Discharge Planning
A process used to decide what a patient needs for a smooth transition from one level of care to another. This is done by a social worker or other health care professional. It includes moves from a hospital to a nursing home or to home care. Discharge planning may also include the services of home health agencies to help with the patient's home care.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Medical equipment that is ordered by a doctor for use in the home. To meet the qualifications for the term “Durable Medical Equipment,” these items must be reusable, such as walkers, wheelchairs, or hospital beds. DME is paid for under both Medicare Part B and Part A for home health services.
Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
Patients may also want to appoint someone to manage their financial affairs if they cannot. This is called a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, and is a separate legal document from the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPAHC)
The legal document that names a patient's health care proxy (see above). Once written, it should be signed, dated, witnessed, notarized, copied, distributed, and incorporated into the patient's medical record. |
