Agency Credibility

[gospursgo07]

I was looking to try home health as a change from Med-Surg (been there 1 1/2 years and the stress of 7-8 pts is killing me). A friend of mine works for an angency here in town and wants me to come see "what it's all about". My only reservation is not knowing anything about the agency itself. I know there are many companies who are not reputable, and I would hate to make that mistake.

Is there a certian place you can look to see how credible HH agencies are? Complaints, certifications, etc. I dont know a whole lot about HH, so I apologize if I am not making much sense.

I am in the San Antonio, Tx area by the way, if anyone knows of any good agencies in the area...I would appreciate that info as well!

[caliotter3]

I've seen some of this info on a list of hh agencies that I found on the internet. However, the info was very sparce and generic. Meant for consumers and not for employees. The only way to find out about agencies is through current employees, if you want firsthand info. You might find info on one of the employment websites. I know that there are info "blogs" on one of the sites. I recently read some really interesting posts about former employers. Mostly this stuff is from former employees who left the employers because they were unhappy. So it is definitely biased info. Don't think I can give the name of the site due to TOS.

[Narcoleptic Nurse]

i am in texas as well so i understand your concern. there are a lot of less than ideal agencies. i have run into that a lot. i would say the first step is to check them out on the cms site www.medicare.gov/hhcompare/home.asp

if they are not lining up with national averages on the benchmarks, and not a new agency, it can be a clue that they are not sticking to the guidelines.

if you mention the word fraud in casual conversation and the owner comes screaming at you, run!

if you find out 5 people left in the last month, not a good sign.

find out when and if you get benefits, don't assume anything, many agencies don't even pay for l and i here.

check about mileage reimbursement, taking it off your taxes doesn't pay your gas bills now. and find out how large of a territory is covered by the agency.

find out whether they are automated for charting at point of care and if you can transmit from home to save trips to the office.

find out what the usual visits per day is for the agency, some like lots of non benefitted part timers and some stack the regulars with as many visits as they can squeeze on them. you don't want to starve or go crazy.

i wish you luck!