Can a PA-C sign off on Doctors Orders in Home Health Agency

Specialties Private Duty

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Most home health agencies have a director of nursing, but I'm curious if a PA-C can sign off the same papers nurses would and can you still bill medicare for the services provided?

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Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.

In my years in private duty home care, and also long term care, I have never received orders from a P.A. The prescriber has always been a doctor or nurse practitioner.

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Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

I don't see why it would be a problem. Their scope of practice allows them to write orders, at least in my state. Probably best to contact the board for PAs or to call medicare to clarify and to get it in writing to cover yourself just in case wrong info is given.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I can take orders from a PA or NP if they are covering for the client's MD, or if they go to the ER, but they can't sign the 485.

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This is what I was looking for. PA's can't sign off on a 485? That's practically the essential document of a home health agency. Hmm .

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Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

You would have to check with insurance guidelines to see if it is acceptable. Each state may be different. Do a google search in your state for medicare/medicaid guidelines. It will explain their rules.

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