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All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Orgs NHPCO NAHC NPHI etc.”
The importance of humanity in internal medicine
06/03/25 at 03:00 AMThe importance of humanity in internal medicine I.M. Matters from the American College of Physicians; President's Message by Jason M. Goldman, MD, MACP; June 2025I recently attended the funeral of one of my long-time patients, who had required hospice care after a long battle with heart disease. Many of us have had the experience of telling a patient and their family that their disease has progressed and we have reached the limits of medical science. In training, we are taught to be compassionate but professional, maintaining a certain level of emotional detachment ... As internal medicine specialists, we have the awesome responsibility and privilege to be the doctor for our patients through decades of their life experiences and to offer them not just medical science, but also humanity and comfort. ... One of the greatest acts of charity a person can perform is to attend someone's funeral, as it is the only act of kindness that cannot be reciprocated. This patient had been in my practice for almost two decades, and I had the privilege of taking care of both her and her husband.Editor's note: Re-read this powerful statement, "One of the greatest acts of charity a person can perform is to attend someone's funeral, as it is the only act of kindness that cannot be reciprocated."
LeadingAge, Hospice Associations seek delay in HOPE implementation
05/30/25 at 03:05 AMLeadingAge, Hospice Associations seek delay in HOPE implementation LeadingAge; Press Release; 5/28/25 LeadingAge, along with the National Alliance for Care at Home and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, on May 19 urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to delay implementation of the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation, or HOPE tool. In the letter to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz the associations outline concerns with technology implementation in preparation for the HOPE tool. The letter specifically asks CMS to waive the HOPE timeliness submission requirement for two calendar quarters post implementation. The letter further requests that CMS delay the HOPE implementation date until at least six months after CMS education, training, and final validation specifications are available and the application for iQIES access has been opened for hospices.
Providers, advocates ask Senate to reject $700M in Medicaid cuts, Congress to save OAA programs
05/30/25 at 03:00 AMProviders, advocates ask Senate to reject $700M in Medicaid cuts, Congress to save OAA programs McKnights Senior Living; by Kathleen Steele Gaivin; 5/27/25Providers and advocates for older adults are counting on the Senate to reject a portion of the proposed federal budget that would gut $700 million from the Medicaid program. Members of the House of Representatives passed their version of the bill late Wednesday. ... Home care advocates ANCOR and the National Alliance for Care at Home on Thursday also called on the Senate to reject the House-passed cuts to Medicaid.
Remove barriers that restrict hospice care, Alliance offers in new report
05/30/25 at 02:00 AMRemove barriers that restrict hospice care, Alliance offers in new report McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/28/25 Hospice providers can boost quality and patient satisfaction with a focus on transparent, culturally sensitive communication with clients, according to a new report by the National Alliance for Care at Home. ... For the report, the Alliance surveyed 2,000 adults who either recently experienced the death of a loved one or have been involved in healthcare decisionmaking for a person with a serious illness. Respondents included individuals of a variety of ages, income levels, ethnicities and educational backgrounds. ... . For many seniors, one of the largest barriers to care is ineffective communication, the survey found. Language barriers are a significant hurdle for non-English speaking older adults, particularly those who are first generation immigrants, it noted. Many seniors are also less comfortable with technology-based communication than younger people, and prefer face-to-face conversation over text messages.
Five Questions With: Diana Franchitto
05/29/25 at 03:10 AMFive Questions With: Diana FranchittoProvidence Business News, Providence, RI; by Katie Castellani; 2/14/25 Diana Franchitto | CEO, HopeHealth | Chair, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation
ALS and mental health: The importance of caring for the whole person
05/28/25 at 03:00 AMALS and mental health: The importance of caring for the whole person ALS Association; by Amber Johnstone, MSW, LISW-S; retrieved from the internet 5/27/25 ... May is ALS Awareness Month and also Mental Health Awareness month. ALS and Mental Health go hand in hand. One of the first things I tell newly diagnosed individuals that I work with is that ALS affects the whole family. And to be truthful, it affects many more than just that nuclear family unit. A person living with ALS is like a pebble thrown into a pond. That first splash is the biggest, but then the water ripples all the way out to the edges of the pond. Those ripples are all the people with which the person with ALS shares their journey. ... The ALS Association understands how important mental health can be. ... The ALS Association is proud to offer ALS Academy to community healthcare professionals and caregivers. ALS Academy is free, online, self-paced, catalog of ALS education videos.
