Medicare assesses patients every 60 days

Home Care by David DiFilippo

    Q: How does Medicare determine how much it will pay toward home care? ~ Jeannette Smith, Smithfield


   
    A: Medicare pays home health agencies a predetermined base payment that is adjusted for the health condition and care needs of the patient as well as for geographic wage differences. The patient’s condition and needs are assessed every 60 days by the home health agency using Medicare’s outcome assessment and information set (OASIS). If treatment extends beyond the initial 60 days, payments are adjusted according to the outcome of the OASIS in 60-day increments.
    Q: My father injured himself at work and now needs home care. Will workers compensation pay for that? ~ Jean Edmunds, Newport
    A: Yes, workers compensation insurance was created to pay for care for on-the-job injuries. Home care is no exception.
    Q: What exactly does fully insured and bonded mean when it comes to hiring a companion care company? Is it really necessary since the agency is not providing hands-on medical care? ~ Gloria Sprague, Tiverton
    A: When using companies that are bonded and insured, the company covers any theft or damages to your property caused by an employee or if an employee is injured in your home, his or her care will be covered by the company’s workers compensation insurance.  Companies such as home care companies that provide care paid for by federal funds are required to be licensed, bonded and insured. It is not a requirement however, of companion care companies. Make sure to ask for documentation when interviewing potential companion care companies..

    David DiFilippo is the owner of Concord Health Services, which specializes in in-home assistance and medical services. The company has three divisions:  Concord Companion Services, Concord Visiting Nurses and Milestone Rehabilitation. Submit questions to kparkcompass@trmcomm.com.

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