 2.2 State and local (0.1 ) (0.1 ) 0.5 (2.1 ) (0.6 ) 2.7 Deferred income tax expense/(benefit): Federal 51.2 22.1 (0.5 ) State and local 1.0 2.4 (0.1 ) Foreign — — (0.1 ) 52.2 24.5 (0.7 ) Income tax expense $ 50.1 $ 23.9 $ 2.0 Total income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was allocated as follows (amounts in millions): For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Income from continuing operations $ 50.1 $ 23.9 $ 2.0 Interest expense — (0.1 ) 0.2 Goodwill — — (0.1 ) Stockholders’ equity (0.3 ) (7.2 ) (2.1 ) $ 49.8 $ 16.6 $ — A reconciliation of significant differences between the reported amount of income tax expense and the expected amount of income tax expense that would result from applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35 percent to income before taxes is as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (1) Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 3.8 4.8 (7.1 ) Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation (2) (3.5 ) — — Valuation allowance 0.2 0.1 79.1 Tax credits (0.8 ) (0.6 ) 136.0 Tax rate change (3) 26.5 — — Uncertain tax positions (0.3 ) (1.0 ) (230.3 ) Other items, net (4) 1.1 0.6 (663.3 ) Income tax expense/(benefit) 62.0 % 38.9 % (650.6 )% (1) The information provided for the year ended December 31, 2015 does not provide a meaningful reconciliation of the effective tax rate or comparable to other periods. The effective tax rate for the year is influenced by the relationship of the amount of “effective tax rate drivers” (i.e. non-deductible expenses, non-taxable income, tax credits, valuation allowance, uncertain tax positions, etc.) to income or loss before taxes. A significant asset impairment was recorded in the first quarter of 2015, resulting in a scenario where the company’s loss before tax for the year was near zero. Consequently, for 2015, the relationship between the “effective tax rate drivers” and loss before taxes is distorted. (2) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplified the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences. The new guidelines required excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the income statement when stock awards vest or are settled. As a result, the Company recognized a $2.9 million federal income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of operations (rather than additional paid-in capital) for the year ended December 31, 2017 from share-based compensation excess tax benefits. (3) On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act), which reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% , effective January 1, 2018 was enacted. According to ASC 740, Income Taxes , deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured to reflect the effects of enacted changes in tax rates at the date of enactment, even though the tax rate changes are not effective until a future period. The Company's remeasurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the enacted reduced tax rate resulted in a $21.4 million deferred income tax expense during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 . (4) Includes various items such as, non-deductible expenses, non-taxable income and return-to-accrual adjustments. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company had income taxes receivable of $3.4 million and $1.3 million , respectively, included in other current assets. The income tax receivable at December 31, 2017 includes a $2.3 million Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Credit carryforward. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act repeals the AMT for corporations and makes it refundable in years 2018 through 2020 . Since the AMT credit carryforward is refundable from 2018 through 2020 and the company plans to utilize its AMT credit carryforward to reduce taxable income in 2018, the AMT credit carryforward was reclassified from deferred tax assets to other current assets as of December 31, 2017 . Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following components (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 (1) 2016 Deferred tax assets: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 5.3 $ 6.9 Accrued payroll & employee benefits 9.0 11.4 Workers’ compensation 7.9 10.9 Amortization of intangible assets 26.0 56.3 Share-based compensation 6.1 7.8 Net operating loss carryforwards (2) 20.1 44.2 Tax credit carryforwards (3) 4.6 4.8 Other 2.4 1.1 Gross deferred tax assets 81.4 143.4 Less: valuation allowance (0.7 ) (0.4 ) Net deferred tax assets 80.7 143.0 Deferred tax (liabilities): Property and equipment (4.0 ) (7.8 ) Deferred revenue (18.0 ) (23.2 ) Investment in partnerships (2.1 ) (3.2 ) Other liabilities (0.5 ) (0.9 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (24.6 ) (35.1 ) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 56.1 $ 107.9 (1) On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act), which reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% , effective January 1, 2018, was enacted. According to ASC 740, Income Taxes , deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured to reflect the effects of enacted changes in tax rates at the date of enactment, even though the tax rate changes are not effective until a future period. The Company's remeasurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the enacted reduced tax rate resulted in a $21.4 million deferred income tax expense during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 . (2) The net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards in the income tax returns include unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, the deferred tax assets recognized for the NOL carry forwards, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , are presented net of unrecognized tax benefits of $2.1 million and $3.1 million , respectively. (3) The tax credit carry forwards in the income tax returns include unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, the deferred tax assets recognized for the tax credit carry forwards are presented net of unrecognized tax benefits of $0.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 . As of December 31, 2017 , we have U.S. net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards of $52.6 million that are available to reduce future taxable income and begin to expire in 2034. In addition, we have research and development tax credits and employment tax credits of $1.9 million and $0.4 million , respectively, available to reduce future U.S. federal income taxes which begin to expire in 2032. As of December 31, 2017 , we have state NOL carry forwards of $223.0 million that are available to reduce future taxable income. In addition, we have $3.8 million of various state tax credits available to reduce future taxable income. The state NOL and tax credit carry forwards begin to expire at various times. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $0.7 million and $0.4 million , respectively. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was an increase of $0.3 million and $0.1 million , respectively. The valuation allowance is primarily related to certain state NOL and state tax credit carry forwards. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income in those jurisdictions during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities (including the impact of available carry back and carry forward periods), projected future taxable income, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to fully realize the deferred tax assets, the Company will need to generate future taxable income before the expiration of the carry forwards governed by the tax code. Based on the current level of pretax earnings, the Company will generate the minimum amount of future taxable income needed to support the realization of the deferred tax assets. As a result, as of December 31, 2017 , management believes that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deferred tax assets, net of the existing valuation allowances. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are reduced. Uncertain Tax Positions We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the authoritative guidance for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (amounts in millions): For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of period $ 4.1 $ 4.7 Additions for tax positions related to current year — — Additions for tax positions related to prior year — — Reductions for tax positions related to prior years — — Lapse of statute of limitations (0.3 ) (0.6 ) Change in statutory tax rate (1.1 ) — Settlements — — Balance at end of period $ 2.7 $ 4.1 The Company's remeasurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the enacted reduced tax rate as a result of the recent tax reform resulted in a $1.1 million reduction in its uncertain tax positions recorded in net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2017 . As of December 31, 2017 , there is $2.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits recorded in deferred income taxes within the consolidated balance sheet that, if recognized in future periods, would impact our effective tax rate. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we recognized less than $(0.1) million and $(0.1) million of interest and penalties, respectively, as components of penalties or interest expense in connection with our reserve for uncertain tax positions. Interest and penalties, related to uncertain tax positions, included in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were less than $0.1 million . We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and in many of the 50 individual states, with significant operations in Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts and Tennessee. We are open to examination in the U.S. and in various individual states for tax years ended December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2017. We are also open to examination in various states for the years ended 2001 – 2017 resulting from net operating losses generated and available for carry forward from those years.

