Literature Review
Doctor sues to save Medicare billing rights over hospice role
10/28/24 at 03:00 AMDoctor sues to save Medicare billing rights over hospice role Bloomberg Law; by Ganny Belloni; 10/24/24 A medical director designee at a California hospice sued the US Department of Health and Human Services to prevent the termination of his physician billing privileges after an independent contractor found his affiliation with the facility posed a fraud risk to the Medicare program. The lawsuit filed Wednesday by internal medicine physician Rami Shaarawy seeks injunctive relief from the US District Court for the Central District of California preventing the HHS’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from sanctioning the doctor until his dispute is resolved through Medicare’s internal appeals process.
Introducing Vivie: A new name with the same heart for service
10/28/24 at 03:00 AMIntroducing Vivie: A new name with the same heart for service 1045 TheDan.com - Business Wire, Alexandria, MN; 10/24/24 Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist announce their new name and brand—Vivie. Vivie provides home health care, hospice, senior living, rehab, and more. ... With more than 150 years of combined service to older adults in their communities, Vivie unites two trusted legacies under one name and vision. As Vivie, the organization remains dedicated to the values that have made Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist pillars in their communities for generations. After merging in January 2024, the newly formed organization quickly began an extensive process to find a single, unifying name. "While our name is new, our heart for service remains the same," shared Mark Anderson, President and CEO. “We will continue to build on the solid foundation built by Knute Nelson and Walker Methodist, expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.” The name “Vivie” is derived from the Latin root “viv” to paint a compelling picture of what it means to live. The new brand represents a vision for the future, rooted in our mission of enriching, empowering, and elevating people throughout life’s journey.
Today's Encouragement: One day or ...
10/28/24 at 03:00 AMOne day or day one. It's your decision. ~ Unknown
Hospital teams up with 'Sesame Street': 6 things to know
10/28/24 at 03:00 AMHospital teams up with 'Sesame Street': 6 things to know Becker's Health IT; by Giles Bruce; 10/23/24 A California hospital's work with "Sesame Street" is helping advance digital health. Here are six things to know:
‘Let patients lead the way’: Hospice veterans’ advice for new nurses
10/28/24 at 03:00 AM‘Let patients lead the way’: Hospice veterans’ advice for new nurses Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 10/25/24 ... A key barrier to building [the hospice and palliative care] workforce is that, with some exceptions, most clinicians receive little to no exposure to those types of care during their training. Nurses who are new to the hospice space often face a learning curve, according to Briana Hilmer, an Iowa-based admissions nurse for St. Croix Hospice.
What is narrative medicine? Finding humanity in health care
10/28/24 at 03:00 AMWhat is narrative medicine? Finding humanity in health care Rheumatology Advisor; by Matthew Eck, MS; 10/25/24 Health care requires humanity. At its roots, narrative medicine embodies this ideology. Coined in 2000 by internist and scholar Rita Charon, MD, PhD, the field is “medicine practiced with the narrative competence to recognize, interpret, and be moved to action by the predicament of others.” ... Narrative medicine is less a specific practice and more a theoretical framework that equips caregivers and health care professionals with tools to provide more holistic care. These tools stem from storytelling principles and literature, which can hone our empathic and listening skills. ... Medical schools across the country are increasingly tailoring their curricula to include humanities-focused aspects, ... Conclusion: Regardless of one’s feelings about health care infrastructure in the United States, narrative medicine illuminates a profound truth — more can be done to accommodate patients of different backgrounds. Narrative medicine can offer health care providers a new way of thinking, attending, and recognizing. It could bring us closer to the human condition than ever before.
The case for stronger caregiver vetting in home care
10/28/24 at 03:00 AMThe case for stronger caregiver vetting in home care Home Health Care News; by Audrie Martin; 10/24/24 Direct care workers are, in many ways, the collective face of home-based care organizations. They are who clients and patients interact with. Therefore, regulators and providers are increasingly taking a closer look at who they’re hiring in the first place. While it is shocking to see caregivers commit crimes against clients, it does happen. About one in six people aged 60 and older experienced some form of abuse during 2023, according to the World Health Organization. Rates of abuse against older people have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic and are predicted to continue rising as many countries experience rapidly aging populations. To combat this trend, increased vetting is essential when hiring individuals to care for seniors in their homes. Editor's note: Related, disturbing articles we posted recently include ...
