Welcome to the world of home health! Whether you're a new clinician or a seasoned professional, you may have questions about what to expect. Below are some frequently asked questions and insights from my experience as a home health occupational therapist.
Q: How does mileage reimbursement work in home health?
A: Mileage reimbursement compensates you for driving between patient homes. Rates typically align with IRS guidelines or your company’s policy. However, many home health agencies do not reimburse for the commute from your home to the first patient or from the last patient back to your home.
Pro Tips: Use mileage tracking apps or a logbook to ensure accurate reporting.
Familiarize yourself with your company’s mileage reimbursement policy.
Submit your mileage reports on time to avoid delays in reimbursement.
A: Mileage reimbursement compensates you for driving between patient homes. Rates typically align with IRS guidelines or your company’s policy. However, many home health agencies do not reimburse for the commute from your home to the first patient or from the last patient back to your home.
Pro Tips: Use mileage tracking apps or a logbook to ensure accurate reporting.
Familiarize yourself with your company’s mileage reimbursement policy.
Submit your mileage reports on time to avoid delays in reimbursement.
Q: How do you handle hoarder homes?
A: I’ve covered this topic in detail before (see [Challenging Environments]).
Here’s a quick summary: Assess Safety Risks: Identify hazards like clutter, pests, or tripping dangers and report them to your agency and fellow therapists.
Adapt Your Treatment Plan: Be creative with limited space and prioritize patient safety. Communicate Respectfully: Address environmental concerns with sensitivity and focus on how changes can benefit the patient’s health and safety.
Q: Can I work in home health as a new grad?
A: This is a question I’ve pondered myself. As a non-traditional student, my first job was in home health. I had prior experience working with people in their homes, so the transition was seamless for me.
Pros: Autonomy, variety, and the ability to build strong patient relationships.
Cons: Limited immediate mentorship compared to other settings.
Ultimately, it depends on your comfort level and support system. If you’re a self-starter and your agency offers a solid orientation program, it can be a great fit!
Q: What are typical productivity expectations?
A: Productivity in home health is often measured by the number of visits you complete per day or week. For example, a full-time therapist might be expected to complete 25–30 visits per week. Tips for Success: Understand how visits are weighted: evaluations typically count more than regular visits. Plan your schedule efficiently by grouping patients by zip code or location. For instance, if two patients live in the same building, see them on the same day. Communicate with your supervisor if the workload feels unrealistic.
Starting in home health can feel overwhelming, but with preparation and a positive mindset, you’ll do well. The autonomy, variety, and meaningful patient relationships make this field incredibly rewarding.
What tips do you have for new home health therapists? Share them in the comments below!
