Literature Review
Addressing hospice care Medicare fraud: Awareness and action
08/20/25 at 03:00 AMAddressing hospice care Medicare fraud: Awareness and actionInvestors Hangout; by Lucas Young; 8/18/25 The New York StateWide Senior Action Council (StateWide) is an impactful 53-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to assisting approximately 2.5 million senior citizens. Recently, they have spotlighted a concerning trend in their monthly Medicare Fraud identification: Hospice Care Medicare Fraud. This initiative is part of the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), which equips older adults and their caregivers with the knowledge to detect, prevent, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. StateWide administers this program for New York State, acting as a crucial resource for senior citizens across the region. [This article provides simple, clear facts for the public.]
Study: Specialized nursing home physicians cut emergency visits for Medicare dementia residents
08/20/25 at 03:00 AMStudy: Specialized nursing home physicians cut emergency visits for Medicare dementia residentsMcKnights Long-Term Care News; by Donna Shryer; 8/17/25 A major new study suggests that Medicare beneficiaries with dementia receive better care when treated by clinicians who specialize in nursing home practice — meaning they provide at least 80% of their services in nursing facilities — rather than general practitioners who only occasionally visit. The research, published in JAMA Health Forum, analyzed care for more than 417,000 long-stay nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias over six years. The study found that residents cared for by nursing home specialists — clinicians who provide at least 80% of their services in nursing facilities — experienced 7% fewer preventable hospitalizations and emergency room visits compared to those treated by nonspecialists.
Bedside at the beginning & end: A photo essay of birth & death doulas
08/20/25 at 03:00 AMA photo essay of birth & death doulas Charlotte Magazine; by A.M. Stewart; 8/17/25 I photographed my first death at 17. It was my great-grandmother’s funeral, and something inside me said it was an important moment to document. But it wasn’t until 2018—19 years later, when my father died—when I began to devote part of myself as a documentary photographer to the subject of death and dying.
IL law calls for annual report on prison hospice, palliative care
08/20/25 at 03:00 AMIL law calls for annual report on prison hospice, palliative care WAND News, Springfield, IL; by Mike Miletich; 8/15/25 Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill into law Friday to require the Illinois Department of Corrections report data on hospice care available for prisoners. More than 1,000 Illinois prisoners are 65 or older, and a growing number of those people are in need of end-of-life care and support services. The Department of Corrections does not have a formal hospice program, as end-of-life care is provided on a prison by prison basis.
The Medicare Advantage, ACA and No Surprises Act lawsuits to watch
08/20/25 at 03:00 AMThe Medicare Advantage, ACA and No Surprises Act lawsuits to watch Modern Healthcare; by Bridget Early; 8/18/25 Legal challenges to Medicare Advantage marketing, health insurance exchange regulations and the No Surprises Act are working their way through the courts with major implications for the healthcare sector. Here are some key cases that could change how health insurance companies sell Medicare plans, how insurers and providers resolve out-of-network billing disputes, how consumers sign up for health insurance exchange plans, and how preventive healthcare is covered.
Pet volunteers helping those at Hinds Hospice through challenging times
08/20/25 at 03:00 AMPet volunteers helping those at Hinds Hospice through challenging times ABC Action News KFSN-30 - Fresno, CA; by Ana Torrea; 8/15/25 Going through a terminal illness can be hard on a person and their family. Being placed in hospice or palliative care can be just as isolating. Pet volunteers can help ease their feelings of anxiety and loneliness. Sven Hamilton is the Director of Volunteer Services with Hinds Hospice. "Most importantly, it's just being able to be there for our patients and to bring that little bit of joy as they are facing a disconnection with all the things they once loved," he said. Health experts say animal-assisted therapy can help enhance physical, emotional and social well-being.
Asking older adults with impaired cognition and care partners about serious illness experiences can elicit goals of care during advance care planning
08/20/25 at 02:00 AMAsking older adults with impaired cognition and care partners about serious illness experiences can elicit goals of care during advance care planning Americn Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; by Glory H. Thai, BS, Valecia Hanna, MS, Peiyuan Zhang, MSW, Chase Mulholland Green, MPH, John Cagle, PhD, MSW, Jennifer L. Wolff, PhD, and Martha Abshire Saylor, PhD, RN; 8/13/25 Older adults with cognitive impairment and their care partners were able to respond to serious illness experience questions, with responses eliciting a spectrum of goals of care. Integrating such questions into advanced care planning (ACP) for older adults with cognitive impairment may clarify goals of care and improve decision-making for patients and families.
