Frequently Asked Question of the Month:
True or False? Home Health Agencies don’t admit patients over the weekend?
False. HHAs admit and treat patients on a regular basis over weekends because Medicare does not exclude weekends when defining timing of care. Medicare Home Health Agencies are bound by timing of care standards. Specifically, §484.55(a)(1) requires the initial assessment visit to be completed within 48 hours of referral, or within 48 hours of the patient’s return home, or on the physician or allowed practitioner-ordered start of care date. §484.55(b)(1) requires the comprehensive assessment be completed no later than 5 calendar days after the start of care.
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.