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED C

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
CAPITAL SOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION We are authorized by our Certificate of Incorporation to issue 60,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value. As of December 31, 2017 , there were 35,747,134 and 33,964,767 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, respectively, and no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding. Our Board of Directors is authorized to fix the dividend rights and terms, conversion and voting rights, redemption rights and other privileges and restrictions applicable to our preferred stock. Share-Based Awards Our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) authorizes the grant of various types of equity-based awards, such as stock awards, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and stock options to eligible participants, which include all of our employees and all employees of our 50% or more owned subsidiaries, our non-employee directors and certain consultants. The vesting terms of the awards may be tied to continued employment (or, for our non-employee directors, continued service on the Board of Directors) and/or achievement of certain pre-determined performance goals. We refer to stock awards subject to service-based vesting conditions as “non-vested stock” and restricted stock units subject to service-based or a combination of service-based and performance-based vesting conditions as “non-vested stock units.” The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, which determines, within the provisions of the Plan, those eligible employees to whom, and the times at which, awards shall be granted. The Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may delegate its authority and duties under the Plan to specified officers; however, only the Compensation Committee may approve the terms of awards to our executive officers. Equity-based awards may be granted for a number of shares not to exceed, in the aggregate, approximately 5.5 million shares of common stock, and we had approximately 1.2 million shares available at December 31, 2017 . The price per share for stock options shall be of no less than the greater of (a) 100% of the fair value of a share of common stock on the date the option is granted or (b) the aggregate par value of the shares of our common stock on the date the option is granted. If a stock option is granted to any owner of 10% or more of our total combined voting power of us and our subsidiaries, the price is to be at least 110% of the fair value of a share of our common stock on the date the award is granted. Each equity-based award vests ratably over a 12 month to six year period, with the exception of those issued under contractual arrangements that specify otherwise, that may be exercised during a period as determined by our Compensation Committee or as otherwise approved by our Compensation Committee. The contractual terms of stock options exercised shall not exceed ten years from the date such option is granted. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) We have a plan whereby our eligible employees may purchase our common stock at 85% of the market price at the time of purchase. On June 7, 2012, our stockholders ratified an amendment adopted by our Board of Directors to increase the total number of shares of our common stock authorized for the issuance under our ESPP from 2,500,000 shares to 4,500,000 shares, and as of December 31, 2017 , there were 1,410,511 shares available for future issuance. The following is a detail of the purchases that were made or pending Board of Director approval under the plan: Employee Stock Purchase Plan Period Shares Issued Price 2015 and Prior 2,977,712 $ 14.20 January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016 13,850 41.09 April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 14,236 42.91 July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 16,520 40.32 October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 16,882 36.24 January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017 13,244 43.43 April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 11,446 53.39 July 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 12,276 47.57 October 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 13,323 44.80 3,089,489 ESPP expense included in general and administrative expense in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations was 0.4 million for each of 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Stock Options We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value of our stock options. There were 308,292 , 268,538 and 590,647 options granted during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Stock option compensation expense included in general and administrative expense in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations was $5.6 million , $6.3 million and $3.8 million for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The fair value of the 2017 awards were estimated using the following assumptions: Risk Free Rate 1.99% - 2.16% Expected Volatility 50.18% - 51.81% Expected Term 5.78 - 6.25 years Weighted Average Fair Value $28.02 We used the simplified method to estimate the expected term for the stock options granted during 2017 . The following table presents our stock option activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years) Outstanding options at January 1, 2017 1,008,157 $ 31.54 8.42 Granted 308,292 43.13 Exercised (144,206 ) 31.58 Canceled, forfeited or expired (262,513 ) 39.18 Outstanding options at December 31, 2017 909,730 $ 33.25 7.62 Exercisable options at December 31, 2017 381,932 $ 28.73 7.20 The aggregate intrinsic value of our outstanding options and exercisable options at December 31, 2017 was $18.1 million and $9.2 million , respectively. Total intrinsic value of options exercised was $3.9 million and $0.2 million for 2017 and 2015 , respectively; there were no options exercised during 2016. The following table presents our non-vested stock option award activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Non-vested stock options at January 1, 2017 726,699 $ 32.58 Granted 308,292 43.13 Vested (260,814 ) 30.54 Forfeited (246,379 ) 39.48 Non-vested stock options at December 31, 2017 527,798 $ 36.52 At December 31, 2017 , there was $5.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that we expect to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. Non-Vested Stock We issue shares of non-vested stock with vesting terms ranging from one to six years. The compensation expense is determined based on the market price of our common stock at the date of grant applied to the total number of shares that are anticipated to fully vest. Non-vested stock compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations was $1.7 million , $2.3 million and $5.0 million for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The following table presents our non-vested stock award activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested stock at January 1, 2017 209,378 $ 22.20 Granted 19,152 62.67 Vested (170,292 ) 21.61 Canceled, forfeited or expired (11,240 ) 19.51 Non-vested stock at December 31, 2017 46,998 $ 41.48 The weighted average grant date fair value of non-vested stock granted was $62.67 , $50.55 and $28.48 in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 , there was $0.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock award payments that we expect to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.5 years. Non-Vested Stock Units We issue non-vested stock unit awards that are service-based, performance-based or a combination of both with vesting terms ranging from one to six years. Based on the terms and conditions of these awards, we determine if the awards should be recorded as either equity or liability instruments. The compensation expense is determined based on the market price of our common stock at the date of grant, applied to the total number of units that are anticipated to vest, unless the award specifies differently. We account for such awards similar to our non-vested stock awards; however, no shares of stock are issued to the recipient until the stock unit awards have vested and after the pre-determined delivery date has occurred. Non-Vested Stock Units – Service-Based Service-based non-vested stock unit compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations was $3.6 million , $3.6 million and $1.0 million for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The following table presents our service-based non-vested stock units activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested stock units at January 1, 2017 249,429 $ 42.05 Granted 126,447 53.79 Vested (57,106 ) 42.41 Canceled, forfeited or expired (83,928 ) 44.00 Non-vested stock units at December 31, 2017 234,842 $ 47.58 The weighted average grant date fair value of service-based non-vested stock units granted was $53.79 , $45.60 and $37.98 in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 , there was $6.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to our service-based non-vested stock units that we expect to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years. Non-Vested Stock Units – Service-Based and Performance-Based Awards During 2017 , we awarded performance-based awards to certain employees. The target level established by the award, which is based on the Company’s 2017 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (“EBITDA”), provided for the recipients to receive 194,109 non-vested stock units if the target was achieved. The target number of shares to be potentially awarded has been reduced by forfeitures as indicated in the table below. Performance-based non-vested stock units compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations was $5.0 million , $3.7 million and $1.3 million for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The following table presents our performance-based non-vested stock units activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested stock units at January 1, 2017 224,857 $ 45.08 Granted 194,109 52.99 Vested (73,998 ) 45.23 Canceled, forfeited or expired (92,020 ) 47.50 Non-vested stock units at December 31, 2017 252,948 $ 51.15 The weighted average grant date fair value of performance-based non-vested stock units granted was $52.99 , $46.29 and $39.54 in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 , there were $7.7 million in unrecognized compensation costs related to our performance-based non-vested stock units that we expect to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Legal Proceedings – Ongoing We are involved in the following legal actions: Subpoena Duces Tecum Issued by the U.S. Department of Justice On May 21, 2015, we received a Subpoena Duces Tecum (“Subpoena”) issued by the U.S. Department of Justice. The Subpoena requests the delivery of information regarding 53 identified hospice patients to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. It also requests the delivery of documents relating to our hospice clinical and business operations and related compliance activities. The Subpoena generally covers the period from January 1, 2011, through May 21, 2015. We are fully cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice with respect to this investigation. Based on the information currently available to us, we cannot predict the timing or outcome of this investigation or reasonably estimate the amount or range of potential losses, if any, which may arise from this matter. Civil Investigative Demand Issued by the U.S. Department of Justice On November 3, 2015, we received a civil investigative demand (“CID”) issued by the U.S. Department of Justice pursuant to the federal False Claims Act relating to claims submitted to Medicare and/or Medicaid for hospice services provided through designated facilities in the Morgantown, West Virginia area. The CID requests the delivery of information to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia regarding 66 identified hospice patients, as well as documents relating to our hospice clinical and business operations in the Morgantown area. The CID generally covers the period from January 1, 2009 through August 31, 2015. We are fully cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice with respect to this investigation. Based on the information currently available to us, we cannot predict the timing or outcome of this investigation or reasonably estimate the amount or range of potential losses, if any, which may arise from this matter. On June 27, 2016, we received a CID issued by the U.S. Department of Justice pursuant to the federal False Claims Act relating to claims submitted to Medicare and/or Medicaid for hospice services provided through designated facilities in the Parkersburg, West Virginia area. The CID requests the delivery of information to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia regarding 68 identified hospice patients, as well as documents relating to our hospice clinical and business operations in the Parkersburg area. The CID generally covers the period from January 1, 2011 through June 20, 2016. We are fully cooperating with the U.S. Department of Justice with respect to this investigation. Based on the information currently available to us, we cannot predict the timing or outcome of this investigation or reasonably estimate the amount or range of potential losses, if any, which may arise from this matter. In addition to the matters referenced in this note, we are involved in legal actions in the normal course of business, some of which seek monetary damages, including claims for punitive damages. We do not believe that these normal course actions, when finally concluded and determined, will have a material impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Legal Proceedings – Settled Wage and Hour Litigation On July 25, 2012, a putative collective and class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut against us in which three former employees allege wage and hour law violations. The former employees claim that they were not paid overtime for all hours worked over 40 hours in violation of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), as well as the Pennsylvania Minimum Wage Act. More specifically, they allege they were paid on both a per-visit and an hourly basis, and that such a pay scheme resulted in their misclassification as exempt employees, thereby denying them overtime pay. On June 10, 2015, the Company and plaintiffs participated in a mediation whereby they agreed to fully resolve all of plaintiffs’ claims in the lawsuit for $8.0 million , subject to approval by the Court. As of September 30, 2015, we had an accrual of $8.0 million for this matter. On January 29, 2016, the Court approved the final settlement of this case. The settlement became effective on February 26, 2016. As a result of the final amount calculated by the settlement administrator based on claims timely submitted, we reduced our accrual to $5.3 million as of December 31, 2015; this amount was paid during the three-month period ended March 31, 2016. On September 13, 2012, a putative collective and class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against us in which a former employee alleges wage and hour law violations. The former employee claims she was paid on both a per-visit and an hourly basis, and that such a pay scheme resulted in her misclassification as an exempt employee, thereby denying her overtime. The plaintiff alleges violations of federal and state law and seeks damages under the FLSA and the Illinois Minimum Wage Law. On December 23, 2015, the parties agreed to explore the possibility of a mediated settlement of the Illinois case, and a mediation occurred on April 18, 2016. The parties agreed to settle the case for $0.8 million , subject to court approval, which the Company had accrued as of September 30, 2016. On August 4, 2016, the Court approved the final settlement of this case. The final payment of $0.6 million was paid on November 21, 2016. Frontier Litigation On April 2, 2015, Frontier Home Health and Hospice, L.L.C. (“Frontier”) filed a complaint against the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut alleging breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation and unfair and deceptive trade practices under Conn. Gen. Stat. §42-110b. Frontier acquired our interest in five home health and four hospice care centers in Wyoming and Idaho in April 2014. The complaint alleges that certain of the hospice patients on service at the time of the acquisition did not meet Medicare eligibility requirements and that we breached certain of the representations and warranties under the purchase agreement and therefore, the businesses were worth less than the purchase price. Under the complaint, Frontier seeks declaratory judgment from the District Court that, under the terms of the purchase agreement with Frontier, we are obligated to determine the amount of the alleged Medicare overpayments and reimburse the government for the same in a timely manner, as well as unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and pre- and post-judgment interest. The Company resolved the Frontier litigation for $2.9 million during the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. Securities Class Action Lawsuits As previously disclosed, between June 10 and July 28, 2010, several putative securities class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana (the “District Court”) against the Company and certain of our former senior executives. The cases were consolidated into the first-filed action Bach, et al. v. Amedisys, Inc., et al. Case No. 3:10-cv-00395, and the District Court appointed as co-lead plaintiffs the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi and the Puerto Rico Teachers’ Retirement System (the “Co-Lead Plaintiffs”). The Plaintiffs were granted leave to file a First Amended Consolidated Complaint (the “First Amended Securities Complaint”) on behalf of all purchasers or acquirers of Amedisys’ securities between August 2, 2005 and September 30, 2011. The First Amended Securities Complaint alleges that the Company and seven individual defendants violated Section 10(b), Section 20(a), and Rule 10b-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by materially misrepresenting the Company’s financial results and concealing a scheme to obtain higher Medicare reimbursements and additional patient referrals by (1) providing medically unnecessary care to patients, including certifying and re-certifying patients for medically unnecessary 60-day treatment episodes; (2) implementing clinical tracks such as “Balanced for Life” and wound care programs that provided a pre-set number of therapy visits irrespective of medical need; (3) “upcoding” patients’ Medicare forms to attribute a “primary diagnosis” to a medical condition associated with higher billing rates; and (4) providing improper and illegal remuneration to physicians to obtain patient certifications or re-certifications. The First Amended Securities Complaint seeks certification of the case as a class action and an unspecified amount of damages, as well as interest and an award of attorneys’ fees. On June 12, 2017, the Company reached an agreement-in-principle to settle this matter. All parties to the action executed a binding term sheet that, subject to final documentation and court approval, provided in part for a settlement payment of approximately $43.7 million , which we accrued as of June 30, 2017, and the dismissal with prejudice of the litigation. Approximately $15.0 million of the settlement amount paid by the Company’s insurance carriers during the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, was previously recorded with other current assets in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2017. The net of these two amounts, $28.7 million , was recorded as a charge in our condensed consolidated statements of operations during the three-month period ended June 30, 2017 and paid with cash on hand during the three-month period ended September 30, 2017. On December 19, 2017, the Court entered the final order and judgment on the case. Other Investigative Matters – Ongoing Corporate Integrity Agreement On April 23, 2014, with no admissions of liability on our part, we entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice relating to certain of our clinical and business operations. Concurrently with our entry into this agreement, we entered into a corporate integrity agreement (“CIA”) with the Office of Inspector General-HHS (“OIG”). The CIA formalizes various aspects of our already existing ethics and compliance programs and contains other requirements designed to help ensure our ongoing compliance with federal health care program requirements. Among other things, the CIA requires us to maintain our existing compliance program, executive compliance committee and compliance committee of the Board of Directors; provide certain compliance training; continue screening new and current employees to ensure they are eligible to participate in federal health care programs; engage an independent review organization to perform certain auditing and reviews and prepare certain reports regarding our compliance with federal health care programs, our billing submissions to federal health care programs and our compliance and risk mitigation programs; and provide certain reports and management certifications to the OIG. Additionally, the CIA specifically requires that we report substantial overpayments that we discover we have received from federal health care programs, as well as probable violations of federal health care laws. Upon breach of the CIA, we could become liable for payment of certain stipulated penalties, or could be excluded from participation in federal health care programs. The corporate integrity agreement has a term of five years . Idaho and Wyoming Self-Report During 2016, the Company engaged an independent auditing firm to perform a clinical audit of the hospice care centers acquired by Frontier Home Health and Hospice in April 2014. No assurances can be given as to the timing or outcome of the audit on the Company, its consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, which could be material, individually or in the aggregate. Other Investigative Matters – Settled Computer Inventory and Data Security Reporting On March 1 and March 2, 2015, we provided official notice under federal and state data privacy laws concerning the outcome of an extensive risk management process to locate and verify our large computer inventory. The process identified approximately 142 encrypted computers and laptops for which reports were required under federal and state data privacy laws. The devices at issue were originally assigned to Company clinicians and other team members who left the Company between 2011 and 2014 . We reported these devices to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, state agencies, and individuals whose information may be involved, as required under applicable law because we could not rule out unauthorized access to patient data on the devices. In accordance with our CIA, we notified the OIG of this matter. As of September 30, 2017, this matter has been resolved, and the Company incurred no penalties or fees. Corporate Integrity Agreement During the course of our compliance with the CIA, the Company identified several reportable events and notified the OIG as required. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had an accrual of $4.7 million for these matters. On May 5, 2016, the company entered into a settlement agreement with the OIG and the matters were fully resolved for $4.7 million ; this amount was paid during the three-month period ended June 30, 2016. Third Party Audits – Ongoing From time to time, in the ordinary course of business, we are subject to audits under various governmental programs in which third party firms engaged by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) conduct extensive review of claims data to identify potential improper payments under the Medicare program. In July 2010, our subsidiary that provides hospice services in Florence, South Carolina received from a Zone Program Integrity Contractor (“ZPIC”) a request for records regarding a sample of 30 beneficiaries who received services from the subsidiary during the period of January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2010 (the “Review Period”) to determine whether the underlying services met pertinent Medicare payment requirements. We acquired the hospice operations subject to this review on August 1, 2009; the Review Period covers time periods both before and after our ownership of these hospice operations. Based on the ZPIC’s findings for 16 beneficiaries, which were extrapolated to all claims for hospice services provided by the Florence subsidiary billed during the Review Period, on June 6, 2011, the MAC for the subsidiary issued a notice of overpayment seeking recovery from our subsidiary of an alleged overpayment. We dispute these findings, and our Florence subsidiary has filed appeals through the Original Medicare Standard Appeals Process, in which we are seeking to have those findings overturned. An ALJ hearing was held in early January 2015. On January 18, 2016 we received a letter dated January 6, 2016 referencing the ALJ hearing decision for the overpayment issued on June 6, 2011. The decision was partially favorable with a new overpayment amount of $3.7 million with a balance owed of $5.6 million including interest based on 9 disputed claims (originally 16 ). We filed an appeal to the Medicare Appeals Council on the remaining 9 disputed claims and also argued that the statistical method used to select the sample was not valid. No assurances can be given as to the timing or outcome of the Medicare Appeals Council decision. As of December 31, 2017, Medicare has withheld payments of $5.7 million (including additional interest) as part of their standard procedures once this level of the appeal process has been reached. In the event we are not able to recoup this alleged overpayment, we are indemnified by the prior owners of the hospice operations for amounts relating to the period prior to August 1, 2009. As of December 31, 2017, we have an indemnity receivable of approximately $4.9 million for the amount withheld related to the period prior to August 1, 2009. In July 2016, the Company received a request for medical records from SafeGuard Services, L.L.C (“SafeGuard”), a ZPIC related to services provided by some of the care centers that the Company acquired from Infinity Home Care, L.L.C. The review period covers time periods both before and after our ownership of the care centers, which were acquired on December 31, 2015. In August 2017, the Company received Requests for Repayment from Palmetto GBA, LLC (“Palmetto”) regarding Infinity Home Care of Lakeland, LLC, (“Lakeland Care Centers”) and Infinity Home Care of Pinellas, LLC, (“Clearwater Care Center”). The Palmetto letters are based on a statistical extrapolation performed by SafeGuard which alleged an overpayment of $34.0 million for the Lakeland Care Centers on a universe of 72 Medicare claims totaling $0.2 million in actual claims payments using a 100% error rate and an overpayment of $4.8 million for the Clearwater Care Center on a universe of 70 Medicare claims totaling $0.2 million in actual claims payments using a 100% error rate. The Lakeland Request for Repayment covers claims between January 2, 2014, and September 13, 2016. The Clearwater Request for Repayment covers claims between January 2, 2015, and December 9, 2016. As a result of Level I Administrative Appeals, also known as Redetermination, the alleged overpayment for the Lakeland Care Centers has been reduced to $ 27.0 million and the alleged overpayment for the Clearwater Care Center has been reduced to $3.3 million . The Company has filed or is in the process of filing Level II Administrative Appeals, also known as Reconsideration. The Company will continue to vigorously pursue its appeal rights which include contesting the methodology used by the ZPIC contractor to perform statistical extrapolation. The Company is contractually entitled to indemnification by the prior owners for all claims prior to December 31, 2015, for up to $12.6 million . At this stage of the review, based on the information currently available to the Company, the Company cannot predict the timing or outcome of this review. The Company stands by its original estimated low-end potential range of loss related to this review of $6.5 million (assuming the Company is successful in seeking indemnity from the prior owners and unsuccessful in demonstrating that the extrapolation method used by SafeGuard was erroneous). The Company has reduced its high-end potential range of loss from $38.8 million (the maximum amount Palmetto claims has been overpaid for both the Lakeland Care Centers and the Clearwater Care Center of which amount is subject to indemnification by the prior owners for up to $12.6 million as disclosed above) to $30.3 million based on the partial success achieved by the Company in prosecuting its Level I Administrative Appeals. As of December 31, 2017, we have an accrued liability of approximately $17.4 million related to this matter. We expect to be indemnified by the prior owners for approximately $10.9 million and have recorded this amount with other assets, net in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. The net of these two amounts, $6.5 million , was recorded as a reduction in revenue in our condensed consolidated statements of operations during the three-month period ended September 30, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, $6.8 million of net receivables have been impacted by this payment suspension. Operating Leases We have leased office space at various locations under non-cancelable agreements that expire between 2018 and 2028, and require various minimum annual rentals. Our typical operating leases are for lease terms of one to seven years and may include, in addition to base rental amounts, certain landlord pass-through costs for our pro-rata share of the lessor’s real estate taxes, utilities and common area maintenance costs. Some of our operating leases contain escalation clauses, in which annual minimum base rentals increase over the term of the lease. Total minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (amounts in millions): 2018 $ 23.6 2019 18.1 2020 13.6 2021 8.9 2022 5.0 Future years 11.6 Total $ 80.8 Rent expense for non-cancelable operating leases was $28.6 million , $27.5 million and $23.7 million for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Insurance We are obligated for certain costs associated with our insurance programs, including employee health, workers’ compensation and professional liability. While we maintain various insurance programs to cover these risks, we are self-insured for a substantial portion of our potential claims. We recognize our obligations associated with these costs, up to specified deductible limits in the period in which a claim is incurred, including with respect to both reported claims and claims incurred but not reported. These costs have generally been estimated based on historical data of our claims experience. Such estimates, and the resulting reserves, are reviewed and updated by us on a quarterly basis. The following table presents details of our insurance programs, including amounts accrued for the periods indicated (amounts in millions) in accrued expenses in our accompanying balance sheets. The amounts accrued below represent our total estimated liability for individual claims that are less than our noted insurance coverage amounts, which can include outstanding claims and claims incurred but not reported. As of December 31, Type of Insurance 2017 2016 Health insurance $ 14.1 $ 10.6 Workers’ compensation 29.3 26.8 Professional liability 4.3 4.7 47.7 42.1 Less: long-term portion (1.2 ) (0.8 ) $ 46.5 $ 41.3 The retention limit per claim for our health insurance, worker’s compensation and professional liability is $0.9 million , $0.5 million and $0.3 million , respectively. Employment Contracts We have commitments related to our Key Executive Severance Plan applicable to a number of our senior executives, as well as the employment agreement entered into with our Chief Executive Officer, each of which generally commit us to pay severance benefits under certain circumstances. Other We are subject to various other types of claims and disputes arising in the ordinary course of our business. While the resolution of such issues is not presently determinable, we believe that the ultimate resolution of such matters will not have a significant effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS 401(K) Benefit Plan We maintain a plan qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for all employees who have reached 21 years of age, effective the first month after hire date. Under the plan, eligible employees may elect to defer a portion of their compensation, subject to Internal Revenue Service limits. Effective January 1, 2017, our match of contributions to be made to each eligible employee contribution is $0.44 for every $1.00 of contribution made up to the first 6% of their salary. During 2016 and 2015 , our match of contributions to be made to each eligible employee contribution was $0.375 for every $1.00 of contribution made up to the first 6% of their salary. The match is discretionary and thus is subject to change at the discretion of management. These contributions are made in the form of our common stock, valued based upon the fair value of the stock as of the end of each calendar quarter end. We expensed approximately $8.8 million , $6.9 million and $6.1 million related to our 401(k) benefit plan for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Deferred Compensation Plan We had a Deferred Compensation Plan for additional tax-deferred savings to a select group of management or highly compensated employees. Amounts credited under the Deferred Compensation Plan were funded into a rabbi trust, which is managed by a trustee. The trustee has the discretion to manage the assets of the Deferred Compensation Plan as deemed fit, thus the assets are not necessarily reflective of the same investment choices made by the participants. Effective January 1, 2015, all prospective salary deferrals ceased. Participants will be allowed to make transactions with any remaining account balances as they wish per plan guidelines.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM On September 9, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program allowing for the repurchase of up to $75 million of our outstanding common stock on or before September 6, 2016 , the date on which the stock repurchase program expired. Under the terms of the program, we were allowed to repurchase shares from time to time in open market transactions, block purchases or in private transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws and other legal requirements. We were allowed to enter into Rule 10b5-1 plans to effect some or all of the repurchases. The timing and the amount of the repurchases were determined by management based on a number of factors, including but not limited to share price, trading volume and general market conditions, as well as on working capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors. Pursuant to this program, we repurchased 324,141 shares of our common stock at a weighted average price of $37.96 per share and a total cost of approximately $12.3 million during 2016 and 116,859 shares of our common stock at a weighted average price of $39.20 per share and a total cost of approximately $4.6 million during 2015. The repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares.

EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITI

EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES During the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, we closed four Florida home health care centers, consolidated another three Florida home health care centers with care centers servicing the same markets and implemented a plan to restructure our home health division. As a result of these actions, we recorded non-cash charges of $1.3 million in asset impairment expense related to the write-off of intangible assets, $0.6 million in other general and administrative expenses related to lease termination costs and $3.0 million in salaries and benefits related to severance costs which was offset by a reduction in non-cash compensation of approximately $1.0 million within our consolidated statements of operations for 2017. Our reserve activity for our 2017 exit and restructuring activity is as follows (amounts in millions): 2017 Exit Activity Lease Termination Severance Balances at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — Charge in 2017 0.6 3.0 Cash expenditures in 2017 — (0.7 ) Balances at December 31, 2017 $ 0.6 $ 2.3

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUN

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS The following table summarizes the activity and ending balances in our allowance for doubtful accounts and estimated revenue adjustments (amounts in millions): Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Year End Balance at Beginning of Year Provision for Doubtful Accounts Write-Offs Balance at End of Year 2017 $ 17.7 $ 25.1 $ (21.9 ) $ 20.9 2016 16.5 19.5 (18.3 ) 17.7 2015 14.3 14.1 (11.9 ) 16.5 Estimated Revenue Adjustments Year End Balance at Beginning of Year Provision for Estimated Revenue Adjustments Write-Offs Balance at End of Year 2017 $ 4.1 $ 14.4 $ (12.3 ) $ 6.2 2016 4.0 7.9 (7.8 ) 4.1 2015 3.1 6.1 (5.2 ) 4.0

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION Our operations involve servicing patients through our three reportable business segments: home health, hospice and personal care. Our home health segment delivers a wide range of services in the homes of individuals who may be recovering from surgery, have a chronic disability or terminal illness or need assistance with the essential activities of daily living. Our hospice segment provides palliative care and comfort to terminally ill patients and their families. Our personal care segment, which was established with the acquisition of Associated Home Care during the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, provides patients with assistance with the essential activities of daily living. The “other” column in the following tables consists of costs relating to executive management and administrative support functions, primarily information services, accounting, finance, billing and collections, legal, compliance, risk management, procurement, marketing, clinical administration, training, human resources and administration. Management evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the operating income of the reportable segments, which includes an allocation of corporate expenses directly attributable to the specific segment and includes revenues and all other costs directly attributable to the specific segment. Segment assets are not reviewed by the company’s chief operating decision maker and therefore are not disclosed below (amounts in millions). For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Home Health Hospice Personal Care Other Total Net service revenue $ 1,101.8 $ 371.0 $ 60.9 $ — $ 1,533.7 Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization 670.9 184.8 45.0 — 900.7 General and administrative expenses 278.4 76.6 13.6 113.7 482.3 Provision for doubtful accounts 17.9 5.9 1.3 — 25.1 Depreciation and amortization 3.5 0.9 0.2 12.5 17.1 Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net — — — 28.7 28.7 Asset impairment charge 1.3 — — — 1.3 Operating expenses 972.0 268.2 60.1 154.9 1,455.2 Operating income (loss) $ 129.8 $ 102.8 $ 0.8 $ (154.9 ) $ 78.5 For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Home Health Hospice Personal Care Other Total Net service revenue $ 1,085.5 $ 316.0 $ 35.9 $ — $ 1,437.4 Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization 643.7 163.1 26.3 — 833.1 General and administrative expenses 283.4 70.2 7.9 141.9 503.4 Provision for doubtful accounts 13.8 5.5 0.2 — 19.5 Depreciation and amortization 6.0 1.3 — 12.4 19.7 Asset impairment charge — — — 4.4 4.4 Operating expenses 946.9 240.1 34.4 158.7 1,380.1 Operating income (loss) $ 138.6 $ 75.9 $ 1.5 $ (158.7 ) $ 57.3 For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Home Health Hospice Personal Care Other Total Net service revenue $ 1,005.1 $ 275.4 $ — $ — $ 1,280.5 Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization 584.2 141.7 — — 725.9 General and administrative expenses 263.2 62.7 — 126.5 452.4 Provision for doubtful accounts 12.2 1.9 — — 14.1 Depreciation and amortization 5.2 1.4 — 13.4 20.0 Asset impairment charge — — — 77.3 77.3 Operating expenses 864.8 207.7 — 217.2 1,289.7 Operating income (loss) $ 140.3 $ 67.7 $ — $ (217.2 ) $ (9.2 )

UNAUDITED SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY

UNAUDITED SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
UNAUDITED SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION	UNAUDITED SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Amedisys, Inc. Common Stockholders (1) Revenue Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Amedisys, Inc. Basic Diluted 2017 1st Quarter (2)(3) $ 370.5 $ 15.1 $ 0.45 $ 0.44 2nd Quarter (2)(3) 378.8 4.5 0.13 0.13 3rd Quarter (2)(4) 380.2 14.6 0.43 0.42 4th Quarter (2)(4)(5) 404.2 (3.8 ) (0.11 ) (0.11 ) $ 1,533.7 $ 30.3 $ 0.90 $ 0.88 2016 1st Quarter (6)(7)(8) $ 348.8 $ 6.2 $ 0.19 $ 0.19 2nd Quarter (6)(7)(8) 360.7 10.7 0.32 0.32 3rd Quarter (6)(7)(8) 361.6 11.4 0.34 0.34 4th Quarter (6)(7)(8)(9) 366.3 8.9 0.27 0.26 $ 1,437.4 $ 37.3 $ 1.12 $ 1.10 (1) Because of the method used in calculating per share data, the quarterly per share data may not necessarily total to the per share data as computed for the entire year. (2) During each of the four quarters of 2017, we incurred certain costs associated with various legal matters. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $0.1 million , $18.0 million , $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, respectively. (3) During the first and second quarters of 2017, we incurred certain costs associated with various acquisitions. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, respectively. (4) During the third and fourth quarters of 2017, we incurred certain costs as a result of our home health division restructure plan. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, respectively. (5) During the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded a charge of $21.4 million , net of income taxes as the result of the enactment of H.R. 1 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). (6) During each of the four quarters of 2016, we incurred certain costs associated with the implementation of Homecare Homebase. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $1.5 million , $1.6 million , $1.2 million and $0.8 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, respectively. (7) During each of the four quarters of 2016, we incurred certain costs associated with various legal matters. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $0.9 million , $0.3 million , $0.2 million and $1.8 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, respectively. (8) During each of the four quarters of 2016, we incurred certain costs associated with various acquisitions. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $1.0 million , $0.2 million , $0.3 million and $0.5 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, respectively. (9) During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge to write-off assets as a result of our conversion from our proprietary operating system to Homecare Homebase in the amount of $2.7 million , net of income taxes.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS On November 20, 2015, we engaged KKR Consulting, LLC (“KKR Capstone”), a consulting company of operational professionals that works exclusively with portfolio companies of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Nathaniel M. Zilkha, a member of our Board of Directors, is a member of KKR Management, LLC, which is an affiliate of KKR Asset Management LLC (“KAM”), a substantial stockholder of our Company, and an affiliate of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. During 2016, we incurred costs of approximately $1.6 million related to consulting services provided to the Company in the ordinary course of business. Mr. Zilkha did not receive any direct compensation or direct financial benefit from the engagement of KKR Capstone. Effective October 22, 2015, we entered into a contract for telemonitoring services with Care Innovations, LLC (“Care Innovations”). At that time, Paul Kusserow, our President and Chief Executive Officer, was a member of the Advisory Board to Care Innovations. In connection with our contract for telemonitoring services for the Company, Care Innovations was to receive an annual fee of approximately $1.8 million . During 2016, we incurred costs of approximately $1.5 million related to this related party engagement. We did not incur any additional costs related to this engagement during 2017. Mr. Kusserow did not receive any direct compensation or direct financial benefit from the engagement of Care Innovations as our telemonitoring partner and no longer serves as a member of Care Innovations' Advisory Board.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On February 9, 2018, Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 ("BBA of 2018"), which funded government operations, set two-year government spending limits and enacted a variety of healthcare related policies. Specific to home health, the BBA of 2018 provides for a targeted extension of the home health rural add-on payment, a reduction of the 2020 market basket update, modification of eligibility documentation requirements and reform to the Home Health Prospective Payment System (“HHPPS”). The HHPPS reform includes the following parameters: • For home health units of service beginning on January 1, 2020, a 30-day payment system will apply. • The transition to the 30-day payment system must be budget neutral. • CMS must conduct at least one Technical Expert Panel during 2018, prior to any notice and comment rulemaking process, related to the design of any new case-mix adjustment model.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN25

