Supervision of a nursing facility patient (patient not present) requiring complex and multidisciplinary care modalities involving regular development and/or revision of care plans by that individual, review of subsequent reports of patient status, review
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Supervision of a Nursing Facility Patient (Patient Not Present)
- Also known as: Nursing Facility Patient Supervision, Care Plan Management
Summary
This procedure involves overseeing the care of a patient in a nursing facility who requires complex and multidisciplinary care. The healthcare professional checks the patient's status regularly through reports, revises care plans as needed, and coordinates with various specialists. The patient is not physically present during the supervision.
Purpose
This procedure aims to ensure that patients with complex medical needs receive coordinated, comprehensive care. It addresses conditions requiring continuous monitoring and intervention by multiple healthcare providers. The goal is to create and maintain an effective care plan to improve or stabilize the patient's health status.
Indications
- Patients with chronic conditions requiring long-term management
- Multiple comorbidities necessitating multidisciplinary care
- Frequent changes in health status needing prompt adjustments in care
- Residents of nursing facilities who cannot leave for frequent consultations
Preparation
As this procedure involves supervision and not direct patient interaction, there are typically no preparation steps required for the patient. However, accurate and updated patient reports and medical records are essential for effective supervision.
Procedure Description
- Review the patient's current health status and medical history.
- Develop or revise the care plan, considering input from multiple healthcare disciplines.
- Coordinate with healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, therapists, and pharmacists.
- Review subsequent patient status reports regularly.
- Adjust the care plan as needed based on the latest health updates.
Tools and Equipment:
- Patient medical records
- Communication devices (phone, computer for virtual meetings)
Duration
The supervision process is ongoing, but individual review sessions might take around 30 minutes to an hour.
Setting
This is typically done in an office or virtual setting, given that the procedure does not require the patient’s physical presence.
Personnel
- Primary Care Physician or Nurse Practitioner
- Specialists as required (e.g., cardiologists, endocrinologists)
- Nursing staff
- Administrative staff for coordinating communications
Risks and Complications
- Miscommunication or delays in updating patient records
- Inaccurate or incomplete reports leading to inappropriate care plans
Benefits
- Improved health outcomes through coordinated and continually updated care
- Better management of chronic and complex conditions
- Enhanced quality of life for the patient
Recovery
There is no recovery period required for the supervision itself. The patient continues their usual care routine at the nursing facility.
Alternatives
- Direct consultation which requires the patient to be present
- Telemedicine consultations with patients
Pros of Supervision:
- Convenience for the patient
- Continued and coordinated care
Cons of Supervision:
- Reliance on accurate and timely communication from the nursing facility
Patient Experience
The patient might not actively feel the supervision but will experience its effects through better-managed care. Regular health status updates should ideally involve minimal discomfort. Pain management and comfort measures are continual based on the care plans designed and overseen as part of this supervision.