Surveyor Fall 2011 - ACHC Fall 2011.pdf · 2011-10-17 · Surveyor Fall 2011 3 C Quality onnection ALONG the way ACHC added three new members to our family over the past several months:

25Years of Excellence1986-2011 Surveyor

The Treasure Chest is back!

Please visit us at NAHC’s annual conference in booth #349 for your chance to win prizes and learn how ACHC can help your agency win with accreditation.

Sur veyor Fal l 2011 1

501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization Volume 21, No. 2 CMS Deeming Authority for:An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company Home Health, Hospice & DMEPOS

F A L L 2 0 1 1

INSIDE: Along The Way | Page 3

Highlights From The Past 25 Years | Page 6

Ask Your Expert | Page 11

Sleep Lab Accreditation Update | Page 15

ACHC's Newest Accredited Locations | Page 16

Tom Cesar's 20 Years of ServiceThe following is a Q & A session with President Tom Cesar who has been ACHC's leader for 20 years:

How have you seen the home care industry change in the past 20 years?In the 90’s a variety of segments in the industry, including home health, pharmacy infusion and home medical equipment suppliers, were experiencing very healthy profit margins. By 1997, this trend was beginning to change, particularly for home health with the passing of the Balanced Budget Act. The reduced reimbursement for this part of home care saw over 3, 000 companies go out of business in just over a year’s period. After Congressional Adjustments to the Law, for those who survived and learned how to become more efficient in business operations, companies eventually rebounded and grew. Every part of the home care industry over the past 20 years has seen these types’ of ebbs and flows of regulatory changes that have challenged their very existence.

In the past decade, particularly in the world of medical equipment, challenges to overcome reductions in reimbursement have caused a number of companies to shut their doors. Yet, with the ongoing trials to be successful, many companies have grown considerably.

continued on page 4

®

Behavioral Health Accreditation Program UpdateACHC is very excited to update everyone about the progress we are making in the development of our Behavioral Health Accreditation Program. As you recall, we began this endeavor in response to the requests of many of our accredited Home Health organizations that are also providing behavioral health services.

In 2009 we conducted a survey of our accredited Home Health organizations and found that 42% of respondents were providing Home Health services to patients who had established mental health, intellectual/developmental disability, and/or substance abuse diagnoses. In addition, we received many comments about the challenges these organizations faced in providing care to patients who have behavioral health diagnoses. One agency commented that, “We’re trying to put together a program, but we’re needing guidelines.” Another said, “We’re seeing more patients with these disorders, but we’re not sure how to best meet their needs.”

continued on page 5

ACHC OffersAccreditation For:•Home Health•Hospice•DMEPOS•Pharmacy•Private Duty•Sleep Lab/ Center•Behavioral Health

Visit us Online!

Behavioral Health Home Care AccreditationWe are very excited to be the first Accreditation Organization ever to offer this one-of-a-kind distinction. In addition to Deemed Status Accreditation your agency can further distinguish itself by pursuing Behavioral Health Home Care Accreditation, only offered by ACHC.

ACHC began a volunteer program in hopes that our organization would be able to give back to our community. Since beginning a volunteer program, the feedback from our staff, customers and community has been

wonderful. Because of the support and enthusiasm, ACHC’s volunteer program has become ex-tremely successful. Recently, ACHC has been working very closely with the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

ACHC has been planning the 25th anniversary Gala in order to raise proceeds for the ADA. The volunteer committee and ACHC's employees have worked hard in several ways to help cure diabetes. Employees tackled the task of contacting local businesses for donations of items for the silent auction that will take place at the Gala.

Currently, ACHC has formed a team that will raise money to "Step Out to Stop Diabetes," a walk that will take place at North Hills in Raleigh on October 15, 2011.

Do you have a cause that you would like ACHC's volunteer team to tackle? We're always looking for suggestions! Email Tracy Hinman at [email protected] with any ideas.

Editor-in-ChiefDeric Rutledge Marketing Communications [email protected]

Managing Editor, Designer/Layout ArtistTracy HinmanMarketing & Graphic Design [email protected]

ACHC Board OfficersDick Wetherell – ChairVice President for Quality, Telefl ex Medical, Inc.

Chris Clasen, BS, RRT, RCP – Vice ChairDirector of Respiratory Care, Blue RidgeHealth Care Center

Denise Fletcher, Esq. – SecretaryBoard Certifi ed Health Law, Texas Board ofLegal Specialization, Brown & Fortunato

Rick Ferris – TreasurerDirector of Operations, Drug Craft ers

ACHC Board MembersJohn BarrettSenior Consultant, Quality Systems Engineering

Floyd Boyer, RRT, RCPExecutive Director, NC Respiratory Care Board

Richard Bulich, Pharm. DIndependent Pharmacy Consultant

Barbara Stover Gingerich, RN MSFACHE, CHCEPresident, Advantage Consultants, Inc.

Tom TuckerVice President Sales & Marketing, AttentusMedical Sales, Inc.

Susan Niewenhous, Ph.D, RN, CHCE, COS-CPresident, Niew Solutions, Inc.

Marshelle Thobaben, RN, MS, PHN, APNP, FNPProfessor, Humbolt State University

Denise LippyVice President Systems Operations, Proton Th erapy Center-Houston, Ltd.

Matthew WhittingtonBrigadier General, USAR (Retired)

Leonard S. Holman, Jr., R.Ph.Vice President Government & Regulatory Aff airsCarePoint Partners

2 Sur veyor Fal l 2011

Mission: To educate health care providers through relevant, industry/program specific standards and surveys that

lead to successful business practices and improved patient services. Vision:

Accreditation Commission for Health Care will be the accreditation organization of choice that inspires excellence in health care.

Values: Integrity, relevance, innovation, enhancing outcomes, excellence in all things, flexibility without

compromising quality, concern for the entire health care continuum

ACHC IN THE Community


CCQualityonnection

ALONG the wayACHC added three new members to our family over the past several months: Nicholas, Elise and Lyra. Actually, they are not new employees, but rather, children of employees.

Their births provide a wealth of possibilities for their parents to dream about. Will our child be intellectually gifted or amazingly athletic? Will our child be a cardiac surgeon or a dynamic leader? Will the world be a better place tomorrow than it is today for my child?

Each generation has been born into a world with greater advances than the past generation. These advances have occurred because of individuals inspired to transcend and outperform, as well as organizations that embrace and expect innova-tion.

I think, in essence, the act of seeking accredita-tion is clearly linked to these strategies of advancing healthcare.

Governmental authorities and insurance providers have mandated accreditation in some industries as a way of ensuring quality. These authorities obviously recognize that when maximum efficiency is achieved there are two major goals accomplished: quality is improved and costs are decreased. There are many organizations that choose to be accredited for different reasons – although this ultimate goal is accomplished. They want to distinguish themselves as industry leaders who adhere to strict quality standards. The process of continuously improving operations is essential in this journey.

When I think of these three new little lives, I am delighted to know that organizations like yours and mine are not only influencing, but enriching the world of tomorrow. The answer to the question is, “yes, the world will be a better place for these children to grow up in than any generation has ever known.” We have done our part in assuring this.

Congratulations to the new parents; our ACHC family welcomes the new additions.

Along the Way is a column written by Barbara Sylvester, Vice President of Clinical Compliance & Accreditation, that will appear in every issue of ACHC's Surveyor newsletter. In this column, Barb will highlight various aspects of ACHC's culture from an insider's unique standpoint.

Tom Cesar, PresidentACHC has provided patient-centered, relevant and clearly written accreditation standards since 1986. Our standards have required utilization of evidence-based health

care along with documented and demonstrat-ed quality improvement activities for business operations and clinical practices.