National Alliance for Care at Home publishes CONNECT to Care Report
05/28/25 at 03:00 AMNational Alliance for Care at Home publishes CONNECT to Care Report National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/27/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) published the results of new research conducted by Transcend Strategy Group exploring perceptions of hospice care among underserved communities. This research compiles findings from a series of surveys of 2,000 people and explores perceptions of hospice care among Black, Hispanic, Asian American, LGBTQ+, and rural communities. Using the CONNECT acronym – Communication, Outcomes, Network, Nurture, Engagement, Collaboration, and Transparency – the report aims to help providers support equitable, inclusive, and comprehensive access to care and is part of the Alliance’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to hospice and home care through knowledge sharing, data collection, and collaborative discussion. Along with key research findings, CONNECT to Care offers recommendations for hospice providers to help increase understanding of hospice care and help overcome barriers to access.
Alliance, Aetna & MissionCare collective unite to strengthen direct care workforce
05/22/25 at 03:00 AMAlliance, Aetna & MissionCare collective unite to strengthen direct care workforce HomeCare, Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/19/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (The Alliance), Aetna Medicaid, a CVS Health company, and MissionCare Collective have begun a collaborative effort to increase access to home health care for older adults and those with disabilities, and increase supports for direct care workers in Illinois, Louisiana and North Carolina. Initially launching in Illinois, Louisiana and North Carolina, the pilot program is funded by Aetna and brings together two national providers committed to transforming care delivery at home. The Alliance represents providers across homecare, home health, hospice and palliative services, serving as an advocate for care delivered where people live. MissionCare Collective, a workforce innovation provider, offers a suite of solutions designed to build, retain and support the care workforce at scale.
Alliance bolsters advocacy impact with two new strategic leadership appointments
05/20/25 at 03:15 AMAlliance bolsters advocacy impact with two new strategic leadership appointments
The evolution of hospice care
05/20/25 at 02:00 AMThe evolution of hospice care The Journal; by Dr. Sarah Phillips, Medical Director, Hospice of the Panhandle; 5/18/25 Historians believe that the first hospices originated in Malta around 1065, dedicated to caring for the ill and dying enroute to and from the Holy Land. The term “hospice” referred to places of shelter for travelers, particularly in medieval Europe. The moder hospice movement began to gain momentum in the 1960’s with Dame Cicely Saunders’s establishment of St. Christopher’s Hospice in London, which emphasized comfort and quality of life for patients and their families. This idea of specialized care for the dying was first introduced to the United States during a lecture at Yale University in 1963. In the early 1970’s the first national hearings on the subject of death with dignity were conducted by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. In 1978, the National Hospice Organization was established and the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare task force reports that “the hospice movement … is a viable concept and one which holds out a means of providing more humane care for Americans dying of terminal illness while possibly reducing costs. As such, it is the proper subject of federal support.” [Continue reading ...]
AHA urges HHS to cut regulations that burden hospitals and staff
05/19/25 at 03:00 AMAHA urges HHS to cut regulations that burden hospitals and staff OR Manager; by Matt Danford; 5/16/25 The American Hospital Association (AHA) has called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to eliminate or ease a variety of federal regulations, arguing that excessive administrative rules drive up costs, reduce patient access, and hinder innovation, Modern Healthcare reported May 13. According to the article, the AHA submitted more than 100 deregulatory suggestions to HHS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Office of Management and Budget. [Continue reading for descriptions specific to billing and payment, quality and safety regulations, and workforce-related recommendations.]
Palliative and end-of-life care during critical cardiovascular illness: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association
05/16/25 at 02:00 AMPalliative and end-of-life care during critical cardiovascular illness: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association American Heart Association; by Erin A. Bohula, MD, DPhil, Michael J. Landzberg, MD, Venu Menon, MD, FAHA, Carlos L. Alviar, MD, Gregory W. Barsness, MD, FAHA, Daniela R. Crousillat, MD, Nelia Jain, MD, MA, Robert Page II, PharmD, MSPH, FAHA, Rachel Wells, PhD, MSN, and Abdulla A. Damluji, MD, PhD, MBA, FAHA on behalf of the American Heart Association Acute Cardiac Care and General Cardiology Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; 5/15/25 Abstract: Cardiac intensive care units are witnessing a demographic shift, characterized by patients with increasingly complex or end-stage cardiovascular disease with a greater burden of concomitant comorbid noncardiovascular disease. Despite technical advances in care that may be offered, many critically ill cardiovascular patients will nevertheless experience significant morbidity and mortality during the acute decompensation, including physical and psychological suffering. Palliative care, with its specialized focus on alleviating suffering, aligns treatments with patient and caregiver values and improves overall care planning. Integrating palliative care into cardiovascular disease management extends the therapeutic approach beyond life-sustaining measures to encompass life-enhancing goals, addressing the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of critically ill patients. This American Heart Association scientific statement aims to explore the definitions and conceptual framework of palliative care and to suggest strategies to integrate palliative care principles into the management of patients with critical cardiovascular illness.
