Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Operations News | Challenges.”
Where do unhoused people go to die?
05/08/26 at 03:00 AMWhere do unhoused people go to die? The Denver Clarion, Denver, CO; by Hawke Baldwin; 5/4/26 ... On April 29th 9News presented its documentary “Refuge” in DU’s Anderson Academic Commons, giving viewers a glimpse into the reality of death. “Refuge” is a sad yet inspiring story that delves into end-of-life care for those both terminally ill and unhoused in Denver. ... A person featured in the film is James Patrick Hall, a Gregorian Frier and former engineer who founded Rocky Mountain Refuge, a haven for those in need of end-of-life care. The refuge is a hospice center providing home-style care for free. ... The documentary follows four unhoused and terminally ill individuals: Jennifer, Renne, James and Jose. All of whom were unable to find appropriate care anywhere else, so they turned to Rocky Mountain Refuge.
Why artificial intelligence displacement threatens medical specialties
05/08/26 at 03:00 AMWhy artificial intelligence displacement threatens medical specialties MedPageToday's KevinMD.com; by H. Michael Boulton, MD; 5/3/26 Diagnostic radiology, as a physician-staffed specialty, will not exist in its current form within 20 years. Neither will diagnostic pathology. Neither, in all likelihood, will the outpatient model of endocrinology or general internal medicine as we currently understand it. These are not fringe predictions from technologists who have never set foot in a hospital; they are the logical endpoint of capability curves that are already clearly in motion, ... I know that will make a lot of my colleagues uncomfortable. I get it. But I would argue the real problem is not the prediction; it is that we keep avoiding the conversation.
Ohio’s Hospice CEO: prepare for value-based care
05/07/26 at 03:00 AMOhio’s Hospice CEO: prepare for value-based care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/6/26 In time, value-based care will come to hospices, and they must be ready, according to Kent Anderson, CEO of Ohio’s Hospice. In this environment, scale will be key, as will a need to better understand the needs and objectives of referral partners, Anderson told Hospice News. He also leads Metta Health, a revenue cycle management consulting firm. Ohio’s Hospice is a statewide alliance of nonprofit providers established in 2013. The network leverages its member organizations’ collective size in negotiations with vendors, payers and referral sources, collaborates on back-office functions and shares some expenses and infrastructure.
Healthcare leaders break down hospice reform, Medicare & quality care | part one
05/07/26 at 03:00 AMHealthcare leaders break down hospice reform, Medicare & quality care | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast hosted by Chris Comeaux with Tom Koutsoumpas and Carole Fisher; 5/6/26 In Part One of Healthcare Leaders Break Down Hospice Reform, Medicare & Quality Care, Chris Comeaux sits down with nationally respected healthcare leaders Tom Koutsoumpas, Founder & CEO of NPHI and Carole Fisher, President of NPHI to explore the evolving future of hospice, palliative care, Medicare oversight, and the growing demand for quality-driven, compassionate healthcare leadership. Together, they unpack the growing challenges facing end-of-life care — from fraud and benefit manipulation to the urgent need for quality transparency and authentic patient-centered care.
CMS trains its program integrity sights on Texas Hospices
05/07/26 at 03:00 AMCMS trains its program integrity sights on Texas Hospices JD Supra; by B. Scott McBride and Howard Young; 5/5/26 California has seen hundreds of hospice “takedowns” and Medicare payment suspensions targeting what the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proclaims are a multitude of fraudulent hospices, particularly in LA County. Now, based on recent public statements of CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, it appears CMS is poised to train its sights on fraud, waste, and abuse among Texas hospice agencies.
