Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services does VNS Westchester offer?
We offer comprehensive home healthcare services for people of all ages residing in Westchester, the Bronx, Dutchess, Putnam and Rockland counties. Core services include skilled nursing; physical, occupational, and speech therapy; home health aides; medical social work; and the provision of medical equipment and supplies. We also care for patients with serious chronic illnesses. Our specialty services include Telehealth remote patient monitoring, cardiac care, pain and palliative care, mental health home care, and many more. For a detailed description of all of our services, please visit Services.
2. How do I request the services I need?
You may request services online or call our Admissions Department at 914-682-1480. Your physician or family member may also call on your behalf. Our nurses will quickly get in touch with your physician to discuss your condition and any skilled services that you need.
3. What insurance does VNS Westchester accept?
We accept reimbursement on an assignment basis from a wide array of government and private reimbursement sources. CLICK HERE to see a list of our accepted insurances. For the latest information on current insurances accepted, please call our Admissions Department at 914-682-1480, Option 1.
4. Do Medicare and Medicaid pay for your services?
Yes – VNS Westchester is a Medicare/Medicaid certified agency.
5. How does VNS Westchester get paid?
We bill the reimbursing organization directly and accept payment as per the service contract with the insurer. For more information, please go to Insurance & Reimbursement.
6. How do I find out if I qualify for home care?
Medicare, Medicaid, and other payors of home care each have specific requirements for home health coverage. A comprehensive list of Medicare requirements can be found here. For more information on qualifying for home care through Medicare, Medicaid or other payors, please call our Admissions Department at 914-682-1480.
7. How soon can I get a nurse?
Once our Admissions Department receives a request for services and contacts your physician, our nurse or therapist will visit you within 24 hours. They will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess your needs in the home, gather health information and confirm your medications. They will confer with your physician to ensure that your doctor agrees with our assessment. A plan of care will be developed to address all of your home healthcare needs, which may include skilled nursing, rehabilitative services, home health aides, medical equipment and supplies, as well as medical social work. We will arrange to provide all the home healthcare you need so you don’t have to search for these services on your own.
8. What hours do your nurses work?
Our nurses and therapists usually work during the hours of 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. However, a nursing supervisor is on call in our office 24 hours a day/7 days a week, and is available by phone to address any after hour issues.
9. If I’m not sure what I need, whom should I contact?
First consult with your physician, who already knows your medical history and can prescribe home healthcare services. However, you may call our Admissions Department at 914-682-1480, and a nurse will answer any questions that you have.
10. What if the patient or the patient’s caregiver speaks little or no English?
VNS Westchester subscribes to a 24-hour language line staffed by certified medical interpreters who speak more than 150 languages and dialects. Bicultural nurses are available for patient treatment.
11. What should I do in case of emergency?
In case of emergency, always call 911 first! VNS Westchester can receive patient referrals directly from an Emergency Room with a physician’s referral.
