FAQ

To qualify for home health services, you typically need to meet the following criteria:

  • You must be under the care of a doctor who certifies that you need skilled services such as nursing care, physical or occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology.
  • You must be homebound. According to CMS guidelines, this means you either need the help of another person or medical equipment—such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair—to leave your home, or your doctor advises against leaving home due to your medical condition. In either case, leaving your home must require a considerable and taxing effort.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact us—we’re happy to help you understand your options.

Getting started with Northwest Home Health and Rehab is simple. Once your doctor determines that home health services are needed, we prefer that they fax or email the orders directly to us:

  • Fax: 847-854-0213
  • Email: intake@nwhomehealthrehab.com

Once we receive the orders, our intake team will review the information and contact you to schedule your first visit. If you have any questions or want to check the status of a referral, feel free to call us—we’re here to help every step of the way.

The frequency of visits depends on your individual care plan, which is created in collaboration with your doctor. Some patients may receive visits multiple times a week, while others may need care less frequently. Your needs will be assessed regularly and adjusted as needed to ensure you’re receiving the right level of support.

There is no fixed limit on how long you can receive home health service. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and your doctor certifies the medical necessity, services can continue. Your condition and progress will be regularly reviewed to ensure you receive appropriate care for as long as needed.

We offer a wide range of skilled home health services, including:

  • Skilled Nursing Care
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech-Language Pathology
  • Medical Social Services
  • Home Health Aide Support

Each care plan is customized to meet your specific health goals and recovery needs.

Yes—you can receive multiple types of care at the same time if needed. For example, you may receive skilled nursing care and physical therapy during the same period, depending on your condition and your doctor’s orders. Your care team will coordinate all services to ensure seamless support.

Yes, many insurance plans cover home health services.

  • If you have Traditional Medicare, you may qualify for home health care with no out-of-pocket cost.
  • If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the level of coverage may vary.
  • Most private insurance plans also offer coverage, though benefits differ.
  • Our team can verify your insurance and help you understand exactly what’s covered and if Northwest Home Health and Rehab is the right agency for you.

We are in-network with a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare, BCBS Medicare Advantage, and commercial Blue Cross Blue Shield and can often accept others even if we’re considered out-of-network—many times with no difference in your benefits.

Not sure if you’re covered? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to check your insurance and walk you through your options.

Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you need assistance outside of these hours, we have an on-call nurse available to take your calls and address any urgent concerns. Your care and peace of mind are our priority—24/7.

Durable Medical Equipment (DME) refers to medically necessary equipment prescribed by your doctor for use in your home, such as wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, or oxygen equipment. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, typically cover DME every 5 years, though this can vary depending on the item and your medical needs.

After you meet your Medicare Part B deductible, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. If you have secondary insurance, it may cover some or all of the remaining costs. Always check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses.

All clinical staff undergo thorough license and background checks prior to hire. Our nurses and therapists average 10-15 years of health care experience. Your care is overseen by a Registered Nurse who regularly monitors and supervises the services provided, ensuring adherence to your physician’s orders and the highest quality standards.

We work closely with your healthcare team and send your physician/specialist a copy of your initial plan of care and update them regularly (at least every 60 days) on your progress. Our nurses and therapists also promptly communicate any significant changes in your health status to your ordering physician to ensure coordinated care.

If you have any concerns or feel your clinician is not the best fit, please contact our Director of Nursing at our office at 847 854-0186. We will work confidentially and quickly to address your concerns and arrange for a different clinician as needed.

A home health agency is licensed by Medicare and provides skilled medical care such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social work for a period of time based on the patient’s condition and follows the signed orders of the patient’s physician. By contrast, a home care company typically provides caregiving and companion care on an ongoing basis and does not require a physician order for service. Skilled medical care provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency is covered by Medicare, Medicare Advantage and many commercial health insurances whereas caregiving/companion care provided by a home care company is not covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.