How does PPS work?

Ellen · Jul 9, 2000

PPS is going to change HHC alot? We will now be reimbursed based on diagnosis and the 19 OASIS items Medicare has deemed important. If you are going to be admiting patients come OCT. you should be learning about PPS NOW!

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Frausuzy · Jul 10, 2000

PPS is to home health, what DRG's are for the hospital setting. Reimbursement will be based on episode of illness, as opposed to per visit. This creates a burden of efficiency for the agency. The more efficient each visit is, the fewer visits made and the more an agency will make.

Zenobia Thompson · Jul 10, 2000

I have been in home care for over 10 years. In response to the PPS system soon to be implemented; I saddens me that homebound patients will definitely suffer. This policy will have disastrous effect on frail patients who need home care the most. How can nurses stand by and let this happen? Have too many "angels of mercy" become cold and indifferent to the needs of their patients? I would be interested to know if any one is planning to stand up for the patients that need home care?

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Z.Thompson

Mijourney · Jul 11, 2000

Originally posted by Zenobia Thompson:
I have been in home care for over 10 years. In response to the PPS system soon to be implemented; I saddens me that homebound patients will definitely suffer. This policy will have disastrous effect on frail patients who need home care the most. How can nurses stand by and let this happen? Have too many "angels of mercy" become cold and indifferent to the needs of their patients? I would be interested to know if any one is planning to stand up for the patients that need home care?

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Hi Zenobia,

I agree that there is suffering to be had in patient care with the new changes. Anytime there is a change, there will be major suffering until the situation is adapted to, adjusted, or thrown out. I must ask, how much study and preparation have you done regarding PPS? What suggestions do you have for patient advocates who oppose PPS? What have you tried? I admire and respect anyone who sincerely stands up for the defenseless. After all, I went into nursing to pursue a ministry and not the industry that nursing is a part of. Defending those who are unable to defend themselves is one of our major purposes in life. However, in reality, we must acknowledge that in this world, money is the bottom line, and it gives and calls all the shots.

I suggest that we show our caring by learning all we can about PPS since it looks like it's going to become a reality. We do our clients/patients an injustice when we approach their care partially prepared with something new. Even though I may eat my words later, we should give the new program a chance since we frequently expect our clients/patients to be willing to change personal practices for us. Continuing education, unfortunately, is not high on many nurses' lists in my neck of the woods, but it is vital in this time of rapid change. Once we learn all the ins and outs of PPS and give it a good run, we will have the ammunition to debate for or against its use.