“Starting a Home Health Agency”
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Hi MJ! Thank you so much for your support. I truly do want people to be successful in what they do and bottom line is that most people are investing their life savings, risking going broke and because I understand that, we cannot afford to make mistakes, or take people's money without realistically giving them a finished product (which is a home health agency). The salary for an Administrator is mainly negotiated on the agency's patient census as well as employee census and the agency's income (what the agency's budget can allocate towards an Administrator's salary. After that is calculated to a reasonable amount, you can then include the potential Administrator's competency amd experience. An Administrator is the main person responsible for the Agency and oversees full operation as well as serves as liason between the Governing Body and the rest of the staff. He or she is responsible for implementation of the Governing Body's vision and policies/procedures. Ultimately all the responsibility falls on the Administrator. Not to mention, that the Administrator can serve as Director of Nursing as well (not my ideal recommendation on a fulky functioning agency). But if that's the case, then the dual job description will increase salary. Having said all this, you are looking at least at a monthly amount of $3000/month on a starting agency and then increasing as agency grows. I could give you a more exact figure if I have the information described above. As for the process of opening a home health aide agency vs. a nursing agency.... the process is different as a home health aide agency cannot provide medical services and in most instances (depending on the state) cannot provide hands-on services either (such as personal care), whereas a nursing agency is more regulated and involves more steps as you are providing skilled medical services, including home health aides (which does include hands-on services). I hope I understood your questions and efficiently answered them! As always, Good Luck on your endeavor!

Hello Ramosh! You definitely should have used the time you had for licensing and getting your Medicare approval letter to read and learn your policies. The Joint Comission (formerly known as JCHAO) will conduct a 3 day survey. They will do what is called tracing which means that they will review your agency at work and compare it (trace it) back to your written policies/procedures. In other words, your agency's daily operation must match your written policies/procedures. Having said this, if that is indeed how your consultant set you up, then you should already know most of your policies/procedures as you are already carrying them out on a daily basis. But you should still read them this month... Good Luck!

Hi Yvonne. Unfortunately there are too many details involved as each state has a different process. For instance, New Jersey has a moratorium until July 2013. New York lifted the moratorium for Licensed Agencies but not for Certified Agencies. This means you can only go for Licensure and not be able to provide services to Medicare beneficiaries. This process for Licensure in New York can take roughly 12 months. Connecticut however does allow you to go through the whole process including medicare certification. This process does require accreditation by a CMS approved organization. I cannot discuss the details as we are a professional consulting firm that assists clients through the whole process. But you can feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to discuss our services and our fees.

Thank you so much Caryn for your thoughts and opinion. And i do look forward to working with you in the future! As always I wish you luck!

Hi Victoria! As stated above, the process for New York can take roughly 12 months. Sometimes more, it depends on their surveyor availability. In accordance with what you wish to open, a home health agency can provide cna/hha services as well as skilled services. For that you definitely need to apply for licensing. Our firm handles the whole process for you from start to finish. We guide you by the hand until you receive you pass your survey and receive your licensure. However, if the services you wish to wish to offer are cna/hha non-medical services (homemaker/companion) only, then you do not need licensing. Of course, you would be limited to providing those services and you would not be allowed to provide hands-on services (such as personal care). We are available to speak to you Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. eastern standard time. Good Luck!!

Hi Rose! Unfortunately, New York is a more complicated city. I believe it is one of the most complicate along with Georgia. For being such an advanced place, you would figure they would be easier to access information. I know what you mean, we also have a billing service department and have billing clients that are individual providers for Medicaid Waiver recipients. This is a lot of info, feel free to call me and I'll gladly be of assistance to you. I do wish you luck!!

Hi Lisandra! It was a pleasure speaking to you today. We will definitely be available to hold your hand through the process. When you have put together all that we discussed, we can go ahead and move forward. I look forward to working with you!

Thank you so much Msladyg for your thoughts! I will keep you in mind also so that you may continue in your goals. I am a strong believer that once you put your mind to something, you can definitely accomplish your goals! I wish you Good Luck on your endeavors!