How a Sacramento hospice home brings ‘dignity and compassion’ to people experiencing homelessness
05/06/26 at 03:00 AMHow a Sacramento hospice home brings ‘dignity and compassion’ to people experiencing homelessness Capradio, Sacramento, CA; by Sarit Laschinsky and Vicki Gonzalez; 5/1/26 Homelessness is an enduring crisis, both in Sacramento and across California. Local, state and federal officials have poured in billions of dollars to address these issues, but often those who are most vulnerable are left with few resources. This is especially true for people who are living on the streets with a terminal illness, many of whom are seeking care and stability as they navigate a complicated and emotional process. For the past year, a facility in South Natomas has been helping them live out their final days with dignity and respect. Joshua’s House is the first hospice providing end-of-life care to people experiencing homelessness on the West Coast.
A new light for Community Hospice
05/05/26 at 02:15 AMA new light for Community Hospice The Daily Independent, Ashland, KY; by Staff; 5/1/26 Ashland Community Hospice announced Thursday it has rebranded, with a focus on a new logo. The new design is meant to reflect the organization’s deep roots in the community and its continued commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. Community Hospice CEO Rod Hieneman said the rebrand is not a reinvention, but an evolution. ... Hieneman said, “Our goal was to honor our legacy while introducing a more modern, approachable look that reflects who we are today and where we are going. With new projects on the horizon, this transition is coming at just the right time.”
Empower Oversight widens state fraud queries to New York Hospice Regulator
05/05/26 at 02:00 AMEmpower Oversight widens state fraud queries to New York Hospice Regulator Empower Oversight Whistleblowers & Research, Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/1/26 Empower Oversight has filed a public records request with New York’s Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, the state agency responsible for regulating the hospice industry, as part of its broader investigation into fraud involving federal taxpayer funds. The request seeks documents that shed light on potential systemic failures in hospice oversight, and on how the agency has identified, responded to, or declined to act on known fraud indicators. ... For a copy of the letter click here.
The Fraud Division launches West Coast Strike Force to target health care fraud schemes across Arizona, Nevada, and Northern California
05/04/26 at 03:00 AMThe Fraud Division launches West Coast Strike Force to target health care fraud schemes across Arizona, Nevada, and Northern California Office of Public Affairs; U.S. Department of Justice; Press Release; 4/20/26 The Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division) today announced the formation of the West Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force, a multi-district enforcement initiative uniting the Division’s Health Care Fraud Section with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Arizona, District of Nevada, and Northern District of California. The Health Care Strike Force model has proven to be one of the most powerful tools in the federal enforcement arsenal, responsible nationally for the prosecution of over 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion.
Spokane police arrest hospice caretaker accused of stealing from dying patients
05/01/26 at 03:00 AMSpokane police arrest hospice caretaker accused of stealing from dying patientsKXLY.com, Spokane, WA; by Kirstin O'Connor; 4/29/26 Spokane police arrested a hospice facility caregiver Wednesday on charges she stole debit cards from dying patients and their visiting family members to buy lottery tickets. Leena Anderson faces charges of second-degree identity theft, possession of stolen property and money laundering in connection with thefts at an unnamed Spokane hospice facility. The Spokane Police Special Investigations Unit launched the investigation several weeks ago after learning of several related thefts from victims at the hospice facility. Investigators determined Anderson was the only employee working during the time frame when all three thefts happened.
U.S. hospice market size to reach $45.3 billion by 2033
05/01/26 at 02:00 AMU.S. hospice market size to reach $45.3 billion by 2033 Grand View Research; April 2026 The U.S. hospice market size is estimated to reach USD 45.3 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 4.8% from 2026 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.
NPHI execs: quality is hospices’ differentiator
04/30/26 at 02:00 AMNPHI execs: quality is hospices’ differentiator Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/28/26 True quality care transcends government-required metrics and is key to shaping the future of hospice care. This is according to Tom Koutsoumpas, founder and CEO of the National Partnership for Healthcare & Hospice Innovation (NPHI), and Carole Fisher, the organization’s president. While factors like regulatory compliance are crucial to quality, they don’t tell the whole story, Koutsoumpas and Fisher told Hospice News at NPHI’s Annual Summit in Chicago. “Quality is our differentiator. In addition to all the scores, certainly patient and family satisfaction is a huge part of it, making sure that we continue to put the patient and family in the center. ...” Koutsoumpas said. “Do we create an atmosphere of trust? That’s a quality issue."
