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OTH711 Asked June 2015

What sort of benefits do SNF's receive when they refer or send a patient to home care?

Do SNFs get paid by insurance? Does it help their facility rating in any way? How does this reflect upon the snf?

GardenArtist Jul 2015
Thanks for the support. I guess I wasn't alone in suspecting the poster's intentions. It's sad that someone is so callous toward the people here who really want helpful questions and answers.

CentralMassach1 Jul 2015
GardenArtist: Wow! Thanks for saying what I was thinking!

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staceyb2 Jul 2015
Gardenartist, you Go! That leading question was offensive at best! Your answer was spot on, ans I only wish I could have said it any better!

anonymous281963 Jul 2015
GardenArtist, Yes! You tell them! Well said, whether you got it right or not. I think you are spot on.

JoAnn29 Jul 2015
In my case the homecare agency was part of the hospital. So of course it would be the social worker's first choice. I didn't have to use them.

GardenArtist Jul 2015
Susan, SNF stands for skilled nursing facility.

susanq1956 Jul 2015
What is an SNF ???

GardenArtist Jul 2015
Well, I feel a little bit deceived.

First, you "just wanted to see if people would use it in response"? This is a forum for people trying to take care of their families and/or friends, not a forum for test questions. If you read some of the other posts you'll find people who are battling and fighting through a world of hurt, anxiety, financial distress and emotional pain. To use them as a sort of test subject is offensive.

Second, you're a marketer yourself. You state you're fighting against the kickback issues. But for what kind of marketing agency do you work? Are you competing with other home care agencies? Without knowing more, I'm wondering what the real story is.

Third, What proof do you have that kickbacks are in fact taking place? It wouldn't surprise me, but you're making some serious accusations that marketers are paying off "planners, doctors and nurses."

I'm not a health care professional; many of my friends and relatives were. Although this is only a microcosm of the healthcare field, I personally find this accusation offensive, especially since from what I read of your post, it's because you're competing with this rather than because it may influence care of patients.

The medical field is a demanding one, with a lot of sacrifices made in terms of remuneration (because of so many limits by insurers). I think these people need admiration, not accusations.

Fourth, I'm really shocked that you ask about a way to "win over healthcare providers legally to refer patients to a (sic) agencies?"

Seriously, do you want us to do your career homework for you? I think if you ask that question, you might to consider a line of work that doesn't rely so much on "winning people over".

I can't help feeling that there's a lot more behind these probing questions and that the real story isn't being shared.

If I'm mistaken, I apologize in advance, but my gut reaction is that this is kind of like some of the broad questions posed by students too lazy to do real research work.

OTH711 Jul 2015
Thanks for the responses. Kickbacks and getting paid for referrals is what I was hinting at to see if this happens. I just wanted to see if people would use it in response. I market for agencies and this is an issue I'm fighting against. Marketers paying off dc planners, drs, and nurses. While there's fraudulent activity going on under the table...Is there any way to win over healthcare providers legally to refer patients to a agencies?

GardenArtist Jul 2015
I'm not sure what your concern is either. When a patient leaves a SNF, the treating physician will sign a script for follow-up home care, if it's needed, to provide continuity of therapy, nursing care, etc., as the patient progresses.

I'm not aware that there's any financial consideration for referral, but I do know and have experienced social workers at SNFs attempting to direct home care to specific agencies. This happened twice with the same SNF; the social worker ignored the fact that I told her who we wanted and went ahead and contacted what I suspected is their preferred home care agency. I had to be firm with her and make it known in no uncertain terms that we wouldn't be told who will provide home care. Once I had to go above her to her supervisor.

There may be some kickbacks or under the table arrangements; it wouldn't surprise me.

As to whether SNFs get paid by insurance - if the person Is covered by Medicare, is showing progress and meets standards for SNF care, yes, Medicare will pay, within certain parameters.

My only experience with someone who wasn't old enough for Medicare was that her insurance covered all her costs, but it was a top notch policy.

I'm not sure what ratings you're referring to and/or how it reflects on the SNF.

I have a feeling something has happened that's prompting you to make these inquiries.

JoAnn29 Jul 2015
Sorry no one has answered. Not really sure what u mean. Here were I live we only have two homecares that are able to bill Medicare. The others are independant agencies that u pay for services.
It usually works like this. Hospital stay, Medicare/supplement pay for. If found therapy is needed, rehab. Medicare pays first 20days. From 21st to 100 Medicare pays 50%. Hopefully a supplimental will pick up most or partial of the balance. After 100 days you pay out of pocket. From rehab u may get homecare. It depends who is in ur area that bills Medicare. You should be given a choice. Medicare usually pays for 45days and thena reevaluation. I don't think a SNF gets any benefit from this.

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