NEED HOME HEALTH CARE? Top 10 things to consider

BY STACI GRATTAN, PRESIDENT, GRATTAN HEALTH CARE INC.

I’m Staci. As someone who has been working in Home Health Care Administration since 1992 and the current owner of two home health care companies providing care in greater northern Minnesota, I have spoken to many folks who are beginning their homecare journey. Often they do not know where to begin or even what questions to ask. My heart always goes out to them as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. Through the years I have found it is helpful to advise those beginning the journey some questions to ask as they gather information and make decisions regarding the very personal act of allowing a total stranger and an unknown company into their lives. As we know, knowledge is power and sometimes just knowing what questions to ask can make all the difference. I have gathered a list of those questions here to help those of you new to homecare and perhaps even give some food for thought to those who are homecare veterans.

WHAT IS AMBULATORY SURGERY?

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At Central Minnesota Dermatology we offer complete dermatology services for conditions of the skin, hair and nails. Dr. Kristina M. Britton is a board-certified dermatologist who works closely with several licensed, dermatology-trained mid-level providers to offer thorough, comprehensive, and compassionate care in our local communities.

In addition to providing medical services that include diagnosing and treating skin cancers, lesions, warts, acne, skin infections and diseases as well as nail disorders, we also offer cosmetic, women’s health, and hair loss services. Our cosmetic services range from neurotoxin injections, dermal filler injections, and platelet-rich fibrin injections to skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, photofacials, body sculpting and laser hair reduction. Our women’s health services offer treatment for urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, chronic UTIs, recurrent vaginal infections, weak pelvic floor, painful intercourse, loose vaginal walls or vulvar skin, decreased sensation or ability to orgasm and the overall aesthetic appearance of vulva and/or vagina.

We are excited to now have additional hair loss treatments available for our patients. Our comprehensive approach to hair loss includes a medical exam, potential labs and/or biopsy to confirm the type of hair loss, and treatment for all forms of hair loss. Our hair loss treatments range from Nutrafol hair growth supplements to prescription-strength topical minoxidil/finasteride, oral therapy, and hair regrowth services including platelet-rich fibrin injections and Alma TED treatments.

Lastly, we know the importance of taking care of your skin on a daily basis. In addition to carrying cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens, we also have several skin care products and prescription medications available for our patients. Having a good daily skin care routine that includes sunscreen can not only help prevent skin cancer but also help maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance.

We look forward to partnering with you to determine the best treatment plan for you, whether it is treatment of a medical condition or to help you feel better about yourself.

1WHO PAYS FOR SERVICES?

Check the benefits on your current health plan. Often the health plan card will have a number on the back that can be called. When you call ask the following:

• What kind of services they cover and for how long. If possible get a definition in writing of the covered services according to your health plan.

• In addition, be sure to ask your health plan provider if they have requirements surrounding which kind of homecare provider can provide the benefits they cover. Often payor sources will require certain types of licenses or will only contract to pay agencies with certain credentials.

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• Ask how you get authorized for the services to be paid for. Often third party payers have a prior authorization process before they will pay the provider for care.

• When you begin calling agencies, ask them who they accept payment from. There are different types of homecare agencies in Minnesota. They can be broken down into two basic groups and then of course specialty and sub groups from there. The two groups are those that provide services for acute health events (short term) and those that provide longer term care for more chronic conditions. There are also several different license types for providing home care in Minnesota.

For example, our agencies bill private payment, most major insurance plans (if there is coverage for the type of services we provide), workers compensation, Medical Assistance and County Waiver Plans.

2WHAT TYPE OF SERVICES ARE PROVIDED AND WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF THAT SERVICE?

Each agency is different on this front. Depending on how they are licensed by the Federal Government, Minnesota Department of Health or Minnesota Department of Human services.

3HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PROVIDING HOME CARE SERVICES FOR?

We have been in business since 2001 and our administrative staff has almost 150 years of experience, collectively.

4WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE?

Our clients range all across Minnesota from the East to West border and from just north of the Twin Cities to the Canadian border. Clients who lives in remote areas with smaller labor force options and difficult to navigate winter roads may have to get creative with staffing options.

5WHAT IS THE CURRENT STAFFING SITUATION IN MY AREA?

The current health care labor force shortage is no joke. In rural northern Minnesota the odds are higher that you may be added to the waitlist for staffing. Be sure you get an early start when anticipating needs. At our agencies we pride ourselves on our persistence and creativity when staffing for our clients.

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