FAQs

VoltamacHome Health Services FAQs

• Will my health insurance plan pay for home health care services?
  Most insurance plans offer coverage for home health care services. We accept payments from the following insurance plans: Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Commercial PPO & HMO, Workers Compensation and Long Term Care.
• How long has VHHS been in business?
  Staff at VHHS has been serving the in-home medical needs of communities in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut areas since 1994. We have built our business, and our reputation, on the principles of providing compassionate and professional care to thousands of patients over the years.
• Does VHHS supply printed material describing its services and costs?
  Yes, VHHS is happy to share information that will be helpful in your decision making process.
• Is VHHS an approved Medicare Provider?
  VHHS is in the process of being certified as Medicare provider to provide home health care services to Medicare beneficiaries.
• Is VHHS insured?
  Yes, VHHS carries General & Professional Liability Insurance and workers compensation.
• Does VHHS provide Bill of Rights that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the agency, patient and caretaker alike?
  Yes, Federal law requires that all home care patients be informed of their rights and responsibilities. The admission nurse will review your rights and responsibilities with you and leave a copy of them in your home.
• Is there a written plan of care for the patient’s treatment that the patient, physician, and family participate in developing? Is this plan updated over the course of treatment? Does the patient get a copy of the plan?
  Yes to all of the above.
• Is there someone available after normal business hours if I need help? Who are they? How do I get in touch with them?
  A VHHS employee is on-call after normal business hours and on the weekends. They can be reached by reviewing the website contact us map and selecting the office nearest you.
• Will I be assigned the same caregiver while receiving care and what do I do if I want to change caregivers?
  Our goal is to provide you with the same caregiver or team of caregivers while on service with VHHS. You have the right, at any time, to request a change in your caregivers and / or your visit schedule. Simply contact your in-house case manager to initiate the process.
• Does VHHS require criminal background checks and communicable disease screens for its employees?
  Yes, all employees are required to undergo appropriate state mandated pre-employment screenings from health, safety, and security perspectives.
• What is the procedure for resolving issues that may arise between the patient/family and home health care staff?

  If there is an issue that arises, we ask that you call our office and ask to speak to a clinical supervisor. He or she will immediately work with all people involved to resolve the issue. We will provide you with prompt feedback in the form of an in person visit, a phone discussion, or a written statement.

• Who can you call with questions or complaints?
  Please call our office at 201-428-9090 and we will put you in touch with the right person to answer your question or address your concern.
• What should I do if a staff member fails to make a scheduled visit?
  Please call us immediately and report the missed visit.
• What are my rights as a patient

  Home care patients have the right to:

  • be fully informed of all his or her rights and responsibilities by the home care agency;
  • choose care providers;
  • appropriate and professional care in accordance with physician orders;
  • receive a timely response from the agency to his or her request for service;
  • be admitted for service only if the agency has the ability to provide safe, professional care at the level of intensity needed;
  • receive reasonable continuity of care;
  • receive information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any treatment or procedure;
  • be advised of any change in the plan of care, before the change is made;
  • refuse treatment within the confines of the law and to be informed of the consequences of his or her action;
  • be informed of his or her rights under state law to formulate advanced directives;
  • have health care providers comply with advance directives in accordance with state law requirements;
  • be informed within reasonable time of anticipated termination of service or plans for transfer to another agency;
  • be fully informed of agency policies and charges for services, including eligibility for third-party reimbursements;
  • be referred elsewhere, if denied service solely on his or her inability to pay;
  • voice grievances and suggest changes in service or staff without fear of restraint or discrimination;
  • a fair hearing for any individual to whom any service has been denied, reduced, or terminated, or who is otherwise aggrieved by agency action. The fair hearing procedure shall be set forth by each agency as appropriate to the unique patient situation (i.e., funding source, level of care, diagnosis);
  • be informed of what to do in the event of an emergency; and
  • be advised of the telephone number and hours of operation of the state’s home health hot line, which receives questions and complaints about Medicare-certified and state-licensed home care agencies.

