Markets in Everything: Home Health Care Managers

After a hospitalization, you will need help doing things that you’re unable to do for yourself — even with performing basic tasks like cleaning and dressing. You may need a nurse to change the bandage on a wound or to administer intravenous drugs. You may need equipment, too: a walker, a bath seat or a commode to ensure you don’t injure yourself during recovery…

If you don’t have the time or stamina to figure out an ideal home health care plan for yourself or a loved one, turn to a health care advocate or, in the case of elderly patients, a geriatric care manager…… These consultants charge an hourly fee of $90 to $160, which is not reimbursed by insurers. But a one-hour consultation could potentially save you hours of precious time.

A nurse advocate or geriatric care manager can explain how insurance and Medicare work and the services you may be entitled to, and they can speak to doctors on your behalf.

Full article on temporary at-home health care.

Comments (4)

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  1. Bruce says:

    Sounds like the market is responding to a real need.

  2. Vicki says:

    Makes too much sense for insurance to pay for it.

  3. Virginia says:

    It sounds like the elder-care equivalent of a wedding planner.

  4. Devon Herrick says:

    When I worked for a hospital it was the job of the discharge planner to help patients figure out where they would next receive care in the continuum. We couldn’t afford to get stuck with a Medicare patient that had nowhere to go so the discharge planner’s job started before the patient was admitted.