Edna Said:

How can I open a Home Health Agency?

We Answered:

Well, you first have to apply for licensing with your state. Getting licensed for operation in most states is more complicated when you’re working with people and their well being than it is for other businesses. Not only must you obtain your financial documentation, you also may be subject to background checks, credit checks and the scrutiny of previous disciplinarian procedures. Then you become Medicare certified. Because many patients who choose home health care are elderly and on limited incomes, they qualify for Medicare benefits. In order for you to make money, you must become a certified Medicare provider. Your state Medicare agency will send you a packet to fill out and return. You must then hire caregivers after checking their backgrounds carefully. As part of your licensing contract with your state, you will agree to perform background checks on potential employees.You need to familiarize yourself with the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) in your state. Each state allows licensed practical nurses and professional nurses to perform basic health care activities, but they are restricted to general care and medical care ordered by a licensed doctor.
Next, add caregivers to your staff that assist patients without performing medical duties. Many successful health care agencies hire employees to assist homebound clients with daily chores. These employees will check on clients who live alone, perform cleaning and shopping chores, and they may assist clients with personal hygiene. You still must perform background checks before hiring. Locate your physical “base” in a storefront or out of your home, if your local zoning permits. Although you need minimum space to operate, a physical office is necessary for hiring purposes and to fulfill state regulations in many areas. Choose a location where clients and their families can easily visit. Obtain sufficient liability insurance. One of your biggest start-up costs will be insurance, but it’s imperative that you have enough to cover your agency should a client suffer an injury at the hands of one of your caregivers. Prices vary greatly in the insurance industry, so get a number of quotes from different agencies before you buy. Create a mission statement, and stick to it. Providing care with compassion will boost your reputation and increase your client base.

All the best my son!

Lynn Said:

How does a Home Health agency determine pricing for Non-Medicare Patients?

We Answered:

Before you start such a business it would be a good idea to hire a health care consulting firm to do a market analysis for you. They can help you determine what kind of market demand there is in the area, all of your potential competitors, and obtain pricing and service information relevant to your area. It will cost you a few bucks, but this is a pretty necessary investment before starting a business like this.

Salvador Said:

Where do you report a home health agency?

We Answered:

State Health Department

Jeffery Said:

How do I find an old Provider number for a home health agency that closed 9-10 yrs ago?

We Answered:

you can start with the state health department and inquire who keeps this kind of records, good luck

Donna Said:

IS it better to be a CNA in a nursing home or for a home health agency?

We Answered:

i personally like being a stna in a nursing home because you get interaction of many different types of people, you get to meet great co-workers and its something that will make you a better person when it comes to time management. in home health if someone decides they do not need you for a certain day, you are out that money for the week and cant make it up. however, when you work in a nursing home you can always pick up hours...