Starting A Home Health Agency

Published

Specializes in L&D, OB/ GYN, OR, Nursery.

I am a RN who is trying to start a home health agency. I really need help. I am starting from scratch. I mean scratch. This is one of my goals of life that I decided to elaborate on. When I talk to ppl who already own a home health agency, all they can say......"Its a HA r u sure u want to do this?" and they don't give me any answers.To me, its just another challenge, that I think Im ready to take on. So please, can anyone help me or give me ur thoughts, opinions, or suggestions. I live in NC. Help!!:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There are some threads on this subject that you can find if you do a search in the home health forum. Most have reported that it is not an easy endeavor. Not for the faint of heart.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, OB/ GYN, OR, Nursery.

Thanks, I will search now!:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

The first thing is to gain some home health experience if you haven't already. Work as a field nurse, get a good idea for what it's like out there, then work as a clinical manager or supervisor. Get the experience on someone else's dime wherever you can.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Functional Medicine, Holistic Nutrition.

Agreed with the above. Also, you may want to do some research into health care reform and how that is affecting the home health industry. I do not want to discourage you from something that is truly an important life goal for you- anything you put your mind to can be accomplished. But I have to caution you that small, independent home health agencies that are not closely aligned with hospitals may sink very quickly with changes that are occuring with health care reform. You may want to look into "Accountable Care Organizations" and "Bundled Payments".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN.
But I have to caution you that small, independent home health agencies that are not closely aligned with hospitals may sink very quickly with changes that are occuring with health care reform. You may want to look into "Accountable Care Organizations" and "Bundled Payments".

HealthyNurse, this is interesting info. I started another thread about reform and home care. I would love to hear your input if you have time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

Many changes are scheduled to occur in HH arena withing next yr. These will make being a stand alone agency more difficult. I agree it can be done and if you set your mind to doing it..more power to you. I would look in to franchises for home health of related businesses. Don't necessarily buy one just inquire and do your due diligence.. You must act like buying one may be a possibility.. that is not a lie because you may find a franchise you love. You can learn tons and never spend a cent. With health care reform it is difficult to say if HH will go up or down.

The previous poster seems to have info for you.. use it.. see what she has to say.. There are different kinds of home health also. You need to decide if you will be private pay, accept ins, accept medicare/medicaid.. Each one requires many different hoops to jump thru.

Best of luck to you..And please assess your location to make sure in all honesty.. they need another agency!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Did you have any progress on your endeavor? I know its a lot of work. Apparently, i'm also interested in opening one. Just in case you have any idea, please share to me the basic steps.thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion