Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Operations News | Challenges.”
8 digital healthcare trends for 2025
11/18/24 at 03:00 AM8 digital healthcare trends for 2025 Perficient; by Lysa Young-Bates; 11/15/24 Our experts are closely monitoring eight healthcare trends that are shaping industry leaders’ strategies in 2025. ... Let’s dive into the eight healthcare trends and pragmatic innovations that our experts are helping HCOs navigate in 2025.
[Global] Palliative care integration into humanitarian settings ten years since the resolution
11/08/24 at 03:00 AM[Global] Palliative care integration into humanitarian settings ten years since the resolution
Adopting tomorrow’s tech: 5 steps to effective AI training in hospice
11/08/24 at 03:00 AMAdopting tomorrow’s tech: 5 steps to effective AI training in hospice Hospice News; by Mick Stahlberg; 11/7/24 In today’s hospice environment, providers are continually asked to do more with less. Staffing shortages, rising costs and growing patient demands make efficiency a critical component of success. Enter artificial intelligence (AI). From automating administrative tasks to improving scheduling and optimizing resource allocation, AI is poised to significantly enhance operational efficiency at every level. In turn, proper training will play a monumental role in helping teams get comfortable incorporating this technology into their clinical and administrative workflows from day one. Providers will be best served to follow 5 key steps to effective AI training as they work with their technology partners to articulate a comprehensive strategy based on their organization and its unique needs. These steps incorporate:
How hospices can leverage palliative care to ‘stay relevant’ in value-based care
11/07/24 at 03:00 AMHow hospices can leverage palliative care to ‘stay relevant’ in value-based care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 11/6/24 U.S. health care is moving steadily towards value-based reimbursement, and having a robust palliative care program can help hospices ensure they are not left behind. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is working to ensure that 100% of Medicare beneficiaries are aligned with a risk-based payment model by 2030. This can include Medicare Advantage (MA) and Accountable Care Organization (ACO) programs. With hospice reimbursement confined to the traditional Medicare benefit, a palliative care program is a likely entry point for those providers to access value-based reimbursement, 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. This may be even more the case now that the hospice component of the value-based insurance design model (VBID), often called the Medicare Advantage Hospice Carve-In, is ending on Dec. 31, Schramm said.
Top News Stories of the Month Oct 2024 - TCN Podcast
11/07/24 at 03:00 AMTop News Stories of the Month Oct 2024 - TCN Podcast TCN Talks - Teleios Collaborative Network; by Chris Comeaux; 11/6/24 In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Mark Cohen explore the latest developments in Hospice Care for September and October. They discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene, significant legislative proposals, and current trends in mergers and acquisitions. Emphasizing the value of trusted sources like Hospice and Palliative Care Today, they examine critical topics, including reimbursement challenges, regulatory issues, and workforce dynamics in the Hospice sector. Together, Chris and Mark address a range of pressing healthcare issues, such as supply chain disruptions, the role of technology, leadership dynamics, community health concerns, and effective communication during natural disasters. They underscore the importance of staying informed, adapting to change, and the need for proactive leadership to navigate the complexities of today’s healthcare landscape. To further support healthcare professionals in responding to crises, Mark presents a masterclass: "Effective Communication During Natural Disasters."
Why home health deserts are spreading across rural states
11/06/24 at 03:00 AMWhy home health deserts are spreading across rural states Modern Healthcare; by Diane Eastabrook; 11/1/24 Home health deserts are increasing at an alarming rate across some rural states as home health companies close or reduce services due to financial challenges. Home health companies in Maine, Nebraska and Minnesota say a proposed Medicare rate cut, low Medicare Advantage reimbursements and workforce shortages are forcing them to make difficult business decisions — leaving many communities with limited access or no access to post-acute care in the home. ... Approximately 800 home health providers have closed over the past five years, according to the National Alliance for Care at Home, a trade group that represents the industry. Alliance CEO Dr. Steve Landers mostly blames a Medicare home health payment model that went into effect in 2020 for reducing Medicare reimbursements and causing financial stress for providers. “While closures are significant, we are also getting reports that providers are restricting the territory they serve as a first step to addressing their financial stresses,” Landers said in an email. “This appears to be especially concerning in rural areas where no other provider is available to step in.”
Hopeful for the hospice house
11/06/24 at 03:00 AMHopeful for the hospice house Gillette News Record; by Jonathan Gallardo; 11/2/24 Last week, Campbell County Health and the Northeast Wyoming Community Health Foundation announced that they were working together to look at bringing back inpatient services to the Close to Home Hospice House. For many, I’m sure the announcement came as a surprise. The split between the two sides was so public and was drawn out over a couple of years. Bridges had seemingly been burned, never to be crossed again. But wouldn’t you know it, those bridges appear to be on the mend. In their announcements, CCH and the foundation both said they’ve been in talks about what it would take to reopen Close to Home. “Our primary focus is the well-being of our community, and we are committed to transparency as we engage in these preliminary discussions,” CCH said in a press release.
How Zoom is expanding its role in healthcare
11/06/24 at 03:00 AMHow Zoom is expanding its role in healthcare Modern Healthcare; by Hayley Desilva; 11/1/24 Zoom, a company that rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, is looking to expand its presence in healthcare through artificial intelligence. The company recently announced plans to incorporate ambient AI documentation technology from digital health company Suki in its clinical platform. Zoom plans to use the ambient AI technology, which turns a recording of a doctor-patient conversation into usable clinical notes in the electronic health record, for virtual and in-person visits. ... Here's a closer look at Zoom's history in healthcare and where it plans to go next.
8 phrases leaders should reframe to demonstrate credibility in 2025
11/06/24 at 02:50 AM8 phrases leaders should reframe to demonstrate credibility in 2025 Forbes; by Dr. Cheryl Robinson; 11/4/24 ... The nuances of leadership communication play a pivotal role in shaping team dynamics and organizational culture. Employees are acutely attuned to the subtleties in their supervisor’s communication, using these cues to gauge trustworthiness and interpret intentions. In this context, the power of language can either reinforce a leader’s message and authority or inadvertently undermine their position. ... As we approach 2025, aspiring and established leaders must refine their communication strategies. Elevating their linguistic toolkit can help leaders more effectively embody their potential and inspire their teams. ...
Local hospice care offers services
11/05/24 at 03:15 AMLocal hospice care offers services The Tribune, Seymour, IN; by Chey Smith; 11/1/24 St. Croix Hospice has recently expanded its reach locally to those in the community who need the resources they provide, ... The firm provides hospice care throughout the Midwest including three other branches in Indiana — Jeffersonville, Newburgh and Indianapolis. While in Seymour, they are able to serve Jackson County as well as those residents from Bartholomew, Brown, Jennings, Lawrence, Monroe, Scott and Washington counties. Caregivers at each hospice location live in the communities they serve, allowing in-person care for patients whenever they need it. Services are available nights, weekends and holidays. Chris Thomas, regional director of clinical operations at St. Croix’s Indiana locations, talked about the importance of this closeness and flexibility. “We wanted to move to this location because we wanted to service the local community,” Thomas said. “Try to stay closer to the community for faster response time.” This phase of someone’s life can be scary, but Thomas says that it doesn’t have to be that way. “People are scared when they hear the word hospice. We just want to let the community know that it’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re giving up,” he said. “We really want to focus on the time they have left.”
Physician explores family's end-of-life journey in new podcast: "There were so many places that we ran into unexpected obstacles"
11/05/24 at 03:00 AMPhysician explores family's end-of-life journey in new podcast: "There were so many places that we ran into unexpected obstacles" MedPage Today; by Rachael Robertson; 11/4/24 As host of the TED Health podcastopens in a new tab or window, Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, is no stranger to podcasting. But now, the internist turned the mic on herself to explore death and mortality through the lens of her own experience losing her father to pancreatic cancer. Her eight-episode show is called "Before We Go" and is available on all podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple) with new episodes each week through early December. ... Ungerleider: My father died from pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2023. In my experience as an internist and as someone who is an expert on end-of-life through my work with End Well, there were so many things that kind of shocked me along the way. Despite the fact that I had the knowledge, the expertise, and the resources to provide him with a good end-of-life experience, there were so many places that we ran into unexpected obstacles. I wanted to share my story, really, with the goal of helping other people who might be facing the same kind of journey, and how to find the balance between being a doctor and being a daughter. ...
How to use the 7Cs of compassionate leadership to ease post-election tension
11/05/24 at 03:00 AMHow to use the 7Cs of compassionate leadership to ease post-election tension Forbes; by Laurel Donnellan; 10/31/24 As of this post being published, less than a week away from November 5, 2024, the presidential election is a toss-up. Once the ballots are tallied, about 50% of the electorate will be disappointed. Some will be broken-hearted, others outraged, and others will move on quickly. As a compassionate leader, you must prevent and alleviate the suffering of others. So, it would be best if you were prepared to address this disappointment, regardless of the outcome and your political views. ... Over the last 5 years, while writing these posts at Forbes, my team and I have researched the attributes of successful, compassionate leaders. We have identified seven common characteristics that can be applied to being the best leader after this election. ...
