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How Does Medicare Coordinate Home Health Care With Other Treatments?
Date Updated: December 13, 2024
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Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
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Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
Medicare coordinates home health care with other treatments by following a patient's physician-approved care plan detailing their health needs. This enables proper communication and planning across providers, ensuring the individual receives comprehensive, coordinated care. Home health agencies also regularly monitor a patient's progress to suggest adjustments to their care plan as needed.
How Are Individualized Care Plans Developed?
After a person proves eligible for home health services, a Medicare-approved agency consults their physician to develop a plan of care. This document details the patient's condition and all services needed to maintain their health and quality of life. The physician conducts an assessment to determine information, including:
- Types of services needed
- How often to administer care
- Health professionals needed to provide services
- Any necessary medical equipment
- Predicted treatment outcomes
Although the home health agency monitors the individual's progress and provides updates, the physician establishes, maintains and adjusts the care plan. They also review it at least once every 60 days to ensure their patient continues receiving the appropriate care and support.
How Medicare Ensures Access to Home Health Care and Other Treatments
Upon reviewing an individual's care plan, a Medicare-approved home health agency connects them with the right services. Most home health agencies employ a variety of medical professionals, including:
- Home health aides
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical nurses
- Physicians
- Physical, speech and occupational therapists
- Registered dietitians
- Medical social workers
Some also have mental health therapists and medical equipment suppliers on staff. If an agency doesn't employ a professional listed on a patient's care plan, such as a specialist, it coordinates with additional Medicare-approved providers to procure that service.
Additionally, Medicare arranges care for specialist appointments held at a clinic relevant to the individual's qualifying condition. For example, when a patient returns home after hip surgery, they begin home health services but must meet with an orthopedic surgeon after six weeks for follow-up. The home health agency communicates with the orthopedic surgeon to share relevant patient information and adjust the home care plan based on the surgeon's recommendations.