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates Our accounting and reporting policies conform with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”). In preparing the consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications and Comparability	Reclassifications and Comparability Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to the current period’s presentation.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Amedisys, Inc., and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in our accompanying consolidated financial statements, and business combinations accounted for as purchases have been included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective dates of acquisition. In addition to our wholly owned subsidiaries, we also have certain equity investments that are accounted for as set forth below.
Equity Investments	Equity Investments We consolidate investments when the entity is a variable interest entity and we are the primary beneficiary or if we have controlling interests in the entity, which is generally ownership in excess of 50% . Third party equity interests in our consolidated joint ventures are reflected as noncontrolling interests in our consolidated financial statements. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2016, we sold a 30% interest in one of our care centers while maintaining controlling interest in the newly formed joint venture. We account for investments in entities in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence under the equity method if we hold 50% or less of the voting stock and the entity is not a variable interest entity in which we are the primary beneficiary. The book value of investments that we accounted for under the equity method of accounting was $26.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and $27.8 million as of December 31, 2016 . We account for investments in entities in which we have less than a 20% ownership interest under the cost method of accounting if we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We earn net service revenue through our home health, hospice and personal-care care centers by providing a variety of services almost exclusively in the homes of our patients. This net service revenue is earned and billed either on an episode of care basis, on a per visit basis, on a daily basis or based on authorized hours, visits or units, depending upon the payment terms and conditions established with each payor for services provided. We refer to home health revenue earned and billed on a 60 -day episode of care as episodic-based revenue. When we record our service revenue, we record it net of estimated revenue adjustments and contractual adjustments to reflect amounts we estimate to be realizable for services provided, as discussed below. We believe, based on information currently available to us and based on our judgment, that changes to one or more factors that impact the accounting estimates (such as our estimates related to revenue adjustments, contractual adjustments and episodes in progress) we make in determining net service revenue, which changes are likely to occur from period to period, will not materially impact our reported consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or our future financial results. Home Health Revenue Recognition Medicare Revenue Net service revenue is recorded under the Medicare prospective payment system (“PPS”) based on a 60 -day episode payment rate that is subject to adjustment based on certain variables including, but not limited to: (a) an outlier payment if our patient’s care was unusually costly (capped at 10% of total reimbursement per provider number); (b) a low utilization payment adjustment (“LUPA”) if the number of visits was fewer than five ; (c) a partial payment if our patient transferred to another provider or we received a patient from another provider before completing the episode; (d) a payment adjustment based upon the level of therapy services required (with various incremental adjustments made for additional visits, with larger payment increases associated with the sixth, fourteenth and twentieth visit thresholds); (e) adjustments to payments if we are unable to perform periodic therapy assessments; (f) the number of episodes of care provided to a patient, regardless of whether the same home health provider provided care for the entire series of episodes; (g) changes in the base episode payments established by the Medicare Program; (h) adjustments to the base episode payments for case mix and geographic wages; and (i) recoveries of overpayments. In addition, we make adjustments to Medicare revenue if we find that we are unable to produce appropriate documentation of a face to face encounter between the patient and physician. We make adjustments to Medicare revenue to reflect differences between estimated and actual payment amounts, our discovered inability to obtain appropriate billing documentation or authorizations and other reasons unrelated to credit risk. We estimate the impact of such adjustments based on our historical experience, which primarily includes a historical collection rate of over 99% on Medicare claims, and record this estimate during the period in which services are rendered as an estimated revenue adjustment and a corresponding reduction to patient accounts receivable. Therefore, we believe that our reported net service revenue and patient accounts receivable will be the net amounts to be realized from Medicare for services rendered. In addition to revenue recognized on completed episodes, we also recognize a portion of revenue associated with episodes in progress. Episodes in progress are 60 -day episodes of care that begin during the reporting period, but were not completed as of the end of the period. We estimate this revenue on a monthly basis based upon historical trends. The primary factors underlying this estimate are the number of episodes in progress at the end of the reporting period, expected Medicare revenue per episode and our estimate of the average percentage complete based on the number of days elapsed during an episode of care relative to the average length of an episode of care. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the difference between the cash received from Medicare for a request for anticipated payment (“RAP”) on episodes in progress and the associated estimated revenue was immaterial and, therefore, the resulting credits were recorded as a reduction to our outstanding patient accounts receivable in our consolidated balance sheets for such periods. Non-Medicare Revenue Episodic-based Revenue. We recognize revenue in a similar manner as we recognize Medicare revenue for episodic-based rates that are paid by other insurance carriers, including Medicare Advantage programs; however, these rates can vary based upon the negotiated terms which generally range from 90% to 100% of Medicare rates. Non-episodic based Revenue. Gross revenue is recorded on an accrual basis based upon the date of service at amounts equal to our established or estimated per-visit rates, as applicable. Contractual adjustments are recorded for the difference between our standard rates and the contracted rates to be realized from patients, third parties and others for services provided and are deducted from gross revenue to determine net service revenue and are also recorded as a reduction to our outstanding patient accounts receivable. In addition, we receive a minimal amount of our net service revenue from patients who are either self-insured or are obligated for an insurance co-payment. Hospice Revenue Recognition Hospice Medicare Revenue Gross revenue is recorded on an accrual basis based upon the date of service at amounts equal to the estimated payment rates. The estimated payment rates are daily or hourly rates for each of the four levels of care we deliver. The four levels of care are routine care, general inpatient care, continuous home care and respite care. Routine care accounts for 99% of our total net Medicare hospice service revenue for each of 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Beginning January 1, 2016, CMS has provided for two separate payment rates for routine care: payments for the first 60 days of care and care beyond 60 days. In addition to the two routine rates, beginning January 1, 2016, Medicare is also reimbursing for a service intensity add-on (“SIA”). The SIA is based on visits made in the last seven days of life by a registered nurse (“RN”) or medical social worker (“MSW”) for patients in a routine level of care. We make adjustments to Medicare revenue for an inability to obtain appropriate billing documentation or acceptable authorizations and other reasons unrelated to credit risk. We estimate the impact of these adjustments based on our historical experience, which primarily includes our historical collection rate on Medicare claims, and record it during the period services are rendered as an estimated revenue adjustment and as a reduction to our outstanding patient accounts receivable. Additionally, as Medicare hospice revenue is subject to an inpatient cap limit and an overall payment cap for each provider number, we monitor these caps and estimate amounts due back to Medicare if we estimate a cap has been exceeded. We record these adjustments as a reduction to revenue and an increase in other accrued liabilities. Beginning for the cap year ending October 31, 2017, providers are required to self-report and pay their estimated cap liability by February 28th of the following year. As of December 31, 2017 , we have settled our Medicare hospice reimbursements for all fiscal years through October 31, 2012 and we have recorded $0.9 million for estimated amounts due back to Medicare in other accrued liabilities for the Federal cap years ended October 31, 2013 through September 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2016 , we had recorded $0.8 million for estimated amounts due back to Medicare in other accrued liabilities for the Federal cap years ended October 31, 2013 through September 30, 2017. Hospice Non-Medicare Revenue We record gross revenue on an accrual basis based upon the date of service at amounts equal to our established rates or estimated per day rates, as applicable. Contractual adjustments are recorded for the difference between our established rates and the amounts estimated to be realizable from patients, third parties and others for services provided and are deducted from gross revenue to determine our net service revenue and patient accounts receivable. Personal Care Revenue Recognition Personal Care Non-Medicare Revenue We generate net service revenues by providing our services directly to patients primarily on a per hour, visit or unit basis. We receive payment for providing such services from our payor clients, including state and local governmental agencies, managed care organizations, commercial insurers and private consumers. Payor clients include the following elder service agencies: Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs), Senior Care Options (SCOs), Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and the Veterans Administration (VA). Net service revenues are principally provided based on authorized hours, visits or units determined by the relevant agency, at a rate that is either contractual or fixed by legislation, which are recognized as net service revenue at the time services are rendered.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include certificates of deposit and all highly liquid debt instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.
Patient Accounts Receivable	Patient Accounts Receivable Our patient accounts receivable are uncollateralized and consist of amounts due from Medicare, Medicaid, other third-party payors and patients. As of December 31, 2017 , there is no single payor, other than Medicare, that accounts for more than 10% of our total outstanding patient receivables. Thus, we believe there are no other significant concentrations of receivables that would subject us to any significant credit risk in the collection of our patient accounts receivable. Our policy is to fully reserve for accounts which are aged at 365 days or greater; however, we have elected not to apply this policy to those accounts impacted by the Florida ZPIC audit (see Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies). We write off accounts on a monthly basis once we have exhausted our collection efforts and deem an account to be uncollectible. We believe the collectibility risk associated with our Medicare accounts, which represent 59% and 61% of our net patient accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, is limited due to our historical collection rate of over 99% from Medicare and the fact that Medicare is a U.S. government payor. Accordingly, we do not record an allowance for doubtful accounts for our Medicare patient accounts receivable, which are recorded at their net realizable value after recording estimated revenue adjustments as discussed above. During 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we recorded $14.4 million , $7.9 million and $6.1 million , respectively, in estimated revenue adjustments to Medicare revenue. We believe there is a certain level of collectibility risk associated with non-Medicare payors. To provide for our non-Medicare patient accounts receivable that could become uncollectible in the future, we establish an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce the carrying amount to its estimated net realizable value. Medicare Home Health For our home health patients, our pre-billing process includes verifying that we are eligible for payment from Medicare for the services that we provide to our patients. Our Medicare billing begins with a process to ensure that our billings are accurate through the utilization of an electronic Medicare claim review. We submit a RAP for 60% of our estimated payment for the initial episode at the start of care or 50% of the estimated payment for any subsequent episodes of care contiguous with the first episode for a particular patient. The full amount of the episode is billed after the episode has been completed (“final billed”). The RAP received for that particular episode is then deducted from our final payment. If a final bill is not submitted within the greater of 120 days from the start of the episode, or 60 days from the date the RAP was paid, any RAPs received for that episode will be recouped by Medicare from any other claims in process for that particular provider number. The RAP and final claim must then be resubmitted. Medicare Hospice For our hospice patients, our pre-billing process includes verifying that we are eligible for payment from Medicare for the services that we provide to our patients. Our Medicare billing begins with a process to ensure that our billings are accurate through the utilization of an electronic Medicare claim review. We bill Medicare on a monthly basis for the services provided to the patient. Non-Medicare Home Health, Hospice, and Personal Care For our non-Medicare patients, our pre-billing process primarily begins with verifying a patient’s eligibility for services with the applicable payor. Once the patient has been confirmed for eligibility, we will provide services to the patient and bill the applicable payor. Our review and evaluation of non-Medicare accounts receivable includes a detailed review of outstanding balances and special consideration to concentrations of receivables from particular payors or groups of payors with similar characteristics that would subject us to any significant credit risk. We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon our assessment of historical and expected net collections, business and economic conditions, trends in payment and an evaluation of collectability based upon the date that the service was provided. Based upon our best judgment, we believe the allowance for doubtful accounts adequately provides for accounts that will not be collected due to credit risk.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost and we depreciate it on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Additionally, we have internally developed computer software for our own use. Additions and improvements (including interest costs for construction of qualifying long-lived assets) are capitalized. Maintenance and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred. The cost of property and equipment sold or disposed of and the related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the property and related accumulated depreciation accounts, and any gain or loss is credited or charged to other general and administrative expenses. We consider our reporting units to represent asset groups for purposes of testing long-lived assets for impairment. We assess the impairment of a long-lived asset group whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review include but are not limited to the following: • A significant change in the extent or manner in which the long-lived asset group is being used. • A significant change in the business climate that could affect the value of the long-lived asset group. • A significant change in the market value of the assets included in the asset group. If we determine that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable, we compare the carrying value of the asset group to the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge is indicated. An impairment charge is recognized to the extent that the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its fair value. We generally provide for depreciation over the following estimated useful service lives. Years Building 39 Leasehold improvements Lesser of life or lease or expected useful life Equipment and furniture 3 to 7 Vehicles 5 Computer software 3 to 5 As of December 31, 2014, we had $75.8 million of internally developed software costs related to the development of AMS3 Home Health and Hospice (“AMS3”). Expanded beta testing to additional sites in February of 2015 demonstrated that AMS3 was disruptive to operations. Additional analysis of the system determined that the system was not ready to be fully implemented and would require significant time and investment to redesign. Therefore, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015, we made the decision to discontinue AMS3 and recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $75.2 million to write-off the software costs incurred related to the development of AMS3. During 2015, we began the transition of all our care centers from our proprietary operating system to Homecare Homebase (“HCHB”), a leading home health and hospice platform, with all of our care centers operating on HCHB as of December 31, 2016. As part of our conversion process, we determined that a number of assets (primarily laptops) were not compatible with HCHB and had no other alternative or secondary use. As a result, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $4.4 million to write-off these assets during the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. During the three-month period ended September 30, 2015, we commenced an active program to sell our corporate headquarters located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we classified this asset as held for sale and reduced the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell the asset; no further depreciation expense for the asset was recorded. As a result, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $2.1 million during the three-month period ended September 30, 2015. The asset was sold during the three-month period ended December 31, 2015 and the Company now leases equivalent office space. The following table summarizes the balances related to our property and equipment for 2017 and 2016 (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 Building and leasehold improvements 7.8 6.9 Equipment and furniture 72.9 71.9 Computer software 97.2 96.8 177.9 175.6 Less: accumulated depreciation (146.8 ) (138.6 ) $ 31.1 $ 37.0 Depreciation expense for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $14.4 million , $17.2 million and $20.0 million , respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the amount of the purchase price in excess of the fair values assigned to the underlying identifiable net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to an annual impairment test. Tests are performed more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. These events or circumstances include but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in the business environment; regulatory environment or legal factors; or a substantial decline in market capitalization of our stock. Each of our operating segments described in Note 14 – Segment Information is considered to represent an individual reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. We consider each of our home health care centers to constitute an individual business for which discrete financial information is available. However, since these care centers have substantially similar operating and economic characteristics and resource allocation and significant investment decisions concerning these businesses are centralized and the benefits broadly distributed, we have aggregated these care centers and deemed them to constitute a single reporting unit. We have applied this same aggregation principle to our hospice care centers and personal-care care centers and have also deemed them to be a single reporting unit. During 2017 , we performed a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units are less than its carrying value by evaluating relevant events and circumstances including financial performance, market conditions and share price. Based on this assessment, we did not record any goodwill impairment charges and none of the goodwill associated with our various reporting units was considered at risk of impairment as of October 31, 2017 . Since the date of our last annual goodwill impairment test, there have been no material developments, events, changes in operating performance or other circumstances that would cause management to believe it is more likely than not that the fair value of any of our reporting units would be less than its carrying amount. Intangible assets consist of Certificates of Need, licenses, acquired names and non-compete agreements. We amortize non-compete agreements and acquired names that we do not intend to use in the future on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which is generally three years for non-compete agreements and up to five years for acquired names. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the intangible asset below its carrying amount. During 2017, we performed a qualitative assessment to determine that our indefinite-lived intangible assets were not impaired.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs We amortize deferred debt issuance costs related to our long-term obligations over its term through interest expense, unless the debt is extinguished, in which case unamortized balances are immediately expensed.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following details our financial instruments where the carrying value and the fair value differ (amounts in millions): Fair Value at Reporting Date Using Financial Instrument As of Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Long-term obligations $ 90.7 $ — $ 91.8 $ — The fair value hierarchy is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. The three levels of inputs are as follows: • Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. • Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Our deferred compensation plan assets are recorded at fair value and are considered a level 2 measurement. For our other financial instruments, including our cash and cash equivalents, patient accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and employee benefits and accrued expenses, we estimate the carrying amounts’ approximate fair value.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We use the asset and liability approach for measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences existing at each balance sheet date using currently enacted tax rates. Our deferred tax calculation requires us to make certain estimates about future operations. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when we believe it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect of a change in tax rate is recognized as income or expense in the period that includes the enactment date. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 our net deferred tax assets were $56.1 million and $107.9 million , respectively. Our net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2017 includes a $21.4 million decrease resulting from the remeasurement of deferred taxes using the reduced U.S. corporate tax rates included in H.R. 1 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act) enacted on December 22, 2017. Management regularly assesses the ability to realize deferred tax assets recorded in the Company’s entities based upon the weight of available evidence, including such factors as the recent earnings history and expected future taxable income. In the event future taxable income is below management’s estimates or is generated in tax jurisdictions different than projected, we could be required to increase the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. This would result in an increase in our effective tax rate.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation We record all share-based compensation as expense in the financial statements measured at the fair value of the award. We recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award. We reflect the excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises as financing cash flows.
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding	Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding Net income (loss) per share attributable to Amedisys, Inc. common stockholders, calculated on the treasury stock method, is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs We expense advertising costs as incurred.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue for which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , to defer the effective date of the standard from January 1, 2017, to January 1, 2018, with an option that permits companies to adopt the standard as early as the original effective date. The new ASU reflects the decisions reached by the FASB at its meeting in July 2015. Early application prior to the original effective date is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company will retrospectively adopt ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2015-14 (collectively, "ASC 606") on January 1, 2018 and as a result, substantially all amounts that were previously presented as provision for doubtful accounts in our consolidated statements of operations will now be considered an implicit price concession resulting in a reduction in net service revenue. Except for this adjustment, the company does not expect a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon implementation of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . The amendments in this ASU required that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. ASU 2015-03 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. We adopted this ASU during the three-month period ended March 31, 2016, and applied the change retrospectively for prior period balances of unamortized debt issuance costs, resulting in a $3.4 million reduction in other assets, net and long-term obligations, less current portion, on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which will require lessees to recognize a lease liability and right-of-use asset for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The standard requires a modified retrospective transition method which requires application of the new guidance for all periods presented. While the Company expects adoption of this standard to lead to a material increase in the assets and liabilities recorded on our balance sheet, we are still evaluating the overall impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplified the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liability, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The ASU was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We adopted this ASU effective January 1, 2017, and as a result, we recorded a $0.4 million increase to our non-current deferred tax asset and retained earnings for tax benefits that were not previously recognized under the prior rules. Additionally, on a prospective basis, we recorded excess tax benefits as a discrete item in our income tax provision within our consolidated statements of operations. We recorded excess tax benefits of $3.2 million within our consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017, respectively. Historically these amounts were recorded as additional paid-in capital in our consolidated balance sheet. We also elected to prospectively apply the change to the presentation of cash payments made to taxing authorities on the employees' behalf for shares withheld upon stock vesting on our consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017. We have also elected to continue our current policy of estimating forfeitures of stock-based compensation awards at grant date and revising in subsequent periods to reflect actual forfeitures. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which provides specific guidance on eight cash flow classification issues not specifically addressed by U.S. GAAP. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The standard should be applied using a retrospective transition method unless it is impractical to do so for some of the issues. In such case, the amendments for those issues would be applied prospectively as of the earliest date practicable. The Company does not expect an impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures upon implementation of ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business , which provides guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We intend to implement ASU 2017-01 on January 1, 2018; the impact of implementation on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures will depend on the facts and circumstances of any specific future transactions. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill to measure a goodwill impairment charge (Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test). Instead, impairment will be measured using the difference of the carrying amount to the fair value of the reporting unit. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2017-04 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and the effect of the standard on its ongoing financial reporting.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN26

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment	We generally provide for depreciation over the following estimated useful service lives. Years Building 39 Leasehold improvements Lesser of life or lease or expected useful life Equipment and furniture 3 to 7 Vehicles 5 Computer software 3 to 5
Schedule of Property and Equipment	The following table summarizes the balances related to our property and equipment for 2017 and 2016 (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 Building and leasehold improvements 7.8 6.9 Equipment and furniture 72.9 71.9 Computer software 97.2 96.8 177.9 175.6 Less: accumulated depreciation (146.8 ) (138.6 ) $ 31.1 $ 37.0
Schedule of Financial Instruments Where Carrying Value and Fair Value Differ	The following details our financial instruments where the carrying value and the fair value differ (amounts in millions): Fair Value at Reporting Date Using Financial Instrument As of Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Long-term obligations $ 90.7 $ — $ 91.8 $ —
Schedule of Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding	The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, shares used in our computation of the weighted-average shares outstanding, which are used to calculate our basic and diluted net income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc. common stockholders (amounts in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic 33,704 33,198 33,018 Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options 281 162 — Non-vested stock and stock units 319 381 — Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted 34,304 33,741 33,018 Anti-dilutive securities 271 221 922

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Pro Forma Financial Information	The following table contains unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations information for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 assuming that our 2017 acquisitions closed on January 1, 2016 (amounts in millions, except per share data): 2017 2016 Net service revenue $ 1,557.6 $ 1,501.5 Operating income (loss) 78.7 59.7 Net income 30.8 39.0 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.90 $ 1.16 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.89 $ 1.15

