A tool to assess homebound status.

Although this specific instrument focuses solely on helping the home care nurse determine homebound status, this type of instrument can be developed for the other criteria used in assessing a client for Medicare-eligible home care services. For example, a similar instrument can be developed to assess whether a patient meets the criteria for part-time intermittent care or skilled care using the Medicare definitions as a guide to tool development. As we move into a time when there is more scrutiny of home care for compliance to Medicare regulations and increased productivity to assure cost effectiveness, instruments like this are essential for careful documentation that allows the agency to demonstrate accountability. In addition, home care agencies are expecting new home care nurses to know and be able to apply the Medicare regulations after a brief orientation. Instruments like this can shorten the orientation process and provide support for the home care nurse in the field.