The very words that physicians use when ordering home health services for their patients may determine whether those services will be reimbursed under the Medicare benefit. Thus, it is crucial for all physicians to become aware of: 1) methods of assessing patient home care needs based on the underlying medical conditions; 2) Medicare eligibility criteria and expanded coverage now available since the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) coverage manual was rewritten in 1989; and 3) how to advocate to ensure that the patient receives the care to which he or she is entitled.