Private Duty Nursing with CMS

With the current nursing shortage in health care today, many patients prefer to have individualized nursing care. You may request the services of a registered nurse, a licensed practical nurse, or a certified nursing assistant, who will stay with you throughout your hospitalization. Individualized medical care and advocacy can improve the recovery process and comfort of the hospitalized patient. In addition, private duty nursing services are available for patients of all ages in their homes as well as in nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Having a private duty health care provider may give family members peace of mind when they are not able to physically be present with the patient.

Private duty services provide patient care for any length of time and aim to promote healing and comfort. The range of service includes skilled nursing care and interventions as needed in the hospital or home, through a continuum of care rendered by certified nursing assistant care who promote patient comfort and assist with daily living activities. Private duty nursing can also provide respite for a caregiver.

Requests for private duty nursing are often made by patients and families who are concerned about the current nursing shortage and the implications this shortage may have on the quality of nursing care. Patients and families may be seeking individualized care with the assurance of constant monitoring and immediate attention.

We carefully screen each health care provider during the employment process and we only employ experienced, caring and compassionate staff. Each applicant has met all of the rigorous employment requirements including state and federal requirements, health requirements, background screening and drug testing.

It may be helpful to have an overview of the levels of nursing care within the health care system.

Registered Nurse (RN) is a nurse who has graduated from an accredited nursing program, has passed the national examination for licensure, and has been registered and licensed to practice by a state authority. There are clinical situations in which the skill level of a RN may be necessary, for instance, complex patient situations in which the greater knowledge and experience of a RN may be warranted. Some of the duties and responsibility of a RN may include:

Provide all skilled nursing services including monitoring of vital signs and documentation of services
Provide nursing care for patients with complex equipment, such as ventilators, feeding tubes and intravenous therapies
Alleviating suffering through pain management
Administering medications (both injections and others)
Monitoring blood sugar and administering insulin as indicated
Providing wound care and surgical dressing changes
Monitoring changes in medical status and notifying the physician as indicated
Protecting and promoting health and wellness
Preventing injury
Advocating for patients

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is a nurse who has graduated from an accredited practical nursing program usually lasting from 12 months to 2 years, has passed the national examination for licensure, and has been registered and licensed to practice by a state authority. A practical nurse can perform simple as well as complex medical procedures, but must operate under the supervision of either a RN or a MD. They can perform all of the duties listed above with the exception of administration of intravenous medications.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a health care provider who had completed an educational program usually lasting from 6 months to one year, has passed the state examination for certification, and has been certified to practice by a state authority. Although a CNA cannot give medications, the CNA can go to the RN in a hospital setting and request the medication for the patient. The CNA can continue to advocate for the patient until the pain medication is received. Some of the duties and responsibility of a CNA may include:

Recording vital signs
Assisting with bathing, positioning and massage
Assisting with activities of daily living such as eating, toileting, bathing, and positioning
Assisting with ambulation

Home Care

You or your loved one may be recovering from surgery, facing a serious illness, or merely seeking a safe home life with comfort, independence and dignity. We understand that our patients often prefer the privacy and calm of their own homes. The private duty home care services we offer promote safe and independent living during recovery time from injuries, surgeries, as well as caring for elderly patients with chronic health problems.

A RN Case Manager is available to meet with the client and family to assess the situation and make recommendations regarding special needs and personal preferences. Case Managers closely supervise each caregiver providing services and make on-site supervisory visits to monitor caregiver’s skills and client satisfaction with services. Our staff work hard to ensure the safety and comfort of each of our clients and to provide the excellent services that make us the superior choice in healthcare staffing. A Manager is always available by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to discuss any comments or suggestions you may have with our services as we are committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction.

A Home Health Aide is a companion for the client at home offering services such as personal care, meal preparation, light cooking & cleaning, and other daily living activities. Although a home health aide may not be licensed to administer medications, the aide can remind the client when it is time to take a dose of medication. The aide may also be involved with grocery shopping, laundry, and transporting the client to appointments outside the home.

Payment for Private Duty Nursing

Chesapeake Medical Staffing is insured and fully accredited meeting or exceeding local, state and JCAHO standards and requirements. We provide the best quality health care providers. It is very important that costs and methods of payment are discussed before contracting with Chesapeake Medical Staffing to avoid a potentially large bill for a patient. At this time, the patient is billed directly for the private duty services. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. Payment may be in the form of a check or money order once the bill is received. We do not accept third party payments or bill the patient’s health insurance carrier or Medicare.

The patient does not pay the CMS health care provider directly. The health care provider remains an employee of Chesapeake Medical Staffing and is paid by the employer. We request that you not discuss billing or bill rates with the health care provider.

You may cancel the health care provider with a minimum of 2 hours notice before the scheduled shift with no financial penalty. A minimum of a 4-hour shift is necessary in order to contract a private duty CMS health care provider. Contact your insurance provider for specific coverage information, including criteria, deductibles, and copays.

Commercial Insurance - In most cases, private duty nursing services are not covered by health insurance. Some insurance plans will cover private duty services when there is an established “medical necessity” or “skilled nursing care” is prescribed by the attending physician.

Medicare - Medicare does not cover private duty nursing services.

Medical Assistance - Medical Assistance does have provisions for private duty nursing. Contact their representatives to learn more about when these services would be covered.

U.S. Veteran's Benefits - U.S. Veteran's Benefits may have provisions for private duty nursing. Contact their representatives to discuss this benefit.

Your Out-Of-Pocket Costs - Typically, patients must pay for most private duty nursing expenses.