My Mom needed home health care and I said I wanted a specific agency, the Visiting Nurses (VNA). I got a call from the VNA saying another home health agency got in the house first. Seems a staff member at the doctors office dropped a dime on this other agency and they swooped in and scooped her up as a patient and then drove the VNA off. When I challenged the agency that stole her away they claimed they had orders, but the orders were not correct, like somebody had made a guess what she needed. I thought this was really crooked. Has anybody else had this happen? What did you do?
Is the agency performing well? If you have an issue, is there a mechanism by which you can switch? Sometimes there are geographic restrictions (catchment areas) whereby a certain agency doesn't cover clients who are deemed too far from the agency's base. There are several possibilities for how this came about. But do find out where the orders came from, ie, who signed them and follow up from there. And let us know, we learn from each other.
I've been through this numerous times in the past 16 years and each time its a battle. I choose the agency that doesn't bark orders at me and do an intimidation/power play on me. I'll jump through hoops for mom but I will NOT jump through hoops for these cut throat dominators/oppressors.
Next time you will know better and please request the specific company you wish when the doctor writes the orders. These people can be ruthless and make your life miserable if you allow it.
I've had to dismiss an agency twice that was the doctor's favorite. They came in authoritatively and proceeded to bark orders at me and injure my mother. Medicare in their infinite wisdom decided to pay the agency for the full 90 days anyhow. This sets a dangerous precedent and deflates any motivation by an agency to do the right thing. It in all actuality motivates them to be dismissed and not have to actually do the work. Reprobates are rewarded. Things are getting very ugly these days.
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