When state surveyors recently visited Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice (GBHH&H), they found zero deficiencies after a comprehensive review of the non-profit agency, Director Donita Wolf said.

          Two representatives of the Kansas Department of Health & Environment spent four 10-hour days here surveying patients, staff and record-keeping procedures. The results are being sent to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

          “This was our regular Medicare-certification survey that happens about every 36 months,” Wolf said. “We always know they will visit within this time frame but we never know the actual survey dates.

          “On behalf of our patients and their families, we couldn’t be more pleased with the results,” Wolf continued. “We believe we are providing professional, quality care and it is nice to have that belief validated.”

          Surveyors not only review the agency’s office and administration, they visit patients’ homes.

          “They interview our patients and their family members,” Wolf explained, noting patients give permission for these visits. “Inspectors go on these home visits to get the real sense of how our care is being provided; they don’t look only at statistics.”

          During the visits, surveyors check on several disciplines including nursing, physical and occupational therapies, and home-health aides. In addition, they observe how medications are administered and how the staff assesses patients’ needs.

          “They also assess our clinicians and ensure that we are following all the many rules and regulations,” Wolf commented. “All of us appreciate this comprehensive analysis and are always excited to take them to visit patients personally.”

          GBHH&H is part of the St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center family; St. Rose is under the Centura Health umbrella.

          “We have been associated with Centura for a relatively short time but they have been a key part in this recent success,” Wolf said. “They have expertise in home-health services, as well as in how to comply with all the regulations. They are making a big difference here.”

          GBHH&H has been caring for families since 1979. Its service area includes Barton, Pawnee, Rush and part of Stafford counties.

          Centura connects individuals and families across western Kansas and Colorado with more than 6,000 physicians, 15 hospitals, seven senior-living communities, physician practices and clinics, and home-care and hospice services.