Page 24 - Rehab 2020

b. Every 2 weeks after initial evaluation.
c. With any problem, concern, deterioration, etc.
d. 1-2 weeks prior to the discontinuation of therapy.
3. Contact with the other team members should be established within a week and continued
on an as needed basis.

PHYSICIAN OVERSIGHT OF CARE

1. A physician will direct the care of every home care patient admitted for service. The
attending physician will certify that medical, rehab, and social services provided by the
agency are medically required for the patient. The attending physician will participate in the
care planning process by reviewing and revising therapeutic and diagnostic orders. The care
will be provided in compliance with the therapeutic and diagnostic orders and accepted
standards and practice.
2. When there is more than one physician involved in the patient's care: All physicians must be
included in the coordination of care. If it is an orthopedic case, you may need to call the
surgeon for specific parameters/ instructions.
3. Signed physician’s orders are required within thirty (30) days after the patient’s admission to
the agency and every sixty (60) days thereafter.
4. A physician verbal order must be obtained prior to making any changes to the plan of care,
including durable medical equipment (DME). Verbal orders are confirmed in written form,
dated with date of receipt and signed by the professional receiving the order. Verbal orders
need to be obtained within the first 2 weeks of the initial visit. Consult with your manager if
you are having difficulty obtaining verbal orders.
5. Changes to the plan of care require signed orders by the physician.
6. The therapist will monitor adherence to the plan of care and patient progress on an ongoing
basis and communicate concerns, as needed, to the referring Physician.

INFECTION CONTROL

A primary responsibility of the home care therapist is to be aware of infection control procedures. The
following procedures are to be followed in order to prevent the spread of infection from patient to
patient.

Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene, decontamination of the hands via hand washing or the use of alcohol-based hand
rubs, is the most important factor in reducing the transmission of organisms.
1. To assure hand hygiene either wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer. A waterless alcohol hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol to be
effective.
2. Indications for hand hygiene include the following:
a. Upon entering a patient’s home prior to rendering care and upon completion of care
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