Literature Review
Data-backed talent management: How 1 health system is streamlining operations + reducing costs
07/22/24 at 03:00 AMData-backed talent management: How 1 health system is streamlining operations + reducing costsBecker's Hospital Review; by Becker's in collaboration with AMN Healthcare; 7/17/24Healthcare talent acquisition and management face persistent challenges in today's labor market. How organizations confront these barriers, however, can serve as a key differentiator and lever for improvements in costs and recruits. Springfield, Ill.-based Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a multi-institutional healthcare system that cares for patients across 15 communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, partnered with AMN Healthcare and successfully implemented a new contingent labor strategy to stabilize rates and improve the quality of candidates. Here are four underpinnings that form the foundation of HSHS' and AMN Healthcare's partnership:
Hospice care provider embroiled in federal health care fraud allegations
07/22/24 at 03:00 AMHospice care provider embroiled in federal health care fraud allegationsMarketBeat; by Due.com; 7/18/24A hospice care provider has been at the center of allegations that it may have defrauded federal health care programs. According to court documents, Kindred at Home was accused of knowingly defrauding the U.S. government. The umbrella organization operated out of Atlanta and had multiple splinter branches, including Avalon, Kindred, SouthernCare, and SouthernCare New Beacon. Kindred at Home has now agreed to quash the allegations. The federal watchdogs’ grilling resulted in a financial penalty and closed nine separate lawsuits. ... Kindred has agreed to pay $19.428 million to resolve allegations. The federal government will receive $18,956,151.32, the State of Tennessee will receive $448,800 and the State of Ohio will receive $23,618.68. Editor's Note: This Kindred news story is flooding news circuits, due to the scope and significance of its impact. While we reported this on 7/19/24, we will provide occasional variations, keeping it in your awareness.
7 arrested in Arizona on hospice, behavioral health fraud charges
07/22/24 at 03:00 AM7 arrested in Arizona on hospice, behavioral health fraud charges Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 7/19/24 Seven individuals in Arizona face federal charges for their alleged roles in defrauding Medicare out of hundreds of millions of dollars in total. The charges for the most part stem from submitting Medicare claims for patients who were not eligible for hospice care, as well as fraud related to behavioral health services. The arrests were the result of a two-week nationwide federal law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges for 193 individuals for a total of more than $2.75 billion in alleged false claims, as well as opioid abuse schemes. ... “These cases involve not just massive fraud to steal public funds, but also exploitation of vulnerable victims and the misappropriation of resources earmarked for Native American communities,” said U.S. Attorney Restaino, in a statement. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners will pursue justice against those who perpetrate these sorts of schemes with the utmost vigor.”
Hospice El Paso celebrates new center for care with ribbon cutting ceremony
07/22/24 at 03:00 AMHospice El Paso celebrates new center for care with ribbon cutting ceremony ABC KVIA TV-7, El Paso, TX; by Valeria Medina; 7/18/24 Hospice El Paso has announced its new Center for Compassionate Care (CCC). Hospice El Paso celebrated the new center with a ribbon cutting ceremony held July 18th. Hospice El Paso says the new center is state-of-the-art and includes pain and anxiety management care. The facility offers 24-hour short-term hospitalized care for the needs of their patients. The CCC is also opening a pediatric unit that will be utilized to care for terminally-ill children and their families.
Pain patients aren’t 'drug users': Exposing a dangerous myth
07/22/24 at 03:00 AMPain patients aren’t 'drug users': Exposing a dangerous myth American Council on Science and Health; by Cameron English; 7/18/24 Chronic pain patients who take opioids under medical supervision are fundamentally different from recreational users who take drugs to get high. In their bid to destigmatize and legalize drugs, some drug policy reformers have attempted to blur this clear distinction. [Read case study of a hospice patient who was denied pain meds for longterm conditions, and was put on an opioid for which she had informed the hospice that she could not tolerate. Access to talking with her physician was denied. Result: She changed to a different hospice.]
