Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Headlines.”
Pennant Group expands through Amedisys acquisition
08/24/25 at 03:25 AMPennant Group expands through Amedisys acquisition Pulivarthi Group; 8/12/25In a significant shift within the healthcare landscape, the Pennant Group has announced its intention to acquire home health and hospice agencies presently owned by Amedisys and UnitedHealth. This move marks an essential strategic expansion into the Southeast U.S., a region already experiencing increasing demand for quality home health services. ... This post provides an in-depth analysis of the home health acquisition landscape while addressing key challenges such as reimbursement issues, staff retention, and access to care for vulnerable patients.
How to estimate your EHR implementation cost: Factors that impact your budget
08/24/25 at 03:20 AMHow to estimate your EHR implementation cost: Factors that impact your budget Joyrulez; by RickD32; 8/14/25 Implementing an EHR (Electronic Health Record) system is one of the most significant investments a healthcare organization can make. Beyond the obvious benefits of digital recordkeeping—such as improved patient care, streamlined workflows, and regulatory compliance—the financial implications of EHR implementation are considerable. Understanding the factors that influence costs is essential for accurate budgeting and successful project execution. This guide will break down the key considerations, providing insights into an ehr implementation cost breakdown, the roles involved, and hidden expenses that organizations often overlook.
Caregiver-reported barriers and facilitators to hospice enrollment for persons with dementia: A systematic review of qualitative evidence
08/24/25 at 03:15 AMCaregiver-reported barriers and facilitators to hospice enrollment for persons with dementia: A systematic review of qualitative evidencePalliative Medicine; by Oonjee Oh, Connie M Ulrich, Lauren Massimo, George Demiris; 7/25Despite the increasing prevalence of dementia, persons with dementia often receive suboptimal care near the end of life. Dementia caregivers experience intrapersonal, interpersonal, emotional, logistical, and physical challenges in ensuring quality end-of-life support for their loved one (e.g. limited understanding of end-stage dementia, gatekeeping providers, and family conflicts). The unique needs of caregivers caring for a seriously ill family member with dementia are not being fully addressed by the current available services and policies.
YoloCares: A caring coalition for California
08/24/25 at 03:10 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.Publisher's note: Thanks for your editorial Craig - and a shout out to Jennifer Ballentine and the strong work she and the Coalition are doing!
Palliative care plays an essential role in heart failure care
08/24/25 at 03:05 AMPalliative care plays an essential role in heart failure care Cardiovascular Business; by Michael Walter; 8/13/25 Palliative care should play a significant role in the day-to-day management of heart failure (HF) patients, according to new recommendations from the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). HF patients are associated with high mortality and a considerably worse quality of life, the group wrote. Care teams should be doing everything in their power to help patients control their symptoms and live the best lives possible. The HFSA guidance is available in full in the Journal of Cardiac Failure. ... “When using a guide, conversations are more likely to be feasible, acceptable and associated with positive experiences for both patients and clinicians,” the authors wrote.
350 health groups urge Congress to extend Medicare telehealth
08/24/25 at 03:00 AM350 health groups urge Congress to extend Medicare telehealth MedCityNews; by Marissa Plescia; 8/14/25 A group of 350 organizations, including the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, are urging Congress to make Medicare telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic permanent, or at least extend them for two years. In a letter to congressional leaders, the organizations emphasize the importance of telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those with chronic conditions or in rural areas, and highlight the potential impact on health care access and infrastructure. Guest Editor’s Note, Judi Lund Person: Unless there is Congressional action after the August recess to extend the hospice face-to-face requirement through telehealth, that option will conclude on September 30, 2025.
CMS Opens HOPE Registration Portal for iQIES
08/21/25 at 02:00 AMCMS Opens HOPE Registration Portal for iQIES CMS.gov; Information below summarized for hospice leaders by Judi Lund Person; 8/20/25 All hospice providers who will be submitting data from the HOPE tool will be submitting it through the iQIES portal. CMS recently opened up the portal, which requires a two-step process. CMS has set a deadline of September 10, 2025 for applications to be submitted and approved. If a hospice does not complete this process and have an approved iQIES log in by the deadline, it is possible that HOPE data will not be able to be submitted effective October 1, 2025.