Lightways Hospice in Joliet dedicates street to former CEO Duane Krieger
10/28/24 at 02:45 AMLightways Hospice in Joliet dedicates street to former CEO Duane Krieger The Herald News, Joliet, IL; by Denise Unland; 10/24/24 On Tuesday [10/22], Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet dedicated its drive to former CEO Duane Krieger of Shorewood on what would have been his 88th birthday. He did earlier this year, May 28, 2024. [He proudly spent his final days benefitting from his life’s work, Lightways Hospice (formerly Joliet Area Community Hospice) surrounded by his family and so many friends. ... In 1992 he joined Joliet Area Community Hospice as CEO and soon created the first in- patient hospice in Illinois. He proudly led the capital campaign that allowed JACH to move into a brand new, state of the art facility in 2004, ultimately becoming Lightways Hospice. He retired, twice, from his employment in hospice but never stopped working for its benefit.]**From Duane Krieger's obituary, as the 10/24 article is behind a paywall for most readers.
The ever-rising importance of hospital chaplains
10/28/24 at 02:00 AMThe ever-rising importance of hospital chaplains RNS; by Robert L. Klitzman; 10/24/24 Frequently, chaplains are the only hospital staff member who has time to sit and speak with patients and families. ... “My religion is watching CNN,” a feisty elderly woman with cancer recently told a hospital chaplain who had knocked on the patient’s door to introduce himself. ... [After initial resistance, they] developed a rapport, and she described her deep loneliness and terror of dying. At the end of their conversation, she felt better, grasped the chaplain’s hand firmly and said, “Thank you!” ... In recent decades, the proportion of Americans who are “religiously unaffiliated” has risen sixfold, and the percentage of “Christian” individuals has dropped about a third. Partly as a result, chaplains have, at the same time, increasingly gained training in interfaith and nondenominational approaches, and frequently see their profession as “post-religious” — extending beyond the boundaries of any one particular faith; taking nondenominational, multifaith and humanistic approaches; and commonly receiving training in counseling. With these skills they aid patients, from evangelical to agnostic, atheist and “nothing in particular,” in resetting priorities and finding sources of connection, meaning, purpose and hope. Strongly committed to aiding vulnerable and underserved populations, chaplains remind doctors to uphold the dignity of every patient.
Diagnosed with disease he studied, Stanford doctor puts his personal story at center of new class.
10/28/24 at 02:00 AMDiagnosed with disease he studied, Stanford doctor puts his personal story at center of new class. NBC Bay Area; 10/24/24 Stanford Medicine physician Dr. Bryant Lin is the perfect professor to teach the course “From Diagnosis to Dialogue: A Doctor's Real-Time Battle with Cancer” at Stanford. And that’s not necessarily a good thing. The class focuses on the cancer journey of a non-smoking patient diagnosed with lung cancer. Dr. Lin is that patient. “I want to take something that is obviously very negative to me personally and get some benefit out of it for at least for other people,” Dr. Lin said. 20 years ago, Dr. Lin chose a career in medicine for a simple reason. “I wanted that personal connection and that satisfaction from helping people on a day-to-day basis,” Dr, Lin said. This same motivation led Dr. Lin to co-found Stanford’s Center for Asian Health Research and Education in 2018, with a particular focus on lung cancer in non-smokers. This is why Dr. Lin was (and in a way was not) surprised when earlier this year he found himself part of the 20% of lung cancer patients who have never smoked. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading this inspirational story.]
Hospice executives laser-focused on regulation, see change on horizon
10/28/24 at 02:00 AMHospice executives laser-focused on regulation, see change on horizon Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/24/24 ... Hospice News spoke with c-suite executives who have recently stepped into their roles to learn more about what led them to the space and their top priorities. Regulatory challenges are among hospice leaders’ most significant concerns. They also envision opportunities to reform the Medicare Hospice Benefit and diversify their scope of services.
[In case you missed it] The HOPE Assessment Tool: What you need to know [free webinar by CHAP]
10/27/24 at 03:55 AM[In case you missed it] The HOPE Assessment Tool: What you need to know [free webinar by CHAP]Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP); 10/21/24 On October 16, 2024, we hosted a webinar on the upcoming implementation of the HOPE Assessment Tool, which will catalyze hospice care starting in 2025. The webinar provided valuable insights into the tool’s implementation, content highlights, and its anticipated impact on hospice program operations. During the session, participants asked numerous important questions, many of which we’ve compiled into this FAQ for further clarification. Access the recorded session and handouts if you missed it or would like to review the presentation.