End-of-life care is a profound and essential aspect of medical practice
07/22/24 at 03:00 AMEnd-of-life care is a profound and essential aspect of medical practice Market.US Media, New York; by Samruddhi Yardi; 7/19/24 According to End-of-Life Care Statistics, End-of-life care, also known as palliative care, refers to the comprehensive medical, emotional, and psychological support provided to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives, often due to terminal illnesses or conditions. [This article includes data on the following:]
Does Medicare pay for dementia care? Here’s what coverage you can expect for treatments and therapies
07/22/24 at 03:00 AMDoes Medicare pay for dementia care? Here’s what coverage you can expect for treatments and therapies Aol - Fortune; by Margie Zable Fisher; 7/18/24 Age-related memory loss is common, but more serious memory problems may be a sign of dementia, which is not a normal part of aging. ... Dementia patients have a variety of medical issues. “In addition to symptoms related to dementia, the overwhelming majority of dementia patients have one or more chronic health conditions,” says Matthew Baumgart, Vice President of Health Policy, at the Alzheimer's Association. Medicare (and Medicare Advantage) provide some coverage for dementia, beginning with the diagnosis, says Baumgart. [Click on the title's link for practical, user-friendly information about what Medicare provides arose the trajectory of dementia's progression. CMS's new GUIDE pilot program is described.]
Today's Encouragement: You don't need ...
07/22/24 at 03:00 AMYou don't need a New Year to make a change. You only need a Monday. ~ Anonymous
More people are dying at home. Is that a good thing?
07/22/24 at 02:15 AMMore people are dying at home. Is that a good thing? The Wall Street Journal; by Suniat Puri; 7/11/24 New research classifies the rise in home deaths as progress, but we need to look closely at what these death look like. In photos taken a year before we met, my patient smiled widely, flashing a peace sign, her feet planted in the damp sand of a local beach. “Mom was a firecracker,” her daughter told me. My patient, who now slurred her sentences, was dying of cirrhosis. Her jaundiced skin was golden, the corners of her pale lips crusted with dried blood. She wanted to die at home, according to her daughter, who had been estranged but re-entered her mother’s life to care for her. I was still in my training in palliative medicine and, like my patient’s daughter, I believed that a “good death” took place at home, surrounded by family. I shared her view that a hospital death was a failure, painful and undignified. I was glad to help her leave behind uncomfortable tubes and noisy machines for a death I presumed would be more peaceful. [Subscription may be required to continue reading.]
Why are some people happy when they are dying?
07/22/24 at 02:00 AMWhy are some people happy when they are dying? StudyFinds; by The Conversation, Mattias Tranberg, Lund University; 7/18/24Simon Boas, who wrote a candid account of living with cancer, passed away on July 15 at the age of 47. In a recent BBC interview, the former aid worker told the reporter: “My pain is under control and I’m terribly happy – it sounds weird to say, but I’m as happy as I’ve ever been in my life.” It may seem odd that a person could be happy as the end draws near, but in my experience as a clinical psychologist working with people at the end of their lives, it’s not that uncommon. There is quite a lot of research suggesting that fear of death is at the unconscious center of being human. William James, an American philosopher, called the knowledge that we must die “the worm at the core” of the human condition. But a study in Psychological Science shows that people nearing death use more positive language to describe their experience than those who just imagine death. This suggests that the experience of dying is more pleasant – or, at least, less unpleasant – than we might picture it.
Hospice CARES Act would update medical reviews, seek to reduce audits
07/21/24 at 03:50 AMHospice CARES Act would update medical reviews, seek to reduce audits Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 7/12/24 The forthcoming Hospice Care Accountability, Reform and Enforcement (Hospice CARE) Act from U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenaur (D-Oregon), if enacted, would implement a number of changes to medical review processes. ... Though the bill language is still in development, it will likely contain proposed updates to payment mechanisms for high-acuity palliative services, changes to the per-diem payment process and actions to improve quality and combat fraud. The bill would also implement a temporary, national moratorium on the enrollment of new hospices into Medicare, to help stem the tide of fraudulent activities among recently established providers concentrated primarily in California, Arizona, Texas and Nevada. ... Among the anticipated provisions of the bill would be an item requiring the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to use documentation in a patient’s medical record as supporting material. The documentation would include the reasons that an attending physician certified a patient for hospice and establish a six-month terminal prognosis.
Chevron deference derailed
07/21/24 at 03:45 AMChevron deference derailed The Rowan Report; by Kristin Rowan; 7/12/24 ... Chevron Deference in Home Health: Since the advent of the PDGM model, CMS has calculated payment rates based on its interpretation of budget neutrality. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice [NAHC] has disputed the validity of both the interpretation of budget neutrality and the formulas used to calculate it. Last year’s 2024 CMS Proposed Rule cut payment rates even further with a 2.890% Budget Neutrality permanent payment rate adjustment and a temporary rate adjustment to account for alleged overpayments from 2020-2022. The lawsuit filed against CMS in response to the 2024 Final Rule was dismissed. NAHC began pursuing an administrative review with CMS. [Click on the title's link to continue reading the discourse between CMS and NAHC, specific to home health.]