More Minnesotans face ‘pharmacy deserts’ with chain drugstore closures
11/04/24 at 03:00 AMMore Minnesotans face ‘pharmacy deserts’ with chain drugstore closures The Minnesota Star Tribune; by Dee DePass; 11/2/24 KB Brown’s phone hasn’t stopped ringing since Walgreens shut its W. Broadway store last year, leaving one pharmacy to serve 67,000 residents in the north Minneapolis area where he lives and runs his graphics design business. With Walgreens gone — and CVS shutting four other area stores — Brown, at least three times a week, transports employees, relatives and older neighbors to pharmacies in Robbinsdale or other suburbs so they can get their medications. ... North Minneapolis joins a growing number of “pharmacy deserts” rapidly dotting the state and nation as small and large pharmacies close up shop, leaving people with few options to quickly access prescription medicines. ... CVS, which closed 600 U.S. stores between 2021 and 2023, said it would close 300 more this year as leases end. On Oct. 15, Walgreens announced a plan to close 1,200 unprofitable stores, starting with 500 in 2025.
Microsoft update warning—400 million Windows PCs now at risk
11/01/24 at 03:00 AMMicrosoft update warning—400 million Windows PCs now at risk Forbes; by Zak Doffman; 10/30/24 Here we go again. Previously fixed Windows vulnerabilities are back to haunt users. And with perfect timing, there’s also a serious new warning for at least 400 million users, all of whom need to act to keep their PCs and data safe from attack. This is all about timing. The public interest advocacy group PIRG is now campaigning for Microsoft to extend the Windows 10 support extension now available to schools to other users. “In one year, Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10,” they warn, “potentially rendering up to 400 million computers obsolete overnight. This decision could trigger the single largest surge in junked computers in history, with dire consequences for both consumers and the environment.”
Top 5 workforce priorities for leaders in 2025
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMTop 5 workforce priorities for leaders in 2025 Forbes; by Brent Gleeson; 10/26/24 As organizations evolve and face new challenges, leaders and managers are preparing to tackle pressing workforce priorities that will shape the future of work. Based on our data and experience at EXCELR8, and supported by extensive research conducted by Gartner, these priorities reflect the most significant areas HR leaders (and all leaders in the organization) need to focus on to remain competitive, retain top talent, and drive business outcomes. Below are the top five workforce priorities leaders must incorporate into their strategic imperatives for 2025. We highlight the key trends that will influence human resources strategies moving forward.
How today’s hospice fraud could warp tomorrow’s reimbursement outlook
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMHow today’s hospice fraud could warp tomorrow’s reimbursement outlook Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/28/24 This is the second of a two-part Hospice News series that explores how fraud, waste and abuse in the hospice space could create headwinds for the industry at large. Fraudsters misspend millions of Medicare dollars annually, though the actual hospice-specific amounts are difficult to determine, regulators previously told Hospice News. Industry stakeholders have questioned whether the malfeasance will stymie the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) ability to justify future reimbursement rate increases, which many hospice providers already consider insufficient to support the full range of their interdisciplinary services in today’s economic climate.
CIOs must prepare their organizations today for quantum-safe cryptography
10/28/24 at 03:00 AMCIOs must prepare their organizations today for quantum-safe cryptography IBM; by Mark Hughes, Joachim Schäfer and Arfan Sabar; 10/24/24Quantum computers are emerging from the pure research phase and becoming useful tools. They are used across industries and organizations to explore the frontiers of challenges in healthcare and life sciences, high energy physics, materials development, optimization and sustainability. However, as quantum computers scale, they will also be able to solve certain hard mathematical problems on which today’s public key cryptography relies. A future cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) might break globally used asymmetric cryptography algorithms that currently help ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data and the authenticity of systems access.The risks imposed by a CRQC are far-reaching: possible data breaches, digital infrastructure disruptions and even widescale global manipulation. These future quantum computers will be among the biggest risks to the digital economy and pose a significant cyber risk to businesses. ... [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]
Large systems outsource home care to focus on 'core business'
10/28/24 at 03:00 AMLarge systems outsource home care to focus on 'core business' Becker's Hospital CFO Report; by Alan Condon; 10/25/24 A growing number of health systems are outsourcing home health and hospice operations to third-party specialists with broader geographic reach to reduce cost and administrative burdens and focus on core services. The regulatory environment for home health and hospice is complex, with stringent requirements for reimbursement, reporting and patient care standards. Partnering with an outsourced provider also helps systems mitigate the risks associated with non-compliance and operational issues. Here are four health systems that have outsourced or plan to outsource home health and hospicare care:
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.
