Under the PPS system of reimbursement, supplies are “bundled” into the episode payment. This means that Medicare patients/clients who have been receiving supplies from another supplier may need to obtain supplies from the home care agency during their stay on service. It is important to inform the Clinical Manager if you discover, from your patient/client, that he or she is receiving supplies from another supplier. Medical Equipment In today’s home care environment, patients/clients have the opportunity to use many types of home medical equipment. Also called durable medical equipment (DME), the items are intended to withstand repeated use by non-professionals and are appropriate for home use. There must be a doctor’s order. Medicare or private insurance may pay for the DME. The clinician will document its use in the patient’s/client’s record. Note: Medicare does not pay for commode extenders, tub benches, or other bathroom equipment. The clinician will assess the patient’s/client’s and/or caregiver’s ability to set up, monitor, and change equipment reliably and safely, as well as clean, store, or dispose of equipment or supplies using proper technique learned from the DME supplier. The DME supplier is responsible for proper delivery and initial setup of the equipment. The DME representative should ensure the home environment is suitable and safe for proper usage of the equipment. The DME representative is responsible for training the patient/client, family, and caregivers on the proper usage and maintenance of the equipment. There should be a 24 hour contact number and/or information provided in the event of equipment malfunction or another emergency. The clinical staff will reinforce using the DME correctly and review any areas of non-compliance with the patient/client regularly. It is expected the patient/client will follow the manufacturer’s instructions and those given by the DME representative. Notify the supervisor if the patient/client needs equipment. The Agency will also follow the requirements of the Safe Medical Device Act to identify, report, and correct medical device incidents. These include serious injury and death to the patient/client. The Administrator, or designee, will be responsible for determining when a reportable event has occurred and will complete all required documentation, including the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) reports, if applicable. Transfer and Discharge Criteria for transfer or discharge are based on 42 CFR 484.50(d) and found in the following policy: Review the following policy and procedure: Online Bookmark Title of Policy Assessment (PE) Patient/Client Transfer, Discharge, and Agency Dissolution