Hello Mayfar! I will definitely keep in you in mind with some of my clients that may be interested in partnering up with you. Furthermore, if you feel you need assistance in reviewing your company prior to survey to make sure you do pass successfully, it is part of the services my firm provides. Feel free to give us a call and we;ll be available to answer all your questions. As always, Good Luck!!

Hi Rachel! This question is a bit vague, since a home health aid is technically a home provider service. On the other hand, a "home provider service" can also be a facility that serves as residential provider, meaning, the elderly can live there. However, I believe that what you are referring to, is "what is the difference between a "home health aide" service and a "home health agency". If this is an incorrect assumption, feel free to correct me. If this is the correct question, then the difference is that a home health agency provides medical skilled care and non skilled care such as home health aides. A "home care", which works specifically with home health aides, can ONLY provide non-skilled care which is homemaker, companion, and in some states, they are allowed to provide personal care, which is a hands-on service. If you have further questions, feel free to reach me via this blog or via phone. As always, good luck!!!

Hi Dr. Owji... feel free to call my firm for more detailed information as Canada is a bit different than the US. We can guide you through the process from beginning to end. We can be reached at (305) 556-9776. Good luck and we do look forward to hearing from you soon!!

Hello Micheleta! What you are interested in opening is a non-skilled services agency. This strictly provides CNA/Home Health Aides services. Depending on the state you would be required to acquire a State license. And also depending on the state, you would be or would not be allowed to provide "hands-on" care such as personal care as only home health agencies are allowed to provide hands-on services. For more information regarding Tennessee, feel free to call me and I'll gladly walk walk you through the process from beginning to end. Good luck on your endeavor!

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Hi Yvonne! First and foremost, you need to ask the State whether or not the non-skilled agency requires a license. If it does, then you follow the necessary steps to acquire it. If it doesn't, then you're all set to go. Regardless, you have to incorporate the business, get a tax ID, set up an office space, put together employee files, write policies and procedures to manage the company, set up patient files (client files), and if you have to acquire a state license, go through the necessary applications. Last but not least, find insurances that are willing to accept enrollment of non-skilled agencies. Our consulting firm is available to handle all of the process for you from beginning to end. This ensures that you save time and money in the start up process. Give us a call to receive a quote as well as the details of what we offer. As always, Good Luck!!

Hi Anat!! First and foremost, you need to have between $20,000-$98,000 for contingency funding if you wish to become Medicare certified. The process can take you between 4 through 12 months, depends on how fast you can be ready. However, if you do not have the guidance of a knowledgeable individual, then it can take longer than the 12 months and cost you twice as much since you might have to apply for licensure multiple times, and the licensure fee has to be paid every time you apply. Also, if you do not pass your accreditation survey (which lasts 3 days) you might have to reapply for accreditation and you have to pay every time the accrediting body comes out to survey your company. With our company, you can become state licensed from the 1st time we apply and we can guide you throughout the set up process. Accreditation is another area of expertise where we can definitely save you lots of money. Feel free to give us a call so we can gladly be of assistance. I wish you luck on your endeavor!

Jamal, hello! I represent a well known consulting firm who has helped plenty of Clients throughout the start-up process as well as ensure long-term viability for the established agencies. Bottom line, we know our processes. We analyze with you the realistic amount of liquid investment capital, as it depends on a couple of variances. I can discuss these in detail with you over a conference at your convenience. Furthermore, the time it takes for you to open realistically, is about 12 months. We have accomplished the task in 9 months, however, I always advise my clients to count on the 12 months. Hiring a consultant is of your advantage, since we do save you time and money (which time is money anyway). The point is, we become your support team from the moment you sign an agreement with us, until the moment you receive your provider numbers for both Medicare, Medicaid, your state licenses, and your accreditation. Feel free to call our office as soon as you are ready to get started. Our number is (305) 556-9776 and please ask for Lilian. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and as always, good luck!!

