How to Run a Home Health Agency

Thanks to the baby boomers, the once small industry of home health is quickly becoming a giant in the health care industry. Along with this is a great need for administrators who are savvy enough to run a business, while providing a service that comforts many in need. Here's what every administrator should know about running a home health agency.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Learn the state and federal rules governing home health agencies. The federal manual is called the HIM-11. Each state has a Department of Health and Human Services that usually governs state regulations related to home health care agencies. Research state specific agencies.
2. Make sure all employees maintain updated license status. Keep the agency's license up to date. Keep records of all time-sensitive deadlines in a computerized tracking system.
3. Develop a quality assurance program. Each agency will need to have a system in place to follow up on complaints and make improvements to agency operations, as well as to provide patient care.
4. Create a budget and adhere to it. Determine what it costs to provide every service offered by the agency and track whether agency charges maintain a sufficient profit. This will be crucial to keeping the doors open.
5. Run aging reports by payers and develop a plan of action to reduce all outstanding accounts receivable. Oldest and largest claims need to be addressed first. Diligent attention to all these steps will keep an agency running.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure federal and state rules are adhered to regarding running a home health agency.