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All posts tagged with “Hospice Provider News | Operations News.”
7 challenges of AI integration in healthcare and their remedies
04/21/25 at 03:00 AM7 challenges of AI integration in healthcare and their remedies informa - TechTarget and Informa; by John Moore; 4/16/25 The healthcare sector faces many hurdles when adopting AI. Obstacles include setting an AI strategy, dealing with fragmented data, and addressing ethics, security and compliance. The integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare has been long coming, dating back to at least the 1980s, when expert systems were touted as a potential diagnostic tool. ... Top challenges of AI in healthcare:
8 health system CEOs on the turbulence defining 2025
04/18/25 at 02:00 AM8 health system CEOs on the turbulence defining 2025 Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch and Kristin Kuchno; 4/16/25 From capacity constraints to reimbursement pressures, health system CEOs are navigating a changing healthcare landscape. One of the top concerns in 2025 is the potential for Medicaid funding cuts. A recent report estimates hospitals could face a $31.9 billion loss in revenue if federal proposals to scale back Medicaid expansion move forward. CEOs from across the country — including safety-net systems, academic medical centers and expanding regional providers — recently shared how they are preparing for continued uncertainty and what strategies they are prioritizing in response.
Why risk managers need to address SaaS security
04/17/25 at 03:00 AMWhy risk managers need to address SaaS security Risk Management; by Chithra Rajagopalan; 4/15/25 As organizations increasingly adopt cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) apps that store and handle sensitive and proprietary company data, cybersecurity risks have quickly become direct financial concern. The stakes around SaaS have never been higher—today, current spend on SaaS tools like Workday, Google Workspace and ServiceNow is in the hundreds of billions, or approximately $8,700 per employee. ...
AI in procurement: How different industries are harnessing its power
04/16/25 at 03:00 AMAI in procurement: How different industries are harnessing its power Spend Matters; by Spend Matters Team; 4/15/25 ... Across industries, AI is capable of reshaping procurement, making it smarter, more predictive and highly efficient. In this article we will highlight some of the key changes AI has made to procurement strategies in the following industries: manufacturing and industrials, life sciences and healthcare, and the public sector.
The future of management is hybrid: Leading human-AI teams in a new era of work
04/16/25 at 02:00 AMThe future of management is hybrid: Leading human-AI teams in a new era of work Holtz Communication + Technology; by Shel Holtz; 4/12/25 ... Consider healthcare, where an AI agent will draft post-visit follow-up patient care plans, schedule check-ins, send reminders, and flag unusual symptoms in post-visit surveys for review. The human nurse practitioner will review and personalize the follow-up plan, contact patients in need of emotional support or clarification, and make clinical decisions about concerns the AI has flagged. ... Healthcare managers will have to align clinical protocols with AI-generated outputs, ensure HIPAA compliance (in the U.S.), and train staff to interpret and override AI recommendations when necessary. ... With less busy work, managers should be able to to focus on those aspects of managing that require a human touch, shifting to leading and mentoring, employing soft skills over hard skills, as shown in this chart: [Management Task/Skill | AI-AGents - Strength | Human Managers - Strength]
National Alliance for Care at Home responds to the FY 2026 Hospice Proposed Rule
04/15/25 at 02:00 AMNational Alliance for Care at Home responds to the FY 2026 Hospice Proposed Rule National Alliance for Care at Home, Alexandira, VA and Washington, DC; Press Release; 4/11/25 The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) issued the following statement [Fri 4/11] in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Hospice Wage Index proposed rule, which proposes payment and regulatory updates under the Medicare hospice benefit. The proposed 2.4% payment update fails to adequately address the mounting financial pressures facing hospices nationwide. With escalating operational costs driven by inflation, workforce shortages, and rising expenses for supplies and services, the proposed payment increase would threaten the ability of hospices to sustainably provide quality end-of-life care. “The proposed payment update for FY 2026 falls short of what is needed to sustain high-quality hospice care,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the Alliance. “Without meaningful adjustments, hospices across the country will face serious challenges—jeopardizing access to care for terminally ill patients and placing added strain on families already facing the unimaginable. ..."