It is our belief that accountability of health care leaders is required as never before. Initiating strategies for quality programs and products through use of ACHC standards help our customers develop and improve their own key processes and protocols.

ACHC holds itself to the same high standard of outside peer review as its own custom-ers. We have continued to maintain ISO 9001:2008 certification since 2004 when we became the first health care accrediting body in the world to receive this international distinction.

In 2007, ACHC was named one of the fastest growing private companies in America on the Inc. 5000 list. According to Inc. Magazine, companies on this list represent the backbone of the U.S. economy.

Additionally, in 2009, ACHC received the North Carolina Awards for Excellence Com-mitment (Level 2) Award. This milestone marks the first step toward applying for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

In order to compete in today’s accelerating industry, organizations must be driven to achieve competitive objectives and improve health care services for the persons that you serve. Partnering with ACHC will give you the resources to successfully manage and compete in today’s health care world.


Tom Cesar's 20 Years of Servicecontinued from page 1

Entrepreneurs that want to seize opportunities in this industry should not be of the faint in heart.

In spite of the regulatory requirements

and reduced reimbursement from government and private third-party payers, the growth of the industry is projected to continue for many years.

During this period, we have also seen continuous restructuring of the delivery of health services, dramatic technological advances in products for use by patients in the home setting and improved quality management initiatives.

Twenty years ago when I first started to attend health care conventions, quality management was just beginning to have an impact in home care. Methods like TQM, CQM, etc. were just the beginning of a quality movement in home based health care that continues to spread. The entire health care industry has come a long way on this journey. Measuring outcomes rather than incidents, evidence based practices, and other more sophisticated approaches have evolved over the past two decades. I think it was quite an accomplishment in 2002 when SSM Health Care System became the first in health care to win the prestigious national Malcolm Baldrige Award for quality excellence.

What was ACHC like when you first started here? ACHC was a two-person operation serving paraprofessional home care aid organizations in North Carolina only. The prospects of the company growing were dim. After I was hired, I learned that some Board members were considering closing the doors. Yet, there was a sense of vision with the Board. Our mission was to be an educator and facilitator to help improve services for individuals receiving home care.

While the organization had admirable intentions, the resources were extremely limited. Survival was my first priority for the company. Since the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation had committed development funds for three years, there was time to be innovative and aggressive with the market that we were in.

In which ways has ACHC grown in the past 25 years?The first break that came our way was when we introduced skilled nursing service accreditation standards in the state and received positive responses from a few companies. Within about two years this new program, we developed standards for home health, pharmacy infusion, home medical equipment and hospice.

While we were still just serving providers in North Carolina, word was spreading in the South East that there was an alternative for accreditation emerging in the Carolina’s. At the same time we were losing a few customers that had expanded with branches into neighboring states. We realized that if we did not move outside of our home state we would not survive. Because of this we decided to gamble everything and announce that ACHC services were available nationally in early 1996.

From this point on, I had to find ways to gain credibility and acceptance with private-third party payers, state licensure, providers, CMS and other stakeholders. This was a monumental challenge for me which lasted for more than 10 years. There were no short cuts, just numerous hours of telephone calls, networking and persistence. I was simply not going to give up until ACHC was recognized. Eventually, I was asked to sit on panel meetings with the nation’s two main accreditors serving this industry at some state and national conventions. When this occurred, I knew we were on the right track.

I also recommended to the Board to find niche markets to develop accreditation standards, promote them and see what happens. Over the years we introduced four accreditation programs that no other accreditor offered. This strategy helped increase our credibility and spread our name. I used a variety of other marketing

tactics during those years that eventually paid off.

Were there any tough times that ACHC went through and how did you keep the company going?Yes. As the grant money was expended, by 1994 we were expected to be self-sufficient. Between that year and about 2004, we experienced several periods of financial difficulty. We faced some very hard times during those years and I more than once updated my resume and resigned. Each time I was convinced by others to stick it out a little longer, which I did.

We learned to, as they say, pull out all the plugs. This included reducing the office manager’s hours in half, discontinuing health care benefits and reducing my salary. A few Board members capable of doing surveys volunteered their time to save fees and others provided monetary contributions. It was not uncommon to celebrate when an application was received from a provider. The few of us involved with ACHC were committed to what we were doing and believed in the philosophy and approach we had developed for accreditation. Because of this, we were persistent in making ACHC stick!

Where do you see ACHC 5 years from now? The entire health care delivery system is in a state of flux. While the cost of health care is critical and at the top of the list of priorities for this country, I believe that we cannot lose sight of the need to continuously push for quality patient services and products. And likewise, to endeavor to weed out organizations that our not in existence for the patient but for fraudulent billing to third-party payers.

Accreditation is only one component to the answer for these two needs, but it is an important one. It seems to me that in that health care professionals who genuinely care for their patients welcome outside assistance with best-practice standards from accreditors along with education from surveyors.

Because of this, I see ACHC continuing to grow in its present markets and to expand


Behavioral Health Accreditation Program Updatecontinued from page 1

Realizing the trend in health care towards integrated care, coupled with an increasing home care demographic of patients with behavioral health disorders, we developed the Behavioral Health Home Care (BHHC) standards to meet our providers’ needs. BHHC, found under our Home Health Accreditation Program, is a specialty Home Health service that integrates behavioral health interventions into traditional home care services for patients whose mental illness, substance abuse, and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities make it difficult or, otherwise, prevent them from receiving care outside of their homes. The services are provided by a psychiatric nurse and other home care personnel, as ordered by a physician.

Behavioral Health Home Care was released on August 31, 2011. ACHC would like to thank Amedisys and its Birmingham, AL, Huntsville, AL, and Louisville KY offices for serving as beta test sites and earning the first Behavioral Health Home Care accredi-tations.

Home Health organizations that are in-terested in pursuing accreditation for this specialty service can download the BHHC standards free of charge through ACHC’s Customer Central website. BHHC surveys

can be included as part of an organization’s initial survey, renewal, or anytime dur-ing its accreditation cycle. Regardless, an organization must meet the ACHC Home Health accreditation standards plus the BHHC standards to achieve accredita-tion for BHHC. The updated application and Home Health Policies and Procedures Manual, reflecting the BHHC Policies and Procedures, can also be downloaded through Customer Central.

In addition to the BHHC standards, we have developed 19 additional service standards that focus specifically on behav-ioral health care. These 19 service-specific standards have been reviewed and approved by the ACHC Board of Commissioners’ Standards and Review Committee for beta testing. Within the next six months 13 of these 19 service-specific standards will be beta tested. ACHC would like to thank the Mental Health Center of East Central Kan-sas in Emporia, KS, Powell Recovery Center in Baltimore, MD and New Life Counseling Services in Oklahoma City, OK for agree-ing to serve as initial beta test sites for these service standards.

If your organization would like to assist us in developing our Behavioral Health Accreditation Program, please consider

partnering with us by serving as a beta test site. As a beta test site, your organization will play a vital role in not only developing our Behavioral Health Program, but also in shaping national standards for quality behavioral health care. Beta test organiza-tions are not charged any fees by ACHC and have the opportunity to achieve a three year accreditation.

If you would like more information about beta testing or Behavioral Health Home Care, please contact Britt Welch, Behavioral Health Clinical Manager, at 919-785-1214 or [email protected].

its services into new delivery systems in the coming years. We also will keep on being a part of the outside peer review mechanism to help deter fraudulent practices among the few providers that have such practices.