We want to wish all of our current Clients and future Clients a wonderful Easter!! Enjoy the egg hunts!! - on behalf of Health Care Business Advisors

I would love to and I have, but it get deleted unfortunately. You may email me or call my office and we would provide it to you. My email is blilian@girobellocorporation.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Hello Harpreet. We can definitely help you out in Ontario. Feel free to call my office so that we can point you in the right direction. For a home health agency, we are looking at the usual, rules and regulations compliance, policies and procedures, business licensure, insurance enrollment, billing, etcetera. Our contact phone number is (305)556-9776. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Hi Remy! Definitely, they do forward it to Medicare. The best person I would start contacting is your analyst from Medicare. That is the person who processed your application. But as of now, it is a waiting game. Depending on how long ago everything was sent, you have to give it a few weeks before they respond with your provider numbers. Your consultant should be the person to be handling this for you though. He/she should have the contact info and the details. I wish you luck!

Hi Lori.... First and foremost, what type of provider number do you have? Second of all, unfortunately, Georgia is a certificate of need state.. They evaluate twice a year which counties have a need for home health agencies and they do this eval in March and September of every year. As of March of this year, they have determined that there is no need in any of the counties for home health agencies, We would have to wait until September. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended by State licensing units that a consultant's assistance is seeked and used, although they cannot recommend a consultant in particular. But because we know these things, it saves you time, money and effort as well as it doesnt waste the licensing units' time. As an alternative to a home health agency, Georgia allows you to open a Private Home Care agency, which although you are not allowed to enroll in Medicare as a participating provider, you can enroll in Medicaid, community waiver programs, private insurances as well as private pay. You can provide skilled nursing, personal care and non-skilled services. We would be more than happy to assist you through this process, This option is good because the investment is of about $10,000.00-$15,000.00 which includes our consulting fee and it helps put your foot in the door in your community and establish a relationship with physicians, case managers and patients in your community. I do wish you luck and look forward to hearing from you soon! 

Yes Debbie... Medicare reimburses for Home Health Services. You will need to have $20,000-$98,000 in a business checking account on escrow in order for Medicare to approve a provider number. In addition, the start-up investment cost is of about $40,000-$60,000. In your case, being that you are a nurse, the start-up costs can be more towards the $40,000. Our firm does not only complete the application process and provide you with policies and procedures; we actually tackle with the along with the Client, all aspects of managing the business successfully. Marketing techniques, proper quality assurance, collection of data, the hiring process, clinical procedures, jobs, duties and functions of agency officials, continuing education, all of these areas and others, are key in accomplishing a successfully managed facility. If all the above is accomplished, physicians and other referral sources will definitely never stop referring patients to your agency for services. Give us a call so that we may be able to assist yo in creating your business the right way. The Joint Commission surveyors, which most have been nurses for 10+ years believe that nurses can't successfully own home health agencies. They believe that nurses do not know how to properly balance their good nature in wanting to help people and the reality that they are running a business to make money in addition helping people. The truth is, you are in business to help people, and this field gives you that opportunity, but as a home health agency owner, you have to think more like an entrepreneur. Like someone who can help the community, but is also there to make his/her business survive and make as much profit as they can. Bottom line, make his/her business a money making success. Throughout the process, I help you learn to balance out the good heart with the business person. Good luck Debbie, and I do look forward to hearing from you soon. Enjoy your weekend!!!

@Dave, our firm has experience working with all 3 accrediting organizations which are The Joint Commission, CHAP and ACHC. This delay you are mentioning is the reason why we only do CHAP or ACHC accreditations if, and only if, a Client chooses to go through them. As a consultant, based on my experience and knowledge, my goal is to have you go through this process as fast as possible so that you may spend the least amount of investment dollars as well as start making profit as soon as possible. Had we been working with you, my recommendation would have been to use The Joint Commission since we can manipulate the survey dates and tell them when to come out to survey you. Unfortunately, CHAP and ACHC are not as sophisticated or as staffed as The Joint Commission. Furthermore, they are easier to work with and reach out to. Having said this, you can still probably switch to The Joint Commission and I may have you go through your survey within the next 3 months. Feel free to call me if you wish to consider this option. Allow me to say, that using our company will definitely prevent you from using that amount of money as your investment capital. When to begin visiting your charity patients is key in the process will determine how much investment you will require. Once again, feel free to call us so that we may discuss your situation and provide you with more options. Good Luck Dave!

