Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for home healthcare?
If you are recovering from surgery, your doctor may prescribe skilled nursing or therapy for you at home.  You may qualify for home healthcare if you are homebound and cannot easily get to an outpatient facility.  A nurse may be needed to change the dressings on an incision, or to monitor your vital signs.  Physical therapy may be prescribed at home to help you regain mobility after a joint replacement.  Sometimes home nursing care is needed if you are living with a chronic illness such as congestive heart failure or COPD.

Who arranges for home health care?
The case manager or discharge planner at a hospital or rehab facility may arrange for home health services for you when you leave.  Your doctor will write an order for these services if he or she feels that you require nursing, a home health aide, or a physical therapist at home.

If home health care is recommended for you, hospitals are required to give you a list of all the home care agencies that can serve you at home. It is your choice as to which agency you wish to care for you.  If you are not given a choice, ask for VNHC by name.

How is home health care paid for?
If you have traditional Medicare, there is no cost to you for home health care if your doctor prescribes it for you. If you have managed Medicare or a commercial insurance policy, VNHC must obtain prior authorization before care begins.  Deductibles and copays do apply.  We suggest that patients check with their insurance company, or call our agency to see if we can be of assistance.

Some patients choose to privately pay for a nurse, home health aide, or our telemonitoring service.  If your doctor does not prescribe care, but you would feel more comfortable with additional support, you may call our agency to obtain rates for private pay services.