Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about home health care services. If you do not see your question here, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Questions organized by category
Getting Started
Home health care typically begins with a referral from your physician, hospital, or rehabilitation facility. You can also contact us directly to request care. Our team will work with your physician to determine if home health services are appropriate for your needs and verify your insurance coverage.
Yes, home health care requires a physician's order. Your doctor must certify that you need skilled nursing or therapy services and that you are homebound. If you contact us directly, we can help coordinate with your physician to obtain the necessary orders.
Being homebound means that leaving your home requires considerable and taxing effort due to your illness or injury. You may still leave home for medical appointments, religious services, or occasional short trips, but you need help or special equipment to do so. Being homebound does not mean you must be bedridden.
Once we receive a referral and verify your insurance coverage, we typically schedule an initial assessment within 24 to 48 hours. In urgent situations, we can often arrange same-day visits. After the assessment, regular visits begin according to your care plan.
Services
We provide a comprehensive range of home health services including skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, home health aide services, and medical social work. Each service is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Visit frequency depends on your individual care plan and medical needs. Some patients receive daily visits while others may have visits two to three times per week. Your physician and our clinical team will determine the appropriate schedule based on your condition and goals.
We strive to maintain consistency by assigning a primary care team to each patient. While the same nurse or therapist may not be available for every visit, you will typically see familiar faces who know your history and care plan.
Absolutely. We encourage family involvement in care. Family members can learn how to assist with exercises, medications, and daily care activities. Our team will include your family in education and care planning as appropriate.
For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911. For urgent but non-emergency situations, you can contact our office during business hours. Our clinical team can provide guidance and, if needed, arrange an urgent visit. We also maintain communication with your physician about any significant changes in your condition.
Insurance and Payment
Yes, Medicare covers home health care when you meet certain criteria: you are homebound, you need skilled nursing or therapy services, your doctor certifies your need for care, and you receive services from a Medicare-certified agency. When covered, Medicare pays 100% with no deductible or coinsurance for home health visits.
We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Medi-Cal, most private insurance plans, workers compensation, and long-term care insurance. Not sure if your plan is covered? Contact us and we will help you verify your coverage and explain your options.
For Medicare patients who meet eligibility requirements, there are typically no out-of-pocket costs for covered home health services. For other insurance plans, coverage varies. We will verify your benefits and explain any potential costs before starting services.
Yes, our admissions team handles insurance verification as part of the intake process. We will confirm your benefits, explain your coverage, and let you know about any potential costs before services begin.
What to Expect
During the initial assessment, a registered nurse or therapist will evaluate your health status, review your medications, assess your home environment for safety, and discuss your goals for care. This comprehensive evaluation helps us create a personalized care plan.
Visit length varies depending on the type of service and your needs. Nursing visits typically last 30 to 60 minutes, while therapy sessions may be 45 to 60 minutes. Your care team will let you know what to expect for each type of visit.
The duration of care depends on your condition and progress toward your goals. Some patients need only a few weeks of care after surgery or hospitalization, while others may benefit from longer-term support. Your care plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted based on your progress.
It helps to have your insurance cards, medication list, and any recent medical records available. Keep a notepad handy to write down questions as they come up. Make sure pets are secured if needed, and clear a comfortable space where the visit can take place.
Your Care Team
Your care team may include registered nurses, licensed therapists (physical, occupational, or speech), home health aides, medical social workers, and a supervising physician. The team composition depends on your specific care needs.
Yes, all our clinical staff are licensed professionals. Our registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists hold current state licenses. Home health aides complete required training and certification. All staff undergo background checks and ongoing education.
We maintain regular communication with your physician about your progress, any changes in your condition, and your care plan. Your doctor receives updates and must approve your plan of care. We also coordinate with specialists and other healthcare providers as needed.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Contact us and we will answer any questions you have about home health care services.