@Ebony, how are you? I am sure that depositing your money in good faith of receiving a product that is very well needed for this process and not actually receiving the help you paid for can be very frustrating. This is why our firm takes pride in building long lasting relationships with our Clients. Our services entail providing all the details you need in order to successfully start and manage an efficient business. This is unfortunately not taught through a course, or a kit, but rather provided through one on one communication and coaching. Our firm provides you with the policies and procedures needed to run your company, the client admission packets, Client records set-up, HR records set-up, and much more which are essential to running an efficient and professional company. We are available via email, video conferencing, phone and in person to provide you with the instructions and tools to carry out your business. Feel free to give us a call so that we may analyze which part of the process you are in and therefore properly provide you with a quote to continue the process. We will be looking forward to speaking with you soon!  

@Jana... thank you for your appreciation. There are a lot of liars in this industry and I want people to know that they can count on someone to guide them through the process the right way and build a long lasting business. In regards to your question, you can try with Bank of America or SBA (small business association)... You can also call our office so that I can discuss options that are available for you in Ohio which you may not be aware of and can be the stepping stone for starting your agency. In the meantime, j wish you much luck!

@Keonia... Good evening. Starting a home health agency in Connecticut requires licensing, certification and accreditation. It will cost you about $60,000.00 liquid investment cost. However, for Medicare certification it requires between $20,000-$98,000 for contingency funding. I would definitely count on $98,000 just in case. You won't really know until you receive the letter from CMS asking for the amount. This is why I recommend to count on the $98,000 to be on the safe side and not allow any delays. Our firm guides you through the whole process from beginning to end. We provide you with 11 manuals, sample clinical forms, set-up of clinical records, set-up of HR files, admission packet, and all aspects of running a home health business, including financial management. Feel free to give us a call so that we are able to set up your business using our business model that will ensure a great start as well as long term viability. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

@Keonia... good morning... Allow me to clarify that this contingency funding for Medicare is not liquid... meaning you are not going to use it. You are going to have it in a bank account under the company's name. So this amount can be loaned by a friend for the process and then returned. Or it can be a loan, a line of credit deposited into the account, etcetera for the purpose being and then returned. Good luck Keonia, hope this helped.

@Tracie... I do not have control of these posts or what gets deleted. I would not delete comments like these as they are the reflection of your business oriented thoughts. You have every right to question our knowledge and reputation. Regarding the rest of your comment, you are right. It involves investing,  although I would not consider it major for the amount of time we would be spending in the process which is about 9-12 months as well as the vast amount of knowledge we would be giving you. My competitors charge up to $20,000 which is an estimated double of what we charge for similar services and I assure you they do not offer the level of attention and detailed walk through of the business as my firm does. Joining the BBB is by invitation only as I did receive an invitation actually which I turned down. I turned it down only because this type of accreditation to be honest does not assure the consumer that my firm is an honest firm. After review of the process, there really is no verification of my firm's information, they take what I tell them so long as I pay them their estimated $500 fee. Having said that, the way to properly evaluate our services is to contact our references. You can feel free to call me and we will provide you with contact persons we have been hired to work for and have been working with for over 5 years now. That is what really counts, the testimony of other people that have walked your shoes and continue to hire us for other ventures. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Good luck on your project! 

@Victor. Yes sir. In your CLIA waiver the person that gets listed is the Administrator and/or Director of Nursing. Some agencies choose to have the same person take the role of both job descriptions, other agencies choose to hire two people (one for each position). It is our advice to choose one person to play both roles at the beginning and then eventually, when the agency has 10 or more staff members, go ahead and separate the job descriptions by hiring an additional person. Feel free to let us know if you have additional questions. Good luck!

