How to Become an Approved Medicare Home Health Provider

A home health agency (HHA) provides health care and services to patients in their own home setting. HHA's primary services are therapeutic and skilled nursing. In order to be Medicare approved, an HHA must be state and locally licensed as well as meet federal guidelines of health and safety. Additionally, a physician or registered nurse must manage and supervise services provided by the HHA in order to be Medicare approved. Medicare approval means that the HHA may be eligible for payment and can bill Medicare for services rendered to patients who are Medicare recipients.

Apply

• 1

  Go to cms.hhs.gov/forms/ and download the Medicare Federal Health Care Provider/Supplier Application, which is form CMS-855B.

• 2

  Complete the application using the guidelines available.

• 3

  Submit the application to the Medicare fiscal intermediary, which is available on the website.

Prepare

• 1

  Prepare for a state survey compliance audit.

• 2

  Have a licensed physician or registered nurse prepare written policies that guide services.

• 3

  Maintain written records of all patient services that include clinical treatments, physician orders, and patient care plans.

• 4

  Create a yearly budget and operating plan.

Medicare Regulations

• 1

  Provide skilled nursing and therapeutic services, such as physical, occupational, respiratory, or speech therapy.

• 2

  Advise all patients of their rights and the payment process including any monetary portion that the patient may be responsible for.

• 3

  Continually comply with state and local laws, as they may be stricter than Medicare requirements.

• 4

  Ensure that employees' licensure requirements are up to date. Maintain copies of all employees' licenses and/or certifications.