Medicare and Medicaid recipients may be surprised to learn that hospitals can be fined if they are readmitted within 30 days after certain procedures. Patients who have been admitted in the past month for a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, heart failure, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or elective knee or hip replacement surgery may find their healthcare team reluctant to readmit them should they suffer any complications.
While it may not seem fair that money could potentially drive healthcare decisions, this is the current state-of-affairs with the American healthcare system. This can naturally make people fearful of having certain procedures, especially since the average length of a hospital stay has gone down considerably in the past 30 years. Thankfully, Medicare and Medicaid will pay for some in-home health care services, which can provide extra peace-of-mind. Here's a look at what they may cover.
Skilled Nursing Care
If you have had surgery or a major medical event, such as a heart attack, you may no longer need full-time hospital care, but you may still require part-time medical care or just intermittent care for a brief time. Skilled nursing care constitutes care that must be provided by a licensed nurse, which is either a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN.) These are things like monitoring overall health status, wound care or incision care and dressing changes, tube feedings, intravenous treatments, and patient and/or caregiver education.
Skilled Therapist Care
Many people who have had a recent hospital stay no longer need medical care once they leave, but they may still need other types of skilled care. Stroke sufferers are a perfect example; while they may no longer need any nursing care, they may need help with re-learning some activities. Physical therapists will work to help them regain strength in their muscles and movement. Occupational therapists will work to help with daily activities, such as getting dressed and feeding themselves. Speech therapists will assist in learning to talk or speak more clearly. Mental health therapists are also covered if prescribed.
Home Health Aid Care
Not all care that may be needed during your home convalescence period will necessarily require a nurse — for example, bathing and toileting assistance. However, home care by an aid will usually only be approved by Medicare or Medicaid as an adjunct to skilled care. As long as skilled nursing or therapist care is prescribed, home health services will usually be covered as well.
To learn more, visit a website like https://www.inyourhomecares.com/.
