In Home Nurse Visits

This past year, I’ve spent more time in doctors’ offices and hospitals than in the previous 54 years combined. Without going into personal family details, I can honestly say I’m grateful to be in good health—knock on wood!

With every doctor’s appointment or in-home visit from a medical professional, there’s always a stack of forms to sign. And every time they hand a physical piece of paper, I can’t help but shake my head in disbelief.

During the initial in-home nurse visit, a lot of papers were signed—consent forms, HIPAA privacy agreements, and more. When we asked for copies of the signed files, we were told that the folder contained a summary of the signed forms. I couldn’t help but think, Wait, a summary? Not the actual files that were just signed?

On the second visit, the nurse arrived to examine the injured area, took a photo, applied treatment, and then left. There was no record of the date or time of the visit, no request for a signature, and no documentation whatsoever.

My mind immediately went into overdrive. These companies are paid by insurance providers, and if their processes were ever audited by a seasoned representative, receiving payment could become a serious challenge. Even worse, it creates a significant risk for potential litigation.

With the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) advocating for improved operations, businesses should prioritize streamlining their workflows. Implementing a digital footprint not only enhances efficiency but ensures all necessary documentation is readily available in case of an audit. It’s a simple step toward better compliance and accountability.