Home Health Compare provides comparative performance data on Medicare-certified home health agencies. The purpose of publishing this data is to enable consumers and their families to make better-informed health care decisions. It is important to note that looking at comparative quality of care data is only one piece of the quality puzzle and should be used as an additional resource in a decision-making process.
You will be able to compare how well agencies in your area help patients get better in:
Aside from reviewing the data on Home Health Compare, consumers are encouraged to talk to their health care providers or discharge planners and to call agencies and ask questions about their services. Click here to learn more about home health agencies.
Home health care includes skilled nursing care, as well as other skilled care services, like physical and occupational therapy, speech language therapy, and medical social services. These services are given by a variety of skilled health care professionals at home. The home health staff provides and helps coordinate the care and/or therapy your doctor orders.
Along with the doctor, home health staff create a written plan of care for you listing the services you will need. It tells what services you will get to reach and keep your best physical, mental, and social well-being. The home health staff keeps your doctor up-to-date on how you are doing and updates your plan of care as needed, as authorized by your doctor.
You can also get information about home health agencies from state survey reports, and, in some cases, your local long-term care ombudsman. You can find local ombudsmen at www.ltcombudsman.org or by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.