CMS to post survey results

Home Care by David DiFilippo

    Q: I’m told all home nursing care agencies issue customer satisfaction surveys. Where can I access the results of those surveys so I can compare the different home care companies? ~ K. Peters, Cumberland


    A: Any agency that is certified by Medicare is required to issue satisfaction surveys.  How-ever, survey results are not publicly posted, though the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) has plans to begin posting the information in 2012. Until that time, you can ask the agencies that interest you if they are willing to share their survey results.
    Q: My mother needs home nursing care and since all of her children live out of state, we’re a little uncomfortable with who will have access to her home. What safeguards are in place in Rhode Island to alleviate our fears? ~ J. Almond, Taunton, Mass.   
    A: First, all home health care employees who have routine contact with a patient must undergo a state criminal background check as a condition of the employer’s licensure with the Rhode Island Department of Health. Second, the DOH keeps a record of substantiated complaints so you can check to see if there have been problems with an agency you are considering.      
    Q: Could you please explain what “social services” refers to in regard to home care services? ~ D. Smith, Warwick
    A: A home care agency’s social service staff will be the main source of information for patients and their families and friends. The staff will help patients understand payment options, scope of services, scheduling and will serve as a resource for ancillary services such as homemaking. The staff will also handle questions, concerns or grievances from patients.

    David DiFilippo is the owner of Concord Home Health Services, which specializes in in-home personal assistance such as errands and medication management, as well as skilled nursing services and rehabilitation. Submit questions to kparkcompass@trmcomm.com.

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