Things to consider when choosing a home care agency

How many years has the agency been serving the community?

THE MEDICAL TEAM has been in business over 30 years.

Is the agency licensed? Some states require that providers have licenses to operate. A licensed provider has met basic legal and operating requirements mandated by the state.

THE MEDICAL TEAM meets all required licensing regulations in the states where we operate.

Is the agency certified? State certification by state health departments makes a home health provider eligible for Medicare (and sometimes Medicaid) payments. A certified provider must meet basic federal and state standards in patient care and financial management.

Each of THE MEDICAL TEAM's agencies is a Medicare/Medicaid certified home health agency.

Is the agency accredited? An accredited organization has been vetted by a national accrediting agency to ensure that it provides quality health care services. 

THE MEDICAL TEAM is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP) in Michigan, Texas (Austin, Dallas and Brownsville) and in Virginia.

Has the agency received any commendations?

In 2012, for the seventh consecutive year, the company was named to the HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the top-performing Medicare-certified home health care agencies in the United States. The company's Brownsville, TX and Houma and Metairie LA agencies were ranked in the Top 25% of home health agencies. The Brownsville, TX agency was also ranked as one of the Top 100 in the nation (Data was based on publicly available information from Home Health Compare and the CMS Cost Reports.)

Who will be coming to my home?

THE MEDICAL TEAM will assemble a care team based on your specific needs. This team may include a combination of skilled medical professionals and home health aides who will do everything possible to bring you to your optimal level of independence.

Are the caregivers bonded?

All employees of THE MEDICAL TEAM are bonded and covered by liability insurance to cover injury to the client or theft. We provide our caregivers with company-paid workers compensation insurance so you are not liable for on-the-job injuries or accidents.

How are the agency’s health care professionals screened?  

All non-licensed caregivers employed by THE MEDICAL TEAM undergo rigorous pre-employment screening including employment verification and criminal background checks.

Can the caregivers legally work in the U.S.?

Yes, THE MEDICAL TEAM complies with all federal and state regulations regarding work status.

Are federal and state taxes paid for the caregivers so the family isn’t legally responsible?

Yes, THE MEDICAL TEAM makes all appropriate tax withholdings and payments.

How are the caregivers supervised and monitored? 

All of THE MEDICAL TEAM services are provided under the direct supervision of a nurse. Regular phone and in-person supervisory services are made by our professional staff.

Since my family may not be available to supervise the caregiver how will they know I am receiving adequate care?

THE MEDICAL TEAM’s caregivers are required to complete status reports detailing the services they perform each day, verified by the patient’s signature.

When are services available? 

THE MEDICAL TEAM caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are intended to accommodate your schedule and can generally be planned in accordance with your preferences. You can call our office directly during normal business hours Monday through Friday. After-hours and weekends, a nurse and a service coordinator are always available to handle your questions and concerns.

Can the agency ensure my confidentiality? 

THE MEDICAL TEAM handles patient information in a confidential manner to guarantee HIPAA compliance. Please see our privacy policy for more information.

What happens if my assigned caregiver is ill or absent?

THE MEDICAL TEAM office personnel will arrange for a substitute caregiver.