What does it mean to be homebound?
An individual does not have to be bedridden to be considered confined to the home or homebound. However, the condition of these patients should be such that there exists a normal inability to leave home and, consequently, leaving home would require a considerable and taxing effort.
What if a patient can leave home?
“Occasional absences from the home for non-medical purposes like attending religious services; attendance at a State licensed, State certified, or State accredited medical adult day care center; occasional trip to the barber; a walk around the block or a drive; attendance at a family reunion, funeral, graduation, or other infrequent or unique event would not necessitate a finding that the patient is not homebound if the absences are undertaken on an infrequent basis or are of relatively short duration and do not indicate that the patient has the capacity to obtain the health care provided outside rather than in the home.”
What is considered the patient’s place of residence?
Patient’s residence is wherever they make their home. This may be their own dwelling, an apartment, a relative’s home, a home for the aged, or some other type of institution. However, a hospital, skilled nursing facility (SNF), or intermediate care facility (ICF) is not considered the patient’s home.
What are some examples of homebound patients?
1. A patient recently paralyzed from a stroke who is confined to a wheelchair or requires the aid of crutches in order to walk;
2. A patient who is blind or senile and requires the assistance of another person to leave their residence;
3. A patient who has lost the use of their upper extremities and, therefore, is unable to open doors, use handrails on stairways, etc., and requires the assistance of another individual to leave their residence;
4. A patient who has just returned from a hospital stay involving surgery suffering from resultant weakness and pain and, therefore, their actions may be restricted by their physician to certain specified and limited activities such as getting out of bed only for a specified period of time, walking stairs only once a day, etc.;
5. A patient with arteriosclerotic heart disease of such severity that they must avoid all stress, physical activity, and
6. A patient with a psychiatric problem if the illness is manifested in part by a refusal to leave home or is of such a nature that it would not be considered safe to leave home unattended, even if they have no physical limitations.
2. A patient who is blind or senile and requires the assistance of another person to leave their residence;
3. A patient who has lost the use of their upper extremities and, therefore, is unable to open doors, use handrails on stairways, etc., and requires the assistance of another individual to leave their residence;
4. A patient who has just returned from a hospital stay involving surgery suffering from resultant weakness and pain and, therefore, their actions may be restricted by their physician to certain specified and limited activities such as getting out of bed only for a specified period of time, walking stairs only once a day, etc.;
5. A patient with arteriosclerotic heart disease of such severity that they must avoid all stress, physical activity, and
6. A patient with a psychiatric problem if the illness is manifested in part by a refusal to leave home or is of such a nature that it would not be considered safe to leave home unattended, even if they have no physical limitations.
How much will a Medicare beneficiary pay for Home Health?
Beneficiaries of Medicare and Medicaid are covered 100% of the cost of services.
Who is eligible for home health?
Medicare pays for the home health services provided the patient meets the following requirements:
1. They have a need for skilled care like Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy;
2. They are confined to the home and considered homebound;
3. They have an order from a physician who establishes the plan of care;
4. Services are provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency.
1. They have a need for skilled care like Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy;
2. They are confined to the home and considered homebound;
3. They have an order from a physician who establishes the plan of care;
4. Services are provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency.
What are your hours of operation?
Office hours are from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Friday. An On-Call Nurse is available 24/7 to respond to any questions and assist patients and families with their needs.
