HOME HEALTH CARE REFERRAL EXAMPLES

Any decline in patient condition or living condition merits a home care evaluation.

Examples for referrals include but are not limited to:

1. A hospital stay
2. An ER visit or repeated ER visits
3. Invasive procedure care/teaching (trach, urinary catheter, tube feedings, wound vacs, wound care, decubitus care, drainage tubes, etc.)
4. New diagnosis or complication with chronic illness including:  congestive heart failure, diabetes, emphysema, pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, cancer, urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, muscle weakness, stroke, pernicious anemia, mental disease, etc.
5. Psychiatric illness
6. Surgical intervention
7. New medication
8. Medication change (dose, frequency,etc.)
9. New home O2 or Nebs
10. Medication monitoring and lab draws (Coumadin, Lasix, etc.)
11. Home safety issues
12. ADL/IADL issues
13. Cognitive impairments
14. Speech/swallowing impairments
15. Altered nutrition/nutritional needs
16. IV therapy
17. Ostomy/stoma care/teaching
18. No caregiver in home or caregiver unable to assist
19. Diabetic foot care
20. Pain management
21. Vitamin B-12 administration
22. PT or OT therapy
23. Cardiac rehab (prior to going to outpatient CR)
24. Reoccurring infections

The homebound status required by Medicare is determined at the initial visit.  Other reimbursers include:  Medical Assistance, Insurance, VA, HMO's, Workers compensation or self pay.