Utilization of Home Health Services among Rural Medicare Beneficiaries Before and After the PPS: Final Report (August 2005)

This report summarizes a study conducted to gather information on how rural home health users were affected by the home health prospective payment system (PPS). It discusses whether the PPS contributed to changes in the characteristics of patients using home health services; the likelihood of using selected home care disciplines (such as skilled nursing services and physical therapy); and the intensity of services. The report includes tables, references, and an appendix.