I believe we will see considerable growth in two particular areas; Sleep Labs, and Behavioral Health. Our approach in standards development has been to tailor them so they best fit the services for which they are written. The majority of our competitors use a more generic approach in standards development. I am convinced that there is more value to the tailoring approach and believe this will continue to differentiate ACHC from others.

What has been your inspiration in making sure ACHC survived and was successful?I simply believe that how we have developed relevant standards, how we have focused on educational and consultative surveys and how we continue to concentrate on friendly and responsive customer services is the right way to conduct accreditation services.

I have also believed that the role ACHC has been to educate providers on effective business habits and best clinical practices. And, by doing this, in some small way, we have helped the company owner be a little more successful and the clinicians provide a little better service for their patients.

This has been my personal motivation to strive to keep ACHC vibrant and successful.

How do you feel, that this year, ACHC is celebrating their 25th anniversary?Excited and satisfied to have been a part of this organization for the past 20 years. And, of course, I am grateful to see where we are today. It amazes me every day when I walk down the hallway and see office after office and cubicles with my fellow talented and diligent team members serving our customers and taking this company forward. I feel very encouraged.

Tom Cesar's 20 Years of Servicecontinued from page 4


1-800-993-6397 www.marrelli.com

MARRELLI and ASSOCIATES, INC.Health Care Consultants and Publishers

The Nurse Manager’s Survival Guide

Products You Can Count On!

3rd Edition

A must read for every

successful nurse manager!

NEW!Revised 2012 Handbook!

The Handbook of Home Health Standards...

The trusted handbook

for every homecare clinician!

A powerful program that

saves you time and money!

RRH

lthHome Heome Heae eaaHomee HHeeaalltthh

for eve

lul ltatt

e

psap

a

Home Health Aide Guidelines for Care: Instructor Manual

2nd Edition

Best selling aide

teaching & training manual!

Highlights From The Past 25 YearsBenchmarks of Achievement at a Glance:• National recognition with private third-party payers

• First accreditor to offer programs for Spe-cialty Pharmacy, Medical Supply Provid-ers, Complex Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Supplier Services, Post Breast Surgery Fitter Services 1996-2000

• International certification to ISO 9000 by 2004

• National recognition with Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services 2005, 2007, 2009

• First accrediting organization to achieve hybrid survey of traditional accreditation standards and criteria of ISO 9000 process management in 2005

• National recognition with Inc. 5,000 fastest-growing businesses in 2007

• First U.S. accrediting organization to achieve Malcolm Baldrige commitment

to Level Two recognition at the state level through the North Carolina Awards for Excellence program in 2009

• Capital Associates North Carolina Em-ployee Engagement (Ovation Award) Initia-tive Award for small companies in 2011

History at a GlanceFrom: One accredited location in January 1987

To: 12,000+ locations in June 2011

From: One accreditation program with 1 service

To: Seven accreditation programs and 41 services

From: Accreditation in one state

To: Accreditation in fifty states and ter-ritories by 2002

From: One part-time employee

To: Forty-five full-time employees in 2011

From: Six contract surveyors in 1987

To: One Hundred Forty contract surveyors in 2011

From: A 250 square foot office in 1987

To: 12,000 square foot office suite in 2009

From: A small single-location customer

To: Customers with hundreds of branches

Read More!In the near future, a book that President Tom Cesar has written titled The Next Chapter, Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence will be published. The book will be available for order or download on www.achc.org.


Highlights From The Past 25 Yearscontinued from page 5

Denise Fletcher and Doug Martin accept the Inc. 5,000 award (2007).

President Tom Cesar accepts the Ovation Award (2011).

A chart made in 1996 depicting ACHC’s ten-year growth.

Cindy Freburg showing ACHC’s accredited locations (1994).

Richard Wetherell Leslie Knuth accepts the Commitment Level Two Award from NCAfE (2009).

Award certifi cate sent to the fi rst company accredited by ACHC.


Spotlight On Providers: CarePoint Partners

CarePoint Partners is one of the largest and fastest-growing independent home infusion and specialty pharmacy providers in the United States. Founded in 2007, CarePoint has acquired 13 regional providers and operates a network of twenty-five sites car-ing for over 3,000 patients per day in nine states including Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas and West Virginia. CarePoint was recently recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the Cincinnati region where it is headquartered, with an astonish-ing 784 percent growth in its brief history.

Infusion therapy involves the administra-tion of medications and nutrients using intravenous (IV), subcutaneous and epidu-ral methods. Home infusion therapy allows patients to receive IV medications without the inconvenience or cost of a hospital visit. The care provided to patients is for acute and chronic conditions that neces-sitate clinical monitoring and oversight by specially trained pharmacists, nurses, and dietitians.

The CarePoint model is built upon a close partnership among the healthcare profes-sionals charged with the patient continuum of care involving at home or alternate-site infusion therapy, including the associated specialty pharmacy services. The company

employs this col-laborative ‘hospital-to-home’ program to optimize outcomes and patient satisfac-

tion. A smooth patient transition from the hospital to home requires close collabora-tion with the hospital, physicians, discharge planners and home health agencies to as-sure accuracy of the care planning process. Both the patient and the hospital benefit by this transitioning program: Home infusion therapy prevents ‘bed lock’ or triage of pa-tients by allowing the patient to convalesce at home versus an acute hospital or long term facility.

Since its inception, CarePoint has been committed to providing cost-effective care that is driven by quality, customer service, and values that promote positive outcomes and an enhanced quality of life for those it serves. It is this uncompromising standard that led the company to seek accreditation and specifically select ACHC for the survey. According to CarePoint CEO, Dana Soper, “We believe that ACHC understands the infusion nursing and specialty pharmacy discipline better than any other accredita-tion organization. As such a rapidly grow-ing network, it was vital that we establish a benchmark for measuring the quality of our organization to assure the best possible overall patient care. ACHC was instrumen-tal in helping us establish a foundation of core values by which we operate. These values assure a positive outcome for all

those involved -- patients, caregivers, medi-cal professionals, and employees,” explains Soper. Here is how CarePoint defines their values:

• Assure clinical excellence through in-dustry involvement, ongoing training, and employee accountability.

• Deliver cost-effective, innovative, and proficient care without compromising the needs of the patient.

• Provide “world class” customer service by fully understanding the needs of those we serve.

• Promote an environment of respect and concern for partners, patients and employ-ees.

As CarePoint continues to grow, it is these values and high standards gained in ac-creditation that it believes will be critical to its success. “We thank ACHC for shepard-ing us through this daunting and rigorous survey,” concludes CEO Dana Soper. “We couldn’t have done it without you!”

In addition to the Accreditation Commis-sion for Health Care (ACHC), CarePoint is also a member of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (AS-PEN), Case Managers Society of America (CMSA), and National Home Infusion Association (NHIA).

Dana W. Soper, RPh, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

CarePoint Partners

Would you like to receive your Surveyor Newsletter, the Home Health & Hospice Educator, the HME Educator, press releases, workshop information and other important news from ACHC? Sign up at www.achc.org- simply click “E-News Sign-up”. From there you can customize the type of information you are interested in receiving. It’s quick, easy and your information stays private. Sign up TODAY!


Price $199.00 ISBN 978-0-9845689-1-8 See our special offer at www.asclepionpublishing.com

Your all-in-one resource with step-by-step guidance:

Overview of the complex accreditation process

Expert advice on selecting the right accrediting body for your organization

Detailed guidance about managing the survey process—before, during, and after

Crosswalk between federal requirements and specifi c accrediting organization standards

Hundreds of ready-to-use or customize policies, procedures, and forms to meet specifi c standards on accompanying CD-ROM

Comprehensive Guide to Accreditation HME/DMEPOS EditionBy Barbara Stover Gingerich, RN, MS, FACHE, CHCE

New!

