Walgreens-OptionCare > FAQ
Questions about home care
PrintHome care is a range of healthcare services delivered to the patient in a non-hospital setting, most often in the home, under the direction of a physician. The care can be short or long term. Hospitalization is not necessary to initiate services, but a doctor's order is required.
Select a question to scroll down to its answer.
What health-related services can be provided in the home?
What is the difference between a home care provider and home healthcare agency?
How do I find a reputable home care company?
What should I look for in a home care company?
Who pays for home care?
What can I do if I need home care services, but can’t afford them?
How do I get my home care services started?
Where can I find out if your home care services are available in my area?
What health-related services can be provided in the home?
Advances in technology and the focus on out-of-hospital care have made it possible for patients to receive many health-related services in their home. The services include, but are not limited to, medical-surgical and psychiatric nursing, physical and occupational rehabilitation, social work, infusion therapy, respiratory therapy, personal care and home medical equipment. These services are provided by clinicians with experience providing care in the home: registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, home health agencies and other paraprofessionals.
What is the difference between a home care provider and home healthcare agency?
A home healthcare agency primarily provides nursing, rehabilitation, social work and personal care services. Home care refers to providers that usually offer respiratory therapy, infusion therapy and/or home medical equipment services. What is common to both is that the services provided take place in the home.
How do I find a reputable home care company?
A good way to start is by calling your physician, talking to a hospital discharge planner, or asking your local pharmacist for recommendations. They can provide you with names or a list of home care companies. Contact your insurance carrier to see which companies are covered in your policy. After you receive some suggestions on providers, remember that in most cases you still have a choice about which provider you select. It's a good idea to talk to family or friends, or call some companies yourself to see how they answer your questions. (See next question.) Most home care providers are listed in the yellow pages and many have web sites. You can do an Internet search using the key words "home care."
What should I look for in a home care company?
Below are some screening questions you might want to ask a prospective home care company. Be sure you are comfortable with the providers' responses.
- Are you currently accredited?
- How long have you been providing services?
- What kind of services do you offer?
- Do you cover the area where I live?
- What are the qualifications of the individuals who will be providing care?
- Are your staffing levels appropriate to obtain the level of care needed?
- Have you worked with my physician before?
- How do you maintain my privacy and confidentiality?
- What insurance do you accept?
- How much will I have to pay?
Who pays for home care?
As a general rule, if the physician orders the services and the services are considered medically necessary, the insurance policy considers it a covered benefit. If you have Medicare, the company must have a Medicare provider number in order to bill Medicare. If you are covered by managed care insurance, the home care provider must have a contract with your insurance company in order to perform the services and bill for them. Any portion not covered by Medicare and/or private insurance must be paid for by the patient or policyholder.
What can I do if I need home care services, but can't afford them?
You should discuss this concern with the provider you select. Many providers offer a flexible payment plan, accept major credit cards, or are willing to work out a payment plan with you.
How do I get my home care services started?
If you are in the hospital, the discharge planner usually can assist you with initiating these services. In most other cases, the physician or office staff may order services. If you feel you need these services, call one of the providers you selected to see if you qualify. Most providers will explain how to get services started.
Where can I find out if your home care services are available in my area?
We are located in many states and expanding all the time. Find services near you or contact us for more information.
Information provided here does not constitute professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult your medical professional.