When selecting a home health care provider, patients, their families, hospital discharge planners and physicians should assess each agency carefully and determine which one best fits the needs of the home care patient. Agencies are listed in yellow page advertising under Home Health Care, Nursing, Hospice or Health Care. There are also directories available from community providers that list home health care providers in your particular area. You can also look on-line for provider information.

Some things to consider when searching for a provider are:

• Is the agency certified or accredited? This means the agency must meet certain standards of care and is subjected to routine and unannounced audits and inspections. Medicare and Medicaid certify home health agencies; the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accredits agencies as well.
• The agency should have the capacity to provide a full range of services. This includes nursing, rehabilitative therapies, medical social work, and home care aides. In addition, what services are offered for your particular needs? This may include hospice care, adult day care, maternal-child health, home monitoring, respite care, or disease management.

• Does the agency make provisions for delivery of Durable Medical Equipment (DME), infusion or respiratory therapy?
• What is the agency's reputation in the community? From physicians? And discharge planners?
• Do they offer an interdisciplinary team approach to care? Does it include ongoing interaction with physicians?
• What is the agency's policy with regard to underinsured or uninsured patients? Do they provide charitable care?
• What level of professionalism is apparent when speaking to staff and management? Do they offer information and support? Do they answer all your questions accurately and directly?
• Ask a colleague or health care practitioner for a recommendation.