Signature Health Services

What is the immune system? The immune system is comprised of a complex labyrinth of cells, tissues, and organs. Collectively helping the body battle infections and other diseases. Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with - Crohn’s disease: Chronic disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. - Lupus: Chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in any part of the body. - Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system. - Fibromyalgia: Chronic condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and sudden mood swings. - Gout: A common but a complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. Gout forms when too much uric acid hardens and deposits in the joints. - Rheumatoid Arthritis: Signature Health Services has treated patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis for 25 years. We have developed a plan in teaching patients how to cope with the physical demands of Rheumatoid Arthritis and its treatment.

What is the neurological system? The nervous system is the body’s central command center. The organs in charge of this system are the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia. All their organs are made of various tissues, including nerve, blood, and connective tissue. The brain controls all of your movements, thoughts, instinctive responses to the world around you, and every system and process, such as digestion, breathing, thinking, and puberty. Neurological diseases, conditions, accidents, trauma, the use of toxins, and the natural aging process can damage your nervous system acutely or chronically. Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with - Seizure Disorder: A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical interference between neurons in the brain. It can cause temporary abnormalities in your behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. - Alzheimer’s, including Dementia: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects brain size, causing it to shrink and brain cells to die. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. - Paralysis: A loss of voluntary muscle function due to strokes or spinal cord injuries. Paralysis affects the function of a specific or widespread part of the body. - Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often called a ministroke, is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. A TIA usually lasts only a few minutes and doesn't cause permanent damage to the nerve functions and system. - Fibromyalgia: Chronic condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and sudden mood swings. - We also treat other conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), Traumatic Brain Injury, and Paraplegia

What is the Cardiovascular System? The cardiovascular system or circulatory system has the primary task of delivering oxygen and nutrients to every single cell in the body. It is comprised of the heart, blood vessels, (veins, arteries, and capillaries) and the blood that circulates throughout the body. This complex process starts when the air we breathe oxygenates the blood sent from the heart, the oxygen rich blood travels throughout the entire body through the arteries, and the veins return it to the heart to be pumped again and repeat the entire process your entire life. Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with - Congestive Heart Failure (CHF): Signature Health Services has treated patients with CHF for 25 years. We have developed expertise in teaching patients how to cope with the physical and demands of CHF and its treatment. -Other cardiovascular conditions we treat: Myocardial Infarctions, Arteriosclerosis, LVAD, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Hypertension, and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

What is the Respiratory system? The Respiratory System is in charge of delivering oxygen throughout the body with inhalation and exhaling carbon dioxide. This happens in a process called breathing. The air comes through the nose, into the sinuses, to go through the pharynx and trachea to reach the bronchial tubes, once the air has reached the lungs, the bloodstream delivers oxygen to all the organs and tissues of the body. Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Signature Health Services’ highly trained, skilled, and caring nurses and certified nurses’ aides have twenty-five years of award-winning treatment of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). -Other conditions we can help you with are Tracheostomy Care, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Smoking Cessation, and Pneumonia

What is the Musculoskeletal System? The musculoskeletal is designed to support the body weight, help you move to perform everyday tasks and physical activity, protect your internal organs, generate corporal heat and support blood circulation. The system includes all of the body’s bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with - Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that damages the central nervous system. - Fibromyalgia: Chronic condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and sudden mood swings. - Orthopedics: Orthopedics mainly deals with the correction of disorders and deformities related to the musculoskeletal system. Learn more about orthopedics today! - Other conditions we can help you with: Joint Replacement, Balance Problems Fall Risk Assessment, Care After a Fall, Debility, Osteoarthritis, Muscular atrophy, Arthritis, Orthopedic Injury, and Orthopedic Aftercare

What is the Urinary or Renal System? The Urinary System has the essential function of filtering blood to remove excess water and waste products. This process happens in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys remove urea from the blood through nephrons, this waste travels to the ureters and bladder and releases it through the urethra as urine. Functions of the Renal System 1. Removes waste products from the body 2. Regulate blood pressure 3. Removes toxins 4. Controls red blood cell production 5. Regulates body fluids Genitourinary System: The genitourinary system, or urogenital system, is the organs of the reproductive system and urinary systems' organs. Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with - Chronic Kidney Disease: Refers to the gradual loss of the kidney's function. This results in them being unable to filter blood as they are needed to. - Other conditions Signature health Services can help you with: Renal Failure (ESRD), Incontinence. Nephrostomy, Urinary Retention/Foley Care, and Ileostomy Care.

