How We Started

From Start-Up to Success: A Three-Year Journey

2021: The Foundation Year

M O Dirieh rented a small office space in Cincinnati. After fifteen years as a director of non-profit Community Social Service programs, he’d taken his community experiences and a small business loan to launch Care Star Home Care LLC.

The first months were lean. Starting with just one nurse and himself, they served five clients in a single zip code. MOD handled everything: scheduling, billing, compliance, and marketing to reach new clients at medical facilities and also building relationships with discharge planners and social workers.

• Initial Challenges:
  • Securing Insurance Companies credentialing and contracts.
  • Building referral relationships
  • Developing policies and procedures
  • Managing cash flow until insurance payments started
  • Finding reliable staff willing to take a chance on a new agency

2022: Building Momentum

By the second year, word-of-mouth brought steady growth. The agency moved to hire its first administrative staff – a scheduler and a billing specialist. Their client base grew to 12 patients, and they expanded to serve two neighboring Counties (Butler and Warren County)

• Key Developments:
  • Added Skill Nursing services
  • Established contracts with two major insurance companies (Humana and United Health Care)
  • Hired LPNs to cover Skill nursing services
  • Started a weekend coverage program

2023: Growth and Systems

The third year marked significant expansion. Care Star Home Care LLC now serves four (4) counties and has built a reputation for reliability. The staff grew to include:

• 2 LPNs
• 1 Physical Therapists
• 2 Occupational Therapists
• Full Administrative Team

• Operational Achievements:
  • Earned Joint Commission accreditation
  • Developed a comprehensive staff training program
  • Established partnerships with three major hospital systems
  • Launched a specialized wound care program

2024: Present Day

MOD looks around his current office – Charts on his wall show their progress:

• The number of active patients is increasing significantly.
• Full-Time Staff has increased to a higher level.
• 95% Patient Satisfaction Rate
• Stable Financial Position With Consistent Growth

What started as a dream to provide better patient care has become a thriving healthcare business. They’ve maintained their core values while building sustainable operations:

• Competitive Staff Wages and Benefits
• Ongoing Training and Education
• Strong Quality Metrics
• Solid Compliance Program
• Healthy Referral Partnerships

The next three years look promising, with plans for:

• Adding New Specialty Programs
• Geographic Expansion
• Enhanced Technology Systems
• Staff Development Initiatives
• Community Outreach Programs

Looking back, MOD realizes that each year brought its own lessons. Year one was about survival and establishing legitimacy. Year two focused on building systems and processes. Year three allowed for expansion and refinement. Now, entering year four, they’re positioned for sustainable growth while maintaining the quality care that’s been their hallmark since day one.