Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: October 14, 1998
CONTACT: Michael Dexter (401-222-2788)

Health Department Finds a 48% Increase in Home Health Visits over 4Years
Number of Agencies More Than Triples in Past Decade.

Providence – Home health care visits in Rhode Island grew by 48% from 1993 – 1996. This compares to an overall national expansion of 69% in home health care for the same time period. Increases in the type of visits ranged from a low of 35% for speech pathology to 224% for medical social services.

The information comes from the Department of Health’s recent health data brief, The Growth of Home Health Care in Rhode Island (September 1998). The Department used data from Medicare Cost Reports and other sources to complete the analysis. The data apply to all free standing home health agencies in Rhode Island.

"Reporting on trends in the health care industry is one of the key responsibilities of the Department of Health," said Dr. Patricia A. Nolan, Rhode Island Director of Health. "Home health care experienced tremendous growth over the past few years. These findings reflect some of the important dynamics of Rhode Island’s changing health care system."

In addition to changes in the number of visits, the number of agencies also increased over the past decade. The mix of for-profit and not-for-profit agencies also changed dramatically. In 1988 there were only nine home health agencies, eight of which were not-for-profit visiting nurse (VNA/VNS) services. Only one was a for-profit agency. By 1998 there were a total of 33 agencies; 26 of them were for-profit and seven were not-for-profit VNA/VNS agencies.

Questions concerning this study should be directed to Michael Dexter (401-222-2788) at the Rhode Island Department of Health. The complete document is available on the Department of Health website: www.health.state.ri.us/hdb9807.htm.

For speech or hearing impaired,
1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us