Ask Mike - Is any training available for a new PAS agency owner?

Dear Texas Agency Owner,

Thanks for writing. I wish you every success with your new business. Providing PAS is challenging and rewarding.

Your first question dealt with finding training. Please feel free to check out our PAS website for all sorts of background information. In particular, take a look at the Guide to Using PAS. This gives a good idea of many of the issues and challenges from a consumer perspective.

For training for professionals/providers and issues related to running a PAS agency, consider contacting your state's home health association, nurses association and your state Medicaid agency and/or your state aging agency and/or your state Developmental Disability agency. These can be found by going to our Help in My State page. One or more of these places should be able to help refer you on to more concrete possibilities.

To find the billing software you need, ask your state Medicaid agency. I am not sure about Texas, but many states will give approved providers the appropriate software needed to bill the state (Since Medicaid is the largest payer for PAS, I am making this assumption.) Otherwise, they should be able to help you obtain what is needed. For private pay PAS and for other related business needs, Microsoft Excel is a good platform that can be programmed to fit many needs. Also Peachtree and possibly Quicken may fit the bill. You can contact the companies and talk with them about your needs or you can hire a consultant to help with your questions or with programming. Again, the state agencies or the professional associations should be good sources of technical assistance.

Good luck. Your work to assist people with living independently in their own homes and communities is appreciated!

Yours truly,

Mike Oxford