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32 | Regarding the allegation: Facility is trying to persuade resident and or their responsible parties to change physicians or home agency to one’s preferred by administration.
It was alleged that the facility is trying to persuade residents and or their responsible parties to change physicians or home agency to one’s preferred by administration for financial gain. It was communicated that some residents have lived at the facility for an extended period of time and due to individual health conditions and care plans, were recommended to receive home health services by their primary care physician. Staff confirmed that they are unable to refer a resident to receive home health services from a specific agency or refer a resident to use an in-house physician, as they are not medical professionals and that decision is to be made in collaboration with the resident’s responsible party, the resident and/or the prescribing medical professional providing care for the resident. Staff and in -house physician further indicated that they offer recommendations for various home health agencies based on experience and services available for the resident however, it is not inferred to use any home health agency over another as that choice is ultimately left to the resident and their responsible parties. In addition the choice to use an in-house doctor is by personal choice of the resident and responsible parties, if they choose to use an in-house doctor it is based on preference,ease of access to care and resident on resident recommendations and that is a personal choice. Interviews with residents who receive home health services confirmed that the resident was referred to home health by either the resident’s primary care physician or admitting physician in the hospital, and that it was not the decision of the facility administration on who they chose. Interviews with residents who use in-house physician confirmed that it was not the decision of the facility administration on using them as it was a matter of convenience and accessibility.
This facility uses various home health agencies. However, further review confirmed that facility provides family members and residents with a choice of agencies if requested, which is a list of available local home health agencies to aid in the family’s choice in choosing the best fit for the resident in question. Family interviews confirmed that they were never persuaded or forced to choose the facility’s internal home health agency or in-house physician. A review of the resident roster confirmed that there are currently at least six (6) different home health agencies providing home health services to residents in this facility.
Based on the information obtained, there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that the facility is inappropriately referring residents to change physicians or use a preferred home health agency. This allegation is Unsubstantiated at this time.
No deficiencies observed. Exit interview conducted. A copy of the report was issued.
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