Read our frequently asked questions (FAQ)
If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team would love to hear from you.
How do you work within Medicare?
Medicare pays for home health care services at no cost to the patient. There are no copayments, no deductibles, and no out of pocket costs.
Patients must meet the following conditions to be admitted by a Medicare-certified home health agency:
- A Qualifying Service: Intermittent skilled care from a nurse, physical therapist, or speech therapist. Medicare does NOT require a hospitalization to qualify for care. However, you must have seen your physician in the past 90 days or have an appointment within 30 days of the start of care. If you have not we will assist you in making an appointment with them.
- Patient must be under the care of a physician who certifies, as well as periodically reviews, a Plan of Care (POC) and determines that services are medically necessary and reasonable.
- The client must be homebound (only applies to Medicare standards). Homebound by Medicare standard means that leaving the home requires a considerable and taxing effort. You are able to the leave the home for infrequent, short durations such as medical appointments, hairdresser appointments, adult day care programs, or religious ceremonies. There is no willing or capable person to render care.
Not sure? Please call us at 866-476-4700 to confirm Medicare’s coverage of home health services and we can help you walk through the process.
Does Medicare cover just a Home Health Aide?
Medicare does not cover just a home health aide. However, if you are receiving a skilled service by a nurse or therapist you may be eligible for home health aide services depending upon your status/condition. This will be evaluated during your admission to our agency by a Registered Nurse (RN).
Are the caregivers bonded and insured?
Yes. Every person we hire goes through an application process which allows our agency to select only those that meet our high standards of service. Each one passes a written test, skills check, completes a background check and drug screen prior to providing care to our clients.
If I change my mind, do I have to keep the service?
No, we have no contracts in place that say you have to accept the services we provide.
How is the privacy of my personal information maintained in accordance with HIPAA guidelines?
Heritage Home Health takes all precautions to maintain the confidentiality of your personal information, upon admission into services all of these precautions are reviewed with you by your professional staff. All of Heritage’s processes, communication and documentation adheres to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines.
Do I need a physician’s authorization/prescription?
A physician does need to sign for home care services. You can contact your physician and discuss home care or you can call our Intake Department (866-476-4700) who will assist in the coordination of obtaining authorization for home care services.
Why do I have to have an RN come out every 60 days?
A registered nurse (RN) will come to your house every 60 days to perform an assessment to ensure you are receiving the care you need to stay in your home.
Will I have the same nurse all the time?
We try to accommodate our patients by providing them with the same nurse, however, there may be occasions when a different nurse will be seeing the patient due to scheduling conflicts or illness.
What if my nurse in on vacation or sick?
We employ a team of caregivers to that your care services will not be interrupted.
What if I do not have a need for a nurse?
We have a nurse do the initial evaluation to determine what services will be needed. If a nurse is not needed after the initial visit, that will be discussed with the patient. Therapy services, aide services, and social service visits can still be scheduled without the need of a nurse visit.
Will my doctor be a part of the process?
A physician does need to be involved in planning the care for a patient in their home. The physician can be your primary family physician or a specialist.
Can the aides drive my car or can I be taken in the aide’s car?
No. currently our agency does not provide this service. However, our aides can complete errands for our clients and if needed we can assist in the coordination of transportation for our clients.
What if I am not happy with the home care agency I currently use and want to switch?
Home care agencies are client choice, therefore as a client, you will need to contact your case manager or current agency and notify them that you would like to cease services with your current agency. You can then direct your case manager to the agency you would like to have as a guest in your home. If you do not have a case manager please contact our Intake Department (866-476-4700) for coordination of services.
What qualifications do your staff have to meet to work for you?
Every person we hire goes through an application process which our allows our agency to select only those that meet our high standards of services. Each person passes a written test, skills check, completes a background check and drug screen prior to providing care to our clients.
How do I choose a Homecare Provider?
Talk to your physician, talk to a social worker or discharge planner. Talk to others who have received services. Call us and we can assist you with the process.
What is the difference between “skilled” and “unskilled” medical care?
Skilled medical care describes services that need to be completed by a nurse or therapist. These include but not limited to: physical, speech or occupational therapies, wound care, medication management, and IV services.
Unskilled medical care describes services that are completed by a home health aide or companion. These include but not limited to: personal care needs, errands, and meal preparation.
Are services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Our services are usually scheduled during a convenient time for the patient but our nurses are available via phone 24/7.
Can I change the schedule if I have an appointment to keep?
Schedule changes are easily accomplished with as little a one week notice. We want to make sure the schedule works for both the patient and the family.
What is the cost?
Medicare pays for home health care services at no cost to the patient. We take most insurances which as well with little to no co-pay to the patient. For additional information about what your insurance will cover, please contact our Intake Department at 866-476-4700.
Is your agency Medicare Certified?
Yes. Medicare.gov.
What are your agencies Private Pay rates?
Our rates are competitive and based on the services you need to stay in the comfort of your home. Please contact our Intake Department for current rates at 866-476-4700.
Do you provide services in an Assisted Living facility?
Yes. People sometimes discover that the assistance provided in an assisted living facility is not sufficient to enable them to remain independent. We work with the patient to maintain independence.
What are ADL’s?
ADL stands for Activities of Daily Living, which includes basic tasks essential for day-to-day functioning.
What does the term “aging in place” mean?
This refers to the ability of any person to grow old in their own home or that of their family.
How quickly can home care services be provided?
Generally, services can be provided within a 48-hour period and often the same day.
How do I start home health or home care services?
It is as simple as making a phone call to our Intake Department at 866-476-4700.