Frequent Questions
01. Who is eligible for Home Health?
Are you over the age of 65?
Have you recently received a new medical diagnosis?
Have there been changes to your medications?
Has your health condition undergone any recent changes?
Do you need therapy services?
Would you prefer to receive care in your own home?
Have you been admitted to the hospital recently?
Do you believe you are at risk of falling?
If you answered yes to two or more of these questions, Also Home Health Care might be the right choice for you. Consult with your doctor or call us at (818) 744-3550 to explore your care options.
02. What is home health?
Home health is a service prescribed by physicians, aimed at helping patients optimize their ability to safely manage their daily lives at home. It involves educating both patients and their caregivers on how to deliver proper, effective care. This service addresses various needs, including symptom control, medication management, mobility enhancement, and home safety.
03. How do I get this service? Can I call in my own referral?
We are eager to address any inquiries you might have regarding the extensive services we offer. Please note that a physician's order is required for us to deliver care. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of home-based services tailored to your needs.
04. When are services appropriate?
Home health care is tailored to address acute changes in a patient's medical condition, whether due to a worsening of a longstanding diagnosis or the emergence of a new one. These changes can be either physical or mental in nature.
05. How do I qualify for home health?
Your physician must assess your need for home-based care and authorize the services through a formal order. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies require that you meet specific homebound and skilled care criteria to qualify for these services.
06. Is this 24/7 continuous care?
No, all care provided is intermittent. The frequency of visits is determined collaboratively by the physician and a home health clinician based on the patient's specific needs.
07. Where is care provided?
Care can be delivered in your residence, whether that's your own home, a family member’s house, an adult family home, or within an assisted living or retirement community. However, home health services cannot be provided in a hospital or nursing home setting, though hospice services are available in these locations.
08. Once services have begun, how long will they continue?
Home Health services are maintained as long as they are medically necessary, determined by the ongoing assessments of the nurse or therapy professional, your physician, and any changes in your condition or progress.
09. What is paid for by Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare covers home health services under Part A or Part B benefits at 100%, provided the patient is eligible and meets the criteria for admission. Medicaid coverage for Home Health Services depends on the specific limitations of the medical program listed on your Medical ID card. We will verify your coverage details prior to our first visit.
10. What about private insurance or DSHS coupons?
Private insurance coverage for home health services varies from one contract to another. You will be informed of any costs before services commence.
11. Will Medicare pay for skilled care? What is “skilled care”?
Medicare defines skilled care as services that must be provided by a professional clinician and are reasonable and necessary for the treatment of your illness or injury. For instance, following a hip replacement, the expertise of a Physical Therapist is essential to aid in your recovery.
12. Will Medicare pay for someone to assist me with my care and recovery at home?
If you are receiving skilled services from a nurse or therapist, Medicare permits a Home Health Aide to assist with your personal care and recovery needs intermittently.