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE28

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Activity Related to Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Net	The following table summarizes the activity related to our goodwill for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (amounts in millions): Goodwill Home Health Hospice Personal Care Total Balances at December 31, 2014 $ 16.5 $ 189.1 $ — $ 205.6 Additions 50.6 5.5 — 56.1 Balances at December 31, 2015 67.1 194.6 — 261.7 Additions 4.4 — 22.7 27.1 Adjustments related to acquisitions (1) 0.1 — — 0.1 Balances at December 31, 2016 71.6 194.6 22.7 288.9 Additions 13.4 4.7 12.9 31.0 Balances at December 31, 2017 $ 85.0 $ 199.3 $ 35.6 $ 319.9 (1) During 2016, we adjusted goodwill by $0.1 million as a result of our completion of the purchase price accounting for our 2015 acquisition of Infinity. The following table summarizes the activity related to our other intangible assets, net for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 (amounts in millions): Other Intangible Assets, Net Certificates of Need and Licenses Acquired Names of Business Non-Compete Agreements (2) Total Balances at December 31, 2014 $ 23.1 $ 10.1 $ — $ 33.2 Additions 1.1 4.1 5.9 11.1 Write-off (0.3 ) — — (0.3 ) Balances at December 31, 2015 23.9 14.2 5.9 44.0 Additions 0.2 3.5 1.5 5.2 Amortization — — (2.5 ) (2.5 ) Balances at December 31, 2016 24.1 17.7 4.9 46.7 Additions 0.1 2.7 0.6 3.4 Write-off (1) (0.5 ) (0.8 ) — (1.3 ) Amortization — — (2.7 ) (2.7 ) Balances at December 31, 2017 $ 23.7 $ 19.6 $ 2.8 $ 46.1 (1) Write-off of intangible assets related to the closure and consolidation of care centers as discussed in Note 12 - Exit and Restructuring Activities. (2) The weighted average amortization period of our non-compete agreements is 1.3 years .
Schedule of Estimated Aggregate Future Amortization Expense	The estimated aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years is as follows (amounts in millions): 2018 $ 2.4 2019 0.3 2020 0.1 2021 — 2022 — $ 2.8

DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SH29

DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Details Of Certain Balance Sheet Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Assets	Additional information regarding certain balance sheet accounts is presented below (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 Other current assets: Payroll tax escrow $ 7.2 $ 6.7 Income tax receivable 3.4 1.3 Due from joint ventures 2.0 1.7 Other 3.7 1.6 $ 16.3 $ 11.3 Other assets: Workers’ compensation deposits $ 0.4 $ 0.4 Health insurance deposits 0.5 0.5 Other miscellaneous deposits 0.9 0.9 Indemnity receivable 17.0 4.9 Investments 26.4 27.8 Other 3.9 4.0 $ 49.1 $ 38.5 Accrued expenses: Health insurance $ 14.1 $ 10.6 Workers’ compensation 29.3 26.8 Florida ZPIC audit, gross liability 17.4 — Legal and other settlements 6.4 5.7 Lease liability 0.9 0.4 Charity care 1.5 1.4 Estimated Medicare cap liability 0.9 0.8 Hospice cost of revenue 9.1 7.2 Patient liability 5.3 4.3 Other 4.2 6.1 $ 89.1 $ 63.3 Other long-term obligations: Reserve for uncertain tax positions $ — $ 0.3 Deferred compensation plan liability 1.9 1.8 Other 1.9 1.6 $ 3.8 $ 3.7
Schedule of Other Assets	Additional information regarding certain balance sheet accounts is presented below (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 Other current assets: Payroll tax escrow $ 7.2 $ 6.7 Income tax receivable 3.4 1.3 Due from joint ventures 2.0 1.7 Other 3.7 1.6 $ 16.3 $ 11.3 Other assets: Workers’ compensation deposits $ 0.4 $ 0.4 Health insurance deposits 0.5 0.5 Other miscellaneous deposits 0.9 0.9 Indemnity receivable 17.0 4.9 Investments 26.4 27.8 Other 3.9 4.0 $ 49.1 $ 38.5 Accrued expenses: Health insurance $ 14.1 $ 10.6 Workers’ compensation 29.3 26.8 Florida ZPIC audit, gross liability 17.4 — Legal and other settlements 6.4 5.7 Lease liability 0.9 0.4 Charity care 1.5 1.4 Estimated Medicare cap liability 0.9 0.8 Hospice cost of revenue 9.1 7.2 Patient liability 5.3 4.3 Other 4.2 6.1 $ 89.1 $ 63.3 Other long-term obligations: Reserve for uncertain tax positions $ — $ 0.3 Deferred compensation plan liability 1.9 1.8 Other 1.9 1.6 $ 3.8 $ 3.7
Schedule of Accrued Expenses	Additional information regarding certain balance sheet accounts is presented below (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 Other current assets: Payroll tax escrow $ 7.2 $ 6.7 Income tax receivable 3.4 1.3 Due from joint ventures 2.0 1.7 Other 3.7 1.6 $ 16.3 $ 11.3 Other assets: Workers’ compensation deposits $ 0.4 $ 0.4 Health insurance deposits 0.5 0.5 Other miscellaneous deposits 0.9 0.9 Indemnity receivable 17.0 4.9 Investments 26.4 27.8 Other 3.9 4.0 $ 49.1 $ 38.5 Accrued expenses: Health insurance $ 14.1 $ 10.6 Workers’ compensation 29.3 26.8 Florida ZPIC audit, gross liability 17.4 — Legal and other settlements 6.4 5.7 Lease liability 0.9 0.4 Charity care 1.5 1.4 Estimated Medicare cap liability 0.9 0.8 Hospice cost of revenue 9.1 7.2 Patient liability 5.3 4.3 Other 4.2 6.1 $ 89.1 $ 63.3 Other long-term obligations: Reserve for uncertain tax positions $ — $ 0.3 Deferred compensation plan liability 1.9 1.8 Other 1.9 1.6 $ 3.8 $ 3.7
Schedule of Other Liabilities	Additional information regarding certain balance sheet accounts is presented below (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 Other current assets: Payroll tax escrow $ 7.2 $ 6.7 Income tax receivable 3.4 1.3 Due from joint ventures 2.0 1.7 Other 3.7 1.6 $ 16.3 $ 11.3 Other assets: Workers’ compensation deposits $ 0.4 $ 0.4 Health insurance deposits 0.5 0.5 Other miscellaneous deposits 0.9 0.9 Indemnity receivable 17.0 4.9 Investments 26.4 27.8 Other 3.9 4.0 $ 49.1 $ 38.5 Accrued expenses: Health insurance $ 14.1 $ 10.6 Workers’ compensation 29.3 26.8 Florida ZPIC audit, gross liability 17.4 — Legal and other settlements 6.4 5.7 Lease liability 0.9 0.4 Charity care 1.5 1.4 Estimated Medicare cap liability 0.9 0.8 Hospice cost of revenue 9.1 7.2 Patient liability 5.3 4.3 Other 4.2 6.1 $ 89.1 $ 63.3 Other long-term obligations: Reserve for uncertain tax positions $ — $ 0.3 Deferred compensation plan liability 1.9 1.8 Other 1.9 1.6 $ 3.8 $ 3.7

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Tables)

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following for the periods indicated (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 2016 $100.0 million Term Loan; principal payments plus accrued interest payable quarterly; interest rate at ABR Rate plus applicable percentage or Eurodollar Rate plus the applicable percentage (3.57% at December 31, 2017); due August 28, 2020 $ 90.0 $ 95.0 $200.0 million Revolving Credit Facility; interest only quarterly payments; interest rate at ABR Rate plus applicable percentage or Eurodollar Rate plus the applicable percentage; due August 28, 2020 — — Promissory notes 0.7 0.7 Principal amount of long-term obligations 90.7 95.7 Deferred debt issuance costs (1.9 ) (2.7 ) 88.8 93.0 Current portion of long-term obligations (10.6 ) (5.2 ) Total $ 78.2 $ 87.8
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Maturities of debt as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (amounts in millions): Long-term obligations 2018 $ 10.6 2019 10.1 2020 70.0 2021 — 2022 — $ 90.7
Schedule of Commitment Fee Under Credit Facilities	The “Applicable Rate” is based on the consolidated leverage ratio and is presented in the table below. As of December 31, 2017 , the Applicable Rate is 1.00% per annum for Base Rate Loans and 2.00% per annum for Eurodollar Rate Loans. We are also subject to a commitment fee and letter of credit fee under the terms of the Credit Facilities, as presented in the table below. Consolidated Leverage Ratio Margin for ABR Loans Margin for Eurodollar Loans Commitment Fee Letter of Credit Fee ≥ 2.75 to 1.0 2.00 % 3.00 % 0.40 % 3.00 % < 2.75 to 1.0 but ≥ 1.75 to 1.0 1.50 % 2.50 % 0.35 % 2.50 % < 1.75 to 1.0 but ≥ 0.75 to 1.0 1.00 % 2.00 % 0.30 % 2.00 % < 0.75 to 1.0 0.50 % 1.50 % 0.25 % 1.50 %

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income Tax Provision	Income taxes attributable to continuing operations consist of the following (amounts in millions): For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current income tax expense/(benefit): Federal $ (2.0 ) $ (0.5 ) $ 2.2 State and local (0.1 ) (0.1 ) 0.5 (2.1 ) (0.6 ) 2.7 Deferred income tax expense/(benefit): Federal 51.2 22.1 (0.5 ) State and local 1.0 2.4 (0.1 ) Foreign — — (0.1 ) 52.2 24.5 (0.7 ) Income tax expense $ 50.1 $ 23.9 $ 2.0 Total income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was allocated as follows (amounts in millions): For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Income from continuing operations $ 50.1 $ 23.9 $ 2.0 Interest expense — (0.1 ) 0.2 Goodwill — — (0.1 ) Stockholders’ equity (0.3 ) (7.2 ) (2.1 ) $ 49.8 $ 16.6 $ —
Schedule of Sources of Tax Effects	A reconciliation of significant differences between the reported amount of income tax expense and the expected amount of income tax expense that would result from applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35 percent to income before taxes is as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (1) Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 3.8 4.8 (7.1 ) Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation (2) (3.5 ) — — Valuation allowance 0.2 0.1 79.1 Tax credits (0.8 ) (0.6 ) 136.0 Tax rate change (3) 26.5 — — Uncertain tax positions (0.3 ) (1.0 ) (230.3 ) Other items, net (4) 1.1 0.6 (663.3 ) Income tax expense/(benefit) 62.0 % 38.9 % (650.6 )% (1) The information provided for the year ended December 31, 2015 does not provide a meaningful reconciliation of the effective tax rate or comparable to other periods. The effective tax rate for the year is influenced by the relationship of the amount of “effective tax rate drivers” (i.e. non-deductible expenses, non-taxable income, tax credits, valuation allowance, uncertain tax positions, etc.) to income or loss before taxes. A significant asset impairment was recorded in the first quarter of 2015, resulting in a scenario where the company’s loss before tax for the year was near zero. Consequently, for 2015, the relationship between the “effective tax rate drivers” and loss before taxes is distorted. (2) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplified the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including income tax consequences. The new guidelines required excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the income statement when stock awards vest or are settled. As a result, the Company recognized a $2.9 million federal income tax benefit in the consolidated statement of operations (rather than additional paid-in capital) for the year ended December 31, 2017 from share-based compensation excess tax benefits. (3) On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act), which reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% , effective January 1, 2018 was enacted. According to ASC 740, Income Taxes , deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured to reflect the effects of enacted changes in tax rates at the date of enactment, even though the tax rate changes are not effective until a future period. The Company's remeasurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the enacted reduced tax rate resulted in a $21.4 million deferred income tax expense during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 . (4) Includes various items such as, non-deductible expenses, non-taxable income and return-to-accrual adjustments.
Schedule of Net Deferred Tax Assets	Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following components (amounts in millions): As of December 31, 2017 (1) 2016 Deferred tax assets: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 5.3 $ 6.9 Accrued payroll & employee benefits 9.0 11.4 Workers’ compensation 7.9 10.9 Amortization of intangible assets 26.0 56.3 Share-based compensation 6.1 7.8 Net operating loss carryforwards (2) 20.1 44.2 Tax credit carryforwards (3) 4.6 4.8 Other 2.4 1.1 Gross deferred tax assets 81.4 143.4 Less: valuation allowance (0.7 ) (0.4 ) Net deferred tax assets 80.7 143.0 Deferred tax (liabilities): Property and equipment (4.0 ) (7.8 ) Deferred revenue (18.0 ) (23.2 ) Investment in partnerships (2.1 ) (3.2 ) Other liabilities (0.5 ) (0.9 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (24.6 ) (35.1 ) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 56.1 $ 107.9 (1) On December 22, 2017, H.R. 1 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act), which reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% , effective January 1, 2018, was enacted. According to ASC 740, Income Taxes , deferred tax assets and liabilities are remeasured to reflect the effects of enacted changes in tax rates at the date of enactment, even though the tax rate changes are not effective until a future period. The Company's remeasurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities to reflect the enacted reduced tax rate resulted in a $21.4 million deferred income tax expense during the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 . (2) The net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards in the income tax returns include unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, the deferred tax assets recognized for the NOL carry forwards, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , are presented net of unrecognized tax benefits of $2.1 million and $3.1 million , respectively. (3) The tax credit carry forwards in the income tax returns include unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions. Accordingly, the deferred tax assets recognized for the tax credit carry forwards are presented net of unrecognized tax benefits of $0.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 .
Schedule of Uncertain Tax Positions	Uncertain Tax Positions We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the authoritative guidance for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (amounts in millions): For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of period $ 4.1 $ 4.7 Additions for tax positions related to current year — — Additions for tax positions related to prior year — — Reductions for tax positions related to prior years — — Lapse of statute of limitations (0.3 ) (0.6 ) Change in statutory tax rate (1.1 ) — Settlements — — Balance at end of period $ 2.7 $ 4.1

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED32

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Employee Stock Purchase Plan Activity	The following is a detail of the purchases that were made or pending Board of Director approval under the plan: Employee Stock Purchase Plan Period Shares Issued Price 2015 and Prior 2,977,712 $ 14.20 January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016 13,850 41.09 April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016 14,236 42.91 July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 16,520 40.32 October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 16,882 36.24 January 1, 2017 to March 31, 2017 13,244 43.43 April 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017 11,446 53.39 July 1, 2017 to September 30, 2017 12,276 47.57 October 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 13,323 44.80 3,089,489
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award Valuation Assumptions	The fair value of the 2017 awards were estimated using the following assumptions: Risk Free Rate 1.99% - 2.16% Expected Volatility 50.18% - 51.81% Expected Term 5.78 - 6.25 years Weighted Average Fair Value $28.02
Schedule of Stock Options Activity	The following table presents our stock option activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years) Outstanding options at January 1, 2017 1,008,157 $ 31.54 8.42 Granted 308,292 43.13 Exercised (144,206 ) 31.58 Canceled, forfeited or expired (262,513 ) 39.18 Outstanding options at December 31, 2017 909,730 $ 33.25 7.62 Exercisable options at December 31, 2017 381,932 $ 28.73 7.20 The following table presents our non-vested stock option award activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Non-vested stock options at January 1, 2017 726,699 $ 32.58 Granted 308,292 43.13 Vested (260,814 ) 30.54 Forfeited (246,379 ) 39.48 Non-vested stock options at December 31, 2017 527,798 $ 36.52
Schedule of Non-Vested Stock Activity	The following table presents our non-vested stock award activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested stock at January 1, 2017 209,378 $ 22.20 Granted 19,152 62.67 Vested (170,292 ) 21.61 Canceled, forfeited or expired (11,240 ) 19.51 Non-vested stock at December 31, 2017 46,998 $ 41.48
Schedule of Non-Vested Stock Unit Activity	The following table presents our performance-based non-vested stock units activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested stock units at January 1, 2017 224,857 $ 45.08 Granted 194,109 52.99 Vested (73,998 ) 45.23 Canceled, forfeited or expired (92,020 ) 47.50 Non-vested stock units at December 31, 2017 252,948 $ 51.15 The following table presents our service-based non-vested stock units activity for 2017 : Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested stock units at January 1, 2017 249,429 $ 42.05 Granted 126,447 53.79 Vested (57,106 ) 42.41 Canceled, forfeited or expired (83,928 ) 44.00 Non-vested stock units at December 31, 2017 234,842 $ 47.58