Home Health FAQs

• What is home care?

  Home health care offers a wide range of health care services that can be given in your home. Home health care is usually less expensive, more convenient, and just as effective as care you get in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

  The goal of home health care is to provide education and treatment for an illness or injury. Home health care helps you get better, regain your independence, and become as self-sufficient as possible.

  In general, home health care includes part-time or intermittent skilled nursing care, and other skilled care services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Services may also include medical social services or assistance from a home health aide. Recovery Home Care will coordinate the services your doctor orders for you.

  Examples of skilled home health services include:

  • Wound care for pressure sores or a surgical wound
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Speech Therapy
  • Patient and caregiver education
  • Intravenous or nutrition therapy
  • Injections
  • Monitoring serious illness and unstable health status
  • Medication Management

  Examples of home health aide services include:

  • Help with basic daily activities like getting in and out of bed, dressing, bathing, eating, and using the bathroom
  • Help with light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and cooking for the patient

  NOTE: In order to cover home health care, Medicare and other health insurance plans have certain requirements. For example, Medicare requires you to be home bound. Learn more about home bound in our FAQ section or call the branch location nearest you.

• What should I expect?

  Once your doctor refers you for home health services, Voltamac Home Health Services will schedule an appointment and come to your home to talk to you about your needs and ask you some questions about your health. The home health agency staff will also talk to your doctor about your care and keep your doctor updated about your progress. Doctor’s orders are needed to start care. Voltamac Home Health Services will set your visit schedule based on the doctor’s orders and your needs. Here are some examples of what the home health staff should do:

  • Check what you are eating and drinking
  • Check your blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and breathing
  • Check that you are taking your prescription and other drugs and any treatments correctly
  • Ask if you’re having pain
  • Check your safety in the home
  • Teach you about your care so you can take care of yourself
  • Coordinate your care. This means they must communicate regularly with you, your doctor, and anyone else who provides care to you.
• Who can receive home care?
  People of all ages with acute and chronic health care needs can receive home health care services. Home health care is for persons who require health care from a professional or who need supportive assistance in the home environment. The payer(s) for these services typically determines what type of care is covered and who qualifies. In many cases medical orders from a physician are required for care.
• When are home health care services available?
  Home health care services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year depending on the needs of the patient.
• What are the advantages of using home health care?

  Home health care is an essential, integral part of health care today, enabling people to receive treatment within their own homes, rather than staying in a nursing or rehabilitation facility. Many studies have shown that not only is it more cost efficient than the alternative, but patients who receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes heal faster, have a better quality of life, and experience better outcomes.

  Home health care is an essential, integral part of health care today, enabling people to receive treatment within their own homes, rather than staying in a nursing or rehabilitation facility. Many studies have shown that not only is it more cost efficient than the alternative, but patients who receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes heal faster, have a better quality of life, and experience better outcomes.

• Will my insurance cover home health care?
  If the care is medically necessary and the patient meets certain coverage requirements, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans will usually pay for home health care services. Medicaid varies depending on the state in which you reside and of course, different private insurance carriers have different policies. For services that are not covered, patients may choose to pay out of their own pocket.
• How do I choose the right home health care agency?
  There are many important factors to consider in choosing the best agency to meet your needs. First you must assess what types of services you will need and find an agency that offers those services. Ask the agencies you are considering about their accreditations, licenses and certifications. You’ll also want to evaluate the quality of care, and the skills and training of personnel at the agencies under consideration.

Medicare FAQs

• Who is eligible for Medicare Coverage of Home Care?

  If you have Medicare, you can use your home health benefits if you meet all the following conditions:

  • You must be under the care of a doctor, and you must be getting services under a plan of care established and reviewed regularly by a doctor.
  • You must need, and a doctor must certify that you need, one or more of the following:
    1. Intermittent skilled nursing care
    2. Physical therapy
    3. Speech-language pathology services
    4. Continued occupational therapy
  • The home health agency caring for you must be approved by Medicare (Medicare-certified).
  • You must be homebound, and a doctor must certify that you’re homebound. To be homebound means the following:
    1. Leaving your home isn’t recommended because of your condition.
    2. Your condition keeps you from leaving home without help (such as using a wheelchair or walker, needing special transportation, or getting help from another person).
    3. Leaving home takes a considerable and taxing effort.

