Evolution: From Private Practice to Independent Practice Association and Home Health Care Agency

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To identify our changing roles and opportunities in the rapidly changing patient consulting arena.For many years dietitians have been working predominately in hospital settings. As the health care environment moves to alternate site care, fewer opportunities are available in hospital settings but more opportunities are available for dietitians to work in out-patient settings and in home health care. In 1994, two dietitians took note of the changing health care environment and the effects this was having on their own practice settings - one at a large home health care agency, the other in a wellness oriented private practice. This realization led to the development of an independent practice association and home health care agency to provide nutrition services by dietitians in alternate site care: at home, in the physician's office, in the dietitian's office. This organization was the first dietitian-owned and -operated home health care agency to be awarded a home health care license by their state. This unique opportunity created by these dietitians has an organized approach to providing services by dietitians on an “as needed” basis. Because of this organization, they have been able to market their services and obtain contracts with major insurance providers and home health care providers, including two contracts which identify them as preferred providers nationwide. This organization has allowed dietitians' services to be acknowledged by the payers, alternative referral sources, as well as providing new opportunities for dietitians in the evolving health care environment The evolution, current structure and business materials will be presented so that dietitians can view their possibilities of the future.