Home Health Services

Ensuring Quality Care at MedPro USA Health Services

At MedPro USA, we are committed to providing exceptional care to our clients. Here’s how we ensure the highest quality of home health services:

1. Highly Trained and Compassionate Staff:
   • We recruit and retain experienced and dedicated healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, certified nursing assistants, and therapists.Our caregivers undergo rigorous training programs and continuous education to stay updated with the latest best practices in home health care.
2. Personalized Care Plans:
   • Each client receives a comprehensive assessment by our qualified healthcare professionals.
3. Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up:
   • We conduct regular check-ins and follow-up visits to monitor our clients’ progress and adjust care plans as needed.Our care coordinators maintain close communication with clients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless care transitions and updates.
4. Quality Assurance Programs:
   • Our quality assurance team conducts regular audits and evaluations to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
   • We actively seek feedback from clients and families to identify areas for improvement and implement changes promptly.
5. Advanced Technology and Tools:
   • We leverage the latest technology to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our care delivery.
   • Our electronic health records (EHR) system ensures accurate and up-to-date documentation of all client interactions and treatments.
6. Comprehensive Support Services:
   • Beyond medical care, we provide a range of support services, including personal care, homemaking, and companionship, to ensure holistic well-being.
   • Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of our clients.
7. Adherence to Best Practices and Standards:
   • We adhere to the highest industry standards and best practices in home health care.
   • Our policies and procedures are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest guidelines and research.
8. Cultural Sensitivity and Respect:
   • We respect the cultural, religious, and personal values of our clients.
   • Our caregivers are trained to provide culturally sensitive care that honors and respects the diverse backgrounds of our clients.
9. Community Engagement:
   • We engage with the local community to stay informed about the needs and resources available.
   • Our partnerships with community organizations help us provide comprehensive support to our clients.
10. Emergency Preparedness:
    • We have robust emergency preparedness plans in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our clients during unexpected situations.
    • Our caregivers are trained to handle emergencies and provide immediate and effective responses.

By prioritizing these measures, MedPro USA Health Services ensures that our clients receive the highest quality of care in the comfort and privacy of their homes. Our dedication to excellence and continuous improvement drives us to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients and their families.

• Cost to Patient:
  • For eligible home health services, Medicare covers 100% of the cost.
  • For durable medical equipment, Medicare usually covers 80% of the approved amount, with the patient responsible for the remaining 20%.

1. Doctor’s Evaluation and Care Plan:
   • The patient’s doctor evaluates their health and determines the need for home health services.
   • The doctor orders the services and certifies the patient’s eligibility.
2. Selection of a Medicare-Certified Home Health Agency:
   • The patient chooses a Medicare-certified home health agency to provide the necessary services.
   • The chosen agency conducts an initial assessment to confirm the patient’s eligibility and creates a detailed care plan.
3. Ongoing Doctor’s Oversight:
   • The doctor must regularly review and sign the care plan to continue the patient’s eligibility for home health services.

By meeting these requirements, patients can receive comprehensive home health services covered by Medicare, ensuring they receive necessary medical and therapeutic care in the comfort of their homes.

Home health care services are essential for individuals who need medical attention and support but prefer to receive care in the comfort and privacy of their homes. Here are some common medical conditions that often require home health care services:

1. Chronic Illnesses:
   • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Patients with severe respiratory issues may require oxygen therapy, respiratory treatments, and continuous monitoring.
   • Diabetes: Management of diabetes may include blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration, and education on lifestyle changes.
   • Heart Disease: Patients with heart conditions may need monitoring of vital signs, medication management, and dietary counseling.
2. Neurological Disorders:
   • Stroke: Post-stroke patients often require physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to regain function and improve quality of life.
   • Parkinson’s Disease: Care may include medication management, physical therapy, and assistance with daily activities.
   • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Home health care can provide support with mobility, medication administration, and symptom management.
3. Post-Surgical Care:
   • Patients recovering from surgery may need wound care, pain management, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) during their recovery period.
4. Cancer:
   • Cancer patients often require complex care, including medication management, pain management, nutritional support, and assistance with ADLs.
   • Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation may also need help managing side effects and maintaining their overall well-being.
5. Respiratory Conditions:
   • Asthma: Severe cases may need respiratory therapy, medication management, and education on avoiding triggers.
   • Pneumonia: Patients recovering from pneumonia may need respiratory treatments, monitoring, and supportive care.
6. Orthopedic Conditions:
   • Fractures and Joint Replacements: Post-operative care includes physical therapy, pain management, and assistance with mobility and ADLs.
   • Arthritis: Management may involve physical therapy, medication administration, and help with daily activities.
7. Wound Care:
   • Patients with chronic wounds, pressure ulcers, or surgical wounds may need specialized wound care, including dressing changes and infection management.
8. Gastrointestinal Disorders:
   • Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Patients may need nutritional support, medication management, and monitoring.
   • Feeding Tube Dependency: Patients with feeding tubes require specialized care to manage their nutritional intake and prevent complications.
9. Renal Disorders:
   • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Patients may need assistance with dialysis, medication management, and dietary counseling.
10. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease:
    • Patients often require supervision, medication management, and assistance with ADLs to ensure their safety and well-being.
11. Palliative and Hospice Care:
    • Patients with terminal illnesses require comprehensive care to manage symptoms, provide comfort, and support both the patient and their family during the end-of-life stage.
12. Infectious Diseases:
    • Patients recovering from severe infections may need antibiotic administration, monitoring, and supportive care to regain their health.
13. Pediatric Conditions:
    • Children with congenital disorders, developmental delays, or chronic illnesses may require specialized pediatric home health care services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

Home health care services provide essential support for individuals with these and other medical conditions, helping them manage their health and maintain their independence in a familiar and comfortable environment.

