Home Health United

How to Choose a Home Health Provider

You want the best, most trust worthy and caring people to take care of you or your loved one in the home. Make a plan and choose a home care agency you trust before you need one. Trying to research and make a decision in times of stress can be more difficult. Ask the following questions:

How long has this agency served my community?

Home Health United celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first visiting nurse in Dane County in 2008. The Visiting Nurse Service merged with Home Health United in 1996 to form an agency serving 25 counties in south central Wisconsin. For counties where we provide Home Health Services, Home Medical Equipment, Hospice, or Community Health and Wellness services.

How does this agency compare to other home health providers in my area?

Home Health United ranked in the top 500 Medicare-certified home health providers in the U.S. for 2008. That's roughly the top 6 percent. To view other measures of quality care visit Home Care Compare.

Is this agency's skilled care covered by Medicare and Medicaid?

Home Health United is a Medicare and Medicaid certified provider of skilled nursing, occupational, physical and speech therapies, medical social services and home health aides.

What is this agency's reputation in the community?

Home Health United patient surveys show a more than 90 percent satisfaction rate for Home Health Services. Ask your physician, hospital discharge planner, or other health care providers for their opinions. Our former patients will tell you their stories.

Has the agency been inspected by any outside organizations?

Home Health United - Home Medical Equipment is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program. Home Health United is licensed by the state of Wisconsin and is subject to an on-site survey every three years.

Does this agency provide comprehensive services from a "one-stop shop"?

In addition to skilled services, Home Health United provides Meals on Wheels in Madison, Middleton and Monona. Homemaker/Companion services, Home Medical Equipment and supplies including Respiratory Services, IV therapy, Immunization Clinics, Foot Care Clinics and other Community Health and Wellness programs.

Is there a written plan of care and what roles do physician, patient and family members play in that plan?

Home Health United assigns a nurse case manager to each patient. The case manager coordinates care with all other disciplines, the physician, the patient and family in the development of the patient's plan of care.

What role will my family and friends play in my home health care?

Home Health United staff members educate family and friends on disease processes and care for each patient. They also teach the patient self-care techniques and lifestyle changes to help them remain as independent as possible after they are discharged.

Are caregivers well-qualified, trained and does the agency check their backgounds?

Home Health United conducts several background checks and verifies licenses or certification. Our caregivers are well-trained and supervised.

Does the agency answer questions about insurance coverage and service eligibility?

Our intake nurses are available to help you determine if the patient meets Medicare / Medicaid / private insurance criteria. Please call them at 608-241-6917 or 800-900-8040 if you have any questions.

Who can the patient call with questions or complaints?

Call 1 (800) 924-CARE (2273) and you will be directed to an appropriate person.