All adults in the United States are now familiar with the challenge of being isolated due to COVID-19. This has presented even more new challenges for those needing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Searching the internet can sometimes leave you with more questions than answers, but this article will explain the difference between receiving physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy from home health care and receiving outpatient physical therapy, outpatient occupational therapy, and outpatient speech therapy at home.
What’s Home Health Care Therapy?
An extension of hospital services after an injury or for an ongoing illness. The idea behind home health care is to provide less expensive and more convenient care that is just as effective as a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF) [1].
What is Outpatient Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy at Home?
An outpatient clinic is where one might go to receive rehabilitation services after an injury, such as a stroke, that is generally less expensive and doesn’t require rehabilitation services as intensive as a hospital might. These services enable you to become more independent and heal.
Outpatient therapy at home provides a safer alternative to outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is especially important for older adults. Think of this as bringing the outpatient clinic to the comfort of your own home. Even though therapy is conducted in the home, it is still considered outpatient services.
Who Qualifies for Home Health Care Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy?
In order to qualify for home health care, clients are required to be homebound. These are defined as Medicare Part A benefits. Doctor’s orders are needed to start care. Once your doctor refers you for home health services, the home health agency will schedule an appointment to come to your home.
Who Qualifies for in Home Outpatient Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy?
Patients who meet specific home health therapy goals or no longer qualify to receive rehabilitation care under Medicare Part A could be eligible to continue with physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy under the outpatient therapy benefit. Medicare Part B benefits fall under an outpatient therapy plan of care. Reimbursement is per the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
How do I Receive Outpatient Care?
After a home health episode or hospitalization, obtain an order from your physician for continued therapy under outpatient Medicare Part B benefits. Patients do not need to be qualified under a homebound status to receive outpatient services. Outpatient clinics that visit patients in home, such as ours, bill underneath our clients Medicare Part B benefits. Reimbursement is per the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, and there is no adjustment or charging for transportation to and from the home, at least from our company.
What Services Does Optimal Home Rehab offer?
Optimal Home Rehab offers coverage for Medicare Part B and partner with home health care agencies to provide Medicare Part A coverage as well.
Our services include:
- Outpatient physical therapy
- Outpatient occupational therapy
- Outpatient speech therapy
- Home health care physical therapy
- Home health care occupational therapy
- Home health care speech therapy
Conclusion
While COVID-19 has presented many challenges to health care, you do not have to leave the safety and comfort of your home to seek outpatient therapy. Outpatient in home therapy fills the gap between a home health and an outpatient clinic. While finding quality care can be difficult, Optimal Home Rehab, LLC is committed to clinical excellence, quality care and personalized services for adults. That is why patients and agencies alike continue to choose us for their therapy needs.
Optimal Home Rehab, LLC offers in home outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in Philadelphia, PA. Outpatient in home therapy fills the gap between a home health and an outpatient clinic, that is especially prevalent during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Schedule an appointment today.
QUALITY PHYSICAL, OCCUPATIONAL, AND SPEECH THERAPY
If you or a loved one are looking for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy services and would prefer the therapist to come to your home, look no further. We provide one-on-one care in the privacy of your home with no added expense. Our prices are the same as going to an outpatient practice, but can be performed in the safety of your home. Contact us today to learn how we can help you!
