This guide does not explain how to recover from surgery. It explains how to compare agencies that may provide ordered home health services.
Medicare coverage depends on eligibility, the order, the plan of care, and use of a Medicare-certified agency.
Start with the ordered service
The agency search should begin with what the doctor or discharge team ordered. Common home health service categories include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, and home health aide support.
Use that service category to narrow the directory, then call agencies to confirm current availability in the ZIP code.
How to compare agencies after surgery
Compare Medicare certification, services listed, city coverage, quality rating, phone availability, and whether the agency can coordinate with the ordering provider.
If the patient has a Medicare Advantage plan or other insurance, ask whether authorization is needed before care can start.
Ask about timing
Ask when intake can review the referral and when the first visit could happen if the patient is accepted.
Ask about service fit
Ask whether the agency provides the exact service ordered rather than assuming every agency offers every service in every ZIP code.
When extra daily help may be separate
Medicare-certified home health is usually part-time or intermittent skilled care. Families needing longer daily supervision, meals, errands, or personal support may need a separate home care option.
Use the cost estimator if the family expects many weekly hours of non-medical support.
Post-surgery agency call checklist
- What service did the doctor or discharge team order?
- Does the agency provide that service in this ZIP code?
- Is the agency Medicare-certified?
- Does the agency accept the patient coverage?
- Is prior authorization needed?
- When can intake review the referral?
Browse service guides
Match the ordered service to agencies that list it.
ContinueFind agencies by city
Start with local agency availability.
ContinueEstimate extra support
Plan for private-pay help if longer shifts are needed.
ContinueSources and editorial note
This guide is for general education and directory research. It is not medical advice, legal advice, insurance advice, or a coverage decision. Confirm care needs with the ordering provider, the agency, Medicare, or the patient health plan.
Sources used for this guide: