Characterizing the Home Health Care Supply Chain

Abstract

Many home health agencies report low direct supply costs, but the total cost of the home health care supply chain may be much higher when indirect costs associated with ordering, storing, handling, and delivering supplies are considered. Results of a 2010 survey of home health agencies aimed at characterizing the home health care supply chain are presented, and statistical analysis is used to identify patterns based on agency affiliation, for profit status, and patient volume. Findings of interest to home health executives indicate the supply chain is performing well with respect to supply lead time and availability in patient homes. However, frequent practices reported may be leading to inefficiencies and high levels of nurse involvement in nonclinical duties such as ordering, sorting, and picking supplies.