To be eligible for home health services under Medicare Parts A and B, the physician must attest that the patient requires home care and is homebound.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Not stated

Answer: (A)

Medicare home health eligibility hinges on the physician certifying that the patient needs skilled home health services and is homebound. This attestation is what authorizes Medicare Part A and Part B coverage for home health care, along with the required plan of care and an initial order.

Understanding homebound status helps: a patient is considered homebound when leaving the home is difficult and typically requires effort or assistance, though brief trips for medical appointments are generally allowed. The physician’s certification that the patient requires home care confirms both the medical need for skilled services and the safety/feasibility of delivering those services at home. Because of these requirements, the statement is correct.