  A person may leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for non-medical reasons, such as attending religious services. You can still get home health care if you attend adult day care, but you would get the home care services in your home.

• How does Medicare pay for home health care?

  In Original Medicare, Medicare pays your Medicare-certified home health agency one payment for covered services you get during a 60-day period. This 60-day period is called an “episode of care.” The payment is based on your condition and care needs.

  Getting treatment from a home health agency that’s Medicare-certified can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

  A Medicare-certified home health agency agrees to the following conditions:

  • To be paid by Medicare
  • To accept only the amount Medicare approves for their services

  Medicare’s home health benefit only pays for services provided by the home health agency. Other medical services, such as visits to your doctor, are likely to still be covered by your other Medicare benefits.

• What does Medicare cover?

  If you’re eligible for Medicare-covered home health care, Medicare covers the following services if they’re reasonable and necessary for the treatment of your illness or injury:

  Skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing services are covered when they’re given on a part-time or intermittent basis. In order for skilled nursing care to be covered by the Medicare home health benefit, your care must be necessary and ordered by your doctor for your specific condition. You must not need full time nursing care and you must be homebound.

  Skilled nursing services are given by either a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse (LPN). If you get services from a LPN, your care will be supervised by a RN. Home health nurses provide direct care and teach you and your caregivers about your care. They also manage, observe, and evaluate your care. Examples of skilled nursing care include: giving IV drugs, shots, or tube feedings; changing dressings; and teaching about prescription drugs or diabetes care. Any service that could be done safely by a non-medical person (or by you) without the supervision of a nurse, isn’t skilled nursing care.

  Home health aide services may be covered when given on a part-time or intermittent basis if needed as support services for skilled nursing care. Home health aide services must be part of the care for your illness or injury. Medicare doesn’t cover home health aide services unless you’re also getting skilled care such as nursing care or other physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology services from the home health agency.

  Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services. Medicare uses the following criteria to assess whether these therapy services are reasonable and necessary in the home setting:

  • The therapy services must be a specific, safe, and effective treatment for your condition.
  • The therapy services must be complex or your condition must require services that can safely and effectively be performed only by qualified therapists

  One of the three following conditions must exist:

  • It’s expected that your condition will improve in a reasonable and generally-predictable period of time.
  • Your condition requires a skilled therapist to safely and effectively perform maintenance therapy.

  Medical social services. These services are covered when given under the direction of a doctor to help you with social and emotional concerns related to your illness. This might include counseling or help finding resources in your community.

  Medical supplies. Supplies, like wound dressings, are covered when they are ordered as part of your care.

  Durable medical equipment, when ordered by a doctor, is paid separately by Medicare. This equipment must meet certain criteria to be covered. Medicare usually pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for certain pieces of medical equipment, such as a wheelchair or walker. If your home health agency doesn’t supply durable medical equipment directly, the home health agency staff will usually arrange for a home equipment supplier to bring the items you need to your home.

  Note: Before your home health care begins, the Recovery Home Care will tell you how much of your bill Medicare will pay; and if any items or services they give you aren’t covered by Medicare, and how much you will have to pay for them.

• What doesn’t Medicare cover?

  Below are some examples of what Medicare doesn’t pay for:

  • 24-hour-a-day care at home.
  • Meals delivered to your home.
  • Homemaker services like shopping, cleaning, and laundry when this is the only care you need, and when these services aren’t related to your plan of care.
  • Personal care given by home health aides like bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom when this is the only care you need.

  Note: If you have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy or other health insurance coverage, be sure to tell your doctor or other health care provider so your bills get paid correctly.

  For more information about VHHS’s obligations as a Medicare covered provider, as well as the rights’ of patients, please see:

  https://www.medicare.gov/publications/