Spotlight on Quality




		600 52nd Street, Suite 300 Kenosha, WI 53140 262 656 8400


	Spotlight on Quality

		Kenosha VNA Ranked Among Top 25% in the Country Kenosha VNA Recognized for 30 years of Leadership Celebrate VNA Week 2008 Visiting Nurse Association of America’s CHAMP Program Home Health Compare

Kenosha VNA Ranked Among Top 25% in the Country

In November 2008, Kenosha VNA announced that it has been named to the 2008 HomeCare Elite, a compilation of the most successful Medicare-certified home health care providers in the United States. This annual review identifies the top 25 percent of agencies, ranked by an analysis of performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance. Having been included in 2006, this is the second time Kenosha VNA, a nonprofit organization, has earned the distinction.

“The 2008 HomeCare Elite winners exemplify a commitment to providing their patients with optimum care while performing at the highest level,” said Nancy Buller, Senior Director of Marketing Communications at OCS, Inc. "We congratulate Kenosha VNA on being one of the Top home care agencies in the country."

Kenosha VNA President and CEO Debra Hertzberg, credits the dedication of its nurses, therapists, aides and support staff with the company’s ability to rank as one of the HomeCare Elite. Debra notes that the nurses don’t just settle for status quo. “They set their sights on continually expanding their knowledge base. Our nurses go beyond the obvious to improve the patient as a whole”.

“DecisionHealth would like to congratulate the top HomeCare Elite agencies that achieved excellent clinical and financial outcomes by providing quality care to their patients,” adds Marci Heydt, Executive Editor of DecisionHealth’s Home Health Line.

The 2008 HomeCare Elite is the only performance recognition of its kind in the home health industry. The entire list of the 2008 HomeCare Elite agencies can be viewed by visiting the OCS web site at www.ocsys.com/HCE.



	Kenosha VNA CEO, Debra Hertzberg accepts WHO Home Care Award, May 2008

Kenosha VNA Recognized for 30 years of Leadership in Home Care

CEO Debra Hertzberg accepts award from the Wisconsin Homecare Organization in recognition of 30 years of unfailing leadership in home care.

As a 32 year veteran of Kenosha VNA, the recognition has personal meaning to Debra. She has led the nonprofit home care agency through the uncertainty the health care field has seen over the past three decades. “This award is especially significant because I’ve had the privilege of witnessing each of those 30 years with Kenosha VNA. We’re very proud that we’ve remained independent and nonprofit while providing the best of care to our patients.”

It is no accident that Kenosha VNA has remained a constant in the community all these years. The organization strives to meet and anticipate ever-changing health care needs of community members. According to Debra, it’s the right combination of hometown values and innovative programs that makes the difference.

The Wisconsin Homecare Organization (WHO) represents 80% of the home care industry in Wisconsin. Its mission joins together home care member organizations and individuals with shared commitment to every citizen in need of quality, affordable home care services.

“It is an honor to be recognized by an organization that has been a champion for quality Home Care in Wisconsin” says Debra. “Kenosha VNA is looking forward to another 30 years of working with such outstanding organizations as WHO for the benefit our patients.”

For more information on the Wisconsin Homecare Organization, visit www.wishomecare.org

Kenosha Visiting Nurse Association is a member of the Visiting Nurse Associations of America (VNAA) and we join hundreds of organizations across the country in celebrating National VNA Week, May 4-11, 2008, by recognizing the importance of visiting nurse agencies and home healthcare providers who deliver high-quality, affordable care to elderly and disabled patients in the home and community setting.

“The second week of May has been set aside as a special time for expressing our appreciation to thousands of home healthcare clinicians and home care providers who tirelessly care for millions of patients across the country,” stated Andy Carter, VNAA President and CEO. “We join Visiting Nurse Agencies across the country in saying thank you for the compassionate care provided by visiting nurses and home health providers.”

Kenosha VNA has been providing nonprofit home health care in our community since 1927. Over the years, hundreds of nurses, therapists, home health aides and social workers have made countless visits to patients in the comfort of their own home. Kenosha VNA is the only independent, nonprofit home health agency in Wisconsin. Every day, we give the best possible care to those who need it most.

“Visiting Nurse Agencies are the integral link between health and healthcare and treat patients where it matters most…in the home. There is no better time than now to recognize their contributions to healthcare and to express appreciation for the service and cost-benefits they offer society,” added Carter.

Things You can Do to Celebrate VNA Week

Send a “thank you” to your visiting nurse, therapist or home health aide
Write a letter to your local newspaper or radio station highlighting what home care means to you
Contribute to Kenosha VNA’s mission to provide individualized, quality home care for our community
Share your experience with our services, or send us your “thanks” by clicking here

For more information on VNA Week go to www.vnaweek.org

In 2006, Kenosha VNA successfully completed the Visiting Nurse Association of America (VNAA) CHAMP Program for geriatric medication management. In 2007 we were accepted to participate in the prestigious course again, this time covering all facets of caring for the home care patient in pain.

Why is Pain Management a Valuable Topic?
More than half of all older adults are affected by chronic or persistent pain. For many geriatric patients this daily pain leads to decreased mobility, anxiety, and even depression, resulting in an overall lower quality of life. VNAA CHAMP offers the opportunity to improve the quality of care and, in turn, the quality of life for our patients.

The CHAMP Program is a groundbreaking national practice improvement program designed by renowned home care, nursing and geriatric health experts. Kenosha VNA is honored to to be a participant.

Home Health Compare

Your Choice
If your doctor decides you need home health care, you have the freedom to choose among a list of participating Medicare-certified home health agencies that serve your area to give you the care and services you need. Your choice should be honored by your doctor, hospital discharge planner, or other referring agency. When selecting from several home health agencies, there are several factors to consider.

Measuring Quality
You can use the quality measures found in Home Health Compare to review what measures matter most to you and compare those measures for all the agencies.

Quality measures give you information about how well home health agencies provide care for their patients. The measures provide information about patients’ physical and mental health, and whether their ability to perform basic daily activities improved. The quality measures available include:

Three measures related to improvement in mobility.
Four measures related to meeting the patient's activities of daily living.
One measure about after home health care ends.
Two measures related to patient medical emergencies.

The Difference
There is a difference in how home health agencies operate. Kenosha VNA consistently ranks above state and national averages for Home Health Compare patient outcomes. Click on the Medicare link to the right and see for yourself how Kenosha VNA compares. We’re sure you’ll find the proof you need to make a confident choice in home care providers.




		To view Home Health Compare information on the Medicare web site, click here.