Frequently Asked Question of the Month:
Can Home Health Aide Services alone qualify for coverage under the Medicare Home Health Benefit?
No, home health aide services are not considered covered without a skilled discipline providing care (RN, PT, OT, or SLP). Home health aides must also be supervised at least every 14 days by a clinician providing skilled care (RN, PT, OT, and SLP). A need for only home health aide services does not meet the eligibility requirements outlined: be confined to the home; under the care of a physician or allowed practitioner; receiving services under a plan of care established and periodically reviewed by a physician or allowed practitioner; be in need of skilled nursing care on an intermittent basis or physical therapy or speech-language pathology; or have a continuing need for occupational therapy.
Symbria is committed to maintaining a high standard and level of communication with our clients and employees regarding clinical education, PDGM understanding, patient assessment, home health regulations, and coding efficiency. As a result, the Home Health Insider was born. In this monthly offering, we hope to provide some valuable information that can foster a quality level of care that meets the needs of the patients that we serve.