Starting a home care/ home health agency

godwillprovide · Dec 10, 2008

Hi,

If i were you i would focuss on just one at a time and then go from there. I started one from the scratch in New York State and let me tell you, it's a long process. I would either do the staffing or the home care agency,I wouldn't do both for now. Let me know if you need any advise.

dlsns2001 · Dec 10, 2008

Godwillprovide, Thank you for your advice I think I will stick with home health care it may be easier than staffing.

dlsns2001 · Dec 10, 2008

Godwillprovide, How did you get started did you read books or use a consulting company?

godwillprovide · Dec 12, 2008

Hi dlsns2001

First you have to choose a name for your company and register at your local county's office. After that, go or call the department of health(the home care division) and inquire about how to get the application for opening up a home care agency. The application pretty much has all the instruction to help you. I started everything from the scratch, i never hired any consultant.I was always on line reading about stuff.It requires a lot of sacrifice and time. you might get a little frustated some times and even feel like you can't do but when that time comes, don't give up, if i can do it, so do you.Another hard part is the policy and procedure manual but you don't have to do that right away so you would have time to look into it. Right now you all you need is to choose a name for you company and then take it from there. It's a long process so would start now. It took me almost two and a half years and i just got done with my re- opening suevey few day ago and thank God i passed, i actually received my letter of approval in the mail today and my license should follow soon. Good luck dear and let me know if you need further help.

dlsns2001 · Dec 12, 2008

godwillprovide, Thank you again all your information is very helpful. I am so excited about someday running my own business. Congrats on getting your license. Listening to your story gives me hope:cry:

lpnornot · Dec 13, 2008

I work for 2 agencies in Maryland and neither of my bosses have even and LPN cert. They consult RN's. I'm a CNA.

In NY I worked for a bigger agency where the main coordinator was an RN. I preferred that because I got so much more input on the pt health and what to look out for. Think it great that an LPN is thinking of doing this. Go for it!!!

KuvelwifeRN · Feb 5, 2009

I was wondering when you said it took 2 years for the survey was that for medicare-medicaid homecare approval ?

Janet Holman · Dec 13, 2009

I want you to take this advice: In NY there was a case where an LPN tried to do billing for Medicaid from other providers, ie. LPN's that were doing the field work. The LPN that was disguising herself as an "agency" and performing the billing, was investigated by NY State Attny General's office and lost her LPN License for committing fraud. If you seriously want to open an agency, you most likely can get a small business grant, first make sure there is a "need" in the area you want to practice. Second check State and Medicare regs. You want to be an "agency" so you can bill and then pay staff. Thirdly incorporate the business, so it limits the liability, check with an tax attny and accountant. It is a huge undertaking, but you might be able to get a grant from the government to open a small business. Be very careful not to lose your license because you do not understand the laws. It is my understanding that Florida DOH is very similar to the NY State DOH. I wish you good luck and who knows if your successful you might hire me down the road as an RN. Janet Holman RN MSN:nurse:

NJ2NCnurse · Jan 10, 2010

Hi,

I am in NC and am trying to find out information about starting a home care agency as well. I am an RN and have worked in home health before. I am looking to open an agency with another RN. However, I haven't been able to find out a lot about the record keeping or supervisory visits. I would like to do private pay, as well as Medicaid. I have looked at the state's website, but the only info ofered is the license app and fees. I called and was asked if I had taken a class, which I had not. SO, I wa given the number to find out about the classes. That's as far as I hvae gotten. I have thought about hiring a consultant, but I know that would be expensive. But, I dont know where else to turn. Anyone have any advice? I would like to start small, probably doing the care/visits on my own, then venturing out to hire aides. If anyone could offer sound advice, I would truly appreciate it.

LPN in Ohio · Jan 10, 2010

STORMY 801 - I would love to talk with you about opening up an agency. THANKS!

LPN in Ohio · Jan 10, 2010

can someone/anyone give me some pointers tips on how to start my own HHC Agency - specifically getting a Medicade/Medicare Billing # ?

nursepacific · Feb 9, 2010

Medicare Certification might have been easy in the past, but currently it is rough. After receiving a letter stating that my company met the Medicare requirments and the next step was a site survey, I just spoke with the Hawaii Medicare Assurance Office and was told that it was 24-36 months for the inital site visit. I was told that I could use CHAP or JAHCO to do the Medicare site certification visit as "deemed status" ranging from 5,000.00 to 10,000.00 and that could take 6-9 months for a visit. I have already sent off the $500 deposit to CHAP for the application.