Free Review Copy of Book Resources For Hospice Chaplains & Bereavement Counselors

The updated and expanded 25th Anniver-sary edition of "God Is Not Fair: Making Sense of Loss and Grief " was launched at the 2011 NHPCO conference in DC.

Endorsed by Joni Eareckson Tada, Billy Graham, Dr. Paul Meier and others, this book (now in 21 languages) is especially written as a unique resource for griev-ing families who have lost a loved one. The author, Dr. Joel Freeman is pleased to offer this special NHME edition for your hospice.

Your hospice organization may receive a free review copy of the book for each bereavement counselor and chaplain in your organization. If you select this book as one of many follow-up resources you offer to families in grief, National Home Medical Equipment (NHME) is pleased to ship you as many copies as you need now or in the future.

Please go to the following website and then feel free to let us know how many review copies you are requesting, the name of the hospice organization you work for, your contact info (phone/email) and where to ship the book(s): www.freemaninstitute.com/hospice.htm

Thank you to our sponsors of the Next

Chapter Gala!

• Maxim Healthcare Services

• Brown & Fortunato

• Storr Offi ce Environments

• Leading Home Care

• Griffi n Home Health Care, Inc.

• A-1 Homecare Consulting & Staffi ng

• Th e Carolinas Center for Hospice & End of Life Care

• Grubb & Ellis

• Advanced Home Care

• Romeo Wiggins & Company, LLP.

• Paragon Commercial Bank

• Association for Home Care and Hospice of North Carolina

• TriSure Benefi t AdvidorsHagersmith Design, PA

• Carter Printing

• HMEAccreditationSimpli-fi ed. com

Patricia Webster, BSN Home Health, Hospice and Private Duty Surveyor

Patricia joins the Accreditation Commission for Health Care with 21 years of

experience in Home Health Administration. Beginning as a field clinician in 1990 she has since served in roles as Branch Manager, Nursing Supervisor, Director of Operations and Administrator. She opened and was part owner of ViaLife Home Health Care. She also brings over ten years of experience

in the Hospice and Private Duty fields. Her passion for caring for the Hospice Patient is revealed by her 100+ hours served as a Hospice Volunteer. Along with the above accomplishments she is also a Medicare Certified Psych Nurse and a Certified Home Health Coder. She was named the 2066 Business Woman of the year in Oklahoma. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Science from Wesleyan University located in Bartlesville, OK. She currently resides in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She enjoys gardening, photography, designing and sports. She has one son, Spencer, who is at-tending the University of Arkansas pursuing a pre-med major. He is also a member of the Air National Guard and is scheduled for a 2012 tour of duty in Afghanistan.


Kris RavottiKris has been a surveyor with ACHC since 2004 and joined the organization full time this year. She enjoys the learning experience with each new survey

and helping other organizations learn as well. She is a registered respiratory therapist with over 23 years of HME experience. Her respiratory career has allowed her to work in a variety of health care settings including long term and skilled nursing care, home health, hospital and sleep. Kris has 5 years of experience with The Ohio Respiratory Care Board, HME Division, inspecting HME organizations licensed by the State

of Ohio. She also provided accreditation, compliance and performance improvement consulting services to HME providers. She obtained her degree in respiratory care form The University of Toledo in 1987. Prior to becoming a surveyor, Kris served as the Di-rector of Compliance and Clinical Services for a large HME organization.

Kris resides in central Ohio and is a sports fan, especially baseball. In her free time she enjoys long walks with her black lab, Max, trips to the beach or sporting events with her husband, outdoor activities, especially when it is warm outside, going on vacation and sightseeing and spending time with family.

MEET YOUR Surveyor

We are currently recruiting contract Behavioral Health Home Care, Home Health, Hospice RNs & Hospice MSWs to be ACHC surveyors. If you would like to become an ACHC Sur-veyor please send your resume & letter of interest to the e-mail or postal ad-dress below. We will notify all qualified candidates as soon as the next training is scheduled.

Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc.4700 Falls of Neuse Rd., Suite 280Raleigh, NC [email protected]: 919.785.1214Fax: 919.785.3011

Want to be an ACHC Surveyor?

Did you know that you can also stay up-to-date with us online!?


ASK GregStowell

Clinical Compliance Educator DMEPOS, Sleep, Pharmacy Accreditation Commission for Health Care

Q: Is there a “short list” of information your staff should know in preparation of a visit from your accreditation organization, CMS or the NSC?

A: While the list of information your in-service staff receives at orientation and annual trainings is filled with important, (and at times required) information, there is a “short list” of specific items of knowledge that your accrediting organization, and the

NSC will be asking your staff about during their visit.

The following are items you should make sure all staff is comfortable speaking on:

• Medicare Supplier Standards (VERY IMPORTANT)

• Medicare Quality Standards

• Can you name 3-4 client/patient rights and responsibilities?

• Organizations goals and mission state-ment

• Organizational chart/ chain of command

• Their personal involvement in and knowl-edge of the Quality Improvement Process

• Who is your compliance officer? What types of information would you report to him/her?

• What training(s) did they receive relating to performing their job duties?

• How does the organization assess that you are competent for your job?

• How do you handle a customer com-plaint?

• Do you have a complaint log with entries in the log?

• How do you document that the customer received warranty information?

• On call process/Hours of operation (make sure you’re open during posted hours)

• What type of training do you provide clients on their equipment/products?

• Knowledge of cleaning, disinfecting, and function testing or equipment

• Documentation requirements for prod-ucts and services provided to clients.

Your staff needs to understand the basic information listed above, but they do not need to memorize this information. They should have general knowledge, and be able to locate the information for specifics. Don’t “make up” answers when interviewed; be comfortable stating that they are not sure, and would ask their manager for the information.

ASK YOUR Expert -Q&a-


What people are saying ABOUT ACHC

“I chose ACHC because I had only heard positive feedback and I can honestly say, you all are everything you say you are. I could not have had a better more understanding and very thoughtful account manager.” Merchant Home Medical Services, LLC; Valdosta, GA

“We would like to thank ACHC for conducting the accreditation survey. Our surveyor made the accreditation process a pleasant and learning experience. She was knowledgeable, helpful, and instructive. She provided valuable insight that will improve both our adminis-trative process and patient care. We have been very pleased with ACHC’s accreditation process and your standards were an excellent and practical guide.” Angel Touch Home Health Care, Inc. Chicago, IL

“My Surveyor Lee Hughes was extremely knowledgeable, professional and very helpful. It was like getting a survey visit and a high level consultant for the price of one.” Allcare Medical Supply Corp.; Millbury MA

“We truly admire our surveyor, she was very professional and provided us with education on how to be a good home health care agency. She was not condescending & always ready to answer our questions. We highly recommend ACH.” Nuestra Salud Our Healthcare Services LLC, Chicago, IL

“The entire process from application, submission and review of the PER, to the actual survey was a very positive experience. I appreciated all of the assistance when I had to postpone the survey due to a health problem and found the surveyor to be extremely helpful. Thank you.” Best At Home Healthcare Services, LLC, Toledo, OH

“What a pleasure it was to work with ACHC. I was introduced to ACHC through a consultant and must admit I made the best choice choosing your accreditation.” A To Z Medical Equipment & Supplies, LLC, Dallas, TX

“The surveyor was amazing and very knowledgeable. We learned a lot from her. Compared to your competitor, I like ACHC for its stan-dards, procedures and policies.” Evergreen Home Healthcare, Morton Grove, IL

