Half pay for RN BID Insulin visits daily

Specialties Home Health

Published

Specializes in ICU/CCU, Home Health, Case Management.

Have you guys heard of this one? My agency is paying me 1/2 pay for my snv to an insulin diabetic bid whom i do a full assessment, teaching, call md's, bid fsbs, administer insulin, give her am and pm meds, fill med box weekly (she has st and lt memory deficit) and everything else we do in hc? pt is Medicare. Can they do this?

Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It simply sounds like they are taking advantage of you. What you listed sure sounds like full visit responsibilities (with full visit pay due) to me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/CCU, Home Health, Case Management.

To me as well TY. I am going to call the Board and anyone else I can think of. 40.00 for 2 vs is not worth it. besides i can't schedule a regular vs b/c I have to see her. plus, if i end my day at 3pm, i get no mileage to her home at 4p. not big deal on the last point bc it's only 35cents a mile.ps. Tampa metro location with major traffic between 4-5pm TY

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

they are pretending to pay you for professional work?

would they like it if you just pretended to visit?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

Well if you are per visit, why are you agreeing to do these visits for this rate? Just say no.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

NO WAY! They require a note and a vist its full! pay!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

I'd bet the agency is getting ITS reimbursement as 2 svisits.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'd bet the agency is getting ITS reimbursement as 2 svisits.

Yep, I'd bet an entire paycheck on this one!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

If they are billing Medicare, they are not getting paid for each visit but getting a lump sum payment for 60 day episode of care under Medicare PPS regulations. With Medicare reimbursement rate cuts due sequestion and Republican congress legislation this year -- agency usually at a loss for this type of care.

Agency CAN NOT cut it's usual per visit rate to you in half --that is a WAGE AND HOUR labor board issue and reportable to your local office: WHD District Offices

No employer wants wage and hour to pay a visit, so just a mention of contacting them brings most employers into compliance.

Does she live alone, in assistive living --if she is alone is she safe with short and long term memory loss? If blood sugars are reasonably stable, could she be taught to use an autopen with just phone call each evening as a reminder? You need to think out of the box to try and cut cost of providing care AND ensuring clients health not endangered. PM me for further discussion.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

To NRSKaren - thanks for the Medicare info. Didn't know.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/CCU, Home Health, Case Management.

TY NRSKarenRN,

Yes, DON told me MCR only gives a lump sum for diagnosis. So, that is why they pay I/2 for both visits-total 35.00 day. She is complicated, confused, lives alone. Her son lives 5 minutes from her and refuses to give insulin.He was taught by the previous nurse and has given it to her when he has taken her out in the evening. DON says if her visits are complicated, like low BS, document it, submit it to her for approval. She has a Novopen. She can't be taught, half the time she does not know if it's am or pm. She is unsafe living alone, but manages. He has friends who come in and give her a shower and take her out for lunch. Sometimes, they would keep her out and I would have to track them down by cell phone or just wait! So, I told them I could not continue to take care of her. They didn't like it but gave her to a FT LPN. I am per diem, so I do know I can refuse a case, only if they could find a replacement for me. I was never told half pay when she was assigned to me. I felt bad about it, but I can't work for low wage, when I could be doing a regular visit for 35.00. I am ready to retire, feeling burned out after 40 years! TY again for your concern.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment