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

• 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.