If you care for a parent, spouse or relative with a wound that is not getting better, you can ask for in-home wound care yourself. You do not always need to wait for a doctor to start the process. This guide explains when to ask, who can make a referral, what to gather before you call and how to stay involved once care starts.
When to ask about in-home wound care
Caregivers usually notice first. Consider asking for a wound care evaluation when:
- A wound has not clearly improved after two to four weeks.
- You are changing dressings yourself and are unsure you are doing it right.
- Your loved one spends most of the day in bed or a chair and you see red, purple or broken skin over the tailbone, hips or heels. MedlinePlus explains that pressure sores form where skin and tissue are pressed against a bony area for a long time (MedlinePlus).
- Your loved one has diabetes and you find a sore, blister or crack on the foot.
- Getting them to a wound clinic every week is wearing everyone out.
Do not wait for a referral if you see fever, rapidly spreading redness, a bad smell with new pain, or sudden confusion. Call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Who can make the referral
There are several ways in, and any of them works:
- You, the family caregiver. You can call us or request a visit. We gather information and coordinate with the doctor.
- The primary care doctor or a specialist. Ask at the next appointment, or call the office and request a referral for in-home wound care.
- A hospital discharge planner or case manager. If your loved one is in the hospital, ask before discharge so wound care is lined up for the first days home.
- A home health agency. If a home health nurse already visits, they can bring in a wound specialist.
- A hospital or case manager. Discharge planners and case managers can send a referral through our partner page.
What to gather before you call
Having this ready makes the first call short:
- The patient's full name, date of birth and address where care will happen.
- Insurance cards: Medicare, Medicare Advantage or a commercial plan.
- The primary doctor's name and phone number.
- A current medication list, especially blood thinners, steroids and diabetes medicines.
- Where the wound is, roughly how long it has been there and what has been tried.
- Recent hospital discharge papers or clinic notes, if you have them.
- The name of anyone who holds health care power of attorney.
What happens after the referral
Once we have the information, we call to confirm details and check coverage. A clinician then visits for a first assessment: they examine and measure the wound, review history and medications, and start treatment. You get a plan that explains the dressings, the visit schedule and the warning signs to watch for. For our patients, visits are typically one to three times per week, and the schedule changes as the wound changes. The patient's doctor receives updates so everyone works from the same plan.
How coverage usually works
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services from doctors and other licensed providers, usually with 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible (Medicare.gov). Medicare's separate home health benefit covers part-time skilled nursing, including wound care, for people who meet its rules, including being homebound (Medicare.gov). Plans differ, so we review benefits and expected costs with the family before the first visit.
Staying involved after care starts
- Be there for the first visit if you can. You know the history, and the clinician will show you what to watch for.
- Keep a simple log. Note the date of each dressing change, any drainage or smell, pain level and whether the patient ate and drank well.
- Help with pressure relief. Ask the clinician how often to reposition your loved one and which cushions or heel protection to use.
- Ask questions. Good questions include: What is the goal for this wound? What would make you change the plan? What should make me call you before the next visit?
- Look after yourself too. Caregiving is hard work. The Arizona Department of Economic Security (aging and adult services) and local Area Agencies on Aging list caregiver support programs across the state.
Getting started
We provide in-home wound care across Scottsdale and the Phoenix metro and work with families, doctors and facilities. You can request a visit, call us, or read how mobile wound care works and our guide to home wound care in Arizona.
Common questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for in-home wound care?
Not always. Families can call us directly. Some insurance plans and some treatments require a physician order, and when they do we coordinate it with your loved one's doctor.
Who can refer a patient for in-home wound care?
A primary care doctor, a specialist, a hospital discharge planner or a home health agency can refer. Family members can also reach out on a patient's behalf.
What information should I gather before calling?
Have the patient's insurance cards, date of birth, primary doctor, medication list, where the wound is and how long it has been there, and any recent hospital or clinic notes.
Can a home health agency or care team refer a patient?
Yes. Physicians, home health agencies and other care teams can send a referral through our partner page or call us, and we coordinate the visit with the patient and their caregivers.
Talk with our team
We provide in-home wound care across Scottsdale and the Phoenix metro, coordinated with your doctor. Coverage depends on your plan, and we review it with you first.
Sources
Medical disclaimer. This article is general health information, not medical advice, and it does not create a patient relationship. Every wound is different: talk with your doctor or a licensed clinician about your situation. If a wound shows signs of spreading infection (fever, spreading redness, confusion) call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.