Skilled home health care is clinical care delivered in a patient’s home for an illness, injury, recovery need, or change in function. Depending on the patient’s orders and plan of care, it may include intermittent skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, medical social services, and limited home health aide services.
How is home health different from home care?
Home health is clinician-directed, skilled, and generally intermittent. The phrase “home care” may also describe non-clinical companion or custodial support. Medicare does not generally cover round-the-clock care, meal delivery, or custodial help when that is the only care a person needs.
How does home health start?
- A patient, family member, clinician, hospital, or case manager starts a conversation.
- An allowed healthcare provider assesses the need and orders care when appropriate.
- The agency reviews the referral, documentation, eligibility, coverage, and service availability.
- If accepted, authorized clinicians visit under a coordinated plan of care.
What should families ask?
- Which skilled need is being addressed?
- Which disciplines are ordered?
- What will happen during visits?
- Who should be called when symptoms or function change?
- Which payer requirements apply to this patient?
This guide is general education, not medical advice or an individual coverage determination. Call 911 for emergencies.