Home Healthcare Named 2023 HHCAHPS Honors Elite Award Recipient

Community Home Health Named 2023 HHCAHPS Honors Elite Award Recipient

Community Healthcare System’s Home Healthcare agency has been named a 2023 HHCAHPS Honors Elite Award recipient, one of only 25 agencies nationally to receive the honor. This prestigious award, presented by HEALTHCAREfirst, recognizes home health agencies that continuously provide a positive experience and high-quality care as measured from the patient’s perspective and determined by analysis of Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) survey satisfaction measures.

To receive the HHCAHPS Honors Elite designation, CHCS Home Healthcare scored above the national average on all 19 of the HHCAHPS evaluated survey questions which include quality of care, patient experience and most importantly, willingness to recommend the agency to others. CHCS has long-been recognized as an HHCAHPS Honors agency (2017-2018, 2020 and 2021). This is the second time they have received the Honors Elite award, with the last being in 2019. The program was suspended during the pandemic.

Andrea Lutz, Director of Ancillary Services at CHCS, credits all Home Healthcare staff from nurses, to therapists, to aides and support staff, who work diligently to provide outstanding care at every level. She said, “Being named a 2023 HHCAHPS Honors Elite recipient is truly an outstanding achievement for our Home Healthcare agency. To be one of only 25 agencies across the country to receive this designation is a testament to the compassionate and exceptional care our associates provide daily. I could not be more-proud for our team.”

“Our team of skilled nurses, aides and physical, occupational and speech therapists have worked to provide new and improved procedures and additional patient education. All of these changes have contributed to us earning this award, said Kristi Hutfles, Manager of Community Home Healthcare. And, these changes have helped us establish a reputation of providing outstanding care and developing an excellent rapport with case managers and discharge planners.” Community HealthCare System’s Home Healthcare provides nursing, therapy and home care aid services to patients in Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Jackson, Nemaha, Marshall, and western Shawnee counties. In addition, social and dietary staff can also be added to the team when needed.

“Our staff works closely with providers and patients to develop an individualized care plan. If patients require enhanced services, we will get them what they need. Our knowledgeable staff provide empathy and communications skills, and are truly vested in helping patients meet and maintain their goal of independence at home,” Hutfles said.