CCH, foundation working together again to look at possibility of reopening Hospice House
10/25/24 at 03:40 AMCCH, foundation working together again to look at possibility of reopening Hospice House Gillette News Record, Gillette, WY; by News Record Staff; 10/24/24 Campbell County Health and the Northeast Wyoming Community Health Foundation are back at the table again to explore the feasibility of reopening the Close to Home Hospice House. According to press releases sent out Wednesday from both groups, this initiative aims to enhance inpatient hospice services by reopening a home that facilitates end-of-life support, providing a compassionate space for individuals to receive care with dignity. “We are considering this in partnership with a third-party operator, which will be discussed and decided upon collaboratively,” the press releases read. “Our primary focus is the well-being of our community, and we are committed to transparency as we engage in these preliminary discussions."
Patient, staff satisfaction biggest ROIs of trauma-informed hospice care
10/25/24 at 03:00 AMPatient, staff satisfaction biggest ROIs of trauma-informed hospice care Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/23/24 Improved patient and staff satisfaction are among the most significant returns on investment for hospices that are pouring greater resources into trauma-informed training. The ability to build a trusting relationship with patients and their families is a key skill set for any hospice professional to possess, but one that takes on a profoundly different meaning when caring for survivors of abuse, violence and trauma. This is according to Amber Ash, pediatric hospice and palliative care social worker at Ohio-based Hospice of the Western Reserve. Trauma-informed education should be a normalized part of hospice’s interdisciplinary training to help staff recognize and respond to a range of experiences, Ash indicated. This type of training can help provide opportunities for improved goal-concordant care while also aligning with staff’s professional goals and personal values, she stated.
What hospices need to know about whistleblower lawsuits
10/24/24 at 03:00 AMWhat hospices need to know about whistleblower lawsuits Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 10/22/24 Hospices need to understand the range of risks involved in qui tam cases and how best to navigate whistleblower concerns amid an evolving regulatory landscape. Qui tam actions occur when a whistleblower, called a “relator” by the courts, files a False Claims Act suit on behalf of the government. The relator has the potential to receive a portion of any funds recovered by the government via the lawsuit, with amounts typically ranging from 15% to 25%. A federal judge recently found the qui tam clause unconstitutional, ruling that the relator’s role in sparking enforcement actions effectively makes them an executive branch officer appointed without due process.
Funding approved for homeless hospice program
10/24/24 at 03:00 AMFunding approved for homeless hospice program SacCountyNews, Sacramento, CA; by Janna Haynes; 10/22/24 The Board approved, at its Oct. 22nd meeting, up to $1,137,788 in funding to complete construction on Joshua House, a facility that provides end-of-life comfort care for homeless individuals with terminal illnesses, after being discharged from an acute care hospital. Joshua’s House specifically provides a location for homeless patients to receive home-like hospice services when they, by definition, do not have a home to receive such care and may otherwise be unsheltered at the time of passing. Joshua’s House provides shelter, food, clothing and certain volunteer comfort services. In addition, YoloCares will provide licensed expert/specialized end-of-life care for individuals and families facing a life-limiting illness. Yolo Cares has provided high-quality hospice care across the six-county region for nearly 50 years. YoloCares also recently became an enhanced Care Management and Community Supports provider through CalAIM.
Who gets to access a “good death"?
10/24/24 at 02:00 AMWho gets to access a “good death"? Adelphi University, New York; by Zainab Toteh Osakew and Jennifer McIntosh; 10/23/24Socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods have fewer home hospice agencies, study shows. ... “We know that poorer neighborhoods have continued to lag behind in utilization of hospice care. For decades, scientists have attributed it to cultural values or preferences about care,” said Zainab Toteh Osakwe ’06, PhD, associate professor in the Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health and an expert in home healthcare. ... Dr. Osakwe partnered with a geospatial analyst at the University of North Dakota to uncover patterns in the locations of hospice offices. Drawing on information made publicly available by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, they culled data related to 3,447 hospice providers and 4,584 Medicare-certified hospices nationwide. Next, they geocoded hospice agency addresses to the social vulnerability index (SVI), a measure developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that geographically ranks at-risk communities. ... Dr. Osakwe and her team found that hospice agency offices were far more likely to be clustered in neighborhoods with greater socioeconomic advantage. Predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods also contained significantly fewer hospice agency offices. While the results align with prior studies on hospice supply and community-level wealth, theirs is one of the first to investigate hospice agency availability by neighborhood.
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
10/23/24 at 03:05 AMLawsuit filed against Visiting Nurse Service entities and individual defendant for assault of hospice patient NewRamp; by NewRamp Editorial Staff; 10/22/24 The Law Offices of Robert E. Brown 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 alleges gross negligence by VNS and its affiliates for failing to properly vet, train, and supervise their staff, specifically the defendant Odunze-Matthew. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages to address the physical, emotional, and psychological harm suffered by Ms. Albanese and her family.