A ‘Culture of Caring’: Calvary Hospital’s 125 year legacy in hospice and palliative care
07/21/24 at 03:40 AMA ‘Culture of Caring’: Calvary Hospital’s 125 year legacy in hospice and palliative care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 7/11/24 Calvary Hospital in New York City is a progenitor of the hospice and palliative care models, but it has its eyes on the future nevertheless. The only hospital in the nation that is specifically devoted to hospice and palliative care, Calvary is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding this year. The faith-based organization was established in 1899 by a group of Catholic widows who called themselves the Women of Calvary. Its initial mission was to care for dying women who had been abandoned by the health care system, often with nowhere to live and no one to care for them.
[Global Partners in Care] 25 Years of Compassion and Impact
07/21/24 at 03:35 AM[Global Partners in Care] 25 Years of Compassion and Impact eHospice; 7/9/24 In 2024, Global Partners in Care (GPIC) celebrates its 25th anniversary. Over the past 25 years, GPIC has been dedicated to enhancing access to compassionate care for individuals and families across the globe who face serious illness, death and grief. This silver anniversary is a significant milestone in the history of the organization. Not only does it provide an occasion to reflect on the impact the organization has made, but it also provides an opportunity to consider numerous future possibilities.
Palliative care training initiative launches to improve quality among incarcerated populations
07/21/24 at 03:30 AMPalliative care training initiative launches to improve quality among incarcerated populations Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 7/12/24 The California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation’s Medical Facility (CMF) has launched a new palliative spiritual care training program aimed at improving services for incarcerated individuals. The new two-week spiritual training program was recently provided to palliative care service workers and volunteers to assist CMF’s clinical and nursing staff caring for patients at the facility’s hospice, correctional treatment center and memory care units. A dozen trainees recently completed the program, with CMF planning to provide an annual refresher course to all of its palliative care service workers, according to California Correctional Health Care Services CEO Joseph Garland. Editor's Note: One of the top read articles we've posted in 2024 has been "Death and redemption in an American prison," telling the story of Angola Prison's first hospice inmate care, from the experiences of Steven Garner; posted in our newsletter on 2/20/2024 and in our Sunday's Top Read Stories 3/3/2024.
Emory receives $5 million grant to improve geriatric care and education
07/21/24 at 03:25 AMEmory receives $5 million grant to improve geriatric care and education Saporta Report; by Emory University, Atlanta, GA; 7/16/24 Emory University has been awarded a $5 million cooperative agreement by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to enhance geriatric care and education for health care workers in Georgia’s urban and rural areas. This five-year funding will support Georgia Gear (Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program), operated through the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. ... The Georgia Gear program will partner with organizations including Georgia Memory Net, the Georgia Department of Public Health, Georgia Area Health Education Center, the Technical College System of Georgia, Emory Healthcare, the Atlanta VA Health Care System, and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM).
County Commissioners question providing nonprofits with funding
07/21/24 at 03:20 AMCounty Commissioners question providing nonprofits with funding Times Union Online, Kosciusko County, IN; by David L. Slone; 7/16/24 The future of Kosciusko County government providing funding to local nonprofit organizations is uncertain. Tuesday, after some discussion on the appropriateness of the county giving taxpayer dollars to nonprofits, the Kosciusko County Commissioners approved recommending to the County Council that seven nonprofits receive the same amount of funds in 2025 as they did in 2024. [Among the organizations listed is] Stillwater Hospice, $50,000. ... [Commissioner Cary] Groninger said the county council would have the final say on the nonprofit funding. ... [Commissioner Brad] Jackson said the decision was a tough one and they didn’t just want to stop providing funding without giving the nonprofits notice.
C-TAC: CMS’ ‘Palliative’ Definition in 2025 Proposed Hospice Rule ‘Misaligned, Problematic’
07/21/24 at 03:15 AMC-TAC: CMS’ ‘Palliative’ Definition in 2025 Proposed Hospice Rule ‘Misaligned, Problematic’ Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 7/12/24 Efforts to establish potential payment mechanisms for high-acuity palliative services within the Medicare Hospice Benefit will require greater clarity from regulators, according to the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC). The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2025 proposed hospice payment rule contained a request for information (RFI) on the potential implementation of reimbursement pathways for “high intensity palliative care services,” such as chemotherapy, blood transfusion and dialysis. CMS in its proposed rule indicated that, “Hospice care changes the focus of a patient’s illness to comfort care (palliative care) for pain relief and symptom management from a curative type of care.” C-TAC’s recommendations are as follows: [Click on the title's link to read more.]
