Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding home health care:
What is home health care? Home health care provides families with health services in their own home. Services can be delivered to those who are chronically ill, recovering from surgery or have disabilities. Anyone can receive home health care, if medically necessary. Individuals and families with health challenges such as short and long term illnesses, physical handicaps, mental health and injuries can benefit from home health care.
How do I know if I need home health care or if I qualify? To qualify for home health care services from Visiting Nurse Association you must meet admission guidelines. You must need skilled care or therapy (physical, occupational or speech), must be considered homebound and services must be ordered by your physician.
How do I know if I am considered homebound? To be considered homebound, patients must meet standard guidelines set by Medicare. A patient is considered homebound if they cannot leave the home and when they do it is an extremely taxing effort; leaving the home is infrequent and for a short period of time; and leaving the home requires the assistance of another person. Leaving home for medical and therapy appointments is not in violation of homebound status.
Some insurance companies vary on their definition of homebound. Be sure to check with your insurance company policy on the homebound requirements to receive home visits.
Who pays for home health care services? Visiting Nurse Association is Medicare and Medicaid certified, affiliated with many major managed care plans and most insurance carriers. Insurance specialists can verify all coverage and bill your insurance directly for services. For more information go to "Who Pays for Home Health Care" under About Us.
How do I choose the right home health care agency? Ask several questions before determining which home health care agency will take care of you or a loved one. Some important questions may include:
Be sure all your questions are answered about any agency coming into your home to provide medical services to you or your loved one.
What is the difference between private duty nursing and home health care? There are several differences between private duty nursing and home health care. Three main differences are time, payment and medical necessity.
Private duty nursing generally has a minimum of 4 hours per visit. Each visit is paid for on an hourly basis, can vary from 4 to 24 hours and services be requested as often as the client needs.
Home health care is provided on an intermittent (non-daily) basis and visits generally take between 1 to 2 hours.
Additionally, unlike home health care, private duty does not require a need for skilled nursing or rehabilitation therapy in order to receive services.
Private duty staffing can consist of RNs, LPNs, CNAs and home health aides. Similar to home health care, both types of organizations focus on the goal at hand...helping people to stay in their homes.
How is VNA different from other home health care agencies? The VNA of Kansas City is credited with being the sixth oldest home heath agency in the United States. However, it is the first home health care agency in Kansas City and home to the original visiting nurse.
We are the largest nonprofit home health care agency in Kansas City providing services to 17 counties surrounding the metropolitan area. To learn more about how we compare to other agencies check out our patient satisfaction scores and agency outcome results under Why VNA.
How long has VNA existed in Kansas City? VNA has been in the community since 1891. It is the first home health care agency in Kansas City and is home to the original visiting nurse.
How many patients does VNA see each year? VNA sees an average of 6500 patients each year and travels approximately 1.5 million miles around the Kansas City metro area making home visits.
How does VNA help caregivers and their families? The mission of VNA is to provide the highest quality of care to patients, but also to provide patients and families with the education needed to live independently once services are completed.
Additionally, VNA medical social workers provide patients and families education on community resources and assistance in accessing those resources and others available.
How do I know if VNA is in my area? VNA provides service to 17 counties surrounding the Kansas City metropolitan area. To find out if you are located in the VNA service area call 816-627-6210.
What if I have a problem while receiving VNA services?. If a problem does develop or you want to issue a complaint, notify the VNA Clinical Director. You may also issue a complaint to your state department of health, Medicare hotline or your local Better Business Bureau.
What do I do if there is an emergency and I need to talk to my nurse or therapist? VNA has a clinical manager on call 24 hours a day in case of emergencies. They will be able to connect you to your nurse or therapist. If you need immediate attention, VNA may direct you to go to the emergency room. The telephone number to call is 816-531-1200.
What are my rights as a patient? Federal law dictates that all home health care patients be informed of their rights and responsibilities. We can provide you with a summary of patient's rights and responsibilities that are consistent with state laws.
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