Home health care includes various skilled services such as nursing, physical therapies, occupational therapies, speech therapies, and sometimes a social worker or certified nursing assistant. These services are to be administered in a patient's home, or wherever they may reside. They usually are considered to be mostly "homebound" in order for most payers (such as Medicare, Medicaid, or Insurance companies) to pay for the services. The patient has usually discharged to home from a hospital or surgery. These services must be prescribed by a doctor. Home health care agencies are licensed by the state, but must adhere to federal regulations as well. Doctors and hospitals usually have established relationships with home health care providers; most prescriptions for home health are accompanied by a recommendation or choice of companies that they might use. Picking a Home Health agency is ALWAYS a patient choice.

First, ask your physician if you qualify for Home Health services! They must write you an order to be faxed to the agency you choose! If you are in a hospital or healthcare facility, you can ask your nurse case manager or social worker to help you with this. If you would like Star Home Health, please have them contact us at (713)785-4949 or fax to (713)275-2795.

The typical payers for these services are Medicare(part A), Medicaid, or your healthcare insurance company. Here in Harris County Texas, we take Harris County Gold Card, as we are one of two agencies contracted with the Harris County Hospital District. Star Home Health, Inc. takes about 20 different insurances. Also, we do Private Duty Nursing. Just call us at (713)785-4949.

These services are ordered by a patient's physician. The physician typically will write the order to "Evaluate and treat for home health". They also usually write what specific disciplines are involved in the treatment. Home Health clinicians will start by coming to the patient's home and doing an initial evaluation. The clinicians are trained to look at each patient's situation and need. Each diagnosis, individual needs, and other personal factors determine how often the patient will be seen and what the care plan will be. Any changes to the physician's order must be cleared by the patient's physician. Weekly visits typically range from 1 to 3 times a week.

The difference between the two services is that Home Health involves "skilled nursing" or "therapies". Provider Services are usually non-clinical "care takers" that serve as an assistant to someone needing help in the daily living endeavors (i.e cleaning, bathing, cooking, sitter services...). These services can be ordered by the physician or private pay. Star Home Health, Inc. does both of these services!