About Palo Alto Community Health
Home health agency overview
Palo Alto Community Health is a government-operated Medicare-certified home health agency in Emmetsburg, IA. Certified since 1971, the agency has provided 55 years of in-home healthcare services to the community. The agency offers 5 of the 6 standard home health service categories.
Palo Alto Community Health provides skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, home health aide services. Skilled nursing and physical therapy are the core services most patients receive, often following a hospital stay, surgery, or acute illness episode.
CMS has assigned Palo Alto Community Health a 3-star quality rating, indicating average performance across patient outcome measures. 5 physicians are affiliated with this agency.
When selecting a home health agency in Emmetsburg, IA, consider quality ratings, the services offered, patient outcome measures, and whether the agency is covered by your insurance. Home health care allows patients to recover in the comfort of their own home while receiving professional medical care.
At a Glance
Quality Rating
CMS Quality of Patient Care star rating
Average
Quality of Patient Care Rating
Palo Alto Community Health has received a 3-star quality of patient care rating from CMS, indicating average performance across home health quality measures. CMS evaluates agencies on patient outcomes including functional improvement, timely care, and hospitalization rates to help patients in Emmetsburg, IA compare home health options.
Patient Outcomes
CMS quality measures for patient improvement and safety
Timely Initiation of Care
Patients who received their first visit within the recommended timeframe
Improved Walking
Patients whose ability to walk improved during the home health episode
Improved Bed Transferring
Patients whose ability to get in and out of bed improved
Improved Bathing
Patients whose ability to bathe improved during care
Skin Integrity
Patients assessed for pressure ulcer risk with prevention plan
Timely Drug Education
Patients who received timely medication teaching and reconciliation
Functional Assessment
Patients with a comprehensive functional status assessment
Flu Vaccination
Patients assessed for seasonal flu vaccination status
Falls with Injury
Lower is betterPatients who experienced a fall resulting in major injury
Discharge & Readmission
Performance compared to national rates
Discharged to Community
Rate of patients successfully discharged to the community after home health care
Risk-standardized rate: 83.8%
Palo Alto Community Health performs at about the national rate for discharged to community, consistent with most home health agencies.
Potentially Preventable Readmissions
Rate of unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 days
Risk-standardized rate: 4.1%
Palo Alto Community Health performs at about the national rate for potentially preventable readmissions, consistent with most home health agencies.
Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations
Rate of unplanned hospitalizations during home health care
Risk-standardized rate: 7.8%
Palo Alto Community Health performs at about the national rate for potentially preventable hospitalizations, consistent with most home health agencies.
Medicare Spending
Spending per episode relative to national average
Above National Average
1.00 = national average Medicare spending per episode
Palo Alto Community Health's Medicare spending per episode is 9% above the national average (ratio: 1.09). Higher spending may reflect more complex patient populations or more intensive care. This is based on 66 Medicare episodes.
Services Offered
Medicare-certified home health service categories
Skilled Nursing Care
AvailableRegistered nurses provide wound care, medication management, IV therapy, and patient education in the home.
Physical Therapy
AvailableLicensed physical therapists help patients regain strength, mobility, and balance after illness or surgery.
Occupational Therapy
AvailableTherapists help patients relearn daily activities like dressing, bathing, and cooking to regain independence.
Speech-Language Pathology
AvailableSpeech therapists address swallowing disorders, communication difficulties, and cognitive-linguistic rehabilitation.
Medical Social Services
Not AvailableSocial workers help patients access community resources, coordinate care, and address emotional and financial concerns.
Home Health Aide Services
AvailableCertified aides assist with personal care including bathing, dressing, and light household tasks under nurse supervision.
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Reviews and ratings from patients
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Palo Alto Community Health
What is the quality rating for Palo Alto Community Health?
Palo Alto Community Health has a 3-star quality of patient care rating from CMS, which evaluates home health agencies on patient outcomes including functional improvement, timely care, and avoidance of preventable hospitalizations.
What services does Palo Alto Community Health offer?
Palo Alto Community Health offers 5 home health services: skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, home health aide.
Does Medicare cover Palo Alto Community Health?
Yes, Palo Alto Community Health is a Medicare-certified home health agency. Medicare typically covers home health services when ordered by a physician and the patient is homebound and requires skilled care.
How does Palo Alto Community Health's Medicare spending compare?
Palo Alto Community Health's Medicare spending per episode ratio is 1.09 (1.00 = national average). This is above the national average.
How many doctors are affiliated with Palo Alto Community Health?
5 physicians are affiliated with Palo Alto Community Health.
Data source: CMS Home Health Compare ·