Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a certified and non-certified agency?

A certified agency is able to bill your Medicare, Medicaid or insurance company for services ordered by your physician for a specific skill such as a nurse for wound therapy or a physical therapist for walking after a disabling stroke. Clients who are eligible for service from a certified agency are usually discharged from a hospital or rehabilitation unit with a diagnosis such as stroke, COPD, Cancer, an open wound that needs dressing changes, diabetic teaching , physical therapy or occupational therapy.  A nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech therapist can visit several times a week while the patient needs these certified skills. Once the patient has reached their maximum potential the certified agency will immediately discharge the patient to self-care or care of immediate family members.  Sometimes a certified agency may send in a home health aide to assist the patient in personal care while they are managing the patient, but often this is inconsistent.  The certified agency will authorize a home health aid once to three times per week at their convenience.  Once the certified agency discharges the patient, they no longer send in a home health aide.

This is where a non-certified agency is most helpful.  A non-certified agency such as Apex Healthcare Services contracts directly with the patient to provide personal care, housekeeping, grocery shopping, transportation to appointments or social meetings, meal prep, medication set up and reminders. Services are available from one hour to 24 hours per day to assist the patient and the family to stay in the home safely. A non-certified agency can work in conjunction with a certified agency to promote a safe environment while the patient is recuperating and continuous service after the certified agency has discharged the patient.  Apex Healthcare Services is often hired by a family during hospice to supplement the hours not serviced by the certified agency. Apex can bill the patient directly, activate a long-term care insurance plan, bill the veterans administration or sometimes bill a state program if the patient meets certain guidelines.

For further information on these services, call us at 413-746-4663.