The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) advises that an individual shall be considered “confined to the home” (homebound) if the following two criteria are met:

 

Criteria One

The patient must either:

• Because of illness or injury, need the aid of supportive devices such as crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and walkers; the use of special transportation; or the assistance of another person in order to leave their place of residence or
• Have a condition such that leaving his or her home is medically contraindicated.

If the patient meets one of the Criteria-One conditions, then the patient must also meet two additional requirements defined in Criteria-Two below.

 

Criteria-Two:

There must exist a normal inability to leave home and leaving home must require a considerable and taxing effort.