“Our surveyor was very insightful and willing to answer any questions. I have never had a more calm and cooperative survey. Thank you!” Firstlantic Healthcare Inc of West Florida, Osprey, FL

“ACHC has realistic expectations for their hospital-based sleep labs. The ACHC sleep lab accreditation integrates well with our hospital-based sleep lab operation. Process was straight forward. Expectations/goals were well defined, and the PER was easy to interpret. Surveyors proceeded with the accreditation process at a pace that was comfortable and allowed us time to absorb information and ask questions. The surveyors addressed our initial anxieties in a positive fashion and were instrumental in creating a relaxed and productive survey.” EMH Regional Healthcare System, Elyria, OH

“Our Surveyor team was thorough, intelligent, and informative, we did not feel they were here to look for problems but to help us become a better hospice. They also gave us good insight to some of the standards that we may not have previously fully understood.” Niagara Hos-pice, Inc. Lockport, NY


Lori, from Family Home Medical Equipment in Peru, IL, won a

free IPAD for sharing the following story about ACHC on

our Facebook page. Congratulations Lori!

It is actually scary to think how our company started. Our hospital decided to open up a DME and I was recruited to manage it. My background was in retail sales and management. The hospital already had a retail pharmacy so

they thought it best for me to share their space with them until I got the business started. I walked into work for the first time and the pharmacist handed me the phone and said you have an oxygen set up. Now remember, I new nothing about medical equipment, bill-ing, or laws and regulations. I was the only staff member and not only had to figure that out but had to deliver and set up the equip-ment using my own vehicle. I look back now and think to myself, how did I do it. Well, 18 years later I am PROUD to still be here. I have accomplished a lot and learned almost everything about this business on my own. We since have moved out of the pharmacy and into our own place. I run the business as if it was my own and take great pride in what I do and how I service the customer. Customer Service has always been our priority and we have excelled because of our great service. My employees are extremely loyal and dedi-cated and all have been here over ten years. There is great value in employee longevity in this business.

The thought of going through the accreditation process was extremely overwhelming. I have a small staff and I knew the entire task of preparation was going to fall on me. I had horrible memories of our hospital preparing for there accreditation in years past. When it would get close to their survey time everyone would scramble working 12 hours a day to get things up to standards. As I watched them do this every three years I remember thinking how ridiculous the whole thing was. Wasn't the purpose of accreditation sup-posed to improve processes to provide better patient care? Once the processes were in place shouldn't they be followed all the time? Why were they scrambling????

Well, when it became evident that accreditation was evident for DME's I went in with the attitude that I would look at each of the stan-dards as a way to improve my processes to better serve my customers. As I addressed each standard I directly related it my custom-ers. That alone made it easier and helped me keep a positive attitude throughout. I took a lot of time making my decision on which accrediting body to use. I finally made my decision to use ACHC and I cannot tell you how glad I am that I did!! The standards were not complicated to understand and if I had any problem figuring out what the standard wanted or meant, my answer was a phone call away. I also went to the seminar and received the "Accreditation Checklist for Success" which was a tool that I used to ensure I met the standard. I went to the seminar armed with questions of things I just didn't understand. The gentleman that put the seminar on, Tim Safely was outstanding in helping to clear up the confusion. My survey went extremely well. The surveyor was excellent. She was thorough, had great suggestions, and presented any feedback positively. I did not feel threatened or intimidated. She actually made us feel proud of what we accomplished. Next year will bring our second survey and I guarantee that I won't be scrambling and working 12 hours a day to make sure all the standards are met because we (my entire staff) practice the standards everyday. I now look at ac-creditation as a positive experience and I am glad I chose ACHC.

Feedback & Suggestions? We are constantly listening to providers, and have been since 1986. We're open to any suggestions, questions or comments that you have about our company, our services to you, our policies or anything that can help us improve. We invite you to visit www.achc.org, click on Feedback/Suggestions and let us know what you think!

UPCOMINGEXHIBITIONS

National Hospice and Palliative Care OrganizationOctober 6-8, 2011 | San Diego, CA

Kentucky Sleep Society 13th Annual Sleep Medicine Conference

October 14-16, 2011 | Louisville, KY

CPR+ User ConferenceOctober 14-16, 2011 | Las Vegas, NV

Carolina Sleep SocietyOctober 21, 2011 | Charlotte, NC

Midwest Regional Conference on End of Life CareOctober 24-25, 2011 | St. Louis, MO

Medtrade October 25-27, 2011 | Atlanta, GA

14th Annual Private Duty National Conference & ExpoNovember 2-4, 2011 | Las Vegas, NV

Connecticut Association for Home Care & Hospice An-nual Conference

November 3, 2011 | New Haven, CT

Virginia Academy of Sleep MedicineNovember 4, 2011 | Richmond, VA

Ohio Association for Medical Equipment Services November 10-11, 2011 | Dublin, OH

Jersey Association of Medical Equipment ServicesNovember 16-17, 2011 | Long Branch, NJ

Georgia Hospice & Palliative Care OrganizationFebruary 22-24, 2012 | Athens, GA

Essentially Women – Focus on the FutureMarch 11-13, 2012 | Orlando, FL

National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization Management & Leadership Conference

March 29-31, 2012 | National Harbor, MD

MedtradeApril 11-12, 2012 | Las Vegas, NV

Visit www.achc.org to find out where else you'll see us in the upcoming months.


Cindy BrammerOperations Administrator

Cindy began her career with ACHC in 2007 working in the Administration Department. She performs multiple roles for the organization and works closely with the ACHC Leadership Team to cre-ate, plan, organize, and execute various operations-related initiatives in several areas: operational projects, payroll and

benefits administration; event-planning for company activities; and other support functions which promote ACHC’s vision and strategic objectives. She brings to ACHC over thirteen years experience in project management and operations coordination.

Cindy received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University. These days, as a new mom, Cindy’s home life is full of new adven-tures with her son Nicholas and husband Colin.

MEET YOUR Staff

Group Discounts• AmerisourceBergen Drug Co.• D.A.B.G• DME (Aspirant)• EBS• Essentially Women• Grove Medical• HD Smith Wholesale Drug Co.• HME Providers• Kinray, Inc.• Medline• MHA, Inc.• National Private Duty Association (NPDA)• NCAMES• ProClaim• SCMESA• VGM

Active membership in these groups qualifies your organization for a discount on your ac-creditation fees.For more information, contact us today.

Sign up to receive the Home Health & Hospice Educator and the HME Edu-catorACHC sends out our Educator e-newsletters on a quarterly basis. These Educators contain articles written by industry experts on topics that matter to you. Don't miss out on interesting and important information provided by consultants and experts in the industry. Sign up to receive the educators at www.achc.org!


Sleep Lab Accreditation Update

As you may recall, ACHC’s Sleep Lab Ac-creditation Program was created to help meet the needs of the industry that was beginning to experience more regulations and accreditation requirements. Our goal was to create a program with an innova-tive approach to accreditation for the sleep industry that would be unique in its focus on patient care and the outcomes of the sleep testing process. ACHC’s Sleep Lab Ac-creditation Program takes a comprehensive approach to sleep related testing to include the clinical aspects of patient care. In order to focus on the patient, our program is the only one that schedules all accreditation surveys to allow for the observation of an initial patient set-up and are conducted by trained and experienced sleep special-ists. After a recent ACHC sleep lab survey,

EMH Regional Healthcare System in Elyria, OH said, “The survey process enabled us to identify our strengths and weaknesses and improve processes, which will ultimately provide a better end product for our patients. Surveyors proceeded with the accreditation process at a pace that was comfortable and allowed us time to absorb information and ask questions. The surveyors addressed our initial anxieties in a positive fashion and were instrumental in

creating a relaxed and productive survey”.