How to strategically integrate AI without falling for the hype
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMHow to strategically integrate AI without falling for the hype Forbes; by Mammon Baloch; 8/14/25 In the current business environment, companies must develop a clear and strategic understanding of how to leverage AI effectively. As the leader of an organization focused on AI and SaaS integrations, I've seen a pervasive and harmful myth take hold: the notion that AI is a plug-and-play miracle, capable of solving every business challenge on its own. This misconception breeds inflated expectations and distracts from the real, achievable strategic advantages that AI offers.
Aveanna beefs up advocacy efforts, leans into preferred payer strategy
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMAveanna beefs up advocacy efforts, leans into preferred payer strategy Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 8/15/25 Amid an uncertain reimbursement environment and sea of recent policy updates, Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: AVAH) remains focused on the strategies that have been helping the company achieve success. ... This means ramping up the company’s efforts around advocacy, as well as actively working with various state Medicaid programs. Home Health Care News caught up with Jim Melancon at last month’s National Alliance for Care at Home Financial Summit to learn more. Melancon serves as senior vice president of government affairs at Aveanna. ... The company has 327 locations across 34 states.
Flu, COVID-19 vaccination rates falling among health care workers
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMFlu, COVID-19 vaccination rates falling among health care workers WWLP, Springfield, IL, originally Boston, MA; by Alison Kuznitz; 8/14/25 The rate of Massachusetts health care workers vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 is declining, despite state officials pushing for the vast majority of providers to get their shots in order to stunt the spread of illnesses. The Department of Public Health’s goal is to achieve an annual flu and COVID immunization rate of 90% or higher among eligible health care personnel at all licensed facilities and emergency medical services. ... During the 2024-25 respiratory virus season, an average of 83.5% of providers in acute care hospitals were vaccinated against the flu, ... That compares to ... 52.3% in nursing homes, 68.7% in rest homes, 52.2% in adult day health programs, 21.2% in EMS and 65.4% in hospice. Editor's Note: Is 65.4% high enough for health care workers who consistently tending many of the most vulnerable persons receiving health care? What are the vaccination rates for your organization?
35 years of palliative care progress: What lies ahead for society engagement?
08/19/25 at 03:00 AM35 years of palliative care progress: What lies ahead for society engagement? Journal of Pain & Symptom Management; by Vilma A Tripodoro, Marie-Charlotte Bouësseau, Stephen Connor, Carlos Centeno; 8/14/25This special article presents a narrative synthesis of key policy milestones, conceptual transitions, and global indicators in the development of palliative care. It contrasts two WHO-endorsed public health models: the 2007 "Umbrella" strategy and the 2021 "House" framework, analysing their complementarities and global relevance. ... The future of global palliative care depends on political will, fair allocation of resources, robust monitoring, and meaningful community participation. ...
Major health systems undergoing COO transitions in 2025
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMMajor health systems undergoing COO transitions in 2025 Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 8/15/25 Several major U.S. health systems have appointed COOs this year — some to newly created positions — amid a resurgence of the COO role. While some systems have tapped internal veterans as successors, others have chosen new COOs from outside their organizations. Here are 11 COO changes to know: ...
Hands
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMHands Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA); by R. Jordan Williams, MD, MPH; 8/13/25Lend me your hand Callused or calaminedWrinkled or plump,Nails bittenNails extendedSplintered and pittedNails neatly or never cropped.Lend me your hand Strong or weak Cold or warmingSwollen and swanned; Gnarled in knots ...Editor's Note: Continue reading this powerful poem. Additionally, JAMA published this description of the poem, "Poetry and the Medicine of Touch" by Rafael Campo, MD, MA: "In this deeply felt poem, the hand becomes a potent metaphor for our shared humanity ... Aspiring clinicians are still taught to assess, to palpate, to diagnose through touch. Yet, as “Hands” reminds us, patients’ hands hold far more than clinical signs—they reflect stories, histories, fears, and hopes. ..."
Today's Encouragement: It is in your hands to ..
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMIt is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it. ~ Nelson Mandela
[United Kingdom] Dying patients bundled into ambulances and transferred in their final hours after 'cruel' managers shut hospice without warning
08/19/25 at 03:00 AM[United Kingdom] Dying patients bundled into ambulances and transferred in their final hours after 'cruel' managers shut hospice without warning Daily Mailm United Kingdom; by Liz Hull; 8/15/25 Dying patients were bundled into emergency ambulances and moved in their final hours after managers shut down a hospice without warning. Nurses on duty at the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, in Leeds, were left in tears after being told to ring relatives of end-of-life patients with the distressing news that their loved ones were being immediately transferred. ... One woman died within five hours of being moved, while another two patients had passed away within 48 hours. At least two families lodged formal complaints about their treatment in the aftermath.