@Joyce... depending on the state you wish to start the agency you would be able to start in your home. In fact, in those states that allow a residential address, they require you to have a separate section of the house that has a separate entrance from the main house entrance. You can get additional details from your state's department of health. You also need to find out if your state has a moratorium in place or is a certificate of need state. This means you will not be able to freely open a home health agency. Starting an agency is a profitable business with the capacity to generate millions of dollars in profit, however, it is a detailed business that if not set-up correctly can easily get shut down by the regulatory agencies. Hiring a consultant can save you time and money, thus getting you through the process in the least amount of time possible. In addition, we are there to provide you with the tools and proper set-up so that you don't run the risk of losing your business down the road. Give us a call so that we can help guide you on the right direction... we wish you luck on your project and look forward to hearing from you soon.

@Samuel... I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Thank you for your thoughts about the work I do. In New York, you may start from your home. Only due to the fact that it will take about 12 months to receive licensure. New York has 2 processes - licensed and CHHA (certified home health agency). The licensed agency was the one who's moratorium was lifted but the CHHA continues to have a moratorium since it was placed in 1995. Therefore, you cannot receive Medicare certification. However, you may still go through the licensure and be able to work private pay, HMOs, some of the medicaid waiver programs (which are community based programs). The start-up cost for this type of agency is about $10,000 roughly. However, once you do receive licensure, then you have to begin covering salaries, start an office, etcetera. In other words, you begin to have overhead costs. At first, you and your friend can be Administrator and Director of Nursing. Our firm would be available to take you through the process without a problem. Financial help, well, you can start by searching the SBA (small business association), Bank of America (which I know has provided business loans to businesses in the past, or maybe a private investor. Feel free to call me to ask me any questions you may have concerning the process. I wish you luck with your endeavor and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

@Jacqueline Brown, Hi Jacqueline! You can definitely start from home. You will need about $40,000 liquid investment, however for the Medicare process you will need between $70,000-$98,000 for contingency funding requirements. You will need an RN as an LPN does not qualify for Director of Nursing. Feel free to call me so we can guide you through the process. Good luck with your venture!

@Victor... I am glad to hear you are getting ready for your survey. Remember my firm charges a fee for getting clients through the process. Therefore, the info given on here is very limited. Yes, in most cases the Admin should suffice, in case of an important reason the DON can't be there. However, it really does boil down to the surveyor allowing it that way. Some surveyors are really tougher than others, I have had 10 minute surveys on some clients and others have been 3 hours. So it all depends.. I have a question though, why not make your Admin also your DON? In that case, he would have no choice but to allow it. I know most states allow the Admin and DON to be the same person, my team can tell me later today if Cali accepts that. But anyway, if that is an option, and then have your current DON be the Alternate Admin and DON. In preparation for your survey, your policies and procedures, the knowledge of the Admin/DON of his/her field and of your company's policies and procedures, the set-up of the office, are you ready to operate, the governing body, the PAC, HR records set-up, sample clinical record set-up and admission packet, etcetera. Feel free to call me if you have any further questions on the process, we are available to walk you through it all Victor. Good luck on your survey!!

@Lynn, Good evening. First and foremost, it is a misconception that Accreditation will take a year since I choose your ready date. Medicare is the entity that will take 120 days to process your application. If you add an additional 4 months of the state licensure process then that makes it roughly 8 months in the whole process. Once more, I clarify that I manipulate the accreditation date with The Joint Commission so I tell them when you are ready for survey. It is another misconception to believe Medicare reimbursement takes an additional year. In fact, the way Medicare pays is twice in a certification period. Meaning, once you bill your first patient, Medicare will pay out something called a "wrap" payment, which is an estimated amount to initiate services and at the end of the certification period, it pays out the remainder. This means, that my firm can have you licensed, certified and accredited within 12 months roughly. Yes private payers is a good option, but we recommend it as an additional option as well as Medi-cal and medicaid waivers. It is like having a restaurant and offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. As a restaurant, you want to be able to offer all the meals so that more people can come eat from you and you can have additional revenue. Home Health works the same, you want to have all payer sources so that you have no limitations. Of course, this won't happen within the year as some private insurances may have a closed enrollment at the time you receive licensure, and in fact, most other private payers will not issue you a provider number unless you have Medicare certification. Private pay is an additional option you have, but again, it all depends on your referral sources and if you have enough case loads. So to summarize your question, you can receive licensure within a 4 month period tops. Yes it is worth it to enroll in private insurances. And no, Accreditaiton process does not take a year (it can take a year and longer, but that is for someone who goes through the process without the experience or the help), and no, Medicare reimbursement does not take another year from when you become accredited. If someone you know has had this experience, it is unfortunate for them and that just means they did not have the experience to go through the process nor the proper guidance from a knowledgeable consultant. Feel free to give us a call so that we can get you through the process quicker and smoother therefore saving you time and investment dollars. Regarding your start-up costs, you are looking at about $60,000 liquid investment funds throughout the 12 month process, this includes our fee for the consulting. For the Medicare portion of the process, you will need to have as contingency funding in a bank account under the company's name, an estimated $70,000-$98,000. You will not use this amount, it is frozen in the account to show Medicare you have funds to operate the business once you have been issued a billing number to cover for the amount of time that you find patients, bill and receive payments. I look forward to hearing from you soon. God bless you and your business! :)

