Visit
The executed instance of a shift — the actual delivery of care including clock-in, task performance, documentation, and clock-out. The visit is the billing unit in home care.
Also known as: visit · care visit · service visit · shift execution · completed shift
While a shift is the planned assignment, a visit is what actually happened. A visit encompasses the caregiver's clock-in (via EVV), all tasks performed, any incidents observed, documentation completed, and clock-out.
Visits are the unit of billing: each visit generates a claim or invoice line item. Accurate visit documentation — especially EVV-verified time and location — is required for Medicaid and VA reimbursement.
A visit may differ from the scheduled shift in actual start/end time, tasks completed, or caregiver (if a substitute was sent).
In home care, this means…
Documentation collected during visits (tasks completed, incidents, observations) feeds care quality monitoring, billing, and care plan updates.
Related terms
Shift →
A single scheduled work assignment: a specific date, time, client, caregiver, duration, and task list. The shift is the fundamental unit of service delivery and billing in home care.
EVV (Electronic Visit Verification) →
A technology system that electronically verifies caregiver presence, time, and location at a client's home at the start and end of each visit. Federally mandated for Medicaid and VA home care services.
Claim →
An electronic billing document submitted to a government or insurance payer requesting reimbursement for services rendered. Claims include authorization codes, service codes, units delivered, dates of service, and provider information.
Invoice →
A billing document sent to a private-pay client or insurance payer itemizing services delivered, dates, hours, rate, and total amount due. For government payers, the equivalent document is a claim.
Incident →
A reportable event involving a client or caregiver, such as a fall, injury, suspected abuse or neglect, medication error, or safety hazard. Incidents trigger immediate escalation, investigation, and documentation.