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Commitments	Total minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (amounts in millions): 2018 $ 23.6 2019 18.1 2020 13.6 2021 8.9 2022 5.0 Future years 11.6 Total $ 80.8 Rent expense for non-cancelable operating leases was $28.6 million , $27.5 million and $23.7 million for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Schedule of Insurance Programs	The following table presents details of our insurance programs, including amounts accrued for the periods indicated (amounts in millions) in accrued expenses in our accompanying balance sheets. The amounts accrued below represent our total estimated liability for individual claims that are less than our noted insurance coverage amounts, which can include outstanding claims and claims incurred but not reported. As of December 31, Type of Insurance 2017 2016 Health insurance $ 14.1 $ 10.6 Workers’ compensation 29.3 26.8 Professional liability 4.3 4.7 47.7 42.1 Less: long-term portion (1.2 ) (0.8 ) $ 46.5 $ 41.3

EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVI34

EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Reserve Activity	Our reserve activity for our 2017 exit and restructuring activity is as follows (amounts in millions): 2017 Exit Activity Lease Termination Severance Balances at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — Charge in 2017 0.6 3.0 Cash expenditures in 2017 — (0.7 ) Balances at December 31, 2017 $ 0.6 $ 2.3

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCO35

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	The following table summarizes the activity and ending balances in our allowance for doubtful accounts and estimated revenue adjustments (amounts in millions): Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Year End Balance at Beginning of Year Provision for Doubtful Accounts Write-Offs Balance at End of Year 2017 $ 17.7 $ 25.1 $ (21.9 ) $ 20.9 2016 16.5 19.5 (18.3 ) 17.7 2015 14.3 14.1 (11.9 ) 16.5 Estimated Revenue Adjustments Year End Balance at Beginning of Year Provision for Estimated Revenue Adjustments Write-Offs Balance at End of Year 2017 $ 4.1 $ 14.4 $ (12.3 ) $ 6.2 2016 4.0 7.9 (7.8 ) 4.1 2015 3.1 6.1 (5.2 ) 4.0

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Operating Income of Reportable Segments	Management evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the operating income of the reportable segments, which includes an allocation of corporate expenses directly attributable to the specific segment and includes revenues and all other costs directly attributable to the specific segment. Segment assets are not reviewed by the company’s chief operating decision maker and therefore are not disclosed below (amounts in millions). For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Home Health Hospice Personal Care Other Total Net service revenue $ 1,101.8 $ 371.0 $ 60.9 $ — $ 1,533.7 Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization 670.9 184.8 45.0 — 900.7 General and administrative expenses 278.4 76.6 13.6 113.7 482.3 Provision for doubtful accounts 17.9 5.9 1.3 — 25.1 Depreciation and amortization 3.5 0.9 0.2 12.5 17.1 Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net — — — 28.7 28.7 Asset impairment charge 1.3 — — — 1.3 Operating expenses 972.0 268.2 60.1 154.9 1,455.2 Operating income (loss) $ 129.8 $ 102.8 $ 0.8 $ (154.9 ) $ 78.5 For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Home Health Hospice Personal Care Other Total Net service revenue $ 1,085.5 $ 316.0 $ 35.9 $ — $ 1,437.4 Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization 643.7 163.1 26.3 — 833.1 General and administrative expenses 283.4 70.2 7.9 141.9 503.4 Provision for doubtful accounts 13.8 5.5 0.2 — 19.5 Depreciation and amortization 6.0 1.3 — 12.4 19.7 Asset impairment charge — — — 4.4 4.4 Operating expenses 946.9 240.1 34.4 158.7 1,380.1 Operating income (loss) $ 138.6 $ 75.9 $ 1.5 $ (158.7 ) $ 57.3 For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 Home Health Hospice Personal Care Other Total Net service revenue $ 1,005.1 $ 275.4 $ — $ — $ 1,280.5 Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization 584.2 141.7 — — 725.9 General and administrative expenses 263.2 62.7 — 126.5 452.4 Provision for doubtful accounts 12.2 1.9 — — 14.1 Depreciation and amortization 5.2 1.4 — 13.4 20.0 Asset impairment charge — — — 77.3 77.3 Operating expenses 864.8 207.7 — 217.2 1,289.7 Operating income (loss) $ 140.3 $ 67.7 $ — $ (217.2 ) $ (9.2 )

UNAUDITED SUMMARIZED QUARTERL37

UNAUDITED SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Unaudited Summarized Quarterly Financial Information	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Amedisys, Inc. Common Stockholders (1) Revenue Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Amedisys, Inc. Basic Diluted 2017 1st Quarter (2)(3) $ 370.5 $ 15.1 $ 0.45 $ 0.44 2nd Quarter (2)(3) 378.8 4.5 0.13 0.13 3rd Quarter (2)(4) 380.2 14.6 0.43 0.42 4th Quarter (2)(4)(5) 404.2 (3.8 ) (0.11 ) (0.11 ) $ 1,533.7 $ 30.3 $ 0.90 $ 0.88 2016 1st Quarter (6)(7)(8) $ 348.8 $ 6.2 $ 0.19 $ 0.19 2nd Quarter (6)(7)(8) 360.7 10.7 0.32 0.32 3rd Quarter (6)(7)(8) 361.6 11.4 0.34 0.34 4th Quarter (6)(7)(8)(9) 366.3 8.9 0.27 0.26 $ 1,437.4 $ 37.3 $ 1.12 $ 1.10 (1) Because of the method used in calculating per share data, the quarterly per share data may not necessarily total to the per share data as computed for the entire year. (2) During each of the four quarters of 2017, we incurred certain costs associated with various legal matters. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $0.1 million , $18.0 million , $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017, June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, respectively. (3) During the first and second quarters of 2017, we incurred certain costs associated with various acquisitions. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017, respectively. (4) During the third and fourth quarters of 2017, we incurred certain costs as a result of our home health division restructure plan. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, respectively. (5) During the fourth quarter of 2017, we recorded a charge of $21.4 million , net of income taxes as the result of the enactment of H.R. 1 (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act). (6) During each of the four quarters of 2016, we incurred certain costs associated with the implementation of Homecare Homebase. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $1.5 million , $1.6 million , $1.2 million and $0.8 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, respectively. (7) During each of the four quarters of 2016, we incurred certain costs associated with various legal matters. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $0.9 million , $0.3 million , $0.2 million and $1.8 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, respectively. (8) During each of the four quarters of 2016, we incurred certain costs associated with various acquisitions. Net of income taxes, these costs amounted to $1.0 million , $0.2 million , $0.3 million and $0.5 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, respectively. (9) During the fourth quarter of 2016, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge to write-off assets as a result of our conversion from our proprietary operating system to Homecare Homebase in the amount of $2.7 million , net of income taxes.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS, CONSOLI38

NATURE OF OPERATIONS, CONSOLIDATION AND PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)statecare_center	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization And Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Percent of net services revenue provided by Medicare	75.00%	78.00%	80.00%
Number of states with facilities | state	34
Minimum percent ownership for controlling interest (percent)	50.00%
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (percent)				30.00%
Maximum ownership percentage for equity method investment (percent)	50.00%
Equity method investment, aggregate cost | $	$ 26.4	$ 27.8
Maximum ownership percentage for cost method investment (percent)	20.00%
Home Health [Member]
Organization And Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Number of owned and operated care centers	323
Hospice [Member]
Organization And Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Number of owned and operated care centers	83
Personal Care [Member]
Organization And Nature Of Operations [Line Items]
Number of owned and operated care centers	15

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN39

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Revenue Recognition Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)visitday	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Episode of care as episodic-based revenue, days	60 days
Net service revenue episode payment rate	60 days
Percentage of total reimbursement of outlier payment	10.00%
Low utilization payment adjustment, maximum number of visits	5
First threshold of therapy services required (visits)	6
Second threshold of therapy services required (visits)	14
Third threshold of therapy services required (visits)	20
Historical collection rate from Medicare	99.00%
Episodes in progress that begin during reporting period, days | day	60
Hospice Medicare revenue rate accounted for routine care	99.00%	99.00%	99.00%
Minimum [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Non-medicare revenue term rates	90.00%
Maximum [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Non-medicare revenue term rates	100.00%
Cap Year 2013 Through 2018 [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Estimated amounts due back to Medicare | $	$ 0.9
Cap Year 2013 Through 2017 [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items]
Estimated amounts due back to Medicare | $		$ 0.8

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN40

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Patient Accounts Receivable Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)day	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Percentage of patient receivables outstanding	10.00%
Historical collection rate from Medicare	99.00%
Minimum days for accounts receivable outstanding to be fully reserved	365
Portion of accounts receivable derived from Medicare	59.00%	61.00%
Revenue adjustment to Medicare revenue | $	$ 14.4	$ 7.9	$ 6.1
Rate of request for anticipated payment submitted for the initial episode of care	60.00%
Rate of request for anticipated payment submitted for subsequent episodes of care	50.00%
Maximum days to submit final bill from the start of episode	120
Maximum days to submit final bill from the date the request for anticipated payment was paid	60

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN41

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Internally developed computer software								$ 75,800
Asset impairment charge		$ 4,400	$ 2,100	$ 75,200	$ 1,323	$ 4,432	$ 77,268
Depreciation					14,400	17,200	20,000
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs					700	700	800
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 1,900	2,700			$ 1,900	2,700
Unamortized debt issuance costs, weighted average amortization period, years					2 years 8 months 12 days
Deferred tax assets	56,064	$ 107,940			$ 56,064	107,940
Decrease in deferred income tax expense from remeasurement of deferred taxes due to change in tax rate (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act)	$ 21,400
Non-cash compensation					16,295	16,401	11,824
Share-based compensation, tax benefit recognized					6,400	6,400	4,700
Advertising expense					$ 6,500	$ 7,800	$ 6,900
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets					3 years
Acquired Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life of intangible assets					5 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN42

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	39 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	Lesser of life or lease or expected useful life
Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years
Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	7 years
Vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years
Computer Software [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years
Computer Software [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN43

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Balances Related to Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 177,900	$ 175,600
Less accumulated depreciation	(146,814)	(138,650)
Property and equipment, net	31,122	36,999
Building and Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	7,800	6,900
Equipment and Furniture [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	72,900	71,900
Computer Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 97,200	$ 96,800

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN44

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Financial Instruments Where Carrying Value and Fair Value Differ (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term obligations	$ 90.7	$ 95.7
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term obligations, fair value	$ 91.8

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN45

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic	33,704	33,198	33,018
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	281	162	0
Non-vested stock and stock units	319	381	0
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – diluted	34,304	33,741	33,018
Anti-dilutive securities	271	221	922

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN46

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other assets, net	$ 49,130	$ 38,468
Deferred tax assets	56,064	107,940
Retained earnings (deficit)	204	(30,545)
Tax benefit from stock options exercised and restricted stock vesting	0	$ 7,241	$ 2,073
Reclassification [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other assets, net			$ (3,400)
ASU 2016-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Tax benefit from stock options exercised and restricted stock vesting	3,200
ASU 2016-09 [Member] | Reclassification [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets	400
Retained earnings (deficit)	$ 400

ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Detai

ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions

Oct. 01, 2017USD ($)care_center

May 01, 2017USD ($)care_center

Feb. 01, 2017USD ($)care_center

Oct. 20, 2016USD ($)care_center

Sep. 01, 2016USD ($)care_center

Mar. 01, 2016USD ($)care_center

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)care_center

Oct. 02, 2015USD ($)care_center

Jul. 24, 2015USD ($)care_center

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Goodwill additions

$ 31

$ 27.1

$ 56.1

Personal Care [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Goodwill additions

12.9

22.7

0

Home Health [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, total purchase price

$ 4.6

Goodwill additions

$ 4.4

13.4

4.4

50.6

Period of time goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes

15 years

Home Health [Member] | Certificates of Need and Licenses [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, other intangibles recorded

$ 0.2

Home Health [Member] | New York [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

1

Home Health [Member] | Georgia [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

1

Acquisition, total purchase price

$ 0.3

Goodwill additions

$ 0.3

Hospice [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, total purchase price

$ 5.8

Goodwill additions

5.5

4.7

$ 0

5.5

Acquisition, other intangibles recorded

$ 0.3

Hospice [Member] | Tennessee [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

1

Home Staff LLC [Member] | Personal Care [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, total purchase price

$ 4

Goodwill additions

$ 3.8

Acquisition, recorded other assets and liabilities

0.5

Period of time goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes

15 years

Home Staff LLC [Member] | Personal Care [Member] | Promissory Notes [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Notes payable issued in acquisition

$ 0.4

Home Staff LLC [Member] | Personal Care [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, other intangibles recorded

$ 0.2

Home Staff LLC [Member] | Personal Care [Member] | Massachusetts [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

3

Intercity Home Care [Member] | Personal Care [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, total purchase price

$ 9.6

Goodwill additions

$ 9.1

Acquisition, recorded other assets and liabilities

0.1

0.1

Escrow deposit for indemnification purposes and working capital price adjustments

$ 1

Period of time goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes

15 years

Intercity Home Care [Member] | Personal Care [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, other intangibles recorded

0.4

0.4

Intercity Home Care [Member] | Personal Care [Member] | Massachusetts [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

4

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Home Health [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

3

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Home Health [Member] | Massachusetts [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

1

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Home Health [Member] | Illinois [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

1

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Home Health [Member] | Texas [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

1

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Hospice [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

2

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Hospice [Member] | Massachusetts [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

1

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Hospice [Member] | Arizona [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

1

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Home Health And Hospice [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, total purchase price

$ 20.5

Goodwill additions

$ 20.9

Reduction in goodwill

2.8

Acquisition, recorded other assets and liabilities

$ 0.8

Period of time goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes

15 years

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Home Health And Hospice [Member] | Medicare Licenses [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, other intangibles recorded

0.1

0.1

Tenet Healthcare [Member] | Home Health And Hospice [Member] | Acquired Name of Business [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, other intangibles recorded

$ 2.7

$ 2.7

Associated Homecare [Member] | Personal Care [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, total purchase price

$ 27.7

Goodwill additions

18.5

Acquisition, other intangibles recorded

4.8

Acquisition, recorded other assets and liabilities

4.4

Escrow deposit for indemnification purposes and working capital price adjustments

$ 0.5

Period of time goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes

15 years

Associated Homecare [Member] | Personal Care [Member] | Massachusetts [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

9

Professional Profiles [Member] | Personal Care [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, total purchase price

$ 4.4

Goodwill additions

$ 4.2

Period of time goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes

15 years

Professional Profiles [Member] | Personal Care [Member] | Promissory Notes [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Notes payable issued in acquisition

$ 0.7

Professional Profiles [Member] | Personal Care [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, other intangibles recorded

