What is driving the use of outpatient in-home therapy?

Outpatient in-home therapy is becoming more popular as patients and physicians realize the value of concierge services. There are many factors driving referrals to outpatient in-home therapy. Here are a few:

• The aging population in the U.S. is growing, and not all of those aged 65+ are going to want to go to traditional brick-and-mortar outpatient clinics.
• Virtual care (done online over sites like Zoom) grew in popularity during the 2020 pandemic, and patients now enjoy the convenience of care in their homes - whether that care is virtual or outpatient in-home.
• Many continue to seek in-home outpatient care because they seek the comfort and convenience of staying at home.
• Many more patients are choosing to get rehab at home to improve mobility and maintain overall health.
• According to AARP, 90% of the over-65 population would like to remain at home as they grow older - and they may need OT and PT to facilitate this.

This means that the paradigm may be shifting away from in-clinic outpatient operations/traditional brick-and-mortar. Instead, patients are choosing to receive outpatient care in their homes (called outpatient in-home care).

How Outpatient In-Home Therapy Helps Patients

Patients around the U.S. require physical, occupational, and speech therapy to facilitate recovery or graceful aging in the home. Many such patients do not have easy access to a clinic or clinicians. Some cannot drive due to age, others may not be able to fit therapy into their busy schedules, while still others may have limited movement and find it hard to get to a brick-and-mortar clinic. These patients are not considered “homebound” as per traditional home health guidelines.

No matter the difficulty, most patients have one thing in common: they want to maintain mobility so they can continue to be independent.

Outpatient in-home therapy provides a solution for patients who do not qualify for home health but still need PT, OT, or ST. Many insurers cover outpatient in-home care, including private insurers and Medicare/Supplementals. This makes it easier than ever for patients to find the resources they need to continue to live at home while aging or living with an illness or injury.

A Note About Value-Based Care

Since FeldCare partners with home health agencies, we have seen many changes in Medicare guidelines for home health and outpatient.

One of the most recent is that Value-based care was developed with the overarching goal of making a positive impact and catering to the needs of the aging population. By its design, it aims to enhance access to services for a larger number of patients. Among the many outcomes of these changes are the assurance of meeting Medicare guidelines and the facilitation of discharge for non-homebound patients to outpatient clinics.

This is where FeldCare Direct comes in, providing the option for patients to access outpatient care in their own homes. FeldCare Direct plays a crucial role in this process, ensuring that patients receive the necessary support and attention during their transition to outpatient care. While adjustments are being made, the ultimate aim remains to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of care provided.

How to Help Patients Access Outpatient In-Home Rehab

Accessing outpatient in-home physical, occupational, and speech therapy is easier than ever.

Follow the directions below to refer to one of the qualified clinicians who utilize the Feldcare referral network. All OTs, PTs, and SLPs who use the FeldCare referral hub are well-versed in outpatient in-home care and ready to provide therapy to patients in need.

If you would like to begin the referral process, follow these simple steps:

1. Call (818) 538-5880 to speak to someone, email [email protected], or send the in-home outpatient referral via fax at (818) 616-6676, and we will check your patient's insurance eligibility.

2. Once eligible, the doctor's order and consent form are obtained.

3. An OT, PT, or SLP utilizing the FeldCare Direct network will connect with the patient referral. From here, the therapist will begin the plan of care.

Conditional: Sometimes, patients don't have a prescription for physical therapy, but they would like to work with a PT for rehab. Direct access applies to this situation. Alternatively, self-pay is an option for a patient who wants personal training or wellness coaching. They can call (818) 538-5880 or email [email protected] to see what therapists are available.

We look forward to connecting with you!