Ohio Independent Provider Network

Nurses Providing Exceptional Care

 
 
 
 
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WELCOME!!!
If you are an Ohio Independent Provider, having your independence does not mean you are alone. There are over one thousand nurses in Ohio managing their nursing careers themselves. Although we provide care in various homes, we all must report to someone besides the oncoming caregiver. That "someone" is either an R.N. supervisor, the Case Manager (Facilitator), whom reports to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS). In reality, the home healthcare industry is a complex web of agencies that ultimately includes Federal institutions as well. This website is designed to bring as many Ohio Independent Nurse Providers together as possible, to form an alliance. There are several issues facing us that will require a complete network, willing to work together to resolve these critical issues. In times such as these, we cannot afford to be alone!

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                   PRESS RELEASE

                             

Wheelchairs Abound Opens New Blog for Mobility Impairment Solutions

A new informational blog for quality wheelchair and mobility aid site www.WheelchairsAbound.com has been launched to provide customers with valuable information and resources regarding disabilities and solutions.

Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) July 9, 2008 -- Wheelchairs Abound has opened a new blog at www.ElectricMobilityScootersBlog.com, providing their customers with a wealth of information on the subject of mobility impairment solutions.

 "My blog will hopefully be an outlet for discussion on a variety of health-related topics concerning day-to-day issues for the physically challenged," says Shasmé Jones, owner and operator of Wheelchairs Abound. After beginning her career as a nurse 17 years ago, Shasmé has become expertly familiar with the challenges associated with mobility impairment, and has handled the matter both in hospital care and homecare. "I plan to post no less than three times per week, and hope to both inform my readers about the unique items at Wheelchairs Abound and aid in their learning from individuals and applying it toward mobility solutions."

Shasmé began Wheelchairs Abound in order to provide her customers with the opportunity to research and purchase personal healthcare items, knowing that their physical limitations had an impact on their ability to shop at brick-and-mortar establishments. "People in general are living longer, and the demand for healthcare and healthcare supplies has also increased," she explains. "People should have an array of shopping choices for items of necessity. I think it is important to protect the dignity of individuals in compromised positions by making available those products that many of us may not feel comfortable shopping for in public. I try to consider how I would feel or react to the challenge of depending on others for my basic needs, and I use that mindset in the hopes that Wheelchairs Abound will enable those customers to independently search and order items for themselves."

The products on Wheelchairs Abound were chosen carefully, as Shasmé's experience in the healthcare industry has given her valuable insight as to the realities of choosing proper mobility assistance equipment. "I've been very blessed to find reputable wholesale dealers who take their business very seriously and stock quality healthcare products," she expresses. "I geared my products toward bariatric clients, who are faced with mobility challenges requiring the highest quality products to safely support their body type and weight. I can honestly say, 'Our products carry more weight!'" An example of this quality of product is the recent addition of the Amigo Scooter B-6, which is designed to support an individual weighing up to 600 lbs. In the future, Shasmé hopes to open more sites dedicated to healthcare, including a holistic approach to wellness. She remains involved in the healthcare industry, and will continue searching out new products to expand her catalog.

Contact Information
Shasme Jones
Wheelchairs Abound
http://www.wheelchairsabound.com
Toll Free 1-866-774-8044

 

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The following Report by the Ohio Department of Aging should make you proud!

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 31, 2008

Contact: Communications Division, 614-728-0253

Participants Pleased with Medicaid Waiver Programs

Department Releases Annual Satisfaction Survey Results

Columbus, Ohio -

In November and December, 2007, the department surveyed participants of its PASSPORT, Choices and Assisted Living Waiver programs on their overall satisfaction with services from program providers and their interactions with case managers. Ninety-two percent of PASSPORT participants, 94.5 percent of Choices participants and 74.1 percent of participants in the Assisted Living program - the newest of the three programs - were "very satisfied" or "extremely satisfied" with the programs.

"Our over-arching goal is to make sure that all Ohioans have access to the long-term care services they need in the settings they prefer, an important aspect of which is to ensure that those services are provided and managed in the best way possible," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "The data and feedback gathered by these surveys allow us to identify what we are doing well and things we could be doing better."

PASSPORT helps Medicaid-eligible older adults continue to live in their communities and delay or avoid nursing home placement through services provided by home care agencies. Choices is similar, but also enables participants to hire their own service providers (including friends, neighbors and some relatives). The Assisted Living Waiver program, launched in July 2006, provides services in certified residential care facilities and supports participants' desires for independence, choice and privacy.