The cost of home health care can be covered by various sources, including government programs, private insurance, and out-of-pocket payments. Here’s a detailed overview of the potential payers for home health care:

1. Medicare:
   • Eligibility: Medicare covers home health care services for eligible beneficiaries who are homebound, under a doctor’s care, and require intermittent skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or speech-language pathology.
   • Coverage: Medicare typically covers 100% of the cost for approved home health services and 80% of the approved amount for durable medical equipment (DME).
2. Medicaid:
   • Eligibility: Medicaid coverage varies by state but generally includes home health care services for eligible low-income individuals, including seniors, people with disabilities, and children.
   • Coverage: Medicaid can cover a wide range of home health services, including skilled nursing care, personal care services, and home health aides. The extent of coverage and services provided varies by state.
3. Private Health Insurance:
   • Eligibility: Private health insurance plans may cover home health care services, depending on the policy.
   • Coverage: Coverage details, including the types of services covered and the extent of coverage, depend on the specific insurance plan. Patients are advised to check with their insurance provider for details.
4. Long-Term Care Insurance:
   • Eligibility: Long-term care insurance policies are designed to cover the costs of long-term care, including home health care, for individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
   • Coverage: These policies vary widely, but they often cover a significant portion of home health care services, including personal care, skilled nursing, and therapy services.
5. Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits:
   • Eligibility: Veterans who meet specific criteria may be eligible for home health care services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
   • Coverage: The VA provides a variety of home health care services, including skilled home health care, homemaker/home health aide services, and respite care for eligible veterans.
6. Out-of-Pocket Payments:
   • Eligibility: Individuals who do not have insurance coverage for home health care services or whose insurance does not fully cover the costs may pay out of pocket.
   • Coverage: Patients may choose to pay for home health care services themselves, either on a fee-for-service basis or by purchasing a package of services from a home health agency.
7. Others:

Non-Profit Organizations and Community Resources:

Employer-Sponsored Health Plans:

Workers’ Compensation:

While Medicare provides extensive coverage for home health care services, there are certain services and items that it does not cover. Understanding these exclusions is important for patients and their families to plan accordingly. Here are the home health services and items that Medicare typically does not cover:

1. 24-Hour-a-Day Care:
   • Medicare does not cover round-the-clock care at home. If a patient requires continuous care, they will need to explore other options, such as private pay, long-term care insurance, or Medicaid.
2. Homemaker Services:
   • Services that focus solely on household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and shopping are not covered unless they are part of the personal care provided while a patient is receiving covered home health care.
3. Personal Care Services:
   • Medicare does not cover personal care services (e.g., bathing, dressing, grooming) unless they are part of the skilled nursing care or therapy services being received.
4. Meal Delivery:
   • Meals delivered to the home are not covered by Medicare. Patients who need meal assistance will need to look for local meal delivery programs or other resources.
5. Prescription Drugs:
   • While Medicare Part B covers certain medications administered via infusion or injection by a healthcare professional, it does not cover most prescription drugs for home use. Patients will need to use Medicare Part D or other prescription drug plans for their medication needs.
6. Custodial Care:
   • Custodial care, which includes help with daily activities such as eating, using the bathroom, and mobility, is not covered if that is the only type of care needed. This type of care is only covered if provided along with skilled nursing care or therapy.
7. Companionship Services:
   • Medicare does not cover companionship services that provide company and emotional support without medical or personal care tasks.
8. Non-Medical Transportation:
   • Transportation services for non-medical purposes, such as running errands or social outings, are not covered. Only transportation directly related to medical care may be covered under specific conditions.
9. Home Modifications:
   • Costs associated with modifying the home to accommodate a patient’s condition, such as installing ramps or widening doorways, are not covered by Medicare.
10. Long-Term Nursing Care:
    • Long-term nursing care that does not involve skilled nursing or therapy services is not covered. This includes care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
11. Routine Foot Care:
    • Routine foot care, such as cutting or removing corns and calluses or trimming nails, is not covered unless it is medically necessary due to a chronic condition like diabetes.
12. Alternative Therapies:

Alternative or complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or holistic treatments, are not covered by Medicare.

