Home Health & Wound Care FAQs

Home health wound care is professional medical treatment provided in your home by licensed nurses and therapists. You may qualify if you have a wound that requires skilled nursing care, are homebound or have difficulty traveling, and have a physician's order. Most patients with surgical wounds, diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, or chronic wounds qualify for our services.

Starting is simple. Contact us by phone or through our website, and we'll verify your insurance and obtain a referral from your physician. Once approved, a nurse will visit your home within 24-48 hours to assess your wound and create a personalized care plan. We handle all the paperwork and coordination with your doctor.

We provide home wound care services throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Koreatown, Westlake, Downtown LA, and surrounding communities. If you're unsure whether we serve your area, please call us and we'll confirm coverage for your location.

Yes, Medicare covers medically necessary wound care supplies when provided as part of home health services. This includes dressings, bandages, gauze, tape, cleansing solutions, and specialized wound products. We provide all supplies needed during visits and can arrange for additional supplies to be delivered to your home.

During your first visit, a registered nurse will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your wound, medical history, and home environment. They'll measure and photograph the wound, assess for infection, develop a treatment plan, and teach you and your caregivers about wound care between visits. The initial visit typically takes 45-60 minutes.

Visit frequency depends on your wound type and severity. Most patients receive visits 2-3 times per week initially. As your wound heals, visits may decrease to once weekly. Complex wounds like diabetic ulcers or surgical wounds may require daily visits. Your nurse will adjust the schedule based on your healing progress.

Absolutely! We encourage family members and caregivers to participate in visits. Our nurses will teach proper wound care techniques, dressing changes, and signs of infection to watch for. Having a trained caregiver helps ensure proper wound care between professional visits and can speed up the healing process.

We treat all types of wounds including surgical incisions, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers (bedsores), venous and arterial ulcers, traumatic wounds, burns, skin tears, and infected wounds. Our nurses are specially trained in advanced wound care techniques and work with your physician to ensure optimal healing outcomes.

Yes, Medicare Part A and Part B cover home health wound care when you meet eligibility requirements. You must be homebound, need skilled nursing care, and have a doctor's order. Medicare covers 100% of approved home health services with no copay or deductible. We verify your Medicare coverage before starting services.

Homebound means leaving home requires considerable effort due to your medical condition. You can still qualify if you leave home for medical appointments, religious services, or occasional non-medical trips. Using a wheelchair, walker, or needing assistance to leave home typically qualifies you as homebound for Medicare purposes.

We accept Dual Eligible patients who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program). Dual Eligible coverage provides comprehensive home health benefits with no out-of-pocket costs. Please note that we do not accept standalone Medi-Cal without Medicare. If you're unsure about your eligibility, contact us and we'll verify your coverage.

We work exclusively with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Dual Eligible patients who have both Medicare and Medi-Cal. We do not accept Medicare Advantage plans, private insurance, or standalone Medi-Cal. If you're unsure which type of Medicare you have, call us and we'll help you verify your coverage in minutes.

Medicare and most insurance plans cover medically necessary wound care supplies when provided as part of home health services. This includes dressings, bandages, gauze, tape, cleansing solutions, and specialized wound products. We provide all supplies needed during visits and can arrange for additional supplies to be delivered to your home.

For Original Medicare patients, there is typically no out-of-pocket cost for covered home health services — no copay and no deductible. Dual Eligible patients (Medicare + Medi-Cal) also have no out-of-pocket costs. We verify your Medicare coverage before starting services so there are no surprises.

Medicare covers home health wound care as long as you continue to meet eligibility requirements and show medical necessity. There's no time limit on Medicare home health coverage. Your doctor recertifies your need every 60 days. As your wound heals and you no longer need skilled care, services will be discontinued.

Our services are currently available to patients with Original Medicare or Dual Eligible coverage (Medicare + Medi-Cal). If you believe you may qualify for Medicare but aren't currently enrolled, our team can help point you in the right direction to explore your eligibility. Call us and we'll do our best to help you find a path to getting the care you need.