[CHAP] Understanding the Certificate of Need (CON)
07/21/24 at 03:10 AM[CHAP] Understanding the Certificate of Need (CON) CHAP - From the CHAP Boardroom; by Michael Rovinsky, CHAP BoD & VP of Strategic Planning; email 7/12/24Navigating regulatory frameworks is crucial for community-based healthcare organizations looking to initiate or expand their services. The Certificate of Need (CON) stands as a pivotal regulatory tool in this endeavor, playing a significant role in the planning and delivery of healthcare services. In today’s discussion from the CHAP Boardroom, we delve into the Certificate of Need, exploring its implications and its influence on the landscape of community-based care.
When you know you might forget everything: Living with the Alzheimer’s gene
07/21/24 at 03:05 AMWhen you know you might forget everything: Living with the Alzheimer’s gene Intelligencer; by Amelia Schonbek; 7/16/24 In 2017, 23andMe began offering tests for the genetic risk of developing certain health conditions like celiac disease, Parkinson’s, and late-onset Alzheimer’s. The Alzheimer’s test will tell you if you have the gene variant APOE4, which means you have an increased likelihood of developing the disease. One in four people carry a single copy of the gene, but 2 to 3 percent of the population have two copies — one from each parent — and have a much higher probability. As with all of 23andMe’s upcharged “Health Predisposition Reports,” the sell on it was self-empowerment: Once you know, you can plan, allowing you to take charge of your well-being.
Sunday newsletters
07/21/24 at 03:00 AMSunday newsletters focus on headlines and top read stories of the last week (in order) - enjoy!
Today's Encouragement
07/21/24 at 03:00 AMLook at the sparrows; they do not know what they will do in the next moment. Let us literally live from moment to moment. ~Mahatma Gandhi
NAHC-NHPCO Alliance comments on Hospice CARE Act
07/21/24 at 03:00 AMNAHC-NHPCO Alliance comments on Hospice CARE Act HomeCare; 7/16/24 The NAHC-NHPCO Alliance submitted a comment letter to the office of Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR-3) on the discussion draft of the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement Act (Hospice CARE Act), along with an overview and section-by-section summary. The Hospice CARE Act focuses on hospice payment reform and program integrity. The two trade organizations said they have worked closely with Blumenauer for years on these issues and are committed to continuing the dialogue to secure optimal outcomes for hospice providers and the continued delivery of quality care for patients and their families.
Methadone versus other opioids for refractory malignant bone pain: a pilot randomised controlled study
07/20/24 at 03:45 AM[Australia] Methadone versus other opioids for refractory malignant bone pain: a pilot randomised controlled studySupportive Care in Cancer; Merlina Sulistio, Alexandra Gorelik, Hoong Jiun Tee, Robert Wojnar, David Kissane, Natasha Michael; 7/24Refractory cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) affects a patient's functional capacity and quality of life, but there is limited evidence to guide opioid choice. We assessed the feasibility, tolerability and possible efficacy of methadone rotation (MR) compared to other opioid rotations (OOR) in this cohort. Of 51 eligible participants...both groups displayed significant reduction in average...and worst pain...and total pain interference score. Oral morphine equivalent daily dose was reduced significantly in MR compared to the OOR group (d = - 0.8, p = 0.05). The incidence of opioid-related adverse events following MR was unchanged but lower in the OOR group. There were no within-group or between-group differences in satisfaction with analgesia at the end of the study.
Enhancing end-of-life care with home-based palliative interventions: A systematic review
07/20/24 at 03:40 AMEnhancing end-of-life care with home-based palliative interventions: A systematic reviewJournal of Pain and Symptom Management; by Diana Rodrigues Feliciano, Paulo Reis-Pina; 7/24Home-Based Palliative Care (HPC) interventions have emerged as a promising approach to deliver patient-centered care in familiar surroundings, aligning with patients' preferences and improving quality of life (QOL). HPC interventions demonstrate significant benefits in addressing the complex needs of patients with advanced illnesses. These findings underscore the importance of integrating HPC into healthcare systems to optimize outcomes and promote quality end-of-life care.Editor Note: blah.