I am kind of new to home health. My patient is requesting reduction in frequency of visit and early discharge. She was discharged from hospital a week ago, and readmitted four hours later for exacerbation of symptoms. We put her on 3x/week x2, 2x/week x2 and then 1/week. She wants just two more visits and then DC. She thinks she and her family can do everything we do for her by themselves. We have only seen her for a week. She is doing better but I think its too soon to discharge her.
My DON is not much help at this point. Please I would like suggestions on how to handle it. How do you handle requests like these without getting into trouble with the Doctor? I am wondering how to convince her without making her think the company wants to keep seeing for the money. I am on salary so it won't affect my pay if we dc her.
Bottom line, doesn't matter if it is in her best interest...if she is competent to make this decision then you should honor it. Make sure to notify and document carefully and appropriately. You are not in a position to force health care on someone and you do not want to be party to fraud.
jnette, ASN, EMT-I
4,388 Posts
Agree. It is their choice to make. :)