PASSPORT consumers were last surveyed in 2006. This is the first time participants in the Choices and Assisted Living Waivers have been surveyed. Completed surveys were received from 3,123 PASSPORT participants, 151 Choices consumers and 56 Assisted Living Waiver participants - representative samples for each program. Among the findings:

Older Ohioans served by three Medicaid home- and community-based services waivers are overwhelmingly satisfied with the services provided, as well as with the work of their case managers, according to the results of participant satisfaction surveys released today by the Ohio Department of Aging.

PASSPORT

96 percent of survey participants would "definitely" or "likely" recommend the PASSPORT program to a friend, unchanged from 2006 results.
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    • Statewide, participants received an average of 5.6 services through PASSPORT.

     

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      47 percent were "extremely satisfied" with how well the program met their needs. Another 44 percent were "very satisfied."47 percent were "extremely satisfied" with how well the program met their needs. Another 44 percent were "very satisfied." 97 percent of survey participants would "definitely" or "likely" recommend the Choices program to a friend. 82 percent of survey participants would "definitely" or "likely" recommend the Assisted Living Waiver program to a friend.

    • 57 percent were "extremely satisfied with how well their case managers handled problems, complaints and concerns. Another 33 percent were "very satisfied."

    • 36 percent were "extremely satisfied" with how the program met their needs. Another 34 percent were "very satisfied."

    • 43 percent were "extremely satisfied" with how well their case managers handled problems, complaints and concerns. Another 25 percent were "very satisfied.

    • Statewide, participants received an average of 7.3 services through Choices.

    • 66 percent were "extremely satisfied" with how the program met their needs. Another 26 percent were "very satisfied."

    • 69 percent were "extremely satisfied" with how well their case managers handled problems, complaints and concerns. Another 25 percent were "very satisfied.

    Choices

     

    Assisted Living Waiver

    Although consumer satisfaction with the assisted living waiver program appears to be much lower than for either the PASSPORT or Choices programs, this may be due in large part to a 14 percent non-response rate to the question on overall satisfaction. This high level of non-response is consistent with ODA's experience in other survey efforts involving residential care facility consumers, and the department is revising its methods for information collection among this audience.

    The complete survey reports are available on the Department of Aging Web site (www.goldenbuckeye.com/infocenter/publications/waiver_satisfaction_2007.html).

     

     

     

    About the Ohio Department of Aging

    The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.goldenbuckeye.com.

     

     

     

     

     

                                                           


     

                       PRESS RELEASE

     

    A message from Ohio Council for Home Care:
     
    Independent Providers
    At the Ohio Council for Home Care, we are very much aware of the increasing difficulties facing all home care providers in the state and it is our mission to help all providers better serve all deserving Ohioans.
    Gov. Strickland’s decision late last year to put a hold on the hard earned 3 % Medicaid rate increase for 2008 and his following repeal of the PASSPORT increase of 3 % scheduled for July are perfect examples of the challenges we must overcome.
    These changes demonstrate one thing – now is the time for strong advocacy for all of us serving the Medicaid and PASSPORT populations in their homes!
    The Ohio Council for Home Care led the charge to get the Medicaid rate increase reinstated for 2008 (to become effective on July 1). But there are other battles to fight. And that is why your membership with the Ohio Council is more crucial than ever. By having you as a member, the Ohio Council will be able to present a unified front for all of those individuals and agencies  serving the Ohioans who prefer to receive services in their own home.
    The Ohio Council is offering membership to all independent providers for the yearly due of $125. This membership will allow you to:
    ·  Have a voice at the statehouse and the governor’s office on key issues affecting your business;
    ·  Allow you to stay on top of all the issues affecting the industry through our weekly emailed newsletter – the Advocate;
    ·  Immediately know of important actions impacting you by receiving our Breaking News emails;
    ·  Network with your peers, which can be further enhanced by the Ohio Council for Home Care as your advocacy needs grow.
    To take advantage of this special membership with the Ohio Council for Home Care online, please visit our website www.homecareohio.org to access the online membership application located under the Membership heading for Medicaid Independent Provider Membership.
    The following Rules are recent changes which affects Home Care Waiver nurses. This list of Rules is in no way intended to replace Rules found on the ODJFS Website. For a complete list go to: 
    Department of Job and Family Services, Division of Medical Assistance
    5101:3-46-06 Ohio home care waiver: reimbursement rates and billing procedures.

    5101:3-47-06 Transitions MR/DD waiver program: reimbursement rates and billing procedures.

    5101:3-50-06 Transitions carve-out waiver program: reimbursement rates and billing procedures.

    5101:3-12-05 Reimbursement: home health services.
    Appendix A (rates) 5101:3-12-05 Reimbursement: home health services.

    5101:3-12-06 Reimbursement: private duty nursing services.
    Appendix A (rates) 5101:3-12-06 Reimbursement: private duty nursing services. 
     
     
     

    Visit Wheelchairs Abound for a variety of bariatric sized mobility products!