What are Infectious Diseases? Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by infectious organisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi). These organisms enter the body through an infected person, animal, or contaminated object, multiply, and result in an infection. Some infectious diseases are highly contagious, meaning they are able to be spread from carrier to host through direct or indirect contact. Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with - Infusion Services: Infusion therapy is when medication or fluids are administered through a needle or catheter. It’s a way of delivering medication that can’t be taken orally, or that needs to be dispensed at a controlled pace. - We also treat other conditions like Infectious Disease Management, Flu vaccines and treatment, MRSA, Pneumonia, and COVID-19

What is the Endocrine system? The endocrine system is the hormone regulating system in the body. Organs and glands such as the pancreas, ovaries, testicles, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid, thymus, and adrenal gland, are in charge of the creation and secretion of hormones and body chemicals into the bloodstream. This complex process regulates many functions of the body, such as growth, metabolism, regulates body temperature, fertility, development, controls appetite, and maintains all physiological cycles functioning correctly. Disorders in this system may cause problems such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity as a result of hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Graves’ disease. Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Obesity, and Post-operative Gastric Surgeries.

Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with: - Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - Neuropathy - Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) - Cancer - Anemia - Clotting Disorders

Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with: - Post-Operative Care - Wound Care - Wound Vacs - Complicated/Non-healing Wounds - Surgical Wounds/Incisions - Diabetic Ulcers - Arterial Ulcers - Pressure Ulcers/Bed sores - Venous Ulcers

Conditions and diseases Signature Health Services can help you with: - Gastric ulcers - Colitis - Nutrition/Enteral Feedings - Total Parenteral Nutrition - Colostomy Care - Ostomy Care

Some of the compliance plans we offer are: - Medication Education - Medication Reconciliation - Compliance Monitoring

Signature Health Services can help you with Implantable Devices such as ports, from insertion, care, and follow-up treatment.

Signature Health Services can help you with Amputation and Organ Transplant care.

Signature health Services can help you with PICC/Central Lines care.

What is in-home skilled nursing care? In-home skilled nursing care is a specialized profession that constantly evolves to serve a patient’s needs. Only registered nurses can perform this type of care. After a consultation with the doctor, a registered nurse will elaborate an individual treatment plan depending on the patient’s needs, requirements, and home safety evaluation. In-home skilled nursing care is the glue that holds the patient’s recovery journey together, and most importantly, the entire process is in the comfort of the patient’s home. In-home skilled nursing care in the Houston area Nurses go above and beyond to ensure the patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Their compassion and dedication to every single one of their patients are remarkable. At Signature Health Services, our patients can tell you for themselves their experience with our RNs. We are always looking to grow our family of RNs to keep providing the best home care for our local community. Houston is significant for us; throughout the years, we have been the premier home health care provider for this area. We will keep growing and working with local physicians and providers to ensure that we fulfill the needs of our residents with in-home skilled nursing care. What tasks does a nurse help perform? While a nurse is with you, they will perform several tasks to make sure you as a patient are taken care of, that your family is at peace knowing you are in good hands, and that your recovery journey is as fast and effective as possible. Some of these tasks include: - Administering medications - Assessing the patient’s situation - Constant observation - Keep a record of symptoms - Provide detailed information about recovery - Preparation for exams and treatments - Monitor side effects of medications - Have communication with your doctor - Check your vitals - Perform physical examinations - Record patient process What qualifies a patient for skilled nursing care? A patient qualifies for in-home skilled nursing care if they require daily care if recommended by a doctor, for post-operative wound care and complex wound dressings, and for patients who need Intravenous Therapy. It is essential to consult with your doctor and insurance company to make sure you qualify for In-home Skilled Nursing Care. Does insurance cover nursing care? At Signature Health Services, we understand the benefits of having skilled nursing care when needed. This home care provides peace, comfort, support, consistency, and a quicker journey towards recovery. We invite you to view our insurance page for detailed information about the insurance companies and medical partners we work with to provide the best Skilled Nursing Care for you and your family.