Is Gen Z changing the culture of medicine?
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMIs Gen Z changing the culture of medicine? Medscape; by Kelly K. James; 7/9/25 ... In the workplace, Boomers are often assumed to have strong work ethics, while Millennials tend to value their free time more than preceding generations. While generational generalizations have shortcomings (as do all generalizations), the incoming crop of Gen Z doctors will likely affect the culture of medicine in significant ways. ...
YoloCares: A caring coalition for California
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMYoloCares: A caring coalition for California The Davis Enterprise; by Craig Dresang; 8/15/25 In his closing remarks at a 2016 stakeholder meeting, hosted by the National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Victor Dzau (academy president) said, “We need a coalition, a movement, a critical mass. We need to work together so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We need to come together to develop resources for policy and communication. We need to improve our communication — to patients and families, healthcare providers, government, and the public.” His words perfectly captured the founding spirit of the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California. ... The group is a small but mighty powerhouse that works closely with healthcare systems and providers, patient advocacy groups, professional associations and policy — and lawmakers to promote high-quality care for seriously ill Californians.
Guest Voice: What ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ teaches us about living with MS
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMGuest Voice: What ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ teaches us about living with MS Multiple Sclerosis News Today; by Donald Kushner, MD; 8/15/25 Donald Kushner, MD, is a retired physician, board certified in internal medicine and hospice and palliative care. He has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) for more than 20 years and draws on his dual perspective as both doctor and patient to explore illness, identity, and adaptation. He’s writing a book about how people with chronic illness and their support systems can better understand — and talk to — each other.
Do you care about your legacy? 54% of Americans want to leave mark on the world
08/19/25 at 03:00 AMDo you care about your legacy? 54% of Americans want to leave mark on the world Study Finds, New York, NY; by StudyFindsAnalysis, reviewed by Steve Fink; 8/15/25 Getting older changes everything, including what we care about most. A new survey of 2,000 Americans reveals ...
BrightSpring taking modest approach to M&A in 2025
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMBrightSpring taking modest approach to M&A in 2025 Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/15/25 BrightSpring Health Services (Nasdaq: BTSG) is taking a slow and steady look at acquisition opportunities through the remainder of the year. The company is allowing the dust to settle on the divestiture of its community living business to Setiva for $835 million before once again investing heavily in acquisitions, according to CEO, President and Chairman Jon Rousseau. The divestiture is expected to close in the fourth quarter. But that doesn’t mean that BrightSpring is out of the market for deals.
The future of work: Prioritizing human connection with Ryan Jenkins
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMThe future of work: Prioritizing human connection with Ryan Jenkins Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN) - Anatomy of Leadership; podcast/video by Chris Comeaux with Ryan Jenkins; 8/13/25 "Connection isn't new, it's just neglected. And it's neglected now more than ever." These powerful words from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ryan Jenkins set the stage for a transformative conversation about what might be our most critical yet overlooked human need. Despite our hyperconnected world of social media, texting, and endless digital communication, genuine connection continues to slip through our fingers. Jenkins reveals the crucial distinction between mere communication and true connection – explaining how our brains process these experiences differently and why it matters so profoundly.
Federal Register: United States, et al. v. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMFederal Register: United States, et al. v. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement Federal Register - U.S. Government - A Notice by the Antitrust Division; by the Department of Justice Antitrust Division; 8/14/25 Notice is hereby given pursuant to the Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act, 15 U.S.C. 16(b)-(h), that a proposed Final Judgment, Stipulation, and Competitive Impact Statement have been filed with the United States District Court for the District of Maryland in United States of America et al. v. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, et al., Civil Action No. 1:24-cv-03267. [Formal document, in the midst of many articles about the ruling.]
We need a care revolution: Victor Montori
08/18/25 at 03:00 AMWe need a care revolution: Victor MontoriGeriPal podcast; by Eric Widera, Alex Smith, Victor Montori; 7/31/25In his book, “Why We Revolt,” Victor Montori decries the industrialization of healthcare. We’ve become a healthcare factory, beholden to health systems motivated by profit. In particular, he laments the loss of the “care” aspect of healthcare.