To manage the costs of services not covered by Medicare, patients and their families can explore the following options:

1. Private Pay:
   • Patients can pay out-of-pocket for services not covered by Medicare.
2. Long-Term Care Insurance:
   • This type of insurance may cover many of the services that Medicare does not, such as custodial care and personal care services.
3. Medicaid:
   • For those who qualify, Medicaid may cover additional home health care services, including long-term care and personal care.
4. Community Resources:
   • Local non-profit organizations, charities, and government programs may offer support and services to help cover gaps in care.
5. Veterans Benefits:
   • Veterans may be eligible for additional home health care services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

By understanding what Medicare does and does not cover, patients and their families can better plan for their home health care needs and explore additional resources to ensure comprehensive care.

When determining eligibility for home health care services, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a “home” under Medicare guidelines. A home is broadly defined to ensure that patients can receive care in various living arrangements that offer a comfortable and safe environment. Here are the types of residences that qualify as a home for home health care purposes:

1. Private Residence:
   • A patient’s own house or apartment where they live independently or with family members.
2. Family Member’s Home:
   • The home of a family member where the patient is staying temporarily or long-term.
   • The residence should provide a safe and suitable environment for receiving health care.
3. Assisted Living Facility:
   • An assisted living facility or senior living community where the patient resides.
   • While these facilities offer personal care and assistance, home health care services can be provided to supplement the care received.
4. Group Home:
   • A small group home where the patient lives with other individuals and receives support services.
   • The group home should provide a private or semi-private space for the patient to receive health care services.
5. Independent Living Community:
   • An independent living community for seniors or individuals with disabilities that offers private apartments or houses.
   • Residents in these communities can receive home health care services in their individual units.

Some types of living arrangements do not qualify as a home for the purpose of receiving Medicare home health care services. These include:

1. Hospitals:
   • Inpatient hospital settings where patients are receiving acute care.
   • Home health care services are not provided in hospitals.
2. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs):
   • Long-term care facilities that provide 24-hour skilled nursing care.
   • Patients in SNFs receive their care within the facility and do not qualify for home health care services.
3. Rehabilitation Centers:
   • Inpatient rehabilitation facilities that offer intensive therapy and medical care.
   • These settings are not considered homes for home health care purposes.
4. Long-Term Care Facilities:
   • Nursing homes or long-term care institutions where patients reside permanently and receive ongoing care.
   • Home health care services are generally not provided in these facilities.

The length of time you will receive home health care services depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Medicare home health services are typically provided for as long as you meet the necessary eligibility criteria and require skilled care. Here are some key factors that influence the duration of your home health care:

1. Initial Certification Period:
   • Medicare Coverage: Initially, Medicare covers home health care for up to 60 days. During this period, your doctor will develop a care plan and certify that you need home health services.
2. Recertification:
   • Ongoing Need: If you continue to require skilled care, your doctor can recertify you for additional 60-day periods. There is no limit to the number of recertification periods, as long as you meet Medicare’s eligibility criteria and your doctor continues to certify your need for care.
3. Evaluation of Medical Condition:
   • Periodic Assessments: Your health condition will be periodically assessed to determine the ongoing need for home health services. The home health agency will regularly review and update your care plan in consultation with your doctor.
4. Improvement and Independence:
   • Achievement of Goals: The duration of home health care may be shortened if you achieve your health goals and no longer require skilled care. For example, if you recover from an illness or surgery and can manage your health independently, services may be discontinued.
5. Change in Condition:
   • Increased Needs: If your condition worsens or your needs change, your care plan may be adjusted, and you may continue to receive home health services for as long as necessary.

1. If your doctor assess you face -to-face and order home health and certify that you qualify for Medicare home health (within 90days before you start home health care, or the 30 days after the first day you receive home health care), you can ask your Dr’s office or hospital to send the home health referral to our office (fax: 713-932-0039 or telephone number: 713-932-0017). This face-to-face visit can be an office visit, a hospital visit, or, in certain circumstances, a face-to-face visit facilitated by technology such as video conferencing.If you need help getting a referral from your primary care physician, call us today at 713-932-0017.  We may able to help you to start the referral process.
2. Once we receive the order from your Dr’s office, a registered nurse or therapist will call you to schedule the first visit.The initial assessment visit either by a registered nurse or professional therapist must take place within 48 hours of the referral, within 48 hours of the patient’s return home, or on the physician-ordered start of care date.If you are being discharged from a hospital or nursing facility, the initial visit typically occurs within 24 hours to ensure a smooth transition.
3. A registered nurse or therapist from MedPro USA Health Services will visit your home to conduct an initial assessment and confirm your eligibility for services.The agency will review the care plan, discuss your needs, and develop a service agreement outlining the services to be provided.
4. MedPro USA home health agency will schedule regular visits from healthcare professionals, such as nurses, therapists, or home health aides, based on your care plan.Ongoing communication between the home health agency, your doctor, and you will ensure that your care plan is followed and adjusted as needed.
5. The assigned home health professionals will provide the necessary medical and supportive care in your home according to the care plan.Your condition and progress will be regularly monitored, and updates will be communicated to your doctor.
6. Your care plan and needs will be periodically reassessed by the home health agency to determine if continued services are required.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you receive the necessary home health care services tailored to your specific needs, enabling you to recover and maintain your health in the comfort of your home.