Congress offers new plan for Medicaid cuts, raising fresh concerns among HCBS advocates
05/14/25 at 02:00 AMCongress offers new plan for Medicaid cuts, raising fresh concerns among HCBS advocates McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 5/13/25 House Republicans on Sunday [5/11] introduced a new budget reconciliation that outlines exactly how Medicaid cuts could take shape. Home- and community-based services advocates quickly spoke out in opposition to the bill. [Various leaders responded.]
National Alliance: Medicaid cuts would adversely impact home-, community-based services
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMNational Alliance: Medicaid cuts would adversely impact home-, community-based services Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 5/12/25 A tax bill currently before Congress could lead to Medicaid cuts that would inhibit access to home- and community-based services (HCBS). The bill, which promises sweeping tax and spending cuts, currently is undergoing a reconciliation process. The amount of tax cuts could reach $4.5 trillion, with spending cuts in the area of $4.5 billion, with a significant portion coming from Medicaid. However, the bill remains a work in progress for now with some resistance to the proposed cuts from both Democrats and a contingent of Republicans. The National Alliance for Care at Home released a statement Monday opposing the Medicaid reductions.
John Whyte, MD, MPH, selected as the AMA’s new CEO
05/13/25 at 03:00 AMJohn Whyte, MD, MPH, selected as the AMA’s new CEO American Medical Association (AMA), Chicago, IL; by Staff News Writer; 5/9/25 The AMA Board of Trustees has chosen John Whyte, MD, MPH, a nationally renowned public health advocate, physician executive, corporate strategist and communication expert, as its next executive vice president and CEO. Dr. Whyte ushers in a new era of leadership for the 178-year-old institution amid strong membership growth and a renewed focus on solving challenges that affect physicians and patients. Dr. Whyte’s tenure will begin July 1. Dr. Whyte brings extensive corporate, governmental and clinical experience to his role leading the day-to-day operations of the AMA. A board-certified internal medicine physician for nearly 30 years, Dr. Whyte joins the AMA from WebMD, where he has served as chief medical officer (CMO) since 2018 and helped grow the media company’s strategic partnerships, influence and vision.
National Alliance for Care at Home unveils new website to enhance member experience
05/12/25 at 03:00 AMNational Alliance for Care at Home unveils new website to enhance member experience The National Alliance for Care at Home, Washington, DC; Press Release; 5/5/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance), the leading advocate and educator for the care at home community, is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, AllianceForCareAtHome.org. The new site reflects the Alliance’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and delivering enhanced value to member organizations and all care at home stakeholders. ... “We’re excited to introduce our new website as a digital reflection of who we are and where the Alliance is headed,” said CEO Dr. Steve Landers. ... Key features of the new website include:
Addressing workforce challenges: Hospice in the news, April 2025
05/08/25 at 03:00 AMAddressing workforce challenges: Hospice in the news, April 2025 Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux with Cordt Kassner; 5/7/25 What defines quality in end-of-life care? How are Hospice organizations navigating workforce challenges? And why has medical aid in dying become such a critical conversation? These questions take center stage in this data-driven exploration of April's most impactful Hospice and Palliative Care news stories. In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner discuss the top news stories from April, focusing on Hospice and Palliative Care. They explore personal aspirations, data insights, the impact of spiritual care, emerging categories in news reporting, and key themes such as reimbursement and workforce challenges. The conversation also touches on mission moments, regulatory changes, technology innovations, and the evolving nature of leadership in healthcare, particularly in the context of AI and human skills. ... Cordt closes the show with a Master's Class reviewing the National Hospice Locator, a valuable tool for finding high-quality Hospice Care anywhere in the country.
NPHI honors visionary leaders and organizations at 2025 Annual Summit
05/08/25 at 01:00 AMNPHI Honors Visionary Leaders and Organizations at 2025 Annual Summit: The National
Dombi: At-home care providers must overcome ‘self-inflicted challenge’ to flourish
05/07/25 at 02:00 AMDombi: At-home care providers must overcome ‘self-inflicted challenge’ to flourish Home Health Care News; by Morgan Gonzales; 5/2/25 Despite operating on razor-thin margins and facing persistent reimbursement challenges, some home-based care providers are setting themselves apart by leaning into innovation. By embracing alternative payment models, virtual health and opportunities like hospital-at-home programs, providers can save themselves from home-based care’s “self-inflicted challenge” of not capitalizing on the industry’s evolving opportunities, according to Bill Dombi, senior counsel for Arnall Golden Gregory law firm. He also formerly led the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), which following a merger is now the National Alliance for Care at Home. While workforce shortages, potential Medicaid cuts and unsustainable payment rates threaten the industry, opportunity awaits those willing to evolve, Dombi said.