Long COVID and returning to work: A hard and frustrating road
08/17/25 at 03:55 AMLong COVID and returning to work: A hard and frustrating road Medscape; by Sara Novak; 8/5/25 ... Around 16 million workers have been affected nationwide by long COVID. Many who initially contracted the virus as a result of their jobs are left with the additional burden of proving that they acquired the condition in the workplace. Without it, they may be unable to file a claim for workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill on the job.
Enhabit Home Health & Hospice announces CEO transition plan
08/17/25 at 03:50 AMEnhabit Home Health & Hospice announces CEO transition plan Business Wire, Dallas, TX; 8/6/25 Enhabit, Inc. (NYSE: EHAB), a leading home health and hospice provider, today announced that Barb Jacobsmeyer, president and CEO, and a member of the board of directors, intends to step down from these roles in July 2026, or upon the appointment of a successor. The company has initiated a leadership succession plan with Jacobsmeyer’s full support to ensure a smooth transition. The board has retained Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading executive search firm, to assist in a comprehensive search process to identify the company’s next CEO.
[Updated] DOJ files proposed final judgment on Amedisys, UnitedHealth Merger
08/17/25 at 03:45 AM[Updated] DOJ files proposed final judgment on Amedisys, UnitedHealth Merger Home Health Care News; by Morgan Gonzales; 8/7/25 On Thursday, Amedisys (Nasdaq: AMED) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorneys General of Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey and New York filed a proposed final judgment regarding the UnitedHealth Group’s (NYSE: UNH) planned acquisition of Amedisys. UnitedHealth and Amedisys agreed to the proposed final judgment, which, if approved, would resolve the DOJ’s and states’ opposition to the merger. The proposed judgment would require UnitedHealth and Amedisys to divest at least 164 home health and hospice facilities, including one affiliated palliative care facility, across 19 states, worth approximately $528 million in annual revenue. It would also impose a $1.1 million civil penalty on Amedisys for falsely certifying that it had provided “true, correct and complete” responses under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, according to a DOJ announcement.
Top 5 leadership shifts to watch after the summer break
08/17/25 at 03:40 AMTop 5 leadership shifts to watch after the summer break Hunt Scanlon Media; by Scott A. Scanlon and Dale M. Zupsansky; 8/4/25 ... Drawing on insights from its global network, the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has identified five key leadership transitions that are gaining momentum. These changes promise to redefine how executives think, adapt, and drive impact as organizations head into the latter half of 2025 and beyond. ...
CIOs’ top 16 emerging technologies
08/17/25 at 03:35 AMCIOs’ top 16 emerging technologies Becker's Health IT; by Giles Bruce; 8/4/25 Emerging technologies such as AI continue to command CIOs’ attention. Here is the emerging tech prioritized by IT chiefs, according to a global survey of more than 200 CIOs by market researcher Futurum published July 28:
[Netherlands] Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking as a self-chosen path for end of life
08/17/25 at 03:30 AM[Netherlands] Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking as a self-chosen path for end of lifeWorld Medical Journal; by Gert van Dijk, Veelke Derckx, Alexander de Graeff; 6/25Moving into the future, it is likely that doctors and other healthcare providers will be confronted more often with patients who would like to explore options for controlling their end of life care. They should correctly inform patients about the various clinical care options, including VSED [voluntarily stopping eating and drinking], and carefully guide them in the event of a decision to choose VSED. If healthcare providers have conscientious objections in providing care to people who choose VSED, then care must be transferred to a healthcare provider who is willing to provide the necessary care.
Hospice claim denial remanded to ALJ in absence of explanation, (Aug 4, 2025)
08/17/25 at 03:25 AMHospice claim denial remanded to ALJ in absence of explanation, (Aug 4, 2025) VItalLaw; by Leah S. Poniatowski, JD; 8/4/25 ... A hospice provider that was denied Medicare reimbursement for two patients was granted remand to the administrative law judge (ALJ) because the ALJ’s decision was without any reasoned discussion, which impaired review and suggested that the ALJ had used her lay assessment of the medical record, the federal district court in Delaware ruled (Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care of Delaware, LLC v. Kennedy, No. 24-175-GBW-LDH (D. Del. July 31, 2025)).