@Lewonda. Hello Lewonda, I can probably assist you but I need to know where you are located. Good luck!

@Lynn, Good morning Lynn! Yes, our fee definitely includes all of the tools you need in order to start and then operate your home health agency. This includes our personally written Policies and Procedures, clinical forms, HR forms to use, data collecting tools, teaching processes for agency compliance, applications for licensure, certifications, and accreditation, as well as Accreditation compliance amongst other services that need to be involved in order to receive licensure and certifications. The investment amount will include your expenses for a 12 month period: Admin/DON salary, office space, phone, furniture, computers, computer program for agency operation with up to 5 users, charity patient process including salaries for services that need to be provided, application costs with the state and accrediting organization, etcetera. Once we get started with the agreement, part of our consulting process is to inform you step-by-step with everything you need to acquire throughout the process so not to worry. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

@rita... Hi, our firm works with individuals such as yourself in the process of starting home health agencies and other health care businesses alike. It is a series of steps that are necessary in order to receive licensure, certification and accreditation. In Pennsylvania for instance, you must submit an application packet with certain policies and procedures prior to the state approving a licensure. Feel free to give us a call so that we can assist you with part of the process or the whole process depending on your needs. Good luck Rita!

@linus, Hi Linus... Yes definitely. The first thing you need to find out is if Nevada is a Certificate of Need state or if it has a moratorium. If so, then either you cannot open a home health agency until they deem they have a need or, if there is a certificate of need process, then you have to fulfill that part prior to getting licensure. If you need assistance with this process, feel free to reach us so that we can be of assistance. Good luck with your endeavor.

@Dandy... I have provided much detail above regarding the start-up process for a home health agency. Feel free to scroll up and read the postings for more information, in addition, you can call our office and we would be available to assist you. Allow me to add that the start up cost is roughly $60,000.00 in liquid funds. You will spend more or less this amount throughout a period of 9-12 months, which is the process. In Wisconsin, however, we must begin by finding out whether or not it is a certificate of need state or if they have a moratorium. If neither of those is the case, then you have a green light to move forward. If either one of those is the case, then either you will not be able to open or you will have to go through an additional process of proving a need. The $60,000.00 includes the consulting fee for our services, however, the amount may vary depending on different factors, for instance, are you a nurse? do you have a nurse willing to help you without charging you? are you going to use a commercial address? or are you going to start from home? All of these are factors that can depending on the answers, can lower your start-up costs. In addition to the estimated $60,000.00, you are required to have between $20,000.00-$98,000.00 for Medicare certification process as part of your contingency funding. This amount of money will not be use,d however, Medicare requires that you have it in order to approve your application. This is supposed to be money that is in an account under the business name so that when you receive your provider numbers, you can begin operation and have money as backup until you start receiving payments. After your application is approved, you can go ahead and take the money back or if someone loan it to you, you can return it. Once more, feel free to reach me with any questions as we are here to assist you.

