Literature Review

AMA responds to UnitedHealth confirmation of stolen data from Change HealthcareAmerican Medical Association; 4/24/24The American Medical Association (AMA) is deeply concerned about the April 22 announcement from UnitedHealth Group (UHG) indicating vast amounts of sensitive medical data might have been stolen from Change Healthcare’s system and in the hands of malicious ransomware groups. “The AMA appreciates UHG’s statement outlining efforts to contain damage and provide support for people who are concerned about their personal data,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H. “The AMA urges UHG to quickly operationalize and fulfill its promises to help patients and physicians affected by the breach.”

Signify Health President: ‘We’re just scratching the surface’ on what can be done in the home Home Health Care News; by Andrew Donlan; 4/26/24 Signify Health was purchased by CVS Health for $8 billion in March 2023. Now, it’s one of the core tenants of CVS Healthspire, the health care services segment that CVS executives are banking on to drive future growth for the company. Paymon Farazi, the president of Signify Health, recently joined Home Health Care News’ Disrupt podcast to talk about Signify’s direction over a year after the CVS deal was closed, how the company could work with traditional home-based care providers in the future and where Farazi sees Signify – and health care – headed in the near- and long-term future.

HHS issues new rule to strengthen nondiscrimination protections and advance Civil Rights in health careHHS Press Office; 4/26/24Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) advancing protections against discrimination in health care. By taking bold action to strengthen protections against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, and disability, this rule reduces language access barriers, expands physical and digital accessibility, tackles bias in health technology, and much more.

Art exhibition held to honor hospice patientKTVN 2 News, Nevada; by Jake Reno; 4/28/24 Robert Henry, who has always dreamed of showcasing his artwork, was very overwhelmed and happy to see all of the people who came to see his work. Compassion Care Hospice and the Nevada Fine Arts held an art exhibition to honor Robert Henry, a hospice patient ... After members of the hospice care team found out more about Henry's story and how much art meant to him, they were inspired to figure out a way to honor him and his life's passion.

Five lessons I have learned in my first year as a hospice CEO Sussex World, UK; by Jasmine Cotton; 4/29/24We spoke to Lois Howell, Chief Executive Officer at St Wilfrid's Hospice in Chichester, about the top five lessons she has learnt in her first year as a hospice CEO. ... "I started my role as Chief Executive Officer at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester on March 27, 2023. Prior to this, I worked as the Director of Governance and Risk at the NHS Trust on the Isle of Wight ... These are five things I have learnt in my first year as CEO of a local hospice, ..." 

On the Scene: Suncoast Hospice Foundation GalaTampa Bay Business & Wealth; by Jo-Lynn Brown; 4/26/24 The Suncoast Hospice Foundation held its 22nd annual gala, at The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, in St. Petersburg. The foundation raised more than $346,000 at this year’s sold-out event, surpassing previous records of fundraising. 

The value of hospice-emergency department collaboration Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/29/24 Fostering greater collaboration between hospices and hospice emergency departments can help reduce health care costs, generate revenue and improve patient outcomes. Reducing hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits are key goals for many health care stakeholders, particularly those that operate within a value-based environment. ... Nearly 40 million seniors visit the ED annually, according to the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation at the University of Michigan. For patients, however, the ED may not always be the best option, Rebeka Malloy, director of clinical engagement for Compassion and Choices, said at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s (NHPCO) Virtual Interdisciplinary Conference. ...

Hospice Claims Edits for Certifying PhysiciansCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); Related CR Release Date 4/18/24; Effective Date: 5/1/24; Implementation Date: 10/7/24Related CR Title: Additional Implementation Edits on Hospice Claims for Hospice Certifying Physician Medicare EnrollmentStarting May 1, 2024, we’ll deny hospice claims if the certifying physician, including hospice physician and hospice attending physician, isn’t on our PECOS hospice ordering and referring files. This addresses hospice program integrity and quality of care per Section 6405 of the Affordable Care Act.

Penn State Hershey Medical Center nurses ratify new contractNBC WGAL TV 8; by Lori Has More; 4/27/24 More than 2,000 registered nurses working at Penn State Hershey Medical Center have ratified a new three-year contract. The union says their new deal will increase pay rates by an average of 22.5%, include more time off and new initiatives to address staffing needs. Editor's Note: These changes reflect national trends for recent healthcare strikes and high turnover rates: pay rates, work-life balance, and staffing. Additionally, we're seeing demands for improved workplace safety as a common theme for healthcare professionals.

How will AI affect care? Let us count the ways McKnights Senior Living; by John O'Connor; 4/25/24 A new report from the editors at Health IT Analytics describes a dozen leading areas where changes will take place. The top three are especially germane to the senior living and care sector. Leading the charge is clinical decision support. ... Following closely is the integration of AI in drug discovery and development. ... Rounding out the top three are electronic health records. ...

Kansas won't have legal medical pot or expand Medicaid for at least another year Newsday; by The Associated Press; 4/26/24 Kansas will remain among the handful of states that haven't legalized the medical use of marijuana or expanded their Medicaid programs for at least another year. Republican state senators on Friday blocked efforts to force debates on both issues before the GOP-controlled Legislature's scheduled adjournment for the year Tuesday. Supporters of each measure fell short of the 24 of 40 votes required to pull a bill on each subject out of committee.

Understanding is better than criticism The Pike County News Watchman; by Loren Hardin; 4/26/24 The first time I met Glenn was at his brother, Kenny’s, and sister-in-law, Tressie’s wedding anniversary party. ... Glenn walked into the party with a swagger, was wearing dark tinted sunglasses, grabbed his belt, pulled up his pants, stuck out his chest and sat down at the kitchen table. I thought, “Who is this guy wearing dark sunglasses on an overcast day?” To be honest, I thought, “This guy is kind of cocky acting”. Little did I know that in the not-too-distant future, I would become Glenn’s hospice social worker, nor did he? ... [Click on the title's link to read more of this insightful, inspirational story.]

University of Texas club puts life's memories into book for people receiving hospice care Austin American-Statesman; by Nicole Villalpando; 4/27/24 "What would you like your legacy to be?" Galilea Dupree asks Bob Bell, as she and two other University of Texas students gather around the dining room in Bell's North Austin home. ... Bob, 92, has congestive heart failure. After three strokes and two heart attacks, he began receiving services with Hospice Austin in November. He is one of nine people in hospice who are having their stories told by UT students as part of the Last Writers club. The club works with Hospice Austin and Compassus hospice to identify people who would like to have their stories told.