Healing time varies based on wound type, size, and your overall health. Surgical wounds typically heal in 2-4 weeks. Diabetic ulcers may take 6-12 weeks or longer. Pressure ulcers healing depends on the stage—early stages heal faster than advanced wounds. Our nurses monitor progress weekly and adjust treatment to optimize healing.

Our nurses provide comprehensive wound care including wound assessment and measurement, wound cleansing and debridement, application of advanced dressings, negative pressure wound therapy (wound VAC), compression therapy, infection management, and patient education. We use evidence-based protocols and the latest wound care technologies.

Signs of wound infection include increased redness spreading from the wound, warmth around the wound, increased pain or tenderness, swelling, yellow or green drainage, foul odor, and fever. If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately. Our nurses can assess the wound and coordinate with your doctor for antibiotic treatment if needed.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), also called wound VAC, uses controlled suction to promote healing. A special dressing is placed over the wound and connected to a pump that removes excess fluid and brings blood flow to the area. This advanced treatment accelerates healing for complex wounds and can be managed at home by our trained nurses.

To promote healing, keep the wound clean and dry, follow dressing change instructions, eat a protein-rich diet, stay hydrated, avoid smoking, manage blood sugar if diabetic, and keep weight off pressure wounds. Elevate the affected limb when possible and attend all scheduled nurse visits. Report any changes or concerns promptly.

If your wound reopens, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding and cover with a sterile bandage. Contact our 24/7 nurse line immediately. For severe bleeding, increased pain, signs of infection, or if the wound looks significantly worse, seek emergency care. Don't wait for your next scheduled visit if you're concerned.

Yes, diabetic foot ulcer treatment is one of our specialties. Our nurses provide specialized care including wound debridement, offloading techniques, advanced moisture-balancing dressings, and infection monitoring. We also educate patients on daily foot care, proper footwear, and blood sugar management to prevent recurrence and complications.

Yes, we successfully treat all stages of pressure ulcers at home. Treatment includes specialized wound dressings, positioning and turning schedules, pressure-relieving surfaces, nutritional support, and caregiver education. Early-stage pressure ulcers often heal completely with proper home care. Advanced stages require intensive treatment and may take longer to heal.

Beyond wound care, our skilled nurses provide medication management, IV therapy and antibiotic administration, injection services, vital signs monitoring, diabetes management, catheter care, ostomy care, and patient and caregiver education. We coordinate all services with your physician to ensure comprehensive home health care.

Yes, our licensed physical therapists provide in-home services including post-surgery rehabilitation, mobility restoration, balance and gait training, strength exercises, and fall prevention programs. Physical therapy helps wound care patients regain function, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of complications from immobility.

Occupational therapy helps you perform daily activities safely while your wound heals. Our therapists provide ADL (activities of daily living) training, home safety evaluations, adaptive equipment recommendations, and caregiver education. They ensure your home environment supports healing and helps prevent falls or injuries that could worsen your condition.

Yes, our skilled nurses can administer IV antibiotics at home for wound infections. This allows you to receive hospital-level treatment in the comfort of your home. We manage IV access, administer medications on schedule, monitor for side effects, and communicate with your physician about your progress. This service can help you avoid hospital stays.

Yes, our nurses can draw blood at home for lab work ordered by your physician. This is especially helpful for monitoring infection markers, blood sugar levels, medication levels, and other tests related to your wound healing progress. Results are sent directly to your doctor, eliminating the need to travel to a lab.

We maintain close communication with your physician throughout your care. Our nurses send regular progress reports with wound measurements and photos, alert doctors to any concerns, and obtain orders for treatment changes as needed. We also coordinate with specialists like podiatrists, vascular surgeons, and wound care centers when appropriate.

All our wound care nurses are registered nurses (RNs) with specialized training in wound assessment and treatment. Many hold certifications such as Wound Care Certified (WCC) or Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN). Our team receives ongoing education in the latest wound care techniques, products, and evidence-based practices.

