Physicians' views of home health

The Mississippi State Department of Health surveyed 1412 physicians, response rate being 51.1%. Most had practiced in Mississippi over 10 years. Over 93% were aware of home health in their area. Open-ended responses revealed: (a) A need for better communication and on-going public information/relations concerning referral and available services, (b) Physicians' wish to manage their cases, (c) Complaints about burdensome paperwork and lack of compensation for time/liability, (d) Declines in some areas due to the number of competing agencies, and (e) The suggestion that nurses be assigned to specific physicians, clinics, and hospitals for referral generation.