How you initiate receiving home care support depends on whether you’re at home or about to be discharged from a hospital or inpatient rehab center. Below are the steps to help you begin:

Step 1: Arranging for a Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA)

If you are in the hospital or completing a short-term stay at an inpatient rehab:

• A social worker or discharge planner will let you know if short-term home health care support is recommended after you are discharged.
• They will provide you with a list of Medicare-certified home health agencies to choose from.
• Once you’ve selected a home health agency, the social worker or discharge planner will make the initial contact.
• Whenever possible, a representative from the home care agency will visit you to assess your condition before you are discharged.

If you are at home:

• If your medical condition requires skilled nursing care or rehabilitation therapy at home, we recommend you speak with your treating physician.
• If they agree, contact your insurance provider to request a list of certified home health agencies covered by your plan.
• You, your doctor, or a caregiver can contact the agency directly to schedule an assessment at your home.

Step 2: Get a Medical Assessment

A nurse or rehab therapist from the home health agency will meet with you in person to evaluate your condition, assess your clinical needs, and confirm your eligibility for services. Once approved, the home care team will work with you and your treating physician to develop a personalized plan of care that includes :

• Your goals.
• The types of services needed and frequency of services.
• Medical equipment required to provide your care at home safely.
• Expected outcomes.

Step 3: Medical Certification

If you haven’t completed this step, schedule a face-to-face meeting with your doctor or NP within 90 days before or 30 days after starting home care.

It can be:

• An office visit.
• A hospital visit.
• A virtual meeting (via video conferencing), if necessary.

Your doctor will:

• Certify that you are homebound and need short-term skilled home care services.
• Approve the home health plan of care.
• Confirm that the face-to-face meeting requirement is met.

Step 4: Ongoing Plan of Care Certification

• Your doctor will review and recertify your home health plan of care every 60 days.
• Note: A face-to-face meeting is not required for recertification.

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MJHS Home Care: We Are Here to Support Your Recovery

Our team of dedicated experts is here to help guide you every step of the way, offering individualized care at home that prioritizes your goals, comfort, independence, and unique needs. Whether you are recovering from a joint replacement illness, managing a chronic condition, or transitioning from the hospital or inpatient rehab center, MJHS is ready to provide the specialized care and support you need. Contact us today to learn how we can help you or your loved one on the path to better health and well-being.