FAQs

Are references available from doctors, healthcare professionals and former clients?

Yes, Nursing Specialties can provide with references and testimonials upon request. We have many physicians and healthcare professionals with whom we work with on a daily basis throughout the Acadiana area.

How can I access home health services with Nursing Specialties?

Nursing Specialities home health services provides quality home care services throughout the Acadiana area. Please visit the Contact Us section of this web site to contact the office nearest you or to call our toll free number: (877) 269-9996.

How does home care differ from medical home health care?

Medical home health services provides skilled nursing, therapy, and home health aides in the home which is billable through a Medicaid waiver program which provides a caregiver in the home for a designated hour range per week depending on the patient's needs.

Both medical and non-medical home health can be in the home at the same time and not be considered duplication of services.

How often will my home health visits be?

Frequency of visits will be determined by the skilled nurse and your physician after the initial admit and will be based on your health status.

My doctor is requesting that I be set up with a home health agency, can I request Nursing Specialties?

Yes, as the patient, you have the right to exercise your freedom to choose your home health provider.

What can I expect from my first home health care visit?

On the first visit, a nurse will complete an initial admit assessment which will include questions on your health history and current health status.

The nurse will then evaluate your needs such as skilled nursing, physical therapy, home health aide for assistance with bathing, occupational therapy, speech therapy, assistive devices and home medical equipment. Nursing Specialties will coordinate services with your physician and develop a plan of treatment for you.

What does "homebound status" mean?

A doctor must certify that you're homebound. To be homebound means the following:

  • Leaving your home isn't recommended because of your condition.
  • Your condition keeps you from leaving home without help (such as using a wheelchair or walker, needing special transportation, or getting help from another person).
  • Leaving home takes a considerable and taxing effort.
  • A person may leave home for medical treatment or short, infrequent absences for non-medical reasons, such as attending religious services. You can still get home health care if you attend adult day care, but you would get the home care services in your home.
What is Home Health Care?

Home health care is an increasingly popular and cost-effective method of receiving health care services in the comfort of a patient's home. Due to technological advances, patients are able to be discharged from a hospital setting sooner in order to receive medical care in the comfort of one's own home.

Who can receive Home Health Care?

Patients of all ages are able to receive care in their own homes.

Who is eligible for Home Health Care?

You must have a doctor prescribe home health care.

You must need either skilled nursing care on an intermittent basis or therapy services (i.e., physical/occupational/speech therapy)

You must be restricted in your ability to leave home ("homebound"), and you homebound status must be certified by a physician.

Who pays for Home Health Care?

Medicare covers part time intermittent skilled nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, medical social workers and home health aide services. Additionally, certain supplies and equipment are also covered under the home health benefit.

Medicaid coverage for home health services will vary from program to program. Medicaid does generally pay for nursing, home health aide and supplies, but may set limits on the number of visits and have other coverage requirements.

Private / Workers Compensation insures usually all have home health care benefits covered under the major medical portion of the policy.

Why use Home Health Care?

It is much more convenient and comfortable to recuperate in one's own home rather than in a medical facility. Many physicians feel that patients get better more rapidly and completely in their own home environment among family, friends and familiar settings. Additionally the cost of home health care is dramatically lower than receiving care in the hospital making this an attractive alternative for insurers and providers.