Transforming Home-Based Care with Real-Time Location Intelligence

Real-time location tracking services and geofencing technology are emerging as game-changers for mobile care providers, offering benefits that extend far beyond simple navigation. From ensuring compliance with Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements to enhancing quality reporting, these technologies are reshaping the landscape of home-based care delivery.

Key Policy Shifts Shaping Real-Time Location Monitoring in Home-Based Care

• EVV Mandate Expansion
  • In recent years, the 21st Century Cures Act has mandated EVV for Medicaid-funded personal care services (PCS) and home health care services (HHCS)
• Increased Focus on Data Interoperability
  • The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is promoting interoperability standards that support the integration of location data with other health IT systems
  • This push for interoperability is enabling more comprehensive care coordination, quality reporting, and data analysis
• Value-Based Care Initiatives
  • CMS's expansion of value-based care models is driving the need for more accurate data on care delivery, including precise location and duration of visits
  • Location tracking technologies are becoming essential tools for agencies participating in programs like the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model
• Privacy and Security Regulations
  • The HHS Office for Civil Rights has issued guidance on the use of tracking technologies in healthcare, emphasizing the need for HIPAA compliance
  • Providers must ensure that their use of location tracking adheres to strict privacy and security standards
• Remote Patient Monitoring Integration
  • CMS has expanded reimbursement for remote patient monitoring services, which often integrate with location tracking to provide a more comprehensive view of patient care
  • This trend is driving the adoption of more sophisticated, integrated tracking and monitoring solutions
• Mobile Workforce Management Innovations
  • The Department of Labor has shown increased interest in accurate time tracking for home-based care workers, particularly in relation to overtime and travel time compensation
  • Advanced location tracking systems are helping agencies comply with labor regulations while optimizing workforce management

The Benefits of Leveraging Systems Like CareSMS for Mobile Care Location Intelligence‍

• Enhanced Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
  • Automatically logs mobile care provider arrivals and departures from patient locations
  • Ensures compliance with the 21st Century Cures Act EVV mandate
  • Reduces manual data entry errors and potential fraud
• Accurate Time-on-Site Tracking
  • Provides precise data on duration of patient visits
  • Helps optimize scheduling and resource allocation
  • Improves billing accuracy and transparency amongst your mobile care workforce
• Quality and Performance Reporting
  • Enables detailed analysis of visit patterns and durations
  • Supports data-driven performance evaluations
  • Facilitates identification of best practices and areas for improvement
• Improved Patient and Care Provider Safety
  • Allows quick response to emergencies by pinpointing Provider or Caregiver locations
  • Ensures Care Providers or Caregivers are visiting the correct patients at the right times
• Increased Operational Efficiency
  • Simplifies route planning for each of your Mobile Providers
  • Facilitates real-time schedule adjustments based on Provider locations throughout the day
  • Reduces unnecessary travel time and fuel costs
• Enhanced Dispatch and Communication
  • Enables back-office dispatch to quickly locate and contact the nearest available Care Provider for an urgent patient request
  • Improves coordination between back-office team members for complex cases
• Improved Compliance and Audit Readiness
  • Provides comprehensive digital records of all homebound patient visits
  • Supports compliance with various regulatory requirements
  • Simplifies the audit process with readily available, accurate data

Looking Ahead:

Real-time Provider location tracking and geofencing are essential for modern home-based care, improving compliance, efficiency, and care quality. As the industry evolves, these technologies will be crucial for competitive advantage and excellence in care delivery. Solutions like CareSMS are leading this transformation, offering comprehensive platforms tailored to the complex needs of home-based care providers.