Direct skilled nursing services of a licensed nurse (lpn or rn) in the home health or hospice setting, each 15 minutes
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Direct Skilled Nursing Services
Common Names: Home Nursing, Home Health Nursing
Technical Terms: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN) Services
Summary
This procedure involves direct skilled nursing care provided by a licensed nurse (either an LPN or RN) in the comfort of the patient's home. Each session is billed in 15-minute increments and includes medical care and assistance tailored to the patient's needs.
Purpose
Medical Conditions or Problems Addressed:
- Chronic illnesses
- Post-surgical recovery
- Palliative care for terminal conditions
Goals or Expected Outcomes: - Ensure patients receive necessary medical care at home
- Improve quality of life
- Provide support and education to patients and families
Indications
Symptoms or Conditions:
- Mobility issues preventing frequent hospital visits
- Severe illness requiring constant medical monitoring
- End-of-life care needs Patient Criteria:
- Medically stable to be at home
- Requires frequent medical attention or monitoring that can't be managed independently
Preparation
Pre-Procedure Instructions for the Patient:
- Maintain a list of current medications
- Prepare any medical documents and history for the nurse's review Diagnostic Tests or Assessments:
- Recent health assessments or evaluations by a healthcare provider
Procedure Description
- Initial Assessment: The nurse conducts a comprehensive health assessment.
- Care Plan: Develops or follows a tailored care plan.
- Monitoring: Vital signs and symptoms are monitored regularly.
- Medical Care: Administers medications, wound care, and other treatments as necessary.
- Education: Provides education to the patient and family on managing the condition.
Tools and Equipment:
- Blood pressure monitor, thermometer, wound care supplies, medication organizers
Anesthesia or Sedation: Not applicable.
Duration
The duration is broken into 15-minute increments, with the total time depending on the patient's needs.
Setting
Location: Patient's Home, Home Health or Hospice Setting
Personnel
Healthcare Professionals Involved:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Registered Nurse (RN)
Risks and Complications
Common Risks:
- Potential for medication errors
- Infection at wound care sites Rare Risks:
- Adverse reaction to treatments or medication Management:
- Nurses are trained to manage emergencies and will call for additional medical help if necessary.
Benefits
Expected benefits include improved health outcomes, reduced need for hospital visits, and enhanced comfort for the patient. Benefits can typically be seen immediately in terms of patient comfort and ongoing health improvements.
Recovery
Post-Procedure Care:
- Continued support and monitoring based on the care plan
- Regular follow-up visits by the nurse Recovery Time:
- Varies depending on the individual's health condition
Alternatives
Other Treatment Options:
- In-hospital care
- Assisted living facilities Pros and Cons:
- Home nursing allows for personalized care in a comfortable setting but may lack the immediate resources of a hospital.
Patient Experience
What to Expect:
- Patients might feel more at ease being treated at home.
- Occasional discomfort from certain medical procedures, managed through pain relief measures. Comfort Measures:
- Personalized care plans ensure that any pain or discomfort is minimized. Nurses provide education and techniques for pain management.
This markdown provides an organized, reader-friendly overview of the Direct Skilled Nursing Services procedure (G0154), ensuring patients and their families understand what to expect and how to prepare for home nursing care.