@blilian@girobellocorporation.com, @Mario... This forum is for home health agencies. A nursing home is different from a home health. The reason I clarify is because I want to make sure I am answering your question correctly. To start a nursing home business better known as "Assisted Living Facility" in Florida, they do have different names in different states.... In order to start an ALF in FL, you have to decide whether you want to rent or own the property in which you want to use for the business. If you already have one, then multiply your monthly payments x 12 and it should give you a number for the whole year. In addition, you have to factor in phone payment, furniture, physical set up per local regulations as well as state regulations such as handicapped set-up throughout the facility, a fire alarm; however it can't be any fire alarm system, the one for the ALF can cost around $10,000.00. This is just some idea in regards to the costs, for a more precise number, we can calculate around $60,000.00 to start it. Feel free to give us a call for more info.

@blilian@girobellocorporation.com, @Valerie, hi there. We can definitely guide you in the process and be there to make sure you get started on the right track from the beginning until you receive licensure, certification and accreditation. Feel free to give us a call so that we can offer our support throughout the process. Good luck!

@PJ, Hi PJ, yes, definitely. I would need to know if your RNs are willing to charge you at the beginning or if you could work something out with them. This can knock off a good $10000 from your start-up costs. Keep in mind that the start-up costs are not up front, but rather through a period  of 9-12 months which is usually how long it will take you to open. It will take roughly $50,000 considering your RN friends work something out with you. However for the Medicare certification portion of the process (which is mandatory), you will need to have about $70000 in an account under the business name, This is kept in escrow, you won't use it. Medicare just wants to know that you have the funding available to move forward once you have received the provider number prior to receiving payments for providing services. Having said this, the estimated start-up cost of $50000 does include our fee for the consulting. Our firm will gladly walk you through all of it and work with you so you may learn all the ins and outs of the industry.Give us a call when you feel ready to move forward. I look forward to hearing from you soon, have a wonderful night.

@pedihhatx, Hi Pedihhatx, yes, definitely. We do have experience with pediatrics. A home health agency is a home health agency whether you choose to specialize in geriatrics or pediatrics. The main difference between the two besides the population being served is the types of services you can provide and who you would bill it to. But the main structure of a home health is pretty similar. Give us a call so that we can definitely guide you through the process. (305) 556-9776.

@Daryl, Hi. The funding you will need for this process is a liquid amount of $60,000 and this even includes our fee for services. This amount will be spent throughout the 9-12 month time frame of the process. Meaning, this is the amount you would have spent by the time you are ready to open your doors. However, for the Medicare certification process, you would need to have between $70,000-$98,000 for your area. This amount is calculated by Medicare and we wouldn't know the exact amount until they send you a letter telling you the amount they've decided on. The highest I've seen around the country is $98,000 and for an area like yours I would guesstimate $70,000-$80,000. We may be able to cut down on the costs with the possibility of being able to start from your home. If these numbers are comfortable for you, feel free to reach us and we can gladly get you through the process. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

@Isha, Hi Isha Love, I apologize for the delay but I was not aware you had asked a question. Yes, hiring a consultant cuts down on the time for the start-up process and it ensures you have all the right tools to manage an efficient company. As for the start-up costs, in Alaska, it is doubled than what it would be in the rest of the country. We can be looking at about $120,000 start-up costs. Around $100,000 for medicare purposes as contingency funding. This amount is not used, it sits in an escrow account. I invite you to call us so that we can discuss more in detail our fees and what we offer. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

@Cristina, Hi Cristina, all you need is to be a CNA.

@Iris, Hi Iris, at this point in time, it is difficult to get grants to finance businesses. Unless you get a home equity loan, or refinance your home, not a lot of banks are willing to loan money for business ventures. SBA is an organization that might help out in that process. We can definitely help you with the process, although I need to find out from my team the details when it comes to the process in Puerto Rico. Feel free to reach us tomorrow so that we can discuss the process further.

@Ifrah, Hi Ifrah, starting a home health agency requires about $60,000. Maybe a little less if one of the owners is a registered nurse. For the Medicare portion, we are looking at $70,000-$80,000 in contingency funding. Regarding the experience, do not worry as we will walk you through every step of the process from the moment we begin until the moment you are accredited, licensed and certified. Feel free to reach us so that we can get the process started. I look forward to hearing from you soon.