About First Choice Healthcare...Caring for the Rio Grande Valley
First Choice Healthcare began serving patients in Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr and Willacy counties in 1997.It was established by founder and administrator Dr. Marcial Zamora. The addition of Jose Flores Martinez, R.N., serving as Director of Professional Services,has led to First Choice Healthcare emerging as one of the best home health agencies in the Rio Grande Valley.
First Choice Healthcare’s most important goal is to ensure quality patient care, and this is a goal that we take very seriously. Turnaround time to respond to our initial discharge call is within the same day and not to exceed 24 hours. Our hospital readmission rate within 30 days of admission to our agency is between 3%-5%, one of the highest ratings in the state. Our D.O.P.S. ensures the highest possible attention to all patients by being on call 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
First Choice Healthcare is one of only three other home health agencies in the Southern Region of Texas to receive a Silver Star in the Quality Achievement Award for Acute Care Hospitalization & Management of Oral Medication, presented by Sen. Eddie Lucio in a special ceremony on December 4, 2007.
Skills, Services Provided
- IV Therapy
- Port-a-cath Care
- Hickman / Groshong Care
- Respiratory Therapy
- Vent Care / Maintenance
- Tracheostomy Care
- Home Health Aide
- Social Services
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Orthopedic Care
- Chemotherapy
- Ostomy Care
- Provider Service (PHC)
- Enteral Feeding
- Diabetic Education
- Wound Vac Care
- Community-based Assistance
- Wound Care
- P1CC Line Care / Management
We do not provide the following services, but we will be able to provide referral.
- PN Therapy
- Home Dobutrex Infusion
- Hospice
- Pediatric Care
Insurance Coverages
We have an on-site insurance specialist to ensure that we have contracts with as many insurance companies as possible to better serve our patients. Insurances currently contracted include
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- County Indigent
- Care Improvement Plus
- Cigna
- Humana
- Pacificare
- Americare
- Wellcare
- Sterling Insurance Plans
- American Administrative Group
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas
- United Healthcare
- Oxford Healthplans
- UHC
- Medicare Master Piece
Future Goals
First Choice Healthcare will soon commence designating more than 1,000 square feet to their state-of-the-art lab for staff training and education. This lab will be the first of its kind in the Rio Grande Valley. We will continue to educate and update all staff members on new developments in the healthcare industry.
We are currently developing our electronic record and physician electronic signature systems to help expedite the patient admit/discharge process. Also, we will strive to improve our already high scores on our state surveys and audits.
Community Involvement
Because we believe in giving back to our community and providing assistance to those who are less fortunate, we provide courtesy visits to many patients, and we are proud supporters of the following organizations:
- Rio Grande Valley Food Bank
- Muscular Dystrophy
- County Indigent Care
- Comfort House
- Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
- Habitat for Humanity
We also hold membership with and/or sponsor the following organizations:
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- American Diabetic Association
- McAllen Chamber of Commerce
- American Cancer Society
- Texas Association of Health Care
- Rotary Club (Pending)
- Lions Club