How housing instability complicates end-of-life take care of growing old unhoused populations
04/10/25 at 02:15 AMHow housing instability complicates end-of-life take care of growing old unhoused populations Health Medicine Network; by Pilar Ingle; 4/8/25 Research estimates that one-third or more of the unhoused inhabitants within the U.S. is age 50 or older. Unhoused individuals of all ages face high rates of ... severe sickness. They additionally die at younger ages in contrast with people who find themselves not unhoused. Yet, there are few choices for palliative and end-of-life care for unhoused individuals. ... As a health care and aging researcher, ... I interviewed 17 well being care and social service suppliers in Colorado to grasp how they attempt to deal with palliative and end-of-life wants for his or her unhoused shoppers.
How hospices can avoid pitfalls in AI implementation
04/08/25 at 03:00 AMHow hospices can avoid pitfalls in AI implementation Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/4/25 Hospice providers, along with the rest of health care, are increasingly relying on technology for clinical and business operations, with artificial intelligence among the most common investments. However, careful implementation is necessary to effectively use these systems. ... One of hospices’ key goals with AI is to increase efficiency. This lean toward efficiency reflects larger trends in the industry as the labor pool dwindles. Without more boots to put on the ground, providers are seeking ways to get more productivity from the ones they already have in place. [Continue reading ...]
How this thrift shop helps Virginia families in their time of need: 'They’re good people here'
04/03/25 at 03:00 AMHow this thrift shop helps Virginia families in their time of need: 'They’re good people here' CBS-6 News - Richmond, Petersburg, VA; by Wayne Covil; 3/31/25 The regulars who frequent Crater Community Hospice Thrift Shops were busy browsing for bargains on Monday. They know that some of the money they spend here goes back into their community. Crater Community Hospice runs the stores as a way for the nonprofit to raise much-needed funding. "The money we bring in to our stores goes directly to caring for our patients," Zach Holt, with Crater Community Hospice, said. "I don’t want to ever say no to a patient. I don’t want to ever say no to a patient’s need." Krystal Mansfield told CBS 6 there was a reason she chose to shop at Crater Community Hospice Thrift Shops. "[It] was a big part of my grandmother's end of time, and they took very good care of her in her last days," Mansfield said. ... Angie Dowdy shared a similar story. ... [Continue reading ...]
What to know about palliative and hospice care
04/01/25 at 03:00 AMWhat to know about palliative and hospice care Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ); by Liz Seegert; 3/28/25 ... [Palliative care] is fundamental to health and human dignity and is a basic human right, according to the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard. When reporting on serious illnesses, journalists can help demystify palliative care and encourage more people in need to take advantage of it by clearly explaining the differences, and benefits, and incorporating anecdotes to further illustrate how these types of care make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. [Continue reading ...] Editor's note: Share this article--written for health care journalists--with your communications and marketing leadership, with your community newspapers' journalists, and your employee/volunteer educators. Too often, new hospice/palliative care employees at all levels of roles and responsibilities begin their roles without clear knowledge, comprehension, and application of distinctions between standard healthcare, palliative care, and hospice care.
10 top health system workplaces, per USA Today
03/28/25 at 03:10 AM10 top health system workplaces, per USA TodayBecker's Hospital Review; by Giles Bruce; 3/21/25Ten health systems were named top workplaces March 21 by USA Today and human resources technology company Energage. The Top Workplaces USA 2025 list was determined using Energage’s confidential employee engagement surveys and participating company benchmarks that take into account years of workplace culture research.Here are the health systems that ranked in the top 100 among organizations with 2,500-plus employees:
[UK] Man to sell his 4,000 books in aid of hospice
03/28/25 at 03:00 AM[UK] Man to sell his 4,000 books in aid of hospice BBC News; by Emily Coady-Stemp and Jo Burn; 3/26/25 A man has opened a shop to sell his collection of 4,000 books to raise money for the hospice where he is receiving care. Rob McCann, from the Kent village of Sutton Valence, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2023 and given just weeks to live. "Yet here I am, 18 months later, still going strong," he added. He opened Capelli's Books in his village on Tuesday to raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice. [Continue reading ...]
CMS will not resume implementation of Hospice SFP in 2025
03/27/25 at 03:00 AMCMS will not resume implementation of Hospice SFP in 2025 Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/25/25 A federal court has ordered a stay on litigation intended to block the hospice Special Focus Program (SFP) after the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pledged that it would not resume implementation during 2025. The crux of a lawsuit filed by hospice organizations against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the criteria that the agency uses to select hospices for the new Special Focus Program (SFP). [Continue reading ...]