What is physical therapy? A physical therapist (PT) is a body and muscle expert who works with you to repair your movement and strength following an injury. They continuously evaluate the patient’s progress and help with specific exercises, stretches, and techniques to address the injuries the individual is experiencing. Our physical therapists provide help and guidance until the patient is fully recovered. Who needs physical therapy? This specialty has an extensive range of functions. It is helpful for people who are losing mobility due to age or who had an accident and need rehabilitation to regain mobility and strength. It can go from minor injuries like - Bone fracture - Muscle tear - Injured ligaments To more severe impairments such as the following CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident) - Rheumatism - Paraplegia - Limb amputation What tasks does a physiotherapist perform? Physical therapy utilizes various methods and techniques to help get your loved one back to a fuller range of motion. They will find the most suitable according to the patient’s demands and care plan. If the impairment is irreversible, they will look for a way to compensate for that condition and prevent muscle attrition. The most important tasks are: - Inform the patient or relatives about their medical status. - Perform different techniques, with hand movements or with special equipment (like weights, hydrotherapy, spring balancers, bands, etc.) - Motivate patients with their progress. - Massages for muscle relaxation and better circulation. - Analyze and generate reports of the patient’s improvement. - Guide patients to independently perform the exercises on their own. Can PT be preformed by a skilled nurse? Yes, physical therapy consists of many healthcare members, and nurses have a role in this situation. A team of doctors and nursing professionals coordinates the treatment measures with the other members as part of the overall therapy plan. They discuss both the medical prescriptions and the treatment with the patients themselves. Does insurance cover physical therapy? PT is covered by insurance companies. In Texas, the direct access law allows patients to receive physical therapy for a limited time. In most cases, the individual will need several sessions that won’t be covered in that limited time, so insurance will be needed. We invite you to view our insurance page for detailed information about the insurance companies and medical partners we work with to provide the best physical therapy for you and your family.

What is speech pathology therapy? Speech Language Pathologists (also known as SLPs or speech therapists) are professionals who care for speech and communication impairments. They can treat a wide range of issues, from people that stutter to people that have suffered strokes. Speech therapists can provide services to individuals, families, and groups. They can treat people of any age and work to improve the quality of life of people by reducing alterations in body functions. Our physical therapists provide help and guidance until the patient is fully recovered. Who needs speech pathology therapy? Some people might need longer treatments depending on their condition and the main issue causing the impairment. People with the following conditions usually require or will benefit from speech therapy: - Stroke - Brain injury - Learning disabilities - Hearing loss They can also assist people that struggle with - Stuttering - Speaking clearly - Swallowing These last three depend significantly on each individual and their progress in therapy. The SLP will give a diagnosis in the first session, so the patient and family members know how long the treatment will take. Sessions can go from a few months to even years. What tasks does a speech pathology therapist perform? The main objective of speech therapy is to improve the individual’s ability to communicate and to be able to perform non-verbal oral functions (for example: swallowing, sucking, chewing, and breathing), thus improving quality of life. With this in mind, the speech therapist will use the correct treatment and technique for each patient. Approaches can go from tongue, mouth, and cheeks exercises to Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) which improves breathing and strength for the expiratory muscles. The specialist, in some cases, can recommend relaxation exercises to relax the muscles that make it difficult to speak correctly. For more severe cases like a brain stroke, the main objective is to prevent further deterioration of the muscles since there is paralysis and the muscles lose strength. They also can help with memory and cognitive exercises to help the patient to have a better life and communicate better if possible. Does insurance cover speech pathology therapy? Insurance covers speech pathology, but the coverage can vary depending on the insurance. We invite you to view our insurance page for detailed information about the insurance companies and medical partners we work with to provide the best speech therapy for you and your family.