[For the public] How to protect yourself from hospice fraud
04/30/26 at 02:00 AM[For the public] How to protect yourself from hospice fraud CalMatters; by Lynn La; 4/29/26 ... What does hospice fraud entail and how can you protect yourself? ... To avoid being scammed:
We spoke to over 30 CEOs and business leaders. Here’s what worries them most
04/29/26 at 03:00 AMWe spoke to over 30 CEOs and business leaders. Here’s what worries them most CNBC; by Lee Ying Shan; 4/27/26 Business leaders are confronting a new operating reality: one where war, inflation, AI and supply chain shocks are no longer exceptional events, but part of the baseline. CNBC spoke to more than 30 CEOs, business executives and industry leaders at the annual Converge Live event in Singapore last week. Across sectors — banking, energy, shipping, technology and manufacturing — a clear theme emerged: uncertainty is no longer episodic. It is structural.
VITAS banks on length of stay, referral mix management
04/28/26 at 03:15 AMVITAS banks on length of stay, referral mix management Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/27/26 VITAS Healthcare has been working to balance admission numbers from different settings and manage length of stay to prevent further payment cap liabilities after a rough go in the last months of 2025. Starting late last year VITAS began emphasizing hospital-based referrals in its admissions processes, which typically result in shorter length-of-stay patients. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, which marked the start of Fiscal Year 2026, the company has virtually eliminated that cap liability in Florida. This trend has continued into 2026, according to VITAS CEO Joel Wherley.
AI Innovation Series 2026: Executive views on the future of AI in hospice care
04/28/26 at 03:00 AMAI Innovation Series 2026: Executive views on the future of AI in hospice care Hospice News; by eecker2025; 4/27/26 This series of articles is sponsored by MatrixCare. Featured leaders include the following:
Tom Koutsoumpas: California’s hospice fraud crisis demands action
04/27/26 at 03:00 AMTom Koutsoumpas: California’s hospice fraud crisis demands action Redlands Daily Facts | Commentary; by Tom Koutsoumpas; 4/23/26 Throughout the 1980s, in the early days of building hospice care into the American healthcare system, those of us on the frontlines helped shape what would become the Medicare hospice benefit. It was a turning point in how this country cares for people at the end of life. At its core, the hospice benefit is simple. ... For millions of families, it has meant more dignity, more support, and more time focused on what matters most. That’s why the scale of fraudulent hospice activity in California is so deeply concerning. This is not a gray area. It is widespread fraud, targeting vulnerable patients and exploiting gaps in oversight.
Hospice fraud enforcement in America: A running record of every publicly announced federal and state criminal action against hospice fraud between April 2025 and April 2026
04/27/26 at 03:00 AMHospice fraud enforcement in America: A running record of every publicy announced federal and state criminal action against hospice fraud between April 2025 and April 2026 LundPerson and Associates; by Judi Lund Person; updated 4/15/26 The facts, data, players, and more, with ongoing updates by Judi Lund Person, hospice regulatory expert.
Future-proofing care: the challenges we face in hospice and palliative care | part two
04/27/26 at 12:00 AMFuture-proofing care: the challenges we face in hospice and palliative care | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast hosted by Chris Comeaux with Cordt Kassner; 4/22/26In this special reverse-role episode, Chris Comeaux steps into the guest seat as Cordt Kassner leads a deep dive into one of the most comprehensive strategic frameworks developed for hospice and palliative care organizations which was developed by TCN and it’s members. In Part One of this forward-looking series, Chris unpacks the foundational challenges shaping the future of hospice and palliative care. Drawing from nearly a decade of strategic research and collaboration with healthcare leaders, he introduces a powerful framework built around eight core challenges that every organization must navigate. From intensifying competition to shifting reimbursement models, this conversation equips leaders with a clearer lens to anticipate disruption and respond with intention.