Throughout this year many sleep labs have had similar experiences with ACHC surveys that have helped them to improve their own processes and patient care. This unique approach to sleep testing accredita-tion has also been recognized by Medicare Intermediaries and private insurance companies. ACHC’s Sleep Lab Program has already been recognized and approved by three Medicare Intermediaries that include Trailblazer Health Enterprises (Jurisdiction 4), Palmetto GBA (Jurisdiction 11) and CIGNA Government Services (Jurisdiction 15). These three Medicare Intermediaries oversee the sleep testing program for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the states of Texas, Oklahoma,

New Mexico, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. Any organization conducting sleep testing for Medicare ben-eficiaries in these states can choose ACHC’s sleep lab program to meet CMS’ require-ments for accreditation.

In addition to CMS’s growing require-ments for sleep lab accreditation and their approval of our program to meet them, Blue Cross Blue Shield of several states have also reviewed and approved ACHC’s accredita-tion program. Those states include Ala-bama, Arizona, California, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Texas, Colorado and Iowa. If your organization is facing accreditation re-quirements or would like to improve, rein-force or validate your policies, procedures, processes, patient care and outcomes give us a call at 919-785-1214 or visit us on the web at www.achc.org. ACHC’s standards for accreditation are relevant, realistic, easy to understand and free of charge. We are also known for delivering outstanding customer service and for conducting friendly, educa-tional and consultative surveys. We hope that you too can experience the ACHC difference for yourself.

Celebrate with us!

Tickets to the Next Chapter Gala, as well as sponsorship opportunities are now available. The Gala will take place on Friday, October 28, 2011 at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, NC. Tickets to the Gala are $125 and include a seated dinner and drinks. The Gala will feature an elegant evening of fine dining, live music, auctions, historical memorabilia and awards.

Visit www.achc.org/25th-anniversary.php for more information!

We look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary with you and raising money to help find a cure for diabetes!


ALABAMA

Southern Patient Care, Inc. - Corporate | 18 branches | HMEAmedisys Home Health, Inc. of Alabama - BETA TEST | 3 branches | ICSRi-Med Inc. | 3 branches | HMEYork Drug, Inc. | 3 branches | Fitter, HME, MSPAlabama Pain Consultants, LLC | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEMedical Home Care, Inc. | 1 branch | CRCS, HMEMedical Place, Inc. | 1 branch | HMERespiratory Sleep Associates, Inc | 1 branch | HME

ARKANSAS

Finnegan's Inc | 1 branch | MSPSelect Medical Supplies of Arkansas, Inc. | 1 branch | HME

ARIZONA

Option 1 branch Nutrition Solutions | 5 branches | HME, MSPSleepMed Phoenix LLC | 5 branches | SLCSHAPCT, LLC | 1 branch | HSP

TG Oxygen | 1 branch | CRCS

CALIFORNIA

LifeCare Solutions, Inc. | 25 branches | CRCS, HME, IRN, RTS, RXOptimal Health Services, Inc. | 8 branches | HH, HHA, HRC, HSP, MSS, OT, PT, SN, STChemique Pharmaceuticals Inc | 2 branches | AIC, HME, RXKabaFusion, LLC | 2 branches | RX, SRXSanta Barbara Healthcare | 2 branches | HME, MSPAdvanced Home Health, Inc. | 1 branch | HHAmedisys California, L.L.C. | 1 branch | HHB Q Enterprises Inc. | 1 branch | HHA, MSS, OT, PT, SN, STCity of Angels Home Health, Inc. | 1 branch | HHGIMAG Corp | 1 branch | HMEIndependence Home Health, Inc. | 1 branch | HHKalisthenics, Inc. | 1 branch | HMENorbert and Leslie Gibola | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEPremier Healthcare Services | 1 branch | HH

Premier Healthcare Services | 1 branch | HHPremier Healthcare Services | 1 branch | HHPremier Healthcare Services | 1 branch | HHA, SNPremier Healthcare Services | 1 branch | HHA, MSS, SNPro2 branchesMed, Inc | 1 branch | HMERidgecrest Regional Hospital, Inc. | 1 branch | HSPTender Loving Care Health Care Servivces Western, L.L.C. | 1 branch | HHA, MSS, OT, PT, SN, STUniversity Specialty Pharmacy, Inc | 1 branch | HME, RX

COLORADO

Sleep Colorado, Inc. | 4 branches | SLCSaturday Partners, LLC | 2 branches | HHColorado Hospice, LLC | 1 branch | HSPExpedient Medical Service | 1 branch | MSP Poudre Infusion Th erapy, LLC | 1 branch | IRN, RXQualMed Pharmacy, Inc. | 1 branch | RXSYMKA, Inc | 1 branch | HMEU-Med Inc. | 1 branch | MSP

Connecticut

American Home Health Inc. | 1 branch | HH

DME Living Well LLC | 1 branch | HME

FLORIDA

Starr Medical Supplies, Inc. | 1 branch | MSPSuncare Home Health Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HHSunnyside Respiratory Care, Inc. | 1 branch | MSPTaylor Home Health Care, Inc. | 1 branch | HH

Total eMedical | 1 branch | HME

GEORGIA

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. | 79 branches | HHA, MSS, OT, PT, SN, STMRS Homecare, Inc. | 14 branches | HME, RTSCertifi ed Respiratory Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HMECYD Home Health Services, LLC | 1 branch | HME

Dart Medical, Inc. | 1 branch | MSPLaurel Baye Medical,LLC | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSPSouthern Respiratory, LLC | 1 branch | HME

IDAHO

Hearts for Hospice, LLC | 1 branch | HH

ILLINOIS

Walgreens OptionCare | 124 branches | AIC, CRCS, Fitter, HH, HME, HSP, IRN, MSP, PDA, RTS, RXFox Med-Equip Services, Inc. | 3 branches | CRCS, HME, MSPBlue Island Pharmacy, Inc. | 2 branches | HME, MSPRehabTECH Supply Corporation | 2 branches | HME, MSPRemco Medical, Inc. | 2 branches | Fitter, HMEAdvanced Family Home Health 1 branch, Inc. | 1 branch | HH, HHA, PT, SNAff ordable Home Care Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HHAuspex Home Health Care Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HHBuff alo Grove Drug Company, Inc. | 1 branch | HME, MSPBVM Healthcare, Inc | 1 branch | HMECenter of Illinois Home Healthcare, Inc. | 1 branch | HHComplete Home Health Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HHComplete Home Respiratory Care LLC | 1 branch | CRCS, HME, MSPHealth Delivery Management, LLC | 1 branch | IRN, RXHome Bound Healthcare Hospice, LLC | 1 branch | HRC, HSPOstomy Center ICU Company, Inc. | 1 branch | HME, MSPProlife Home Health Care, Inc. | 1 branch | HHReliable Medical Supply of the Midwest | 1 branch | HMESt. Francis of Assisi Healthcare Inc. | 1 branch | HHA, MSS, OT, PT, SN, STSt. James Hospital | 1 branch | HMESteve Gulick, Inc | 1 branch | CRCS, Fitter, HME, MSP, RTSTNJ Products, Inc. TNJ Products, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HMETransitions Home Care, LLC | 1 branch |

ACHC Congratulates Its Newest Accredited Locations This list consists of organizations or branches that were accredited between

December 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011.