What is occupational therapy? People of all ages that suffer from motor and psychomotor disabilities will need an occupational therapist. They perform various activities and exercises with the patient to incorporate them into a normal lifestyle according to their environment and needs. These activities and methodology focus on adapting the patient to their new lifestyle and being as functional as possible on their own. Who needs occupational therapy? Occupational therapists treat a wide range of people with different impairments. These can be physiological or psychological impairments. They can treat the following disabilities and similar: - People that suffered a CVA (cerebrovascular accident) - Traumatic injuries to the brain or spinal cord - Patients with partial paralysis - Learning problems - Autism - Arthritis What are some occupational therapy tasks? It is essential to point out that OT (occupational therapy) differs from physical therapy (PT) in the sense that the latter focuses on rehab (increasing mobility and stopping or preventing further loss of capacities). In contrast, occupational therapy focuses on teaching patients new techniques and methods to live with this impairment or illness. These can be activities such as - Teaching the person how to dress (button their shirt with one hand, for example) - Learning how to cook - Enhancing the patient’s home with adaptations to improve independence (this maximizes confidence and comfort in the patient) Every healthcare practitioner should have a good relationship with the patient, but occupational therapists probably excel at this. They need to build trust with the patient, so they can know the person’s feelings, fears, and frustrations to inform the doctors and other healthcare practitioners. This relationship between patient and therapist is undoubtedly an essential aspect of OT. OT and Signature Health Services At Signature Health Services, our occupational therapy services include: - An individualized evaluation, during which personal goals are determined - Customized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities - Outcome evaluation to ensure goals are being met - Make changes to the intervention plan We provide the best healthcare services in Texas. If you have further doubts or need an occupational therapist for you or a close family member, contact us now!

What is a Medical Social Worker? Also known as health care social workers, medical social workers perform various activities, and their responsibilities are broad. They help patients and their families cope with the situation and assist doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. The activities vary daily and depend on the environment of the job. For example, the responsibilities they have in a patient’s home will be different from the ones they have in a nursing home. The change will also depend on the field they choose to specialize in since many medical social workers hold a specialty after they finish their Bachelor’s Degree. What Does a Medical Social Worker (MSW) do? These health care specialists have a broad spectrum of activities; any individual with an illness or injury could require their assistance. They can aid people who have suffered an accident by helping them with emotional support or help nurses with essential tasks such as keeping a record of medications, informing family members about the diagnosis, and making notes on the patient’s behavior and improvement. They can work in public and private institutions such as -Hospitals - Mental institutes - Home Care Services - Therapy care centers - Palliative care facilities - Public health institutions - Skilled Nursing Facilities These and more organizations require MSW since they are vital in the healthcare industry. A medical social worker can operate in the patient’s home as well. Besides their responsibilities to other medical staff members, MSW provides counseling and even therapy to the patient and family members to manage the condition and situation of the given circumstance. The main objective of MSW is to guide the patient through their rehabilitation process, assisting the patient and family emotionally and the responsibilities. They can also provide valuable information about programs or benefits that will help the patient and family financially with their diagnosis. Signature Health Services – Medical social workers Our Medical social workers are caring and understanding professionals to guide the patient and their families to achieve a better life. We aim to take care of the patient and perform other activities to improve the patient’s health. Does insurance cover medical social work? Temporary coverage can be issued by insurance. Not every case is eligible for coverage, so we invite you to view our insurance page for detailed information about the insurance companies and medical partners we work alongside.

What is a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)? A Certified Nurse Aide/assistant is an entry-level nurse in the healthcare industry. They are essential for caring for the patient and aiding nurses, therapists, and other medical staff with their duties. The responsibilities of a CNA go from dressing the patient to feeding him along with other basic day-to-day activities. They can also provide emotional support to caregivers. Responsibilities of a Certified Nurse Assistant A CNA is an entry-level position; therefore, it covers basic tasks to help the patient and other medical team members. A certified nurse assistant does not have a diploma, yet they do have to possess a certificate and training to perform their jobs. Here is a list of the most common tasks a CNA performs daily. - Give emotional support. - Answer phone calls. - Gathering medical supplies. - Checking and reporting patients’ vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate. - Assist with equipment and tools, getting them sanitized and ready for use. - Administer the proper medications and doses. - Aiding patients with routine tasks, including eating, bathing, dressing, and exercising. - Speak with family members about the patient’s condition. - Monitoring patient food and liquid intake. - Updating care team on changes in patient condition. Who needs a CNA? Quite often, they work under the supervision of a nurse. Therefore a CNA might come with a nurse or another medical staff required in their recovery process. Since they aid many healthcare service providers, they are vital in nursing homes, hospitals, and mental institutions. How can we help? We count on the most passionate and professional medical team at Signature Healthcare Services. We hire and train certified nurses aides to help medical staff and patients while providing support to family members. Does insurance cover CNAs? Yes, insurance companies do cover certified nurse assistants. We invite you to view our insurance page for detailed information about the insurance companies and medical partners we work with to provide the best physical therapy for you and your family.