Rethinking palliative care for people affected by homelessness
08/17/25 at 03:20 AMRethinking palliative care for people affected by homelessness Nursing in Practice, United Kingdom; by Karita Razzell; 8/5/25 Well-timed palliative intervention can be a game-changer for people affected by homelessness facing advanced ill health, says Karita Razzell, palliative care manager at the charity St Mungo’s. ... There are various reasons behind the stark health disparities faced by people experiencing homelessness. ... Many individuals are living with serious mental health conditions, substance use issues, undiagnosed neurodiversity, and chronic physical illnesses – all of which can make clinical environments like hospitals particularly challenging for them. ... There are also digital hurdles: appointment systems and prescription services are increasingly online, yet many people without stable housing lack access to mobile phones or the internet. ... As a result, treatable conditions in people affected by homelessness often go undiagnosed until they reach an advanced stage.Editor's Note: People experiencing homelessness in the U.S. face similar challenges to these described in the U.K. Organizations such as The Hildegard House in Louisville, KY, and others in the national Omega Home Network of “comfort care homes” quietly provide this sensitive, crucial palliative and hospice care. Click here to see a national map of these homes.
Merging clinical and legal: How home health providers achieve medical appeals success
08/17/25 at 03:10 AMMerging clinical and legal: How home health providers achieve medical appeals success Home Health Care News; by Joyce Famakinwa; 7/31/25 For home-based care providers, medical appeals can be extremely costly. When navigating the medical appeals process, home health clinical and legal teams must operate in lockstep in order to achieve successful results and avoid financial blowback, ... ROI should be the biggest determining factor when deciding to appeal, according to Bill Dombi, senior counsel for Arnall Golden Gregory law firm. He formerly served as the president of the National Alliance for Care at Home. ... Despite the hefty costs that medical appeals can potentially rack up, sometimes figuring out the ROI can go beyond dollars and cents. For example, if a provider is going through the Medicare Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) audit process.
State Medicaid coverage policies for community-based palliative care: Lessons from NASHP’s State Institute
08/17/25 at 03:05 AMState Medicaid coverage policies for community-based palliative care: Lessons from NASHP’s State Institute National Academy for State Health Policy; by Ella Taggart, Wendy Fox-Grage; 8/11/25 Six states recently participated in NASHP’s two-year State Policy Institute to Improve Care for People with Serious Illness (the Institute): Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Ohio, Texas, and Washington. ... Specifically, the six participating states received guidance on policy mechanisms to cover palliative care services in the community and completed cost analysis on palliative care services for Medicaid beneficiaries. While all the states balanced the same forces and demands, ... each state modeled a benefit that was responsive to its particular needs and circumstances. ... CBIZ Optumas and TFA Analytics then designed a cost calculator for each state to help with different scenarios.
Inmate serving life for murdering Lancaster County woman in 2015 seeks compassionate release
08/17/25 at 03:00 AMInmate serving life for murdering Lancaster County woman in 2015 seeks compassionate release Fox 43, Lancaster County, PA; by Keith Schweigert; 8/8/25 A state prison inmate serving a life sentence for killing a Lancaster County woman after she ended their relationship in 2015 has filed a petition asking for a compassionate release so that he can die at home, according to court records. Randall Shriner, 68, has less than six months left to live due to stage-five kidney disease, according to an emergency petition filed by his attorney on July 30. ... According to the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, the statute allows courts to grant a compassionate release under two circumstances:
CU School of Medicine receives $64 million NIH award to establish palliative care research consortium
08/15/25 at 03:05 AMCU School of Medicine receives $64 million NIH award to establish palliative care research consortiumUniversity of Colorado School of Medicine press release; by Kara Mason; 8/7/25The five-year award supports CU School of Medicine faculty at the forefront of research dedicated to improving quality of life for people living with serious illnesses. The University of Colorado School of Medicine has been selected as the prime award institution for a $64 million award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish a consortium focused on palliative care research. “While palliative care as a field has advanced significantly in the last few decades, there are still a lot of unmet needs. This consortium will serve as a springboard for filling gaps and offering resources to researchers who will ultimately improve the field,” says Jean Kutner, MD, MSPH, distinguished professor of medicine and chief academic officer of UCHealth, who will serve as a principal investigator of the Advancing the Science of Palliative Care Research Across the Lifespan (ASCENT) Consortium... The consortium includes principal investigators from the CU School of Medicine and four other academic centers across the country — New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, Duke University School of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania — and 40 key personnel from more than 20 institutions, representing the interdisciplinary approach that is integral to palliative care... The ASCENT Consortium’s creation comes at a critical juncture for palliative care research, as two vital programs — the National Institute of Nursing Research-funded Palliative Care Research Cooperative, which Kutner led at the CU School of Medicine for 13 years, and the National Palliative Care Research Center — have been expected to sunset in 2025... “We've gone from publishing observational and cross-sectional work to where we are today with demonstrating effective and innovative interventions,” Kutner says.
UnitedHealth Group’s acquisition of Amedisys closes
08/15/25 at 03:00 AMUnitedHealth Group’s acquisition of Amedisys closesHospice News; by Jim Parker; 8/14/25On the heels of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, UnitedHealth Group has closed its acquisition of the home health and hospice provider Amedisys. Amedisys announced the news in a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing on Thursday. The UnitedHealth Group subsidiary Optum, in June 2023 inked its agreement to acquire Amedisys in an all-cash transaction of $101 per share, or about $3.3 billion. Amedisys on Thursday also stopped trading on the Nasdaq.
SHPBest CAHPS Hospice Awards
08/11/25 at 03:00 AMSHPBest CAHPS Hospice Awards Strategic Healthcare Programs; retrieved from the internet 8/725 The annual SHPBest™ program was created to acknowledge hospice providers that consistently provide high quality service to families and caregivers of patients receiving hospice care. With one of the largest CAHPS Hospice benchmarks in the nation, SHP is in a unique position to identify and recognize organizations that have made family and caregiver experience a priority and have been rewarded for their efforts with high marks on the CAHPS Hospice survey. See the full list of award winners for the last calendar year.
HHS sets its sights on $50b in cost savings: Medicare payments to nonhospice providers potentially under fire
08/10/25 at 03:55 AMHHS sets its sights on $50b in cost savings: Medicare payments to nonhospice providers potentially under fire JD Supra; by Taylor Henderson, Callan Stein, Rebecca Younker; 7/31/25 In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) published a review, titled " Potential Cost Savings HHS Programs – HHS Actions," which provided some insight into the OIG's direction to accomplish the Trump administration's stated goal of cutting federal spending. This review spans 35 reports, adding up to $50 billion in potential cost savings — including a reported $6.6 billion in potential savings by preventing Medicare payments for nonhospice items or services furnished to active hospice beneficiaries (nonhospice payments). When a beneficiary qualifies for and elects hospice benefits, the beneficiary signs a statement choosing hospice care over other Medicare-covered treatments for their terminal illness, and the hospice provider is paid a daily, per diem rate to provide these comprehensive services. With nonhospice payments accounting for a significant portion of HHS's potential savings, providers across the health care industry — including nursing and long-term care facilities, hospice and home health agencies, hospitals, individual providers, pharmacies, and medical equipment distributors — will need to be ready for the OIG's possible next steps.
CMS Final Rules for 2026: Becker's Summaries
08/10/25 at 03:50 AMCMS Final Rules for 2026: Becker's SummariesBecker's has posted summaries and links to the complete rules for the following categories. These provide great comparisons and cross-referencing between different systems across the continuum of care.
Laying the foundation for health IT innovation: 5 essential cornerstones
08/10/25 at 03:45 AMLaying the foundation for health IT innovation: 5 essential cornerstones Becker's Health IT; by Pally Parrent; 8/1/25 ... A recent survey by Modern Healthcare and Nordic reveals both industry progress and opportunity across critical IT foundations like governance, infrastructure, data, and training. Investing in these foundations is important but success also requires five reinforcing cornerstones that support foundational efforts for enterprise-wide impact: strategy, cybersecurity, integration and interoperability, cultural commitment, and change management. ...