$ 0.2

Professional Profiles [Member] | Personal Care [Member] | Massachusetts [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

4

Infinity HomeCare [Member] | Home Health [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, total purchase price

$ 63

Goodwill additions

50.2

Acquisition, other intangibles recorded

10.9

10.9

Acquisition, recorded other assets and liabilities

1.9

1.9

Escrow deposit for indemnification purposes and working capital price adjustments

3.2

3.2

Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes

$ 47.6

$ 47.6

Period of time goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes

15 years

Infinity HomeCare [Member] | Home Health [Member] | Florida [Member]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]

Acquisition, number of care centers acquired | care_center

15

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Conden

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net service revenue	$ 1,557.6	$ 1,501.5
Operating income (loss)	78.7	59.7
Net income	$ 30.8	$ 39
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0.90	$ 1.16
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0.89	$ 1.15

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE49

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Activity Related to Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 20, 2016	Jul. 24, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 288,957	$ 261,700	$ 205,600
Additions			31,000	27,100	56,100
Adjustments related to acquisitions				100
Ending balance			319,949	288,957	261,700
Home Health [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			71,600	67,100	16,500
Additions	$ 4,400		13,400	4,400	50,600
Adjustments related to acquisitions				100
Ending balance			85,000	71,600	67,100
Hospice [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			194,600	194,600	189,100
Additions		$ 5,500	4,700	0	5,500
Adjustments related to acquisitions				0
Ending balance			199,300	194,600	194,600
Personal Care [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			22,700	0	0
Additions			12,900	22,700	0
Adjustments related to acquisitions				0
Ending balance			$ 35,600	$ 22,700	$ 0

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE50

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Activity Related to Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge for write-off of intangible assets	$ 1,300
Weighted-average amortization period	1 year 3 months 18 days
Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 46,755	$ 44,000	$ 33,200
Additions	3,400	5,200	11,100
Write-off	(1,300)		(300)
Amortization	(2,700)	(2,500)
Ending balance	46,061	46,755	44,000
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,900	5,900	0
Additions	600	1,500	5,900
Write-off	0		0
Amortization	(2,700)	(2,500)
Ending balance	2,800	4,900	5,900
Certificates of Need and Licenses [Member]
Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	24,100	23,900	23,100
Additions	100	200	1,100
Write-off	(500)		(300)
Amortization	0	0
Ending balance	23,700	24,100	23,900
Acquired Names of Business [Member]
Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	17,700	14,200	10,100
Additions	2,700	3,500	4,100
Write-off	(800)		0
Amortization	0	0
Ending balance	$ 19,600	$ 17,700	$ 14,200

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE51

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET - Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,018	$ 2.4
2,019	0.3
2,020	0.1
2,021	0
2,022	0
Total	$ 2.8

DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SH52

DETAILS OF CERTAIN BALANCE SHEET ACCOUNTS - Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other current assets:
Payroll tax escrow	$ 7,200	$ 6,700
Income tax receivable	3,400	1,300
Due from joint ventures	2,000	1,700
Other	3,700	1,600
Other current assets	16,268	11,260
Other assets:
Workers’ compensation deposits	400	400
Health insurance deposits	500	500
Other miscellaneous deposits	900	900
Indemnity receivable	17,000	4,900
Investments	26,400	27,800
Other	3,900	4,000
Other assets	49,130	38,468
Accrued expenses:
Health insurance	14,100	10,600
Workers’ compensation	29,300	26,800
Florida ZPIC audit, gross liability	17,400	0
Legal and other settlements	6,400	5,700
Lease liability	900	400
Charity care	1,500	1,400
Estimated Medicare cap liability	900	800
Hospice cost of revenue	9,100	7,200
Patient liability	5,300	4,300
Other	4,200	6,100
Accrued expenses	89,104	63,290
Other long-term obligations:
Reserve for uncertain tax positions	0	300
Deferred compensation plan liability	1,900	1,800
Other	1,900	1,600
Other long-term obligations	$ 3,791	$ 3,730

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Summary

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 90,700	$ 95,700
Deferred debt issuance costs	(1,900)	(2,700)
Long-term obligations, including current portion	88,800	93,000
Current portion of long-term obligations	(10,638)	(5,220)
Long-term obligations, less current portion	78,203	87,809
Term Loan [Member] | 100 Million Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	90,000	95,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 200 Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	0	0
Promissory Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 700	$ 700

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Summa54

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Summary of Long-Term Debt Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Aug. 28, 2015
Term Loan [Member] | 100 Million Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Maturity date	Aug. 28, 2020
Term Loan [Member] | 100 Million Term Loan [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)	3.57%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | 200 Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	$ 200,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Maturity date	Aug. 28, 2020

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Maturit

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Maturities of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Obligations, Fiscal Year Maturity
2,018	$ 10.6
2,019	10.1
2,020	70
2,021	0
2,022	0
Total	$ 90.7	$ 95.7

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Fees an

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Fees and Rates Under Credit Facilities (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Greater Than Equal To 2.75 to 1.0
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment Fee	0.40%
Letter of Credit Fee	3.00%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Greater Than Equal To 2.75 to 1.0 | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	2.75
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Greater Than Equal To 2.75 to 1.0 | ABR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin on Loans	2.00%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Greater Than Equal To 2.75 to 1.0 | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin on Loans	3.00%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less than 2.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 1.75 to 1.0
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment Fee	0.35%
Letter of Credit Fee	2.50%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less than 2.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 1.75 to 1.0 | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	2.75
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less than 2.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 1.75 to 1.0 | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	1.75
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less than 2.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 1.75 to 1.0 | ABR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin on Loans	1.50%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less than 2.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 1.75 to 1.0 | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin on Loans	2.50%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less Than 1.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 0.75 to 1.0
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment Fee	0.30%
Letter of Credit Fee	2.00%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less Than 1.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 0.75 to 1.0 | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	1.75
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less Than 1.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 0.75 to 1.0 | Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	0.75
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less Than 1.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 0.75 to 1.0 | ABR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin on Loans	1.00%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less Than 1.75 to 1.0 but Greater Than Equal To 0.75 to 1.0 | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin on Loans	2.00%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less Than 0.75 to 1.0
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment Fee	0.25%
Letter of Credit Fee	1.50%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less Than 0.75 to 1.0 | Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Consolidated Leverage Ratio	0.75
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less Than 0.75 to 1.0 | ABR [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin on Loans	0.50%
Consolidated Leverage Ratio: Less Than 0.75 to 1.0 | Eurodollar [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Margin on Loans	1.50%

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Narrati

LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS - Narrative (Details)	Aug. 28, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 19, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)installment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020installment	Mar. 31, 2018installment
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 300,000,000
Principal payments of long-term obligations				$ 5,319,000	$ 5,000,000	$ 103,000,000
Total leverage ratio				0.9
Fixed charge coverage ratio				4.4
Write-off of deferred debt issuance cost		$ 2,500,000
Deferred debt issuance cost						$ 2,400,000
Principal amount				$ 90,700,000	95,700,000
Swing Line Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of revolving credit facility	25,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of revolving credit facility	50,000,000
Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional interest rate over Federal Funds rate (percent)				0.50%
Additional interest rate over Eurodollar Rate (percent)				1.00%
Percentage of consolidated revenue and adjusted EBITDA that guarantor wholly-owned subsidiaries represent				95.00%
Percentage of adjusted EBITDA that guarantor subsidiaries represent				70.00%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Description of variable rate basis				Fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum, (b) the prime rate of interest established by the Administrative Agent, and (c) the Eurodollar Rate for an interest period of one month plus 1% per annum.
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				1.00%
Credit Agreement [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Description of variable rate basis				Rate at which Eurodollar deposits in the London interbank market for an interest period of one, two, three or six months
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				2.00%
Promissory Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount				$ 700,000	$ 700,000
Promissory Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (percent)				2.60%
Promissory Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (percent)				2.90%
100 Million Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Principal amount	100,000,000			$ 100,000,000
Maturity date				Aug. 28, 2020
Number of quarterly installments | installment				10
Frequency of periodic payment				quarterly
Weighted-average interest rate for five year Term Loan (percent)				3.10%	2.50%
Principal amount				$ 90,000,000	$ 95,000,000
100 Million Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)				3.57%
100 Million Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of quarterly installments | installment								2	8
Periodic principal payment			$ 3,100,000				$ 2,500,000
200 Million Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	200,000,000			$ 200,000,000
Amount of revolving credit facility	200,000,000
Credit facility, maximum additional borrowing capacity	150,000,000
Maturity date				Aug. 28, 2020
Weighted-average interest rate for five year Term Loan (percent)					3.50%
Availability under the revolving credit facility				$ 167,300,000
Outstanding letters of credit				32,700,000
Principal amount				$ 0	$ 0
October 2012 Term Loan [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	27,000,000
Principal payments of long-term obligations	27,000,000
Second Lien Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Call premium payment	700,000
Second Lien Credit Agreement [Member] | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount	70,000,000
Principal payments of long-term obligations	$ 70,000,000

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Detai

INCOME TAXES - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)state	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Recognized share-based compensation tax benefit		$ 2.9
Decrease in deferred income tax expense from remeasurement of deferred taxes due to change in tax rate (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act)	$ 21.4
Income tax receivable	3.4	3.4	$ 1.3
Reduction in uncertain tax positions from change in enacted tax rate		1.1	0
Uncertain tax benefits accrued	2.7	2.7	4.1	$ 4.7
Valuation allowance	0.7	0.7	0.4
Net change in total valuation allowance		0.3	0.1
Interest and penalties recognized related to uncertain income tax positions		(0.1)	(0.1)
Interest and penalties accrued related to uncertain income tax positions	0.1	$ 0.1	0.1
Number of individual states subject to income taxes | state		50
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination		2,001
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Tax years open to examination		2,017
Other Long Term Obligations [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Uncertain tax benefits accrued	2.7	$ 2.7
Net Operating Loss [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Uncertain tax benefits accrued	2.1	2.1	3.1
Tax Credit Carryforward [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Uncertain tax benefits accrued	0.7	0.7	$ 0.7
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Tax credits		$ 2.3
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Refund tax year		2,018
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Refund tax year		2,020
Research And Development Tax Credit [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Tax credits		$ 1.9
Employment Tax Credit [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Tax credits		0.4
State Tax Credit [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Tax credits		3.8
Federal [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	52.6	52.6
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Net Operating Loss [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 223	$ 223

INCOME TAXES - Components of Ta

INCOME TAXES - Components of Tax Provision by Jurisdiction (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current income tax expense/(benefit):
Federal	$ (2,000)	$ (500)	$ 2,200
State and local	(100)	(100)	500
Current income tax expense (benefit)	(2,100)	(600)	2,700
Deferred income tax expense/(benefit):
Federal	51,200	22,100	(500)
State and local	1,000	2,400	(100)
Foreign	0	0	(100)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	52,178	24,547	(677)
Income tax expense	$ 50,118	$ 23,935	$ 2,004

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Expen

INCOME TAXES - Income Tax Expense Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations	$ 50,118	$ 23,935	$ 2,004
Interest expense	0	(100)	200
Goodwill	0	0	(100)
Stockholders’ equity	(300)	(7,200)	(2,100)
Total income tax expense allocation	$ 49,800	$ 16,600	$ 0

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation o

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense at U.S. federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	3.80%	4.80%	(7.10%)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	(3.50%)	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
Valuation allowance	0.20%	0.10%	79.10%
Tax credits	(0.80%)	(0.60%)
Tax credits			136.00%
Tax rate change	26.50%	0.00%	0.00%
Uncertain tax positions	(0.30%)	(1.00%)	(230.30%)
Other items, net	1.10%	0.60%	(663.30%)
Income tax expense/(benefit)	62.00%	38.90%	(650.60%)

INCOME TAXES - Components of De

INCOME TAXES - Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 5.3	$ 6.9
Accrued payroll & employee benefits	9	11.4
Workers’ compensation	7.9	10.9
Amortization of intangible assets	26	56.3
Share-based compensation	6.1	7.8
Net operating loss carryforwards	20.1	44.2
Tax credit carryforwards	4.6	4.8
Other	2.4	1.1
Gross deferred tax assets	81.4	143.4
Less: valuation allowance	(0.7)	(0.4)
Net deferred tax assets	80.7	143
Deferred tax (liabilities):
Property and equipment	(4)	(7.8)
Deferred revenue	(18)	(23.2)
Investment in partnerships	(2.1)	(3.2)
Other liabilities	(0.5)	(0.9)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(24.6)	(35.1)
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$ 56.1	$ 107.9

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation63

INCOME TAXES - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Uncertain tax benefits, beginning balance	$ 4.1	$ 4.7
Additions for tax positions related to current year	0	0
Additions for tax positions related to prior year	0	0
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years	0	0
Lapse of statute of limitations	(0.3)	(0.6)
Change in statutory tax rate	(1.1)	0
Settlements	0	0
Uncertain tax benefits, ending balance	$ 2.7	$ 4.1

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED64

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 07, 2012	Jun. 06, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock, authorized (shares)	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, authorized (shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, issued (shares)	35,747,134	35,253,577
Common stock, outstanding (shares)	33,964,767	33,597,215
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	0	0
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries	50.00%
Equity-based awards, number of shares authorized (shares)	5,500,000
Equity-based awards, shares available for grant (shares)	1,200,000
Percentage of total combined voting power of the Company and subsidiaries	10.00%
Percentage of market value for purchases under Employee Stock Purchase Program (percent)	85.00%
Common stock authorized for issuance under Employee Stock Purchase Plan (shares)	1,410,511
Employee Stock Purchase Plan expense	$ 0.4	$ 0.4	$ 0.4
Options granted (shares)	308,292
Intrinsic value of options outstanding	$ 18.1
Intrinsic value of options exerciseable	9.2
Intrinsic value of options exercised during the period	$ 3.9		$ 0.2
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Contractual term of share-based award	ten
Common stock authorized for issuance under Employee Stock Purchase Plan (shares)				4,500,000	2,500,000
Vesting period of equity-based awards	6 years
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of equity-based awards	12 months
Share-Based Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of share of common stock (percent)	100.00%
Share Based Awards to More Than Ten Percent Owner [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of share of common stock (percent)	110.00%
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted (shares)	308,292	268,538	590,647
Stock compensation expense	$ 5.6	$ 6.3	$ 3.8
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 5.8
Unrecognized compensation expense weighted-average period for recognitions (years)	1 year 10 months 24 days
Non-Vested Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$ 1.7	$ 2.3	$ 5
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 0.7
Unrecognized compensation expense weighted-average period for recognitions (years)	6 months
Non-vested stock granted, weighted average grant date fair value (usd per share)	$ 62.67	$ 50.55	$ 28.48
Non-Vested Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of equity-based awards	6 years
Non-Vested Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of equity-based awards	1 year
Non-Vested Stock Units [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of equity-based awards	6 years
Non-Vested Stock Units [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of equity-based awards	1 year
Non-Vested Stock Units - Service-Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$ 3.6	$ 3.6	$ 1
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 6.7
Unrecognized compensation expense weighted-average period for recognitions (years)	2 years 1 month 6 days
Non-vested stock granted, weighted average grant date fair value (usd per share)	$ 53.79	$ 45.60	$ 37.98
Non-Vested Stock Units - Service-Based and Performance-Based [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$ 5	$ 3.7	$ 1.3
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 7.7
Unrecognized compensation expense weighted-average period for recognitions (years)	2 years
Non-vested stock granted, weighted average grant date fair value (usd per share)	$ 52.99	$ 46.29	$ 39.54
Performance-based award, target number of units to be received (shares)	194,109

