The expansion of these services was in response to the decrease in Medicare services to seniors. Health education and instruction are part of each home visit or clinic visit. The nurse who completes an assessment will coordinate with the patient's physician a plan of care to meet the patient's specific needs. If the patient does not have a physician, the nurse will assist the patient to identify one and schedule a visit. A nurse is on call 24 hours a day.
Federal regulations specify a charge is applicable to all visits.
However, to fee scale, federal regulations require a financial statement be completed by the patient or responsible person. The community health services are provided to residents oftentimes free of charge. Town monies subsidize those visits that are scaled or that no fee is collectible.