Ask the referring office
Confirm which services were ordered, when the office sent the referral and which agency should receive it.
- Write down the office and agency phone numbers.
- Ask who should follow up if you haven’t heard back.
Skilled care at home
Follow up on a home health referral
Find out where the referral went and who will schedule the first visit.
- Care ZIP
- Care needs and timing
- Callback number
Home Care Agencies NYC calls about local resources.
Follow the referral from order to first visit
Keep the referring office, the agency and the health plan separate in your notes.
Call the home health agency
Ask whether the agency received and accepted the referral. Confirm that it serves the care ZIP and who will schedule the first visit.
- Ask who to call if the first visit is delayed.
- For new symptoms or medical instructions, contact your care team.
Check what your plan covers
Ask about Medicare certification, network requirements, approvals and possible costs. Medicare’s home health benefit has eligibility rules.
- Coverage can depend on intermittent skilled care and homebound status.
- Confirm your own coverage with your plan.
Trying to find local home health resources in NYC?
The Home Care Agencies NYC team can explain where to look and what to ask. Keep the clinician’s office as your contact for the order and any medical questions.
Request a callbackCommon questions
Before you make a call
Can I ask my clinician whether home health is appropriate?
Yes. Ask the treating clinician whether skilled care at home is appropriate and who would send the order. Medicare generally requires a provider order and a Medicare-certified agency.
Does Medicare cover ongoing personal care on its own?
Medicare’s home health benefit doesn’t cover personal or custodial care when that’s the only help needed. If you need daily support, ask your plan or a local benefits navigator about other options.