As mentioned in an earlier article, home health care can run the full gamut from constant medical supervision to periodical meal preparation, speech therapy, or medical equipment supply services. As such, the service providers and their specialties can be equally far-reaching. Following is an overview of the three most commonly recognized providers, and a subsequent article will talk about some others.Physicians often visit and treat patients in their own homes just as they would in their private offices or hospitals. As such, they work in concert with home health care service providers to assure that the patient’s needs pertaining to medical care are being met and treatments plans established (including the inclusion of additional physicians if warranted). Physicians will prescribe and oversee the treatment plan with home health personnel as dictated by the severity of the patient’s need but at a minimum of once every 62 days (under Medicare guidelines).Nurses provide services at a skill level that cannot be performed safely or efficiently by nonprofessional individuals. These services include injections and intravenous therapy, wound care, education on disease treatment and prevention, and general patient assessments. The complexity of a patient’s medical condition and treatment plan determine whether care should be provided by an RN (registered nurse) or can be provided by an LPN (licensed practical nurse).Physical therapists work upon recommendation by a physician to restore the mobility and strength of patients who are limited in their mobility by physical injuries. Through the use of exercise, massage, and other methods physical therapists are often able to alleviate pain and work toward restoration of injuries. In addition to frequent hands-on treatment plans physical therapists often teach patients and caregivers special techniques for walking and transfer should mobility be genuinely compromised.These are the three most commonly thought of home health care providers, but stay tuned for the next articles which will go deeper into the resources available.