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Close the Loop

Start of Care · Episode 10

Close the Loop

Back at the office: findings to the doctor, orders signed, and the assessment done on time.

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Key takeawayClose the loop the same dayAfter the start-of-care visit, report important findings to the physician promptly, write down and read back verbal orders, and send them for signature. Finish the comprehensive assessment within 5 days of the start of care, answering every item from what you observed. Share the plan of care with the whole team before their first visits.

In this scene

Brian: Dr. Patel, from today's visit: the duplicate water pill, a fall risk at home, and he screened positive for low mood.

Brian: Thank you. I'll read back the orders: stop the second water pill, physical therapy three times a week.

Carmen: Verbal orders written down and sent for signature. And the full assessment?

Watch the episode to see what happens next.

Questions to think about

  • You found a medicine problem at the visit. You:
  • Verbal orders from the physician are:
  • Before the therapists' first visits, the team should:

About this series

For home health nurses and therapists: the start-of-care in-home assessment. Timing, patient rights, homebound status, an accurate assessment, every medicine in the home, home safety, caregivers and emergency plans, screening, the patient's own goals, and closing the loop with the physician. Follow your agency's policies and the Medicare Conditions of Participation. See the whole series

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