How to Choose the Best Home Health Agency for You

It is increasingly common for patients discharged from the hospital to need home health services. In some situations, your physician may feel you need home health after a visit to his or her office. Regardless of the reason home health is recommended, here are some key points to keep in mind when you must choose a home-care provider:

It is your choice: Federal regulations guarantee each patient the right to choose their home health provider. Your physician, a nurse, a case manager, a friend, or someone else may suggest––or say they prefer––a certain agency, but the choice is always yours to make.

It is an important choice: More complicated care and treatment is being provided in the home environment than ever before. It is critical that you choose a home-care provider who employs experienced staff and has a solid reputation in the community.

It should be an informed choice: The best plan is to do your research before you need the service. Ask friends or family who have had home health about their experiences. Visit Medicare’s web site (medicare.gov) to compare home health agencies in your area. Discuss with your physician who you would want to use if home health is ever necessary.

The BAPTIST HEALTH Home Health Network was recently named once again as a Top 500 Homecare Elite agency (out of almost 9,000 agencies in the nation).

To find out more about their services, visit www.bhhhn.com or call BAPTIST HEALTH HealthLine at B-A-P-T-I-S-T (227-8478) or 1-888-B-A-P-T-I-S-T. Mention extension 401.