“Homebound”
Medicare patients must be “homebound” to receive home healthcare services
- What does “homebound” mean?
- Generally confined to place of residence
- “Residence” can mean Assisted Living Facility
- Lacks normal ability to leave home by oneself
- Leaving home requires extra effort
- Possibly - leaving home is medically contraindicated
- Possibly - unable to leave home without use of:
- cane, walker, crutches, etc.
- wheelchair
- specialized transportation
- assistance of another person
- “Homebound” does not have to mean “bedridden”
- Homebound status applies even if:
- absent from home for short periods
- keeps appts. for doctor, chemo, dialysis, etc.
- attends an Adult Day Care Center
- attends religious services
NOTE - The home healthcare professional will establish whether the patient is “homebound” if the referring physician is uncertain as to whether “homebound” criteria are met.
ALPHA Home Physical Therapy, Inc.
8130 South Meridian Street, Suite #3
Indianapolis, IN 46217
Phone: 317-888-4033
Fax: 317-888-4018
Toll Free: 1-877-886-6860
