1. Intravenous and intramuscular injections
Intramuscular and intravenous injections of medications constitute skilled nursing services. However, if the drug injected is not considered an effective treatment for the condition given, or a medical reason does not exist for providing it by injection rather than by mouth, the injection is not considered reasonable and necessary to the treatment of the individual's illness. Also, if the patient or a member of their family has been taught to administer an intramuscular injection it would not be deemed reasonable and necessary to have a nurse administer the injection. Intravenous injections may only be given by a professional medical person.
The drugs and biologicals injected are specifically excluded from coverage under the home health benefit.