Yes, post-hospital care is one of our primary services. We can begin visits within 24 hours of discharge to continue wound care, manage medications, monitor for complications, and ensure a safe transition home. Early home health intervention reduces hospital readmissions and helps you recover faster in familiar surroundings.

We schedule home visits seven days a week, typically between 8 AM and 6 PM. We work around your schedule and preferences whenever possible. For urgent wound care needs, we offer extended hours and weekend availability. Our nurse line is available 24/7 for questions and concerns between scheduled visits.

Yes, we try to maintain consistency by assigning the same nurse to your care whenever possible. Continuity helps build trust and allows your nurse to track healing progress accurately. If you have a preference or concern about your assigned nurse, please let us know and we'll accommodate your request when scheduling allows.

We understand schedules change. Please call us as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment—ideally 24 hours in advance. We'll find an alternative time that works for you. However, try to avoid frequent rescheduling as consistent wound care is important for optimal healing. Missed visits can delay your recovery.

Yes, we ensure you have all necessary supplies for wound care between visits. Our nurses leave appropriate dressings, bandages, and cleansing supplies at each visit. If you run low or need additional supplies, call us and we'll arrange delivery or drop-off. Never let lack of supplies prevent proper wound care.

You can reach us 24/7 by calling our main number. During business hours, our office staff can answer questions and connect you with your care team. After hours, our on-call nurse can provide guidance for urgent concerns. For true emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Yes, caregiver education is an essential part of our service. Our nurses teach family members and caregivers how to properly change dressings, recognize signs of infection, position patients to prevent pressure wounds, and maintain good hygiene practices. Empowering caregivers leads to better outcomes between professional visits.

Our diverse team includes nurses who speak English, Spanish, Armenian, Russian, and other languages common in the Los Angeles area. Let us know your language preference when scheduling, and we'll match you with a nurse who can communicate effectively with you and your family. Clear communication is essential for quality care.

We welcome your feedback to improve our services. You can share comments with your nurse directly, call our office, or email us. We also conduct satisfaction surveys periodically. If you have concerns about your care, please contact our patient services coordinator immediately. Your satisfaction and successful healing are our top priorities.

A home health nurse provides skilled medical care in your home under a doctor-approved plan of care. Services may include assessments, medication education, wound care, injections, IV therapy, catheter care, ostomy care, diabetes education, vital sign monitoring, and patient or caregiver teaching. The nurse also watches for changes in your condition and communicates with your provider when updates or new orders are needed.

Yes. A skilled nurse can review your medications, check for changes after hospitalization, teach you what each medication is for, help organize your medication routine, and monitor for side effects or concerns. Medication management is especially important when a patient has multiple prescriptions, recent medication changes, diabetes, heart disease, pain medications, antibiotics, or confusion about when and how to take medications safely.

Yes. A home health nurse can help after hospital discharge by reviewing discharge instructions, checking your condition, monitoring vital signs, reviewing medications, assessing wounds or surgical sites, and teaching warning signs that should be reported. This support helps patients transition home more safely and may reduce the risk of complications or readmission. Nursing can also be combined with therapy if you need rehabilitation at home.

Skilled nursing may include certain injections, IV therapy, IV antibiotics, nutrition therapy, or medication administration when ordered by a doctor and appropriate for home health care. The nurse can manage the treatment, monitor for side effects, teach safety precautions, and update your provider about your progress. Availability depends on the specific medication, insurance coverage, pharmacy coordination, and the physician’s orders.

Yes. Skilled nurses can help with catheter care, ostomy care, PICC line care, dressing changes, infection prevention, supplies, and patient or caregiver education when ordered as part of the home health plan. These services are important because improper care can increase the risk of infection or complications. The nurse teaches safe techniques and helps communicate with your doctor if problems develop.

Yes. A home health nurse can help with diabetes education, blood sugar monitoring, medication teaching, insulin safety, foot checks, diet reminders, wound prevention, and identifying signs of high or low blood sugar. Diabetes can slow wound healing and increase the risk of infection, so nursing support can be very helpful for patients with diabetic wounds, weakness, new medications, or difficulty managing diabetes at home.

