Hospice continuous home care; per hour
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Hospice Continuous Home Care
Common Names: Hospice continuous care, 24-hour hospice care
Technical/Medical Term: HCPCS Code T2043
Summary
Hospice Continuous Home Care is a specialized type of hospice service that provides intense, around-the-clock nursing care to patients in their homes. This type of care is aimed at managing acute medical symptoms and providing comprehensive support for both patients and their families during critical times.
Purpose
Medical Conditions/Problems Addressed:
- Severe pain management
- Acute medical symptoms that require extensive care
- End-of-life comfort and support
Goals/Expected Outcomes:
- Relief of acute medical symptoms
- Providing emotional and physical support to patient and family
- Enhancing quality of life during the last stages
Indications
Specific Symptoms or Conditions:
- Uncontrolled severe pain
- Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- Advanced disease symptoms requiring intensive management
Patient Criteria:
- End-of-life patients under hospice care
- Patients with acute symptoms that cannot be adequately managed by routine hospice care
Preparation
Pre-Procedure Instructions for Patients:
- No specific fasting or medication adjustments needed
- Ensure a comfortable and quiet environment at home
- Family members should be informed and prepared for the level of care
Diagnostic Tests/Assessments:
- Health assessment by hospice team
- Review of medical records and current condition
Procedure Description
Step-by-Step Explanation:
- Assessment: The hospice team assesses the patient's needs and medical condition.
- Care Plan Development: A tailored plan is developed to address acute symptoms.
- Implementation: Skilled nurses provide intensive, around-the-clock care in the patient's home.
- Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and adjustments to the care plan.
- Support: Emotional and psychological support for the patient and family.
Tools, Equipment, and Technology:
- Medical supplies for symptom management (e.g., medications, infusion pumps)
- Communication tools for constant updates
Anesthesia/Sedation:
- Not applicable
Duration
The care is provided per hour and can vary based on the patient's needs, typically ranging from a few hours to 24-hour care.
Setting
Location: Patient's home
Personnel
- Primary Care Team: Skilled hospice nurses, hospice physicians
- Support Staff: Social workers, counselors, home health aides as needed
Risks and Complications
Common Risks:
- Medication side effects
Rare Risks:
- Potential for misunderstandings or stress within the family
- Risk of infection or complications from medical equipment
Management:
- Regular monitoring and immediate response to side effects or complications
Benefits
Expected Benefits:
- Immediate relief of acute symptoms
- Enhanced patient comfort and quality of life
- Comprehensive support for family
Timeline for Benefits:
- Benefits are generally realized immediately or within a few hours of initiating care
Recovery
Post-Procedure Care and Instructions:
- Continued monitoring by the hospice team
- Follow-up visits if required
- Emotional support and counseling for the family
Recovery Time:
- Continuation of care until symptoms stabilize or circumstances change
Restrictions/Follow-Up Appointments:
- Specific to patient's condition and tailored by hospice team
Alternatives
Other Treatment Options:
- Routine hospice care
- Hospitalization for symptom management
- Palliative care services
Pros and Cons:
- Routine Hospice Care: Less intensive, more suitable for stable patients
- Hospitalization: More resources available but less personal and comfortable
- Palliative Care Services: Similar goals, but may vary in intensity and location
Patient Experience
During the Procedure:
- Continuous presence of skilled nurses
- Management of pain and other symptoms
- Emotional support and reassurance
After the Procedure:
- Patient may feel more comfortable and relaxed
- Family may experience relief and reassurance
- Ongoing care and support from the hospice team
- Pain management measures are prioritized to ensure comfort