Healthy Colorado: Expanded hospice care in El Paso County
03/26/25 at 03:00 AMHealthy Colorado: Expanded hospice care in El Paso County KRDO TV-AM-FM, Colorado Springs, CO; 3/24/25 It's hard to talk about, and even harder for many families to live through. But it's important to know how many options there are for supported care. CommonSpirit Home Hospice recently expanded its program into El Paso County. They've been providing compassionate, end-of-life care for more than 30 years now. [Continue reading ...]
Hospice House plans to add a new home near Covington
03/25/25 at 03:00 AMHospice House plans to add a new home near Covington Nola.com, New Orleans, LA; by Jessica Saggio; 3/24/25 Mardi Gras may be over, but the Hospice Foundation of the South is rolling. The organization, known for its compassionate end-of-life care, has acquired a piece of land near Convington for a second Hospice House. Plans to fund its construction are underway with a new capital campaign. The effort, once stalled because of a difficult housing market, is back in action after a lot on Lee Road north of Covington was purchased with the help of an anonymous donor. ... Currently, there is one Hospice House in the parish, located near Slidell. The home, which is an oasis for those in their final days of life, provides care to patients free of charge. The only issue is the supply is not nearly big enough for the demand.
The power of data in enhancing hospice care at United Hospice
03/25/25 at 03:00 AMThe power of data in enhancing hospice care at United Hospice Mid-Hudson News, Hudson Valley, NY; by Mid-Hudson News Staff; 3/23/25 ... United Hospice CEO Cara Pace said data plays a crucial role in tracking patient health status, symptom management, and overall comfort. ... Hospice care must evolve to meet the changing needs of patients and families. By leveraging data, United Hospice can make informed decisions about service expansions, patient care enhancements, and operational improvements. Data-driven insights guide leadership in planning for the future, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to community needs while continuing to provide exemplary care. ... [Hospices] must be attentive to the experiences of both patients and their families. “By systematically collecting feedback through surveys and other data collection methods, United Hospice can assess satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvement, and address concerns proactively,” Pace said. “This continuous engagement fosters trust and strengthens relationships with families and the broader community.” ... [Continue reading ...]
National Alliance’s Scott Levy: Hospices need ‘regulatory relief’ to protect ‘sacred benefit’
03/25/25 at 02:00 AMNational Alliance’s Scott Levy: Hospices need ‘regulatory relief’ to protect ‘sacred benefit’ Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 3/21/25 The hospice industry is undergoing a transformative period of rising demand and regulatory changes. Providers of all sizes and types are facing mounting operational challenges and financial strains with limited recourse to voice their collective concerns to legislators. This is according to Scott Levy, chief government affairs officer at National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance). Levy stepped into the role earlier this year after holding a similar position at Amedisys. He has been involved in government relations, public policy, advocacy and law for more than 20 years. Levy recently sat down with Hospice News to discuss the array of regulatory and legislative evolutions on the horizon in hospice care delivery. .[Continue reading ...]
Digital Transformation 101: A handy primer
03/25/25 at 02:00 AMDigital Transformation 101: A handy primerHealthcare IT News; by Bill Siwicki; 3/21/25 Robert Slepin, chief digital officer at SE Health and an emeritus CIO adviser at Epic, describes the key aspects of digital transformation that provider organizations need to understand, primary technologies involved and how to best organize the effort. Healthcare IT News sat down with him to discuss aspects of digital transformation efforts that provider organizations don't quite have a firm grasp on to begin with, the primary technologies involved in digital transformation, how to organize such a comprehensive effort as digital transformation, and his transformation effort at SE Health. [Continue reading ...]
Hospice of the Panhandle gets van through grant
03/24/25 at 03:00 AMHospice of the Panhandle gets van through grant The Journal, Martinsburg, WV; 3/19/25 As a result of a generous state Local Economic Development Assistance (LEDA) grant secured by state Sens. Jason Barrett and Patricia Rucker and former state Sen. Craig Blair, Hospice of the Panhandle was able to purchase this 2025 Toyota Sienna custom van, designed for non-emergency transportation. Since coming into service on March 1, the van has transported 15 patients to and from area hospitals to Hospice’s Inpatient Facility and from the IPF to patients’ homes. “We are so excited to provide this much-needed service,” said CEO Nikki Bigiarelli. “It assures that we can get patients into hospice care, to our facilty and to their homes safely and quickly.”
