Medical Services FAQ

What is Home Care?
Who pays for home medical services?
Who can receive home medical care?
What are the different screening processes the staff must complete?
Are the home medical care workers insured while coming to my home?
Who chooses which home medical care agency to use?
What is the Medicare “Homebound” requirement for home medical care?
What are my rights as a home medical care patient?
Why should I select Professional Healthcare at Home Medical?

 

 What is Home Care?
The term “Home Care” refers to both medical and non-medical services provided at the patient’s residence.  The residence can be a private home or assisted living facility.  The home medical (home health) services typically include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical social work and in-home aide.  Home medical care may also include medical equipment and supplies.

 Who pays for home medical services?
Medicare, Medicaid and many private insurance plans have a home medical care benefit.  A brief summary is listed under Home Medical Care Payment Options FAQ.  Additionally, our expert financial staff can help you understand your coverage provisions and will contact your insurance company to determine your specific benefits.

 Who can receive home medical care?
Individuals of all ages and with a variety of health care needs can receive home health services.  As the name implies, home medical care is for people who require assistance from a health care professional at home.  Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies require medical orders from a physician before care can be initiated. 

If you feel that you or a loved one may benefit from home medical care, we are only a phone call away.  A member of our experienced staff can work with you and your physician to determine if home medical care is right for you.

If you prefer to be contacted via e-mail, please Contact Us and we will promptly reply to your request.

 What are the different screening processes the staff must complete?
•    Thorough interview process
•    State & federal background checks
•    Drug testing
•    Comprehensive personal & professional reference checks
•    Submission of current license
•    Competency evaluations
•    Complete health assessment

 Are the home medical care workers insured while coming to my home?
Yes.  All staff members are fully insured.  In addition, all are fully bonded against theft.

 Who chooses which home medical care agency to use?
You do, in consultation with your physician. According to Medicare, "a patient is free to choose any qualified agency offering him/her services."

 What is the Medicare “Homebound” requirement for home medical care?
One of the main requirements for patients to receive services paid for by Medicare is that they are “homebound.”  Homebound means you have an inability to leave home and, therefore, leaving home requires a considerable and taxing effort.  Occasional absences from the home are permitted as long as they are of short duration.  For example, doctor appointments, family reunions, funerals, religious services, or graduations will not disqualify you from home medical care services as long as they do not indicate you have the ability to obtain services in a setting other than your home.

 Why should I select Professional Healthcare at Home?
Professional Healthcare at Home is the San Francisco Bay Area's leading provider of total home health care, including skilled medical care. Founded by nurses, we have served local families for over 17 years, and have built a strong reputation for dedication to the highest standards of compassionate, attentive in-home care.