Re: Tube Feeders

[KDeniseSRN]

Cheryl,  I have also had this told to me by a few people in Texas that feel and say they have been told that you can re-skill a Tube feeder for another diagnosis. No one has been able to show me documentation of any kind to support what they are saying (not even handouts). This is not my understanding of "breaking a spell of illness", therefore I continue to consider the resident skill as long as they are getting 51% of their calories via the tube or 26% of their calories and 501cc of fluid via the tube. It you find any documentation that shows anything different, please let me know, but I would be shocked if anyone has it in writing. Hi!  I have recently been told by two different sources that Medicare has made a change on coverage for tube feeders.  The thought is that if families can handle tube feeders at home without a nurse, then they shouldn't remain at the skilled level.  That  means they would be eligible for Medicare A again, if meet all other requirements. One of the gals said she heard it at a Medicare seminar.  She doesn't trust anyone else telling her things like this.  She is in FL and her intermediary is BCBS of FL.  The other person is from TX and I forgot to ask her who her intermediary was. Has anyone heard this and, if so, do you have something in writing.