Did you have patients on Enteral Tube feedings?
Are they not improving despite several formula changes and rate changes?
Are they still experiencing things like vomiting or diarrhea?
What can you do?
The good news is that you can do something about it.
A person who has been on tube feedings and they are not improving are candidates for IV Nutrition. It could be no weight gain or no improvement of a wound you are trying to heal. In addition, under Medicare B, Medicare will cover the IV Nutrition, IF certain attempts and changes have been made.
Here are some examples of what is considered a failed enteral trial
If you have someone who has one of the above situations, where you have a tube in place, but they are not getting better despite formula and rate changes, please give us a call so we can help you evaluate the patient and help document the need for more aggressive nutrition to meet the needs of the person. Today, it is all about outcomes and we are here to help you achieve better outcomes through better nutrition.
Are they not improving despite several formula changes and rate changes?
Are they still experiencing things like vomiting or diarrhea?
What can you do?
The good news is that you can do something about it.
A person who has been on tube feedings and they are not improving are candidates for IV Nutrition. It could be no weight gain or no improvement of a wound you are trying to heal. In addition, under Medicare B, Medicare will cover the IV Nutrition, IF certain attempts and changes have been made.
Here are some examples of what is considered a failed enteral trial
- A tube is placed appropriately and remains in place. Enteral nutrition is initiated and the concentration and rate are increased gradually. Over the course of 3-4 weeks, attempts to increase the rate and/or concentration and/or to alter the formula to reach the targeted intake are unsuccessful, with increase in diarrhea, bloating or other limiting symptoms, and the person is unable to meet the needed nutritional goals (stabilize at desired weight or gain weight as needed).
- An attempt of enteral tube feeding with a very slow drip was made. It was initially tolerated well but vomiting occurred when the rate was increased.
- Documented placement of a tube in the post-pyloric area, but the patient/resident continues to have problems with vomiting and on radiographic recheck the tube has returned to the stomach.
- After an attempt of sufficient time (5-6 hours) to get a tube into the jejunum, the tube does not progress and remains in the stomach or duodenum.
- After placement of the tube in the jejunum and 1-2 days of enteral tube feeding, the person has vomiting and distension.
If you have someone who has one of the above situations, where you have a tube in place, but they are not getting better despite formula and rate changes, please give us a call so we can help you evaluate the patient and help document the need for more aggressive nutrition to meet the needs of the person. Today, it is all about outcomes and we are here to help you achieve better outcomes through better nutrition.