‘Disturbing’ outlook: Hospices’ top regulatory concerns in 2025
03/24/25 at 02:00 AM‘Disturbing’ outlook: Hospices’ top regulatory concerns in 2025 Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 3/20/25 Telehealth policies and program integrity concerns represent two of the leading regulatory issues on hospices’ radar this year. Regulatory changes and increasing oversight were the second-most cited concerns among nearly a quarter (21%) of 112 hospice professionals who participated in this year’s Outlook Survey by Hospice News and Homecare Homebase. Challenges around staffing and improved public awareness also topped the list of providers’ concerns. This is the third piece of this three-part Hospice News series that explores the significant regulatory challenges facing hospice providers in 2025.
Salutes hospice staff, volunteers
03/20/25 at 02:30 AMSalutes hospice staff, volunteers The Messenger, Fort Dodge, IA; Letter to the Editor by Mary E. Larson; 3/19/25 My heart was saddened when I heard that the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home is closing. I was the volunteer coordinator for UnityPoint Hospice volunteers from 2003-2022. A lot of our volunteers spend many hours in our wonderful Hospice Home helping our patients, their families and guests and staff. This home is such a blessing to our community. When our patients would come to the hospice home, our staff would care for them so their loved ones could spend more time being with them in their final days. ... It will be a huge loss for our community when it closes. Mary E. Larson
2 tailwinds shaping hospice growth, care delivery
03/18/25 at 02:00 AM2 tailwinds shaping hospice growth, care delivery Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 3/14/25 Rising demand for end-of-life care is pushing hospice growth opportunities to the forefront in value-based reimbursement. More payers in this arena are increasingly recognizing the depth of potential beneficial outcomes when it comes to collaborative hospice partnerships. Swelling aging populations have fueled rising health care costs across the country, with payers and providers alike seeking ways to ensure affordable access and sustainable services. ... “As far as tailwinds for the industry specific to hospice, [it’s] predictions for demographic growth,” [David Jackson, CEO and founding partner of Choice Health at Home] said. “The biggest opportunities for growth [are] talking about vertical integration and how we reach up into the health care system. [It’s] talking about the value that we bring from the perspective of patient care, and then talk about the plans, the payers, the opportunity to enhance their financial outcomes.”
Hospice care quality: Latest CMS data
03/14/25 at 03:10 AMHospice care quality: Latest CMS data Becker's Hospital Review; by Elizabeth Gregerson; 3/12/25 CMS has analyzed data from more than 5,000 hospice agencies for its latest update to Care Compare. Care Compare, a consumer search tool for home health, hospice and other Medicare-reimbursed healthcare services, provides patients with information to make informed decisions about healthcare. National hospice care quality data from April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, was published by the agency Feb. 19. ... The proportion of hospice patients who received each care measure:
Malpractice lawsuits are rising — here’s how physicians can protect themselves
03/14/25 at 03:00 AMMalpractice lawsuits are rising — here’s how physicians can protect themselves Becker's ASC Review; by Patsy Newitt; 3/11/25 Medical malpractice insurance is essential for protecting physicians from financial and legal risks, particularly amid the rise in malpractice lawsuits, according to a March 5 article on Physicians Thrive’s website. In 2023, malpractice verdicts hit a record high. There were 57 medical malpractice verdicts of $10 million or more, with more than half of those verdicts hitting $25 million. Here are nine things to know from the Physician’s Thrive article.
Visiting nurses discontinue services in 21 Southern Vermont towns
03/14/25 at 02:10 AMVisiting nurses discontinue services in 21 Southern Vermont townsBennington Banner, Brattleboro, VT; by Bob Audette; 3/12/25 Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Vermont and New Hampshire, located in White River Junction, will relinquish its designation as the home health agency and discontinue all home health and hospice services in most of Windham County and some of Bennington County, effective April 15. While many people learned about the discontinuance at Town Meeting Day, when line item donations to the organization were deleted, the organization has been planning this move since 2023. "This is all because of work force," said Johanna Belliveau, president and chief executive officer. In 2023, the Visiting Nurses requested the de-designation due to increases in expenses related to paying traveling nurses to service many of the towns in Windham County, she said. Since that request was made, Bayada has been providing home health care and hospice services to Windham County.