An open letter on stopping fraud before it starts
04/24/26 at 03:00 AMAn open letter on stopping fraud before it starts Community Health Accreditation Partners (CHAP); by Teresa Harbour and Nathan J. DeGodt; 4/22/26 Recent testimony before the House Ways and Means Committee underscored a truth that many in healthcare have long understood. Preventing fraud requires stopping bad actors before they enter the system. We agree. At CHAP, that principle has guided our decisions for decades. Accreditation integrity is maintained at the front end of the process through disciplined, patient‑centered safeguards. ... CHAP did not accredit any hospice or home health organizations operating from the notorious Friar Street address highlighted in recent media coverage and congressional hearing. ... Before any organization advances in our accreditation process, CHAP conducts address validation and ownership verification. These steps are designed to surface red flags early, ...
Hospice Fraud Briefing: one page summary
04/23/26 at 03:00 AMHospice Fraud Briefing: one page summaryLund Person & Associates Hospice Consulting; by Judi Lund Person; 4/16/26 Download this one-page, detailed summary of Top Cases, Total Losses, and Dominant Schemes from April 2025-2026.
How a pickleball injury highlights fraud in California's hospice industry
04/23/26 at 03:00 AMHow a pickleball injury highlights fraud in California's hospice industry ArcaMax; by Richard Winton; 4/21/26 Lynn Ianni didn't learn she was apparently dying in a Los Angeles County hospice care facility until her Medicare claim for a pickleball injury was rejected. "At first we laughed because it was an obvious clerical error," the Seattle-based psychotherapist recalled before a congressional committee Tuesday, where she was providing testimony about her months-long experience in 2024 with fraud in the hospice industry. "It wasn't just frustrating, it was terrifying." Ianni appeared before the House Ways and Means Committee on Capitol Hill at a hearing that revealed details about fake claims and stolen doctors' identities. She was a victim of California hospice scammers.
Cyberattack: A Path of Care Home Health and Hospice, Oklahoma
04/23/26 at 03:00 AMCyberattack: A Path of Care Home Health and Hospice, Oklahoma HIPAA Journal (scroll down for this article); by Steve Alder; 4/22/26 [Scroll down to "A Path of Care Home Health and Hospice"] A Path of Care Home Health and Hospice in Oklahoma has notified 3,849 individuals about a data breach at its business associate, Doctor Alliance. Doctor Alliance notified A Path of Care Home Health and Hospice on January 12, 2026, that it had been affected by the incident.
Future-proofing care: the challenges we face in hospice and palliative care | part one
04/23/26 at 02:00 AMFuture-proofing care: the challenges we face in hospice and palliative care | part one Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast hosted by Chris Comeaux with Cordt Kassner; 4/22/26In this special reverse-role episode, Chris Comeaux steps into the guest seat as Cordt Kassner leads a deep dive into one of the most comprehensive strategic frameworks developed for hospice and palliative care organizations which was developed by TCN and it’s members. In Part One of this forward-looking series, Chris unpacks the foundational challenges shaping the future of hospice and palliative care. Drawing from nearly a decade of strategic research and collaboration with healthcare leaders, he introduces a powerful framework built around eight core challenges that every organization must navigate. From intensifying competition to shifting reimbursement models, this conversation equips leaders with a clearer lens to anticipate disruption and respond with intention.
Strafford County, Mass General Brigham in talks to reopen Hyder Hospice
04/20/26 at 03:15 AMStrafford County, Mass General Brigham in talks to reopen Hyder Hospice Foster's Daily Democrat, Dover, NH; by Karen Dandurant; 5/17/26 A deal has been reached that would save Hyder Family Hospice House, according to Strafford County Commission Chairman George Maglaras. The county closed the hospice earlier this month, citing financial difficulties. Maglaras said April 17 that a $1-a-year lease agreement has been reached with Wentworth-Douglass Hospital of Dover, which is owned by Mass General Brigham, with only details to be worked out before it becomes official.
