What exactly is a “skilled need”?

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What exactly is a “skilled need”?

A skilled need is a physician ordered service that requires the expertise of a medical professional, such as a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech therapist to perform. A few examples of skilled need are:

  • assessment of an unstable client status
  • evaluating effectiveness of new medications and instructing on their dosage/safe use
  • providing instruction of a disease process or treatment regimen
  • wound/catheter care
  • IV therapy
  • a decline in functional status such as an increased difficulty in walking
  • new caregiver that requires teaching/assistance to be proficient in managing a clients care
  • decreased ability of a client to safely and effectively care for themselves
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • deteriorating mental status

This list is only a small sampling of typical skilled needs for home health patients. If you have any questions regarding whether or not you may have a skilled need, please contact us for further information.

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