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED65

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Employee Stock Purchase Plan Purchases (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended								43 Months Ended	67 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan shares issued (shares)	13,323	12,276	11,446	13,244	16,882	16,520	14,236	13,850	2,977,712	3,089,489
Price per Employee Stock Purchase Plan share issued (usd per share)	$ 44.80	$ 47.57	$ 53.39	$ 43.43	$ 36.24	$ 40.32	$ 42.91	$ 41.09	$ 14.20	$ 44.80

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED66

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Option Valuation Assumptions (Details) - Stock Option [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk Free Rate, minimum	1.99%
Risk Free Rate, maximum	2.16%
Expected Volatility, minimum	50.18%
Expected Volatility, maximum	51.81%
Weighted Average Fair Value	$ 28.02
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected Term	5 years 9 months 11 days
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected Term	6 years 3 months

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED67

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Number of Shares
Outstanding, beginning balance (shares)	1,008,157
Granted (shares)	308,292
Exercised (shares)	(144,206)
Canceled, forfeited or expired (shares)	(262,513)
Outstanding, ending balance (shares)	909,730	1,008,157
Exercisable (shares)	381,932
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning balance (usd per share)	$ 31.54
Granted (usd per share)	43.13
Exercised (usd per share)	31.58
Canceled, forfeited or expired (usd per share)	39.18
Outstanding, ending balance (usd per share)	33.25	$ 31.54
Exercisable (usd per share)	$ 28.73
Weighted Average Contractual Life (Years)
Outstanding, weighted average contractual life (years)	7 years 7 months 13 days	8 years 5 months 1 day
Exercisable, weighted average contractual life (years)	7 years 2 months 12 days

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED68

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Non-Vested Stock Option Activity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Number of Shares
Non-vested stock options beginning balance (shares) | shares	726,699
Granted (shares) | shares	308,292
Vested (shares) | shares	(260,814)
Forfeited (shares) | shares	(246,379)
Non-vested stock options ending balance (shares) | shares	527,798
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Non-vested stock options beginning balance (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 32.58
Granted (usd per share) | $ / shares	43.13
Vested (usd per share) | $ / shares	30.54
Forfeited (usd per share) | $ / shares	39.48
Non-vested stock options ending balance (usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 36.52

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED69

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Non-Vested Stock Activity (Details) - Non-Vested Stock [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Number of Shares
Non-vested, beginning balance (shares)	209,378
Granted (shares)	19,152
Vested (shares)	(170,292)
Canceled, forfeited or expired (shares)	(11,240)
Non-vested, ending balance (shares)	46,998	209,378
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning balance (usd per share)	$ 22.20
Granted (usd per share)	62.67	$ 50.55	$ 28.48
Vested (usd per share)	21.61
Canceled, forfeited or expired (usd per share)	19.51
Non-vested, ending balance (usd per share)	$ 41.48	$ 22.20

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED70

CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION - Non-Vested Stock Units Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Non-Vested Stock Units - Service-Based [Member]
Number of Shares
Non-vested, beginning balance (shares)	249,429
Granted (shares)	126,447
Vested (shares)	(57,106)
Canceled, forfeited or expired (shares)	(83,928)
Non-vested, ending balance (shares)	234,842	249,429
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning balance (usd per share)	$ 42.05
Granted (usd per share)	53.79	$ 45.60	$ 37.98
Vested (usd per share)	42.41
Canceled, forfeited or expired (usd per share)	44
Non-vested, ending balance (usd per share)	$ 47.58	$ 42.05
Non-Vested Stock Units - Service-Based and Performance-Based [Member]
Number of Shares
Non-vested, beginning balance (shares)	224,857
Granted (shares)	194,109
Vested (shares)	(73,998)
Canceled, forfeited or expired (shares)	(92,020)
Non-vested, ending balance (shares)	252,948	224,857
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning balance (usd per share)	$ 45.08
Granted (usd per share)	52.99	$ 46.29	$ 39.54
Vested (usd per share)	45.23
Canceled, forfeited or expired (usd per share)	47.50
Non-vested, ending balance (usd per share)	$ 51.15	$ 45.08

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands

Nov. 21, 2016USD ($)

Jun. 27, 2016patient

Jan. 18, 2016USD ($)claim

Dec. 23, 2015USD ($)

Nov. 03, 2015patient

Jun. 10, 2015USD ($)

May 21, 2015patient

Mar. 02, 2015computer

Apr. 23, 2014

Sep. 13, 2012employee

Jun. 06, 2011beneficiary

Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)claim

Apr. 30, 2014care_center

Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2010beneficiary

Jul. 25, 2015employee

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net

$ 28,712

$ 0

$ 0

Corporate integrity agreement term (years)

5 years

Indemnity receivable

$ 4,900

17,000

4,900

Patient accounts receivable

166,056

201,196

166,056

Operating leases rent expense

28,600

$ 27,500

23,700

Health insurance retention limit

900

Workers' compensation insurance retention limit

500

Professional liability insurance retention limit

$ 300

Minimum [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Operating lease term (years)

1 year

Maximum [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Operating lease term (years)

7 years

South Carolina [Member] | Hospice [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number of beneficiaries | beneficiary

30

Indemnity receivable related to amounts withheld prior to August 2009

$ 4,900

South Carolina [Member] | Hospice [Member] | Extrapolated [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number of beneficiaries | beneficiary

16

South Carolina [Member] | Hospice [Member] | Unfavorable [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Recovery amount of the overpayment made to the subsidiary

$ 3,700

Recovery amount of overpayment made to subsidiary including interest

$ 5,600

Number of claims submitted by subsidiary | claim

9

Recovery amount of over payment made to subsidiary including interest withheld

5,700

US Department of Justice [Member] | Massachusetts [Member] | Hospice [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number of patients | patient

53

US Department of Justice [Member] | Morgantown, West Virginia [Member] | Hospice [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number of patients | patient

66

US Department of Justice [Member] | Parkersburg, West Virginia [Member] | Hospice [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number of patients | patient

68

Wage and Hour Litigation [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Settlement awarded to other party

$ 8,000

Loss contingency accrual

5,300

$ 8,000

Wage and Hour Litigation [Member] | Connecticut [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number of former employees who filled a putative collective and class action complaint | employee

3

Payments for legal settlements

$ 5,300

Wage and Hour Litigation [Member] | Illinois [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number of former employees who filled a putative collective and class action complaint | employee

1

Settlement awarded to other party

$ 800

Loss contingency accrual

$ 800

Payments for legal settlements

$ 600

Frontier Litigation [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Payments for legal settlements

$ 2,900

Frontier Litigation [Member] | Hospice [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number of care centers sold | care_center

4

Frontier Litigation [Member] | Home Health [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Number of care centers sold | care_center

5

Securities Class Action Lawsuit [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Loss contingency accrual

$ 43,700

Payments for legal settlements

$ 28,700

Settlement amount to be paid by Company's insurance carriers

15,000

Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net

$ 28,700

Computer Inventory And Data Security Reporting [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Threshold of individuals in data breach | computer

142

Computer Inventory And Data Security Reporting [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Year of departure

2,011

Computer Inventory And Data Security Reporting [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Year of departure

2,014

OIG Self-Disclosure [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Loss contingency accrual

$ 4,700

Payments for legal settlements

$ 4,700

Safeguard Zone Program Integrity Contractor [Member] | Florida [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Loss contingency accrual

17,400

Indemnity receivable

10,900

Safeguard Zone Program Integrity Contractor [Member] | Florida [Member] | Infinity HomeCare [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Indemnification amount

$ 12,600

Safeguard Zone Program Integrity Contractor [Member] | Florida [Member] | Home Health [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Florida Zpic revenue reduction

$ 6,500

Safeguard Zone Program Integrity Contractor [Member] | Florida [Member] | Home Health [Member] | Minimum [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Recovery amount of the overpayment made to the subsidiary

6,500

Safeguard Zone Program Integrity Contractor [Member] | Florida [Member] | Home Health [Member] | Maximum [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Recovery amount of the overpayment made to the subsidiary

38,800

30,300

Safeguard Zone Program Integrity Contractor [Member] | Florida [Member] | Home Health [Member] | Infinity HomeCare [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Patient accounts receivable

6,800

Safeguard Zone Program Integrity Contractor [Member] | Lakeland, Florida [Member] | Home Health [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Recovery amount of the overpayment made to the subsidiary

$ 34,000

27,000

Number of claims submitted by subsidiary | claim

72

Actual claims payment

$ 200

Error rate (percent)

100.00%

Safeguard Zone Program Integrity Contractor [Member] | Clearwater, Florida [Member] | Home Health [Member]

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Recovery amount of the overpayment made to the subsidiary

$ 4,800

$ 3,300

Number of claims submitted by subsidiary | claim

70

Actual claims payment

$ 200

Error rate (percent)

100.00%

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES72

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Future Minimum Rental Commitments (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Minimum Rental Commitments
2,018	$ 23.6
2,019	18.1
2,020	13.6
2,021	8.9
2,022	5
Future years	11.6
Total	$ 80.8

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES73

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Insurance Programs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Health insurance	$ 14.1	$ 10.6
Workers’ compensation	29.3	26.8
Professional liability	4.3	4.7
Estimated Insurance Total	47.7	42.1
Less: long-term portion	(1.2)	(0.8)
Estimated Insurance Excluding Long Term Portion	$ 46.5	$ 41.3

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Narrat

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employer match amount	$ 0.44	$ 0.375	$ 0.375
Employee contribution amount	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Maximum percentage of employee salary eligible for employer match (percent)	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
401(k) expense recognized	$ 8,800,000	$ 6,900,000	$ 6,100,000

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM - Narr

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 09, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount	$ 75,000,000
Stock repurchase program, expiration date	Sep. 6, 2016
Shares repurchased (shares)		324,141	116,859
Shares repurchased, aggregate cost		$ 12,315,000	$ 4,581,000
Shares repurchased, weighted average price per share (usd per share)		$ 37.96	$ 39.20

EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVI76

EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017care_center	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge for write-off of intangible assets		$ 1.3
Lease Termination [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost recognized		0.6
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost recognized		3
2017 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Non-cash impairment charge for write-off of intangible assets		1.3
2017 Restructuring [Member] | Lease Termination [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost recognized		0.6
2017 Restructuring [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cost recognized		3
Restructuring-related non-cash expense reduction		$ 1
Home Health [Member] | Florida [Member] | 2017 Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of care centers closed | care_center	4
Number of care centers consolidated | care_center	3

EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVI77

EXIT AND RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES - Reserve Activity (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Lease Termination [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	$ 0
Charges	0.6
Cash expenditures	0
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	0.6
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring reserve, beginning balance	0
Charges	3
Cash expenditures	(0.7)
Restructuring reserve, ending balance	$ 2.3

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCO78

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS - Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 17.7	$ 16.5	$ 14.3
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	25.1	19.5	14.1
Write-Offs	(21.9)	(18.3)	(11.9)
Ending Balance	20.9	17.7	16.5
Estimated Revenue Adjustments [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	4.1	4	3.1
Provision for Estimated Revenue Adjustments	14.4	7.9	6.1
Write-Offs	(12.3)	(7.8)	(5.2)
Ending Balance	$ 6.2	$ 4.1	$ 4

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable business segments	3

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Operating

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Operating Income of Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net service revenue	$ 404,200	$ 380,200	$ 378,800	$ 370,500	$ 366,300	$ 361,600	$ 360,700	$ 348,800			$ 1,533,680	$ 1,437,454	$ 1,280,541
Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization											900,726	833,055	725,915
General and administrative expenses											482,300	503,400	452,400
Provision for doubtful accounts											25,059	19,519	14,053
Depreciation and amortization											17,123	19,678	20,036
Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net											28,712	0	0
Asset impairment charge					$ 4,400				$ 2,100	$ 75,200	1,323	4,432	77,268
Operating expenses											1,455,156	1,380,114	1,289,707
Operating income (loss)											78,524	57,340	(9,166)
Home Health [Member] | Reportable Business Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net service revenue											1,101,800	1,085,500	1,005,100
Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization											670,900	643,700	584,200
General and administrative expenses											278,400	283,400	263,200
Provision for doubtful accounts											17,900	13,800	12,200
Depreciation and amortization											3,500	6,000	5,200
Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net											0
Asset impairment charge											1,300	0	0
Operating expenses											972,000	946,900	864,800
Operating income (loss)											129,800	138,600	140,300
Hospice [Member] | Reportable Business Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net service revenue											371,000	316,000	275,400
Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization											184,800	163,100	141,700
General and administrative expenses											76,600	70,200	62,700
Provision for doubtful accounts											5,900	5,500	1,900
Depreciation and amortization											900	1,300	1,400
Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net											0
Asset impairment charge											0	0	0
Operating expenses											268,200	240,100	207,700
Operating income (loss)											102,800	75,900	67,700
Personal Care [Member] | Reportable Business Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net service revenue											60,900	35,900	0
Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization											45,000	26,300	0
General and administrative expenses											13,600	7,900	0
Provision for doubtful accounts											1,300	200	0
Depreciation and amortization											200	0	0
Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net											0
Asset impairment charge											0	0	0
Operating expenses											60,100	34,400	0
Operating income (loss)											800	1,500	0
Other [Member] | Other Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net service revenue											0	0	0
Cost of service, excluding depreciation and amortization											0	0	0
General and administrative expenses											113,700	141,900	126,500
Provision for doubtful accounts											0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization											12,500	12,400	13,400
Securities Class Action Lawsuit settlement, net											28,700
Asset impairment charge											0	4,400	77,300
Operating expenses											154,900	158,700	217,200
Operating income (loss)											$ (154,900)	$ (158,700)	$ (217,200)

UNAUDITED SUMMARIZED QUARTERL81

UNAUDITED SUMMARIZED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION Operating Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 404,200	$ 380,200	$ 378,800	$ 370,500	$ 366,300	$ 361,600	$ 360,700	$ 348,800	$ 1,533,680	$ 1,437,454	$ 1,280,541
Net income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc.	$ (3,800)	$ 14,600	$ 4,500	$ 15,100	$ 8,900	$ 11,400	$ 10,700	$ 6,200	$ 30,301	$ 37,261	$ (3,021)
Income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc. common stockholders - basic (usd per share)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.43	$ 0.13	$ 0.45	$ 0.27	$ 0.34	$ 0.32	$ 0.19	$ 0.90	$ 1.12	$ (0.09)
Income (loss) attributable to Amedisys, Inc. common stockholders - diluted (usd per share)	$ (0.11)	$ 0.42	$ 0.13	$ 0.44	$ 0.26	$ 0.34	$ 0.32	$ 0.19	$ 0.88	$ 1.10	$ (0.09)
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Legal fees, net of income taxes	$ 200	$ 100	$ 18,000	$ 100	$ 1,800	$ 200	$ 300	$ 900
Transaction-related expenses for acquisitions, net of income taxes			$ 200	$ 400	500	300	200	1,000
Effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, net of income taxes	21,400
Software implementation costs, net of income taxes					800	$ 1,200	$ 1,600	$ 1,500
Asset impairment charge, net of income taxes					$ 2,700
Home Health [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net of income taxes	$ 1,200	$ 1,000

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Na

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 22, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
KKR Consulting [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost incurred in related party transaction		$ 1.6
Care Innovations [Member] | Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cost incurred in related party transaction		$ 1.5
Related party transaction, amount of transaction	$ 1.8