A contract therapy provider helps nursing homes, long-term care facilities and other residential settings with occupational, physical, and speech therapy services. These services promote the well-being and recovery of patients who have injuries or conditions which affect their health, independence and day-to-day function. When looking for a contract therapy provider, consider certain factors to optimize patient care and the operation of your facility. Here’s more.
Choose an Experienced, Credentialed Contract Therapy Services Provider
Look for a contract therapy services provider which has extensive experience in working with different types of facilities and patient care settings. Years of experience in sub-acute patient care gives providers a better understanding of the unique needs and challenges which come with diverse healthcare needs and goals.
A quality contract therapy provider also should be staffed with people who can treat a wide range of conditions and injuries. This expertise will allow them to cater to a diverse group of patients with an individualized, but not narrowly focused, skill set.
Also, make sure that the contract therapy provider has all the necessary certifications and licenses required by your state. This ensures that their personnel are qualified to provide the therapy services your facility–and patients–need and that they adhere to all the regulations set forth in law.
The Contract Therapy Provider Should Be Readily Available
Consider the availability of the contract therapy services provider. Choose a contract therapy provider who will accommodate your facility’s schedule and human resource needs. The provider should offer flexible hours and be ready to provide services on weekends or holidays as needed.
The Provider Should Excel at Communication
Another important factor is communication. The contract therapy provider should have excellent communication skills. The provider should be able to effectively speak with patients, their families and other healthcare professionals involved in their care. This ensures a smooth and efficient treatment process for all parties involved.
Communication also involves accurate CPT code compliance. CPT coding is current procedural terminology. The right provider will use and ensure the use of common medical terminology. The right CPT is so important when communicating with other professionals–doctors, nurses, dieticians and the like—within each facility.
Additionally, the contract provider should serve as the patient and family advocate within each care environment. This means the provider ensures continuous, high-quality patient care at all levels within the facility–from medications and hands-on care to nutrition and interaction with the patient and significant others as well.
Cost of Contract Services is a Key Factor
Consider the cost of services provided by the contract therapy provider. While it is important to find affordable options in the area of professional staffing, no one should compromise on quality care for each and every patient.
A reputable contract therapy provider should improve billing practices within the healthcare facility. Efficient and accurate billing is a win-win for the contract services provider, the facility, the patient and the health insurance carrier (Medicaid, Medicare or private health insurance).
Look for Consistently Excellent Patient Outcomes
The patient really is the most important player in contract therapy. Whether he or she needs speech, occupational or physical therapy–or some combination of all three–contract providers must strive toward the best therapeutic outcomes.
Care plans must be detailed and based on real patient data and expressed goals. Positive patient (and family) experiences within the facility depend on the quality of the offered therapies. So, be sure to investigate how well-rated each contract therapy provider is.
Quality Contract Therapy Services Providers are Fully Credentialed
The contract therapy services provider shoulders the responsibility of recruiting, vetting and hiring qualified speech, occupational and physical therapists. Professional education for team members also falls to the provider. These practices eliminate a substantial workload from the contracting facility.
Contract Therapy Services in Pennsylvania
At AdvantageCare Rehabilitation, our 20-plus years of dedicated service has improved patient outcomes and facility performance throughout the state. Our care is patient-focused, skilled, competitively priced and tailored to the needs of those we serve.
Learn more about how we can help you deliver excellent occupational, physical and speech therapy services through qualified staffing. Contact us for more information by filling in our request form. We will be happy to tell you all about our superior care models and skilled therapists.
