What is skilled nursing?
Skilled nursing care is medical care provided by a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, although the term is sometimes also used to include care provided by a physical, speech, or occupational therapist. Skilled nursing care may be provided in a skilled nursing facility or in the patient’s home.
Skilled nursing care is often necessary as a patient rehabilitates from an illness or injury, but the care provided is above and beyond that which can be provided by certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or home health aides. Examples of skilled nursing care include:
- Wound care
- Catheter, colostomy, or ileostomy care
- Education for patients and their caregivers
- Administration of IV medications or nutritional therapy
- Injections or infusions
Skilled nursing care can be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or other health plans. Original Medicare will only cover a stay in a skilled nursing facility (including the skilled nursing care that’s provided during the stay) if the patient has at least a three-night inpatient (not observation) stay in the hospital before the stay in the skilled nursing facility.
Depending on the circumstances, Medicare will cover skilled medical care provided in the patient’s home. Medicare does not cover custodial care (assistance with activities of daily living) unless it’s being provided at the same time as covered skilled medical care, such as skilled nursing care or therapy services.
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