Group estimates 7.2M US residents have Alzheimer's disease: Cases rise as Alzheimer's research funds are halted
05/06/25 at 02:00 AMGroup estimates 7.2M US residents have Alzheimer's disease: Cases rise as Alzheimer's research funds are halted MedPageToday; by Judy George; 4/29/25 The number of people with Alzheimer's dementia in the U.S. exceeded 7 million for the first time, new data from the Alzheimer's Association showed.An estimated 7.2 million Americans ages 65 and older now have Alzheimer's dementia, up from 6.9 million last year, according to the 2025 Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures. Nearly three-fourths (74%) of that group are 75 and older. While prevalence studies of dementia in young people are limited, researchers estimated that approximately 110 of every 100,000 people ages 30 to 64 -- or about 200,000 Americans in total -- have young-onset dementia, the Alzheimer's Association said.
NPHI opens 10th Annual Summit in Las Vegas, celebrating a decade of impact
05/01/25 at 02:00 AMNPHI opens 10th Annual Summit in Las Vegas, celebrating a decade of impact National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI)m Washington, DC; Press Release; 4/29/25The 10th Annual Summit of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) officially kicks off this morning, April 29, at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas. This milestone Summit, themed “A Decade of Impact,” brings together hospice and palliative care leaders from across the nation to celebrate ten years of remarkable achievements and to explore the innovative strategies that will drive the future of high-quality, community-based care. ... Key topics include advancing policy solutions to prevent fraud and abuse in hospice, harnessing artificial intelligence to improve care, exploring international hospice, elevating outreach and communications, and strengthening the quality and consistency of services across the board. During the summit, NPHI will also debut a newly developed Cancer Clinical Provider Guide—designed to help members deliver the highest standards of cancer care. ... “As we mark a decade of impact, this summit is not only a time to reflect on the extraordinary progress we’ve made, but an opportunity to be forward thinking and anticipating what comes next,” said Tom Koutsoumpas, NPHI CEO. [NPHI is a sponsor of our newsletter.]
Hospice of the Chesapeake unfurls new advanced lung care program
04/29/25 at 02:00 AMHospice of the Chesapeake unfurls new advanced lung care program Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/25/25 Maryland-based Hospice of the Chesapeake has unveiled a new Advanced Lung Care Program. The hospice and palliative care provider developed the program in partnership with the American Lung Association and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI). The initiative is designed to provide specialized care for patients experiencing severe symptoms from chronic lung disease, which includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis and pulmonary hypertension.
American Oncology Network achieves success in first performance period of CMMI’s enhancing oncology model
04/23/25 at 03:00 AMAmerican Oncology Network achieves success in first performance period of CMMI’s enhancing oncology model Stock Titan, Globe Newswire, Fort Myers, FL; 4/22/25 American Oncology Network (AON), one of the nation’s fastest-growing community oncology networks, today announced strong results from the first performance period in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation’s (CMMI) Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM). AON practices participating in the program—in collaboration with value-based cancer care enabler Thyme Care—achieved nearly $6M in cost savings for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). AON also earned a performance-based payment while improving patient experience and outcomes.
3 major tactics used by hospice scammers
04/21/25 at 03:00 AM3 major tactics used by hospice scammers Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/18/25 Among the numerous tactics that unscrupulous hospices use to commit fraud, three are rising to the forefront. Four states have garnered national attention as fraud hotbeds — Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas. These regions have seen swarms of new hospices emerging and receiving Medicare dollars. Numerous reports of unethical or illegal practices have surfaced, particularly among these new companies. ... One common practice among them is to keep their patient census low to avoid regulators’ attention, Judy Lund Person, principal of the consulting firm Lund Person and Associates, ... Among these providers, three principal tactics are emerging, according to Sheila Clark, president and CEO of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association. ...
What healthcare leaders can learn from palliative medicine
04/21/25 at 03:00 AMWhat healthcare leaders can learn from palliative medicine Becker's Hospital Review; by Elizabeth Gregerson; 4/18/25 The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine in March appointed Kristina Newport, MD, as chief medical officer for the organization. Dr. Newport currently serves as chief of palliative care for Hershey, Pa.-based Penn State Health. She recently spoke with Becker’s about her priorities as AAHPM’s new CMO, as well as the role palliative care can play in oncology.Question: Congratulations on your appointment, what are your top priorities in this new role?Dr. Kristina Newport: Thank you. It’s really a privilege to be in this role and give back to the organization that raised me up. I’ve been a member of the Academy since 2007 when I was a medical resident, so the academy really has guided my career. One of my first priorities is to understand our members’ needs. ... My second priority is developing and strengthening the relationships we have with other organizations who share our mission. ... [The] foundations of palliative care are to prioritize what matters to patients and address the whole person through human connections and relationships. We have strong evidence in the literature that says when we do that well, we decrease non-beneficial treatment and improve the patient’s well-being, as well as the well-being of people that care for them. At the same time, we decrease unnecessary costs in the healthcare system while improving healthcare worker satisfaction.