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Choosing a Homecare Agency

Katie Levinson, Sales Manager

How Do I Choose A Homecare Agency:

1. Check the certification of the company … Are they Medicare Certified to perform skilled services (skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social work). Certification and ratings can be verified at www.medicare.gov
2. Patients always have the right to choose the home health agency to provide services.
3. Does the agency you are being referred to offer all the services you require? If not, ask for an agency that does offer the service.
4. Has a friend or relative had home health in the past? Ask them for their recommendation.
5. Ask your physician who they recommend for home health. He/she is the one who will give the order for the skilled services and follow-up with the agency during your care.

What Should I Expect From A Homecare Agency:

1. Agency is to inform you of your insurance coverage and any out of pocket expenses prior to admission. Traditional Medicare covers home health at 100%. Check with your insurance company regarding coverage under Medicare replacement policies.
2. Skilled nursing visits should be no less than 20 – 30 minutes. Therapy visits should be 45 minutes to 1 hour in length.
3. Clinicians coming into your home should be wearing a picture ID and call prior to the visit to schedule the appointment.
4. Clinicians should report any changes in your condition to your physician(s) and answer any questions you may have regarding your disease state.
5. Medicare requires home health agencies to teach caregivers to provide assistance when medical needs are long-term or required on a daily or multiple times daily basis.

For more information please go to: www.nurseoncallfl.com
Or contact:
Katie Levinson, Sales Manager, Nurse On Call Home Healthcare
5208 East Fowler, Suite 2, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
Phone: 813-663-9432  Fax: 813-663-9425

HHA# 299991583