HHA, MSS, PT, SN

Ultimed, LLC | 1 branch | HME

INDIANA

Atlas Home Health Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HHGary Surgical Supply | 1 branch | Fitter, MSPLCP Medical Direct LLC | 1 branch | HMEMunster Medical Center Infusion Products | 1 branch | RXNightingale Home Healthcare Inc. | 1 branch | HHNightingale Hospice Care Inc. | 1 branch | HSPOff erle Apothecary, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, MSPPioneer Group, LLC | 1 branch | HH

IOWA

D.R. Respiratory Services | 1 branch | HMEUniversity of Iowa Community HomeCare | 1 branch | HME, IRN, MSP, RX

KANSAS

AlternaCare Home Health Services Inc. | 2 branches | Fitter, HMEMercy Home Healthcare Agency Corp | 1 branch | HH, PDA, PDN

KENTUCKY

Cooley Medical Equipment, Inc. | 9 branches | CRCS, Fitter, HME, MSP, RXHome Medical Equipment, LLC | 2 branches | HMECentral Kentucky Apothecary | 1 branch | Fitter, MSPH & H Pharmacy, LLC | 1 branch | Fitter, MSPP.I.C., Corp. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME

LOUISIANA

Community Oxygen Service, LLC | 2 branches | CRCS, HMEC and C Drugs, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, IRX, RX, SRXTh e Prescription Shoppe Pharmacy, L.L.C. | 1 branch | HME, RXMAINEAirline Drug Inc. | 2 branches | Fitter, HME, MSPAstra Tech Inc. | 2 branches | MSPDuval's Pharmacy Inc | 1 branch | HME, MSPMedical Equipment & Devices, Inc. | 1 branch | HMETrinity Home Care Inc. | 1 branch | HHA, MSS, OT, PT, SN, ST

MARYLAND

Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. | 235 branches | HH, HHA, OT, PT, SN, STW S Associates | 3 branches | Fitter, HME, MSP, RXAdvanced Medical Concepts, Inc. (AMC) | 2 branches | HME, RTSECU Med Inc | 1 branch | HMERuxton Supply Services, LLC | 1 branch | MSPVNA Home Health of Maryland, LLC | 1 branch | HH

MICHIGAN

Great Lakes Home Health Services Inc. | 8 branches | HH, HME, HSPResidential Home Health, Inc. | 2 branches | HH, HHA, MSS, OT, PT, SN, STActive Home Medical Supply. Inc | 1 branch | HME, RTSAlator Home Health, Inc. | 1 branch | HHAlivio Corporation | 1 branch | MSPComplete Medical Supply, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, MSPGreat Lakes Medical Supply, LLC | 1 branch | CRCS, Fitter, HME, MSPH-Care Home Health Services, LLC | 1 branch | HHShoreline Home Health Care, LLC | 1 branch | HHSynergy Home Health System, LLC | 1 branch | HHA, MSS, OT, PT, SN, STWatkins Pharmacy & Surgical Supply Corp. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSP

MINNESOTA

Edelweiss Home Health Care | 1 branch | PDNNightingale Home Health Care of Minnesota, Inc. | 1 branch | HHTactile Systems Technology, Inc. | 1 branch | HME

MISSISSIPPI

Forrest General Home Care and Hospice | 4 branches | HH, HSPWood Medical Support, Inc | 3 branches | HMEInnovative Pharmacy Services Inc. | 1 branch | RXSouthern Patient Care, Inc. | 1 branch | HMESt Joseph Hospice and Palliative Care Northshore | 1 branch | HSP

MISSOURI

Carthage Pharmacy Services, Inc. | 3 branches | Fitter, HME, MSPAccurate Rx Pharmacy Consulting, LLC | 1 branch | IRN, RX, SRX

AM Home Medical Equipment and Supplies, LLC | 1 branch | HME

NEBRASKA

Adams Drug Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEDiabetes Supply Center of the Midlands | 1 branch | Fitter, MSPHillcrest Home Care, Inc. | 1 branch | HSP

NEW JERSEY

U.S. Healthcare Supply, LLC. | 2 branches | MSPAmedisys New Jersey, L.L.C. | 1 branch | HHCarmen's Pharmacy & Medical Supplies Inc. | 1 branch | HMELake Physicians & Hospital Supply Co., Inc. | 1 branch | HME, MSPVasavi Pharmacy, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSP

NEW YORK

Oxford Diabetic Supply, Inc. | 3 branches | MSPD.A. Surgical Supply, Inc | 2 branches | Fitter, HME, MSP1 branch2 branches2 branches5 branches Fulton Avenue Pharmacy | 1 branch | MSP8 branches7 branches2 branches HPA Drug Corp. | 1 branch | MSPAAAIP Pharmacy Corp. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSPAdvanced Oxy-Med Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HMEBay L's Medical Supply, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEBennett Surgical Supply Inc. | 1 branch | HME, MSPBriarwood Pharmacy Inc. | 1 branch | HME, MSPBright Pharmacy and Medical Supply I1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSPEMPIRE HOMECARE, LLC | 1 branch |


HME, MSP, RTSLongevity Pharmacy, LLC | 1 branch | MSPMaksoud Pharm Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSPNiagara Hospice, Inc. | 1 branch | HSPPinnacle Pharmacy Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEPRO2 branches, LLC | 1 branch | CRCS, HMEPulmonary Home Care Services of LI., Inc | 1 branch | HMERockaway Family Pharmacy Corp | 1 branch | MSPSummit Recovery Services, Inc. | 1 branch | MSP

Tremont Chemists, Inc | 1 branch | HME

New Mexico

Alliance Home Health Care LLC | 1 branch | HSP

NEVADA

Home Health Enterprise, L.L.C. | 1 branch | HH

NORTH CAROLINA

Community Health, Inc. | 47 branches | HSPAdvanced Home Care, Inc. | 3 branches | CRCS, Fitter, HH, HME, IRN, MSP, RTS, RX, SRXBoone Drugs, Inc. | 15 branches | CRCS, Fitter, HME, MSPCarolina Home Medical, Inc. | 9 branches | CRCS, Fitter, HME, RTSAerofl ow, Inc. | 7 branches | HME, RTSAlbemarle Regional Health Services | 6 branches | HH, HSP, IRNCarolina East Home Care & Hospice, Inc. | 3 branches | HH, HSPHospice at Greensboro | 2 branches | HH, HSP, IRNLivewell Medical | 2 branches | HME, RTSAdvanced Seating and Mobility Inc. | 1 branch | HME, RTSCarolina Diabetic Supply Group, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, MSPCarolina Medical Sales, Inc. | 1 branch | MSPCaswell County Home Health Agency | 1 branch | HHCatawba County Home Health Agency | 1 branch | HHCherokee Home Health | 1 branch | HH, PDACounty of Person | 1 branch | HH, HRC, HSP, IRN

Eldercare Convalescent Service | 1 branch | HH, PDAHealthcare Equipment, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, RTSHome Assist Medical Equipment, Inc. | 1 branch | CRCS, Fitter, HMEHospice of Randolph County, Inc. | 1 branch | HH, HSPMED EMPORIUM, LLC | 1 branch | CRCS, HME, MSP, RTSNevaeh & Co, LLC | 1 branch | HME, MSPNorthampton County Health Department | 1 branch | HHRegional Health Diagnostics Inc. | 1 branch | HMERowan I.V. Th erapy | 1 branch | RXW.C. Rose Drug Store, Inc | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSP

