Physician's Guide

Health care in the comfort and security of home gives your patient and their family peace of mind.

Home Health reduces the strain caused by excessive hospitalizations and nursing home stays during an illness or disability.

Changes in Medicare hospital benefits, establishment of the DRG system, closer surveillance by HMO's and insurance companies have resulted in many people being sent home from hospitals much sooner. Thus, the expression, "home sicker and quicker", was coined. Staying at home will enable your patient to maintain social ties and involvement with community, friends, and family, thus preserving their sense of independence and security.

Home Health has become a rapidly growing element of the health care industry. Even so, many physicians, hospital discharge planners, and consumers do not know what home health care really is and how to obtain it.

As a physician involved with home health, you are responsible for prescribing medical treatment at home through a care plan that includes medication, nutritional support, rehabilitation services, social work, and nursing care.

Legacy Home Health has encountered several physicians who have had questions concerning home care; i.e., what services are offered, who qualifies, and what is reimbursable by Medicare. Therefore, we offer this guide to assist you in determining your patients' need and eligibility to receive home care services.

We encourage you to contact Legacy if you have any questions not addressed in this guide. Legacy Home Health is committed to serving you and your patients.