How to Choose a Home Nursing Provider
- 1). Research the legal standing of potential home nursing providers. Some states requiring licensing to operate as a home health-care provider. Bonding and insurance protect both the customer and provider in the event of accidents or legal proceedings and should be carried by any respectable home nursing provider.
- 2). Consider the financial aspect of employing a home nursing provider. State health departments certify providers who meet basic medical and financial standards, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These certified providers are then able to accept Medicare payments. Providers should provide all patients with documentation regarding expenses and services provided. Understand all the costs and payment options available from providers before making a final decision.
- 3). Ask potential providers if they are accredited through any of the voluntary national accreditation programs. Professional organizations including the Accreditation Commission for Home Care, Inc., and the National Home Caring Council offer such accreditation to signify high standards of care. Consider contacting these national accrediting programs for information regarding their accreditation requirements and current members within your area.
- 4). Consider services offered by providers versus the patient's needs. Look at the providers' ability to offer care at the appropriate level. For instance, those needing 24-hour care will likely need to deal with an agency to fulfill this need, as individual providers would be unable to meet this constant demand. Also evaluate the need for non-medical services such as cleaning and shopping, which may or may not be included by some providers. Check for adequate employee training and supervision as well.
- 5). Assure that communication is constant, thorough and with the appropriate individuals. Providers should document all patient care and share pertinent information with appropriate family members and other medical care providers. This process should be well understood and adhered to by all participants for health and safety reasons.
- 6). Get references to contact regarding their experience and opinion of an agency or individual home nursing provider. References may include doctors, patients, family members or other individuals within the community who work with the provider on a regular basis. Ask references about their personal experience with the provider as well as how they perceive the provider's reputation within the community at large.
- 7). Review the Medicare Survey Report of potential providers who are Medicare certified. Call your state health department to obtain a copy of this report. The health department in each state also provides information through Medicare hot lines regarding quality of services from Medicare-approved facilities and providers.
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