Home Health: Frequently asked questions

Key Takeaways:

• Home Health services include nursing, speech and occupational therapy, home health aides, and medical social work.
• Eligibility does not require patients to never leave their homes. You can go out and still receive Home Health services.
• Home Health is not limited to wound management and dressing changes.
• Services provided by Home Health are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance.

Home Health is designed to bring clinical care into the home to help you stay at home, so you can age in place.

The services provided by Home Health nurses and physical, occupational, and speech therapists prevent readmissions, help people manage chronic disease, and prevent emergency room utilization. It is not for private duty nursing. 

Whether you are recovering from surgery, illness, or injury, Home Health providers ensure a smooth transition from a hospital or rehabilitation facility to home. They also offer at-home services to patients who experience a change in their health but do not require hospitalization. 

Many people are confused about Home Health eligibility, the services provided, and insurance coverage.

In this blog, we’re doing to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Home Health.

Do you have to be completely homebound to receive Home Health services?

You do have to be homebound to be eligible to enroll in Home Health. But “homebound” is defined as “a considerable taxing effort to safely leave home unassisted.” What that means is that when you leave home, is it an effort and how much of an effort? 

You can leave home for short durations. For example, you can have your hair done, and you can go to the grocery store. You can go to church. You can leave for any medical appointments. So no, you do not have to be completely homebound, as in stuck in the home. That’s a myth.

Is Home Health only for wound care?

You can use Home Health for any skilled needs for your disease process. A “skilled need” is defined as one that requires a licensed skilled nurse or therapist to help you get back on your feet or stay on your feet.

In addition to wound management and dressing changes, WVU Medicine Home Health nurses provide several comprehensive in-home services, including:

• Administration and instruction of infusion therapy
• Antibiotics
• Chemotherapy
• Hydration and pain management
• Total parenteral nutrition
• Enteral tube feeding care instruction
• Foley catheter care
• Medication instruction
• Ostomy care
• Specialized assessment of individual health needs
• Specialized education for diabetes, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia

Other services provided by WVU Medicine Home Health include occupational and speech therapy, home health aide services, and medical social work. 

Do I have to get a referral from my doctor before I’m discharged from the hospital?

Any allowed provider, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or physician can make a referral for Home Health. Eligibility has nothing to do with who is making that referral.

Is it true that once you are enrolled in Home Health services, you will receive them forever?

Home Health is designed that you will have goals created by your nurse or your therapist, and once you meet those goals, we will discharge you. If the need returns or a new need arises, you can be re-enrolled. 

Who pays for Home Health?
Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances cover home health services. Based on your insurance, you may have some co-pays, but Home Health is covered.

We’re here for you.

WVU Medicine Home Health provides services in five counties in Ohio, three counties in Pennsylvania, and 30 counties in West Virginia. 
Our offices are open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. Our registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide care and answer your questions and concerns.  For more information, call 800-339-9896 or visit our website here.