The nurse follows the doctor-approved plan of care and communicates updates about your condition, progress, medications, wounds, vital signs, and any concerns. If your condition changes, the nurse may contact your provider to request updated orders or guidance. This coordination helps make sure your care stays medically appropriate and that your doctor remains informed while you receive services at home.

Yes. Patient and caregiver education is one of the most important parts of skilled nursing. The nurse may teach medication routines, wound precautions, catheter or ostomy care, infection warning signs, fall prevention, diet instructions, and when to call the doctor. The goal is to help you and your caregiver feel more confident and safe between professional visits.

Many wounds can be treated at home when skilled nursing is medically necessary and ordered by a provider. This may include surgical wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers or bedsores, venous leg ulcers, arterial wounds, traumatic wounds, skin tears, burns, infected wounds, and chronic non-healing wounds. HarvardCare at Home coordinates wound care with your doctor and teaches patients and caregivers how to protect the wound between visits.

During the first wound care visit, a registered nurse assesses the wound, reviews your health history, checks for signs of infection, reviews medications, and evaluates your home care needs. The nurse may measure the wound, document its appearance, review dressing instructions, and teach you or your caregiver how to keep the wound protected. The care plan is coordinated with your provider’s orders and adjusted as your wound changes.

Medically necessary wound care supplies used as part of covered home health services may be included when ordered and appropriate for your care plan. Supplies may include dressings, gauze, tape, cleansing supplies, and specialty wound products. Coverage can depend on Medicare rules, the wound type, documentation, and your plan of care. Our team helps coordinate supplies so dressing changes can be done safely.

Possible signs of wound infection include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, worsening pain, pus or cloudy drainage, bad odor, fever, chills, or red streaks around the wound. A wound that suddenly gets worse, reopens, bleeds heavily, or becomes very painful should be reported right away. If symptoms are severe or you feel very sick, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Yes. Diabetic foot ulcers often need careful monitoring because diabetes can slow healing and increase infection risk. Skilled wound care may include wound assessment, dressing changes, offloading education, infection monitoring, blood sugar education, foot safety reminders, and coordination with your physician or specialist. If you have diabetes and notice a new wound, drainage, swelling, odor, or color change, it is important to seek medical advice quickly.

Yes. Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores, can often be treated at home with skilled nursing and caregiver support. Care may include wound assessment, dressing changes, pressure relief, turning and positioning education, nutrition reminders, skin protection, and equipment recommendations. Early treatment is important because pressure ulcers can worsen quickly. The nurse will teach the patient and caregiver how to reduce pressure and protect surrounding skin.

Wound VAC therapy, also called negative pressure wound therapy, uses controlled suction through a special dressing to help remove fluid and support wound healing. It is used for certain complex wounds when ordered by a provider. A trained nurse can help manage dressing changes, monitor the wound, check the device, and teach safety precautions. Not every wound needs a wound VAC; your provider decides if it is appropriate.

Follow your nurse’s dressing instructions, keep the wound protected, wash your hands before touching supplies, avoid pressure on the wound, eat enough protein, stay hydrated, manage blood sugar if you have diabetes, and keep all scheduled visits. Do not remove dressings early unless instructed. Report new pain, fever, drainage, odor, redness, or bleeding. Good care between visits can make a major difference in healing.

Yes. Home health can help patients transition safely from hospital to home. Services may include skilled nursing, medication review, wound care, therapy, fall prevention, vital sign monitoring, and education about discharge instructions. A home health visit soon after discharge can help identify problems early, reduce confusion, and support recovery. If you received discharge paperwork or a home health order, send it to our team for review.

Yes. After surgery, home health may help with surgical wound care, dressing changes, pain and medication education, mobility training, fall prevention, bathing and dressing safety, and monitoring for complications. Physical therapy may help with walking and strength, while occupational therapy may help with daily tasks. The services needed depend on your surgery, your doctor’s order, and your ability to safely leave home.

