Every finding on record at Lhcg Cxxxv, LLC

An Emergency Preparedness survey was conducted from 12/17/2024 to 12/19/2024 at Erlanger Continucare Home Health. No deficiencies were cited under CFR Part 484.22 Condition of Participation for Home Health Agencies.

A Recertification survey and investigation of complaints #109158 and #111911 was conducted on 12/17/2024 to 12/19/2024 at Erlanger Continucare Home Health. No deficiencies were cited in relation to the complaints under CFR 484, Requirements for Home Care Organizations Providing Home Health Care. Deficiencies were cited related to the Recertification under CFR, Requirements for Home Care Organizations Providing Home Health Care.

Promptly alert relevant physician of changes CFR(s): 484.60(c)(1) The HHA must promptly alert the relevant physician(s) or allowed practitioner(s) to any changes in the patient's condition or needs that suggest that outcomes are not being achieved and/or that the plan of care should be altered. This ELEMENT is not met as evidenced by: Based on policy review, medical record review and interview, the agency failed to notify the physician of increased pain for 1 patient (#1) of 17 patients reviewed. The findings included: Review of the agency’s Pain Assessment policy revised on 02/01/2024 revealed “…A score of 7 or greater on any of the pain assessment tools…is indicative of severe pain, which will require physician/authorized practitioner notification…” Medical record review revealed Patient #1 was admitted to the agency on 12/04/2024 with diagnoses including Aftercare Following Joint Replacement Surgery and Presence of Left Artificial Knee Joint. Medical record review of the Home Health Certification and Plan of Care dated 12/04/2024 to 02/01/2025 revealed an physician’s order for physical therapy at 2 times a week for 1 week; 3 times a week for 2 weeks; 2 times a week for 5 weeks; and 1 time a week for 1 week. Further review revealed the physician ordered the clinician to notify the physician if patient’s complaint of pain was greater than 6. Medical record review of the patient’s medication profile dated 12/04/2024 revealed the physician ordered the following medications for pain: Methocarbamol (muscle relaxant) 500 milligram (mg) every 6 hours as needed for 6 hours for moderate pain Oxycodone (opioid) 5 mg every 6 hours as needed for severe pain Tramadol (opioid) 50 mg every 6 hours as needed for moderate pain Medical record review of a physical therapy note dated 12/06/2024 revealed the patient rated her pain as an “8” above the physician’s threshold of “6”. Further review revealed no documentation the physician was notified of the patient’s elevated pain. Medical record review of the physical therapy notes dated 12/09/2024, 12/11/2024 and 12/13/2024 revealed the patient rated her pain as a “7” above the physician’s threshold of “6”. Further review revealed no documentation the physician was notified of the patient’s elevated pain. Interview with the Executive Director on 12/18/2024 at 2:15 PM, in the conference room, confirmed no documentation the physician was notified of the patient’s increased pain and the agency’s pain policy was not followed.