(Download) "Home Health Care Utilization: A Review of the Research for Social Work." by Health and Social Work # Book PDF Kindle ePub Free

eBook details

Title: Home Health Care Utilization: A Review of the Research for Social Work.
Author : Health and Social Work
Release Date : January 01, 2004
Genre: Health & Fitness,Books,Health, Mind & Body,
Pages : * pages
Size : 243 KB

Description

More than 12 million Americans are estimated to need help from others because of chronic illnesses and disabilities that interfere with self-care (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 1995). This number is expected to increase because of an aging population and improved technology and treatment that may prevent many chronic conditions or lower death rates from previously fatal illnesses (DHHS, 1994, 1995, 1998). The majority of these individuals (10.4 million) live in the community and receive help with their daffy activities from a combination of family, friends and formal service providers (DHHS, 1995). Furthermore, the implementation of a hospital prospective payment system and the cost containment emphasis of managed care have expanded the demand for home health care through reduced hospital admissions and shortened lengths of stay (Kaye & Davitt, 1999; Thomas & Payne, 1998). Concerns have been raised about the increasing cost of providing home health care as a result of the growth in the number of Medicare beneficiaries served and a resulting increase in Medicare expenditures for home care. The percentage of Medicare spending for home health care almost doubled between 1987 and 1996 and was expected to grow at an average annual rate of 9 percent through 2002 (Smith & Rosenbaum, 1998). Reflecting this concern over rising costs, a prospective payment system (PPS) for home health care was implemented in fall 2000 (Gundling, 2000; St. Pierre, 2000). The PPS requires home health care agencies to ensure efficient service delivery by monitoring the cost of care and the number of home health visits (Gundling; St. Pierre).