OHIO

Medical Technology Resources, LLC | 3 branches | HME, MSPZiks Family Pharmacy, Inc #1 branch00 | 2 branches | HME, MSPAgape Christian Home Health Care LLC | 1 branch | HHBono Home Health Care, LLC | 1 branch | HHFirst Choice Homecare Inc. | 1 branch | HME, MSPFrontier Health Care Services | 1 branch | HHA, MSS, OT, PDA, PT, SN, STHocks Vandalia Pharmacy, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSPHome Care Partners of Cincinnati, Inc. | 1 branch | HHHorizon Healthcare Services, LLC | 1 branch | HHHospice and Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County | 1 branch | HSPInCare Home Health, Northern Ohio | 1 branch | HH, PDA, PDNJ & J Mobility LTD | 1 branch | HMEJewish Home of Cincinnati | 1 branch | HRC, HSPLoving Family Home Care Incorporated | 1 branch | HH, PDA, PDNOhio Medical Equipment Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HME, MSPOptibill Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSPPerfect Hands Healthcare Group, LLC | 1 branch | HHStay Well Home Health LLC | 1 branch | HH, PDA

OKLAHOMA

180 Medical, Inc. | 13 branches | MSPConsolidated Oilfi eld Rentals, Inc. | 4

branches | CRCS, Fitter, HME, RTSGreat Plains Medical Equipment Provider's Inc | 1 branch | MSPHealthWatch Health Care, L.L.C. | 1 branch | HHA, PT, SNHealthwatch Health Care, L.L.C. | 1 branch | HHA, OT, PT, SN, STMays Housecall Home Health, Inc. | 1 branch | HHSLEEP REMedies, LLC | 1 branch | HME

OREGON

Samaritan Health Services | 6 branches | Fitter, HME

PENNSYLVANIA

BioScrip, Inc | 99 branches | AIC, CRCS, Fitter, HH, HME, HSP, IRN, MSP, PDA, PDN, RTS, RX, SRXK & K Rx Services | 2 branches | Fitter, HMEA-1 branch Quality Lines Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEAdvantage Orthopaedics | 1 branch | HMEConcordia Medical Equipment | 1 branch | CRCS, HME, MSPCourtland At Home | 1 branch | HHLiberty Community Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HHNational Home Respiratory Care of Northeast Florida | 1 branch | MSPOmega Medical Health Systems, Inc. | 1 branch | HMEReMarx Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HMETelcom Consultants, Inc. | 1 branch | HME, MSP

Rhode Island

Infusion Resource, LLC | 1 branch | HH

SOUTH CAROLINA

Long Term Care, Inc. | 3 branches | CRCS, Fitter, HME, MSP, RTSCarolina Homecare Medical Equipment Center, Inc. | 2 branches | CRCS, HME, RTSHome Medical, Inc. | 1 branch | CRCS, Fitter, HME, MSP, RXSunbelt Medical Resources | 1 branch | MSP

TENNESSEE

American HomePatient, Inc. | 246 branches | CRCS, HME, IRN, MSP, RTS, RXMedical Necessities & Services, LLC | 6 branches | HME, MSP, RTSCare 1 branchst Medical Solutions Inc. | 2 branches | MSPRegional Health Diagnostics, Inc. | 2 branches | SLC

ACHC Congratulates Its Newest Accredited Locations


A-Z DME, LLC | 1 branch | HMEAmerican HomePatient, Inc. | 1 branch | CRCS, HMEAn I.V., LLC | 1 branch | HME, RXBreathe Oxygen Services, LLC | 1 branch | HMEHealth & Homecare of Erwin, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEMed-Plus Medical Solutions, LLC | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEMiddle Tennessee Respiratory | 1 branch | HMEOxy-Care Home Medical Equipment L.L.C. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSPSpecialty Oxygen Services, Inc. | 1 branch | CRCS, HME, MSPSpring Hill Home Medical Equipment and Supply | 1 branch | HMEState of Franklin Billing Services, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, RTSVictory Medical Equipment and Supplies Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME

TEXAS

AB & MJ Care LLC | 6 branches | HME, MSPBaptist St. Anthony's Hospital Corporation | 4 branches | HH, HHA, HIC, HSP, MSS, OT, PT, SN, STStar Medical Equipment, Inc | 3 branches | HME, MSPUnited Rehab Specialists, Inc | 2 branches | Fitter, HME, MSP, RTSA Morgan's Point Investments, Inc. | 1 branch | HMEAngel M. Martinez | 1 branch | HMEBeechwood Home Health | 1 branch | HHErgo Mediq, Ltd. | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEHealthcare Plus Supplies Inc. | 1 branch | HMEInnovative Seating and Mobility | 1 branch | HME, RTSLa Gloria Medical Equipment LLC | 1 branch | Fitter, HMEMedQuick Diagnostics | 1 branch | HME, MSPMHH Inc. | 1 branch | HHMobility Scooters-Lumberton LLC | 1 branch | HMENational Durable Medical Supply, Inc | 1 branch | HMEOptihealth, LLC | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, RXProfessional Medical Supplies (DME), LLC | 1 branch | HME, MSPProfessional Mobility and DME, Inc. | 1 branch | HMEPromesa Home Health, Inc. | 1 branch | HH

Resolute Nursing Solutions, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, MSPSouthlake Medical Supplies, Inc | 1 branch | HME, MSPTh e Home Health Store of Tomball, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, RXTh e Mustard Seed LLC Medical Equipment & Supplies | 1 branch | HMEWindsor Nursing Center Partners of Pfl ugerville, Ltd. | 1 branch | MSPWren Enterprises | 1 branch | HME

UTAH

Orbit Medical, Inc. | 22 branches | HME, RTSAshby Home Health, LLC | 1 branch | HHGuardian Home Health Care Inc. | 1 branch | HHWasatch Home Health Care Services LLC | 1 branch | HHVIRGINIA

Horizon Home Care Supplies | 4 branches | HME, RTSClay Home Medical, Inc. | 3 branches | CRCS, HME, MSPDiamedix Healthcare, LLC | 2 branches | HMEFranklin Respiratory & Medical, Inc. | 2 branches | CRCS, Fitter, HMEHorizon Medical Equipment, Inc. | 2 branches | CRCS, HMEAmedisys Virginia L.L.C. | 1 branch | HHA, MSS, OT, PT, SN, STEI Medical Inc | 1 branch | HME, MSPGlendale Pharmacy | 1 branch | HME, MSPHealthcare Support Services, Inc. | 1 branch | CRCS, HME, MSPMedical House Supply Group, Inc. | 1 branch | Fitter, HME, MSP

WASHINGTON

Spokane Healthcare Associates, Inc. | 1 branch | AIC, HH, IRN, RX

WISCONSIN

Knueppel HealthCare Services, Inc. | 3 branches | Fitter, HME, MSP, RTSBridges Healthcare LLC | 1 branch | HHA, MSS, OT, PDA, PT, SN, STGenerations Home Care & Hospice, Inc | 1 branch | HH, HSPGolden Sands RCS, Inc. | 1 branch | HME, MSPMaxim Healthcare Services, Inc. | 1 branch | HH

WEST VIRGINIA

My Family Medical, LLC | 1 branch | HMEPriority One Home Care LLC | 1 branch | Fitter, HME

This list consists of organizations or branches that were accredited between December 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011.

25Years of Excellence1986-2011

4700 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 280Raleigh, NC 27609919-785-1214 | www.achc.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDRaleigh, NC

Permit No. 525®

ACHC Accredited Locations

Documents

Surveyor Fall 2011 - ACHC Fall 2011.pdf · 2011-10-17 · Surveyor Fall 2011 3 C Quality onnection ALONG the way ACHC added three new members to our family over the past several months: