Definition of Homebound

• Patient is essentially confined to the home.
  
• Has a normal inability to leave home.
  
• Does not have to be bed bound.
  
• To leave requires considerable and taxing effort (use of assistive devices, etc.)
  
• Absences are infrequent and for short periods.
  
• May leave on a regular basis for medical care, ongoing dialysis, chemotherapy, radiation.
  
• Attending an adult day care is acceptable as long as the day care facility is licensed and the patient receives therapeutic, psychosocial, or medical treatment. There may not be a duplication of services.
  
• Documentation must be specific regarding homebound status.
  
• "Home" is defined as where the patient lives. Care must be delivered in the home.
  
• Cannot be a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
  
• Occasional absences from the home such as a trip to the barber shop or a ride in the car or special occasions are short and/or infrequent and therefore do not indicate that the patient has the capacity to obtain he health care provided outside rather than in the home.
  
• Any absences for attending a religious service shall be deemed as either a short or infrequent duration.
  
• The patient may be homebound for a psychiatric problem (without physical limitations) if the illness is manifested in part by refusal to leave home.