What is Home health?

Many times in my career, I’ve come across patients who can benefit from the services offered by Home health agencies. But, what are those services? How can you obtain services? and what are your personal rights and responsibilities? This blog will briefly answer these questions and provide links where you will find more in-depth information about your Medicare rights, patient rights, and services. The center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is part of the U.S department of health and human services. CMS oversees many federal healthcare programs which include your home health benefit. You can access the great tool at http://www.cms.gov which is also conveniently placed on the menu bar for New Era’s website at http://www.newerahh.com.

Let’s get to it!

New Era Home Health (NEHH) services include skilled nursing services, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social services all in the comfort of your own home. These home health services are then tailored to fit your individual needs. NEHH provides and coordinates care with your primary care provider. This individualized plan of care is composed by NEHH under the direction of your doctor. This ensures you receive the specialized care needed to maintain the best physical, mental and psychosocial well-being.

The need for home health services has grown over the last decade. With healthcare science, medical procedures and treatments constantly improving. Many treatments which once required hospitalization or skilled nursing facility are now being safely and effectible performed at home. At NEHH, we believe in the power of information and education. By keeping up to date with the latest in healthcare, we provide our patients and families with the knowledge and tools they need to regain their independence and become as self-sufficient as possible.

Choosing a home health agency

When your doctor decides you need home health care, you have the right to choose a home health agency to provide you with care. Some hospitals may have their own home health agencies however, you do not have to choose the services offered by the hospital. Your choice should be honored by your doctor, discharge planner, and/or referring agency. Please note, if you are assigned to a Medicare HMO plan or a fee-for-service plan you may need to choose from a list of contracted providers. Although most health plans and medical groups abide by medicare guidelines, they have contracts providers they choose to work with. This is to ensure quality and cost-efficiency.

Key point you should know

• You Have the right to choose your home health care provider
• If you have a Medicare managed care plan you may need to use a home health provider who works with you plan
• Medicare or your health plan will only pay for needed services provided by a home health agency that meets Medicare standards.
• You have the right to participate in your plan of care and remain informed. Once on service, your home health agency must provide all the home care services identified in your plan including staff and supplies.
• The home health agency is required to keep your information confidential
• An agency is not required to accept a patient if it is not able to accommodate medical needs.
• you have the right to terminate services with any home health agency at any time or choose to switch agencies at anytime by simply giving notice to the agency you are leaving and the agency you are requesting.
• You can compare home health agencies at http://www.medicare.gov

As always, We are here to help! Feel free to leave a comment or questions below.

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For a more in depth look please see Medicare and home care book at https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/HomeHealthQualityInits/Downloads/HHQIHHBenefits.pdf