Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name(s): Home Nursing Care, In-Home RN Care
• Technical/Medical Term: Nursing care, in the home; by registered nurse, per hour (HCPCS code S9123)

Summary

Home nursing care involves a registered nurse (RN) providing general healthcare services in a patient's home on an hourly basis. This care is designed to assist with medical needs, monitor health status, administer medications, and provide education and support to patients and their families.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions/Problems Addressed: Chronic illnesses, post-surgical recovery, elderly care, disability management, and other conditions requiring routine medical oversight.
• Goals/Expected Outcomes: To manage and stabilize medical conditions, prevent complications, support recovery, improve quality of life, and provide education on health management.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions Warranting Procedure: Need for medical supervision, frequent medication administration, wound care, mobility issues, chronic disease management, and post-operative care.
• Patient Criteria: Patients unable to frequently travel to a healthcare facility, those requiring continuous or regular monitoring, and patients with limited mobility or severe illnesses.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: No specific preparation required by the patient. However, ensuring a clean and safe home environment is crucial.
• Diagnostic Tests/Assessments: Initial health assessment by a healthcare provider to determine the specific needs and tailor the care plan.

Procedure Description

• Steps:
  1. RN arrives at the patient's home.
  2. Conducts an initial health assessment.
  3. Performs necessary medical interventions (e.g., medication administration, wound care, vital signs monitoring).
  4. Provides patient and family education.
  5. Documents the care provided and any changes in the patient's condition.
• Tools/Equipment: Medical supplies (e.g., bandages, stethoscope, syringes), portable diagnostic tools (e.g., blood pressure cuffs, glucometers).
• Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable.

Duration

Typically conducted on an hourly basis, as per the patient's care requirements which can vary from a single hour to several hours daily.

Setting

Performed in the patient's home environment.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved: Registered Nurse (RN), potential coordination with physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild infection risk at wound sites, medication side effects.
• Rare Risks: Severe allergic reactions, significant changes in health status requiring emergency care.
• Management: Immediate contact with healthcare provider or emergency services in case of severe complications.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Improved health outcomes, enhanced comfort of receiving care at home, reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections, personalized care.
• Time to Realize Benefits: Varies based on individual health conditions, often noticeable within days to weeks with consistent care.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Following nursing instructions, continued monitoring by RN, adherence to prescribed medications and therapies.
• Expected Recovery Time: Dependent on the underlying condition, recovery can range from weeks to months.
• Restrictions/Follow-Up: As advised by the RN and treating physician, follow-up appointments if needed.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Outpatient clinic visits, inpatient hospital care, telehealth services.
• Pros and Cons:
  • Outpatient Clinic Visits: Pro - More resources available; Con - May not be convenient or feasible for all patients.
  • Inpatient Hospital Care: Pro - Intensive monitoring; Con - Higher cost, risk of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Telehealth Services: Pro - Convenient and accessible; Con - Limited by physical examination capabilities.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Expect the RN to perform regular checks, ask about symptoms, and provide necessary treatments.
• After Procedure: Patients might feel reassured by having professional medical support at home. Pain management techniques and comfort measures will be provided to ensure a smooth experience.