Home Health Care Glossary
This glossary is to help our home health care community better understand the terms used in relation to care. Please book mark this page for future reference or download our printable version HERE.
| Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) | OASIS is the official data collection tool used by Medicare to ensure standard, quality care is being provided by home health agencies across the US. OASIS data is collected at various points during care, such as admission, recertification, and discharge. The data is required for reimbursement. |
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| Observed tasks of daily living (OTDL) | The OTDL is performance-based test of everyday problem solving administered to older adults. The OTDL's purpose is to assure ability to properly use medication, to self-feed, and to prepare foods. These are among the most important tasks for independent living for older adults. |
| Occupational therapy (OT) | OT services are given either on an in- or outpatient basis to help a person regain ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), such as dressing, bathing, toileting, and eating or meal preparation. OT is needed if a patient has suffered an injury or illness that has affected motor skills, reasoning abilities, or other loss of function. |
| Outcomes | Outcomes are measures of the effectiveness of particular kinds of medical treatment. This refers to what is quantified to determine if a specific treatment or type of service works. |
