Home Health And Hospice

"I'll teach you how to care for your family member to keep him comfortable or, if you can afford it, you can employ an aide."

"It's important that he try to take care of himself and, if he can't or won't, he'll have to deal with the consequences."

"Reimbursement is available for a nurse to come to the house each day if you would like this assistance."

"You can always have your family member readmitted to the hospital for care."

Because the nurse is a newcomer, most patient referrals may go to other, more long-term agencies.

Managed care agencies assume the risk of providing all needed care within the amount budgeted.

Most clients would not know the nurse and therefore would be unaware of the nurse's agency.

Other nurses may envy the successful nurse and withdraw their friendship and support.

Because the nurse was an unpaid volunteer professional, visits made by that nurse had no cost to the agency.

Only clients of high socioeconomic class were admitted for care, so the agency was always immediately reimbursed for care rendered.

Taxpayers fund official (i.e., public) home health agencies for care not reimbursed by third parties.

The new agency has a large foundation that funds its activities from investment profits.

There is better media coverage and a nationally known "name" recognized by prospective clients.

They are able to offer lower quality care using less well-prepared caregivers to ensure maximum profit.

The chief executive officer usually has extensive experience and makes wise decisions.

There are lower administrative costs and easier negotiating when buying in bulk.

Application for recognition including signing a contract with the federal government

Application for reimbursement from Medicare using the appropriate federal forms

Demonstrating meeting federal quality standards for Medicare-covered services

Providing specialty care such as physical therapy