Customizing a palliative program to patient, payer priorities
10/27/24 at 03:50 AMCustomizing a palliative program to patient, payer priorities Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 10/23/24 While some palliative care programs mirror the hospice model, more operators are working to tailor their services to patients’ specific needs, with varying intensity. This is increasingly important as payment shifts towards value-based payment models in which demonstrating cost savings is crucial to success. Providers need to demonstrate strong performance on quality scores as well as a track record of effectively preventing avoidable hospitalizations, readmissions and emergency department visits. This is particularly the case when negotiating contracts with Medicare Advantage plans, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and other value-based payment arrangements, Sue Lynn Schramm, a partner of the hospice and palliative care consulting company Confidis, LLC, said in a presentation at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization Annual Leadership Conference. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
Why home health providers want employees working at top of license
10/27/24 at 03:45 AMWhy home health providers want employees working at top of license Home Health Care News; by Audrie Martin; 10/17/24 As home health organizations fight for a margin in tough labor and payment environments, they are increasingly seeking ways to help employees practice at the top of their licenses. By applying top-of-license assignments in organizations, less complex work is handed off to the level below. This allows organizations to see more patients, bill for more services, reduce burnout and provide better care. The process helps employees feel more satisfied, and also could help with recruitment. “What we’ve got to do is improve our margins,” Pinnacle Home Care CEO Shane Donaldson recently said at Home Health Care News’ FUTURE conference. “That means we’ve got to get evaluating clinicians to do as many evaluations and assessments as possible, and we’ve got to get the non-evaluating clinicians doing the majority of straight visits.”
Telehealth vs in-person early palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer-A multisite randomized clinical trial
10/27/24 at 03:40 AMTelehealth vs in-person early palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer-A multisite randomized clinical trialJAMA; Joseph A. Greer, PhD; Jennifer S. Temel, MD; Areej El-Jawahri, MD; Simone Rinaldi, ANP-BC; Mihir Kamdar, MD; Elyse R. Park, PhD, MPH; Nora K. Horick, MS; Kedie Pintro, MS; Dustin J. Rabideau, PhD; Lee Schwamm, MD; Josephine Feliciano, MD; Isaac Chua, MD, MPH; Konstantinos Leventakos, MD, PhD; Stacy M. Fischer, MD; Toby C. Campbell, MD; Michael W. Rabow, MD; Finly Zachariah, MD; Laura C. Hanson, MD; Sara F. Martin, MD; Maria Silveira, MD; Laura Shoemaker, DO; Marie Bakitas, DNSc; Jessica Bauman, MD; Lori Spoozak, MD; Carl Grey, MD; Leslie Blackhall, MD; Kimberly Curseen, MD; Sean O’Mahony, MB, BCh, BAO; Melanie M. Smith, MD; Ramona Rhodes, MD; Amelia Cullinan, MD; Vicki Jackson, MD; for the REACH PC; 9/24The delivery of early palliative care virtually vs in person demonstrated equivalent effects on quality of life in patients with advanced NSCLC [non-small cell lung cancer], underscoring the considerable potential for improving access to this evidence-based care model through telehealth delivery.
Eight important financial questions to ask your aging parents
10/27/24 at 03:35 AMEight important financial questions to ask your aging parents LifeHacker; by Emily Long; 10/23/24Money conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are also essential. ... When you start asking financial questions of your parents, remember that you don't need specifics, such as dollar amounts or who is inheriting what. The purpose of these discussions is to ensure your parents' wishes are backed by a plan and to understand whether (and how) they want or need your support as they age. Their plan may also affect you directly if you have power of attorney, help with paying bills, or are expected to be a caregiver in the future.
Annual wellness visits and early dementia diagnosis among Medicare beneficiaries
10/27/24 at 03:30 AMAnnual wellness visits and early dementia diagnosis among Medicare beneficiariesJAMA Network Open; Huey-Ming Tzeng, PhD; Mukaila A. Raji, MD, MS; Yong Shan, PhD; Peter Cram, MD, MBA; Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD; 10/24Optimal dementia care depends on early recognition of cognitive impairment and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). Optimal dementia care should reflect what matters most to patients and adhere to evidence-informed ADRD stage-specific health care. These findings indicate that AWV [annual wellness visit] recipients had a timelier first MCI [mild cognitive impairment] diagnosis than those who did not receive an AWV, but first ADRD diagnosis differed little. This study suggests that the Medicare AWV health policy may increase MCI identification, prompting more specialized care.
