Commonwealth Northern Marianas (CNMI) Home Health Blog: Tinian Clinic in News Again

Once again, as a reminder to all patients in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), we are available for home health services.

Apparently the Tinian Health Center is in the news again due to issues with blood testing. It is reported that Freedom Air refused to deliver certain blood tests from the Tinian Health Center that were to be sent to CHC Hospital in Saipan due to issues with the Mayor's account. Hopefully this issue can be resolved soon. Non-payments of invoices is a major problem in the CNMI and is plaguing the CHC medical referral patients as well. It is estimated the that CNMI is behind hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments to Travel Agencies for tickets to Guam, Hawaii, and the Philippines for medical treatment.

Saipan Tribune Article

Pacific Home Health Care, LLC. is filming video commercial in Saipan

Pacific Home Health Care, LLC., has been busy shooting video during this pas week for our upcoming commercial on MCV cable. We are in the process of shooting an extended commercial to highlight the services Pacific Home Health Care, LLC can offer, and to explore the common misconceptions about "home health".

Many people that would likely qualify and benefit from home health services do not know that home health is available, or they do not realize benefits. It is distressing to hear about families refusing home health services simply because they have a family member who provides care. What many people do not realize is that home health services may be available at no cost, with no co-payment to teach the caregiver proper ways of monitoring, and stages of disease progression to help them take better care of their family member or loved one. Additionally, on all home health patients, we complete a full assessment to help identify any possible health concerns which may be unknown to the caregiver or physician.

If you or a loved one is homebound, or has trouble leaving the home, and has trouble managing a chronic disease or illness (diabetes, hypertension, CHF, COPD) or has just been discharged from the hospital from a recent accident or surgery, home health may be available at no cost and no copayment. We are available to answer any questions you may have about whether home health care is right for you. Our number is 670-234-CARE (2273.)

Lower your "high blood" in the CNMI

You could have hypertension, or "high blood" pressure and not even know it. Hypertension, is a condition in which the force of blood against your artery walls is too strong. It also means your heart is working hard to move blood. High blood pressure in its earliest stages produces few symptoms, but over time it can damage your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidney and other organs. Symptoms usually do not occur until high blood pressure has reached an advanced level of severity. Symptoms of high blood pressure can include:

severe headache, fatigue or confusion, vision problems, chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, blood in the urine

If is important to check your blood pressure regularly. There are free machines available for use at Saipan pharmancies, and some insurance plans cover self blood pressure monitors.

If you having trouble managing your hypertension, and are "homebound" or have trouble leaving the home, nurses and aides from Pacific Home Health Care, are able to provide you with quality healthcare you deserve in the comfort of your home, including:

Provide a complete physical assessment during every visit
Educate patients and/or cargegivers to properly manage their medications
Provide education about hypertension and the risk factors involved in the condition
Teach patients and/or caregivers techniques to help reduce stress
Teach energy conservation skills to help patients and/or caregivers to maintain higher energy levels
Assist and educate patients and/or caregivers in safely performing activities of daily living
Assess the safety of patients’ homes, then recommend and help implement safety improvements
Educate patients and/or caregeivers about nutrition management and a heart-healthy lifestyle

If you have any questions about hypertension management programs, ask your doctor if a Pacific Home Health Care referral is right for you, or give us a call today at 670-234-CARE (2273)

Frequently Asked Home Health Questions

Q: What if I am unhappy with my current home care provider. Can I change to another agency like Pacific Home Health Care, LLC.?
A: Absolutely, you have a right to choose who provides your care. Your current provider can "transfer" your care to Pacific Home Health Care, LLC. and you will not lose your home health benefit.
Q: How do I get home health services?
A: Typically your doctor would recommend that you get home health care, however if you have a skilled nursing or therapy need and aren't well enough to go out and get those needs fulfilled you would typically qualify for the home health benefit. Call your doctor or Pacific Home Health Care, LLC. and we can typically advise if you qualify or not.
Q: Is my physician still involved with my care?
A: Yes, your physician manages all your care while in home health. The home health staff communicate and coordinate your care with your doctor via phone or faxed memo/notes.
Q: What does homebound mean?
A: Homebound means it takes considerable taxing effort for you to leave home; if you do leave home, it is for short trips to the doctor or church services or for once-in-a-lifetime events, such as weddings, funerals, specials & events.
Q: What are the criteria to qualify for the Medicare home health benefit?
A: You must have a skilled need; care must be provided in your place of residence; you must be under the care of a physician and you must be homebound and must have Medicare Part A. Many insurance companies pay for home health, also.
Q: What makes Pacific Home Health Care, LLC., better or different from other agencies?
A: Pacific Home Health Care, LLC., staff practice under the guidelines of consistency: One client - the same staff members throughout the course of care, reliability, dependable trustworthy staff that can be counted on to do what is ordered by your physician, and presence - fully attending to the needs of the clience from a holistic perspective
Q: Who pays for home health care?
A: If you require the skilled services of a nurse, physical therapist or speech therapist and you have Medicare Part A, then Medicare pays for home health care as long as you meet the criteria. Additionally many Medicare Advantage plans cover these services but require some co-pay level, check your plan documents.