Frequently Asked Questions
Home health allows patients to receive the most effective and up-to-date medical treatments in the home setting. Patients and their families are able to retain control of their environments and be actively involved in their own care while attaining their optimum level of health.
Whether or not a person qualifies for home health services depends on the payer source. Usually the patient must:
- Be confined to the home, if only on a temporary basis
- Be under the care of a physician and have a physician’s order for care
- Need skilled care by a nurse or therapist
- Require intermittent care that is reasonable and necessary to treat the patient’s condition
- Be able to receive services safely in the home setting
Home health care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. Gateway Home Health is happy to help you determine your benefits related to home health.
No. Your personal physician will order home health and remain in charge of your medical care. The home health care team will communicate with your physician on an ongoing basis to ensure that you are receiving the most appropriate care and that your particular needs are being met.
Home health services are delivered on an intermittent basis. Visits are scheduled to respond patient needs and preferences. Since care is designed to optimize patient wellness and independence, visits are usually more frequent at first, and taper off as the patient regains health.
Home health care can begin as soon as the patient’s doctor makes a formal request or referral. A Gateway Home Health representative will then make an effort to visit the patient within 24 hours of receiving the referral, as long as the visit meets the schedule and needs of the patient, family and/or primary caregiver.
Yes. State and federal reviewers inspect home health agencies periodically. In order to provide care and maintain their operating license, home health agencies must meet state regulatory standards and licensure requirements. Home health agencies must also comply with federal regulations in order to be approved for reimbursement under Medicare.
Gateway Home Health is licensed by the state and certified by Medicare. It is also accredited by the Joint Commission (JCO) demonstrating an increased level of excellence. Gateway Home Health routinely achieves high ranking in Medicare’s Home Health Compare. This is a website that publishes patient outcome measures and compares them to those of other agencies in the state and nationally.