Helpful documents include the hospital discharge summary, medication list, home health order, wound care instructions, therapy order, diagnosis list, surgical instructions, follow-up appointment details, and insurance information. If you do not have all documents, our team can tell you what is missing. Having the right paperwork helps us verify eligibility, contact your provider, and schedule the correct services without unnecessary delays.

Start time depends on receiving the correct order, confirming eligibility, reviewing medical need, and scheduling the appropriate clinician. In many cases, services can begin quickly after the referral is complete. If the patient has a wound, recent surgery, medication change, or therapy need, early coordination is important. Call HarvardCare at Home at (323) 484-4440 so our intake team can review your situation.

Home health may help reduce avoidable hospital readmissions by monitoring symptoms, reviewing medications, teaching warning signs, helping with wounds, improving mobility, and communicating with the doctor when concerns appear. It does not replace emergency care, but it can provide extra support during the risky period after discharge. Patients and caregivers should still call 911 for emergencies or severe symptoms.

Yes. Many home health patients receive more than one service at the same time. For example, a patient may receive skilled nursing for wound care and medication education, physical therapy for walking and strength, occupational therapy for daily activities, and speech therapy for swallowing or cognition. The care plan is based on the doctor’s order, patient needs, Medicare rules, and clinician evaluations.

Yes. Medication changes after hospitalization can be confusing and sometimes risky. A home health nurse can compare the discharge medication list with what you have at home, explain the purpose of medications, identify possible concerns, and help you understand the schedule. If there are questions, the nurse can contact the provider for clarification. This support helps patients avoid missed doses, duplicate medications, or medication mistakes.

Yes. Physical therapy can help with walking, strength, balance, transfers, and fall prevention. Occupational therapy can help with bathing, dressing, toileting, energy conservation, and safe use of equipment. Speech therapy can help with communication, swallowing, and memory when needed. Therapy at home is practical because the clinician can see your real environment and teach safer ways to move and function inside your home.

HarvardCare at Home provides home health services throughout Los Angeles County and nearby communities where our team is available. Common service areas include Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Encino, Van Nuys, East Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance, and surrounding areas. If you are not sure whether your address is in our service area, call (323) 484-4440 and we will confirm.

The easiest way to get started is to call HarvardCare at Home at (323) 484-4440 or submit your information through our website. We will ask for basic patient information, Medicare details, doctor information, and the services needed. Then we check eligibility, review medical need, coordinate the doctor’s order, and schedule the first visit if you qualify. Our team will explain each step before care begins.

We always try to schedule visits at a time that works for the patient and the clinician. Exact times depend on the patient’s location, clinician availability, service type, and urgency of care. Your nurse or therapist will usually call before the visit to confirm the time window. If you have a preferred time of day or caregiver availability, please tell our team during scheduling.

If you need to reschedule a visit, please call the office or your assigned clinician as soon as possible. We understand that appointments, transportation, and family schedules can change. However, missed or frequently delayed visits may affect your recovery and your care plan. If the visit involves wound care, medication, or a safety concern, our team will help determine the safest next available appointment.

We try to provide consistency whenever possible because it helps patients feel comfortable and helps clinicians track progress. However, scheduling, service area, emergencies, and clinician availability may sometimes require another qualified team member to visit. Every clinician should follow your plan of care and document updates so the care team stays informed. If you have a concern or preference, let us know.

Yes. We encourage family members and caregivers to be present when possible, especially during the first visit, therapy evaluation, wound care teaching, medication review, or safety training. Caregiver involvement helps everyone understand the plan and what to do between visits. The nurse or therapist can answer questions and teach practical steps to support the patient safely at home.

Our team does its best to support clear communication with patients and families in Los Angeles County. Please tell us your preferred language when you call or submit your information. We may have team members who speak English, Spanish, Armenian, Russian, and other languages depending on availability. If language support is important for your care, let us know early so we can plan appropriately.

For questions about eligibility, scheduling, referrals, or services, call HarvardCare at Home at (323) 484-4440. If you are already receiving care, you may also contact your assigned nurse, therapist, or care team using the instructions they provide. For urgent medical symptoms, severe pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, chest pain, stroke symptoms, or any emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.