Home health operation shifting

NORWALK — Fisher-Titus is transitioning its home health operations to Ohioans Home Health. Executives believe the change will take effect in September. Brent Burkey, president and CEO of Fisher-Titus, announced the decision in an Aug. 5 message to employees. He said the transition is intended to maintain continuity of care while providing employees with opportunities to continue working in home health. Q: What is changing? A: Fisher-Titus has agreed to transition its home health operations to Ohioans Home Health, a locally owned company headquartered in Perrysburg. The transition for new patients was scheduled to begin Aug. 10. Existing patients are expected to move to Ohioans between Aug. 30 and Sept. 5. Q: Why is Fisher-Titus making the change? A: Burkey said the decision followed a review of the direction of home health care and how Fisher-Titus could continue serving patients and supporting employees over the long term. Fisher-Titus cited changes in regulations, reimbursement and staffing that require home health providers to have specialized resources and greater operational capacity. The health system also cited Ohioans' patient-care record, status as a four-star quality organization, clinical resources and experience providing home health services. Q: Who is Ohioans Home Health? A: Ohioans employs more than 4,400 people across Ohio and offers clinical resources, specialized expertise and operational support for home health services, according to Fisher-Titus. The company has a regional presence in Sandusky, serving Erie, Huron, Lorain, Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca counties. Q: What will happen to employees? A: Every Fisher-Titus home health employee will be offered a position with Ohioans as part of the transition. Employees who accept positions with Ohioans are scheduled to begin training the week of Aug. 17. They will be employed by both Fisher-Titus and Ohioans until the employee transition is completed Aug. 29. Fisher-Titus said some employees could remain with the health system beyond that date to assist with transitional needs. The health system said its goal is to preserve local leadership, keep jobs in the area and maintain continuity in the work employees perform for patients. Q: Will other Fisher-Titus employees be affected? A: The change applies specifically to the home health service. Fisher-Titus said employees working in other roles and departments will not be affected. The health system's other services will continue operating normally. Q: What does the transition mean for patients? A: Fisher-Titus said patients will continue receiving home health services throughout the transition with continuity among their care teams whenever possible. Fisher-Titus and Ohioans have developed a plan intended to minimize disruption and ensure patients continue receiving appropriate services based on their individual needs. The health system also said patients will receive information explaining what to expect during the transition. Patients and families with specific questions were encouraged to contact their home health care team or Fisher-Titus Home Health Agency. Burkey said he believes the transition represents the right long-term decision. "I am confident this transition is the right step forward for our Home Health team, our patients and our community," he said.