The priority of Home Health staff at Prowers Medical Center is to always go above and beyond for patients. The team’s hard work and dedication to high-quality healthcare didn’t go unnoticed, as it received a perfect score from state and federal surveyors for the third time in six years.

In mid-February, the Prowers Medical Center Home Health department received a surprise visit from surveyors for its recertification survey, which is completed by the Colorado State Health Department on behalf of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The licensure survey was also completed during the visit. Both surveys focus on patient care, documentation and the policies and procedures that drive quality patient care. These check-ins from state and federal surveyors occur at random every three years.

The Prowers Medical Center Home Health team recorded zero deficiencies from the visit, meaning the surveyors found that the department is handling its care at a top-notch level. A deficiency-free survey demonstrates the team has met or exceeded the expectations of the Conditions of Participation and Licensure guidelines mandated by federal and state governments.

Micaela Aguilera, Home Health Administrator at Prowers Medical Center, said she was proud that surveyors could not find any defects in her team’s day-to-day operations, especially considering the adjustments in care that were necessary due to the pandemic.

“Our deficiency-free survey showcases that we provide excellent care for our patients,” she said. “It indicates we have the best clinicians and staff. I know and trust that each therapist, nurse and home health aide who visits with our patients is providing the best care and exceeding expectations.”

The last survey for Prowers Medical Center Home Health was in March of 2018. This time around, surveyors examined:

  • Patient records, open and closed
  • Personnel files
  • Daily operations of the department
  • Required continuing education records
  • In-services for Direct Care Staff
  • Policies and procedures regarding admission, care coordination, medication monitoring, nurse delegation, infection control and more
  • Home Health’s Quality Management programs
  • Home visits by staff
  • Prowers Medical Center staff as well as Home Health patients and families through in-person interviews
  • COVID-19 documentation, including plan, communications, policies and teaching

“Our team provides and focuses on high-quality patient care,” said Amber Cole, Home Health Registered Nurse at Prowers Medical Center. “There is a lot that goes into our care that occurs behind the scenes, and this is reviewed by the surveyors as well. Our staff is in constant communication with providers, and our coordination of care is comprehensive for each patient.”

The Home Health team consists of four registered nurses, one licensed practical nurse, one home health-certified nursing assistant and one office manager. The Prowers Medical Center Rehabilitation department assists patients with any physical therapy needs. The goal of staff is to assist patients in their homes, enabling them to live a safe, healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.

When the team first meets with patients, they discuss services that will be provided and speak to the patient about what they want from their plan of care. They focus on a personal goal the patient wants to accomplish. With long-term patients, they provide assistance where and when needed.

“When you choose Prowers Medical Center, you can rest assured that your loved ones are being cared for by such a stellar team of professionals,” Cole said. “Not only are their needs being met, but our team is providing them with the best care offered in the area.”

If you have any questions about Home Health services at Prowers Medical Center, or to find out if home health is right for you and your family, go to prowersmedical.com/services/home-health or call 719-336-6881 or 719-336-6882 for more information.

“Prowers Medical Center ensures all services that are needed for our community are in place,” Aguilera concluded. “Home Health is a much-needed service, and I am thankful for the support that is provided by our Senior Team of the hospital and our Board of Directors. We are honored to be considered a top-notch home health agency in our area, and we continue to pledge our allegiance to our patients and families.”