SSM Health at Home joins Wisconsin Hospice & Palliative Care Collaborative
10/27/24 at 03:25 AMSSM Health at Home joins Wisconsin Hospice & Palliative Care Collaborative Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 10/22/24 The home health and hospice provider SSM Health at Home has joined the Wisconsin Hospice & Palliative Care Collaborative (WHPCC). SSM Health at Home is part of the SSM Health System. Headquartered in Missouri, the system also services patients in Illinois, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. WHPCC was incorporated as a 501c3 organization in 2021. The collaborative includes members Agrace, Rainbow Hospice Care, Unity Hospice, Adoray Home Health & Hospice, Hospice Alliance and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Their combined geographic footprint covers 80% of the state.
Martis Capital rumored to purchase Three Oaks Hospice’s in $150m deal
10/27/24 at 03:20 AMMartis Capital rumored to purchase Three Oaks Hospice’s in $150m deal Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/18/24 The private equity firm Martis Capital may soon acquire Dallas-based Three Oaks Hospice for a price tag ranging from $150 million to $160 million. Rumors of the potential sale appeared today in an Axios report, in which unnamed sources reportedly confirmed the deal. The Nashville-based investment and management company Petra Capital currently owns Three Oaks Hospice, which reportedly generates between $10 and $13 million in EBITDA, Axios indicated. Rumors that the hospice was considering a potential sale were first reported last month by the website Ion Analytics. The private-equity backed company provides hospice, palliative care and bereavement services across 28 locations in seven states.
America’s longest-serving sheriff enters hospice at age 92
10/27/24 at 03:15 AMAmerica’s longest-serving sheriff enters hospice at age 92 Georgia Sun; by Thom Chandler; 10/17/24 Cullen Talton, Houston County Sheriff for nearly 52 years, has entered hospice care, marking the end of an era in Georgia law enforcement. Talton, 92, is the longest-serving sheriff in the United States, and his health decline was announced at the Georgia Sheriff’s Association’s annual luncheon.
Home health care aide charged with manslaughter in death of elderly central Florida man
10/27/24 at 03:10 AMHome health care aide charged with manslaughter in death of elderly central Florida man West Orlando News, Orlando, FL; by Staff; 10/20/24[This article updates the story we posted on 10/1/24, Polk County home health aide accused of sleeping on the job arrested in man’s death: ‘He was old anyway.']... According to the affidavit, Taylor, who was employed by Assisting Hands Home Health Care as a health aide, worked the evening hours at the man’s home in Winter Haven. ... He was also receiving services from Good Shepherd Hospice beginning on August 14, 2024. ... During an autopsy, it was discovered the patient had an implanted pacemaker. The device manufacturer was later able to conduct a download and provide cardiac data stored on the victim’s implanted pacemaker which confirmed that the victim was still alive at 1:00am when the victim was initially found by Taylor lying on the floor. According to the Medical Examiner, had Taylor called 9-1-1 when she first found the victim, as required by her own company’s policy, the victim would not have died. The Medical Examiner ruled the victim’s cause of death positional asphyxia with a contributory cause of pre-existing health issues.
Law Offices of Robert E. Brown, P.C. files lawsuit in high-profile home care attendant neglect case involving alleged violent assault on elderly hospice patient
10/27/24 at 03:05 AMLaw Offices of Robert E. Brown, P.C. files lawsuit in high-profile home care attendant neglect case involving alleged violent assault on elderly hospice patient Chicago News; 10/22/24 The Law Offices of Robert E. Brown, a leading legal advocate in home care neglect cases, has filed a lawsuit against three Visiting Nurse Service entities and individual defendant Joy Odunze-Matthew, following the violent assault of Carolyn Albanese, a terminally ill hospice patient under their care. The complaint, filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Richmond County, details the disturbing events surrounding the case of Ms. Carolyn Albanese, who was brutally attacked by her home care attendant, Joy Odunze-Matthew, on multiple occasions with a weapon. The most recent attack, which occurred on September 10, 2024, was captured on video and involved the defendant striking the elderly patient with a weapon, leaving Ms. Albanese who was trapped with this home care attendant, with severe physical injuries and mental anguish. Editor's note: This terribly disturbing incident is different from the story we posted yesterday, Home health care aide charged with manslaughter in death of elderly central Florida man. For related posts in today's issue, see De-Escalating angry people: A critical safety skill in education and healthcare.
Today's Encouragement
10/27/24 at 03:00 AMAt the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought but what we built; not what we got but what we shared; not our competence but our character; and not our success but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of love. ~Unknown
Sunday newsletters
10/27/24 at 03:00 AMSunday newsletters focus on headlines and top read stories of the last week (in order) - enjoy!
Vitas, Big Bend, Heart to Heart, Family Hospice unveil new locations
10/27/24 at 03:00 AMVitas, Big Bend, Heart to Heart, Family Hospice unveil new locations Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/25/24