Getting Started with Home Health

How to Access Services: Step-by-step guide on how to get started with home health services, including insurance verification, physician referrals, and initial assessments.

‍

Eligibility and Requirements: At Health Link Home Health and Hospice, we understand that navigating the criteria for home health care services can seem daunting. Our goal is to make this process as straightforward and compassionate as possible, ensuring you and your loved ones can access the care you need without unnecessary stress. Here's a simplified guide to the eligibility and requirements for receiving home health care services, inspired by the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), but explained in our voice and tone.

‍

Medical Necessity

The foundation of home health care eligibility is the medical necessity for the services requested. This means a healthcare professional must certify that you require one or more of the following services: skilled nursing (on a part-time or intermittent basis), physical therapy, speech-language pathology services, or continued occupational therapy. This certification typically follows a recent hospitalization or a significant change in your health condition that necessitates specialized care at home.

‍

Physician Referral

To begin receiving home health care, you need a referral from your physician. This referral is a collaborative process, where we work closely with your doctor to develop a care plan that addresses your specific health needs. This plan outlines the services you require, your goals for improvement, and how often the home health team should visit you.

‍

Insurance Coverage

Most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover home health care services under specific conditions. For Medicare beneficiaries, for example, coverage requires that you are under the care of a physician, receive services under a plan of care established and regularly reviewed by a doctor, and have had a face-to-face encounter with a healthcare provider related to the primary reason you require home health care. Additionally, you must be homebound, which means leaving home is a considerable and taxing effort.

‍

Being Homebound

Being homebound is a key requirement for home health services. This doesn't mean you're confined to your bed—rather, it indicates that your condition makes leaving home a significant challenge, requiring considerable effort and assistance. Occasional trips outside the home (for medical treatment, special non-routine events, or short, infrequent outings) are permissible under this definition.

‍

At Health Link Home Health and Hospice, we're here to guide you through each step of this process. From determining eligibility to coordinating with your insurance provider, our team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the care you need in the comfort and safety of your home. Our mission is to empower you and your family to regain health and independence, with a care plan tailored specifically to your health goals and conditions.