Volume 7, Number 46 — November 14, 2018
Dear Healthcare at Home Colleague,
We have something for everyone this week. First, we here at the Rowan Report wish every one of you a happy Thanksgiving. Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Celebrate family. Celebrate our nation's ideals. And remember that "moderation in all things" includes turkey, football, alcohol, and dinnertime political discussions.
We have a guest author this week who asks an interesting question. John Corrigan wants to know what the best relationship is between medical and non-medical services? Are they mutually exclusive? Can they co-exist with the same patient during the same time period? During my own mother's final year, she gained great comfort from a non-medical caregiver while she was within a Medicare episode and later in-home hospice. Is this a common practice? Or are Medicare providers, as Corrigan asks, "afraid" of private duty?
If that question is not within your wheelhouse, we also have two studies for CIOs and IT professionals. Do you already know everything you need to know about Wi-Fi 6? How about dual-SIM smartphones? You should. We help you get started. Click on the headlines below.
For Medicare providers, check out our reprint of the latest self pat-on-the-back from CMS. They have charts that show how well they have responded to a 2010 law, "The Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act." Their statement begs the unaddressed question, "When a Medicare contractor declares a payment 'improper,' are they always correct?" Be sure to click on this week's CMS News column below.
That is the news summary for this week. Let me leave you with two important reminders:
Have a great week. Keep expressing your gratitude and making a difference!
Does Home Health Fear Private Duty? Or Just Misunderstand It?
Guest author John Corrigan asks, "When a patient could benefit from non-medical aide or homemaker services during or after a PPS episode, do you provide them yourself, refer the patient out, or ignore it?"
CMS News: Fewer Improper Payments in 2018
What CMS identifies as improper payments includes both real fraud and inaccurate findings of fraud by contractor error. As it slaps itself on the back for its success, CMS does not specify what percentage of payments might move from "Improper" to "Proper" if healthcare providers still enjoyed access to the ALJ appeals system.
Wi-Fi 6 is Coming; What IT Departments Should Be Doing Now
From DOS to Windows, from laptops to tablets, healthcare has always adapted to keep pace with advancing technology. Will it be ready for the next step forward: Wi-Fi 6?
Should Home Care Invest in Dual-SIM Phones?
The growing availability of phones that can accommodate two SIM cards is pushing price points down to home care budget territory.
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During the 3rd Quarter of 2020, web sites of the above advertisers were visited by home care and hospice executives and staff 3691 times. To inquire about placing your message here, contact: Kristin@rowanresources.com As of this date, approximately 31,625,000 Baby Boomers have become Medicare eligible. |
Last Week's Most-Read Stories:
What to Expect from the Emergence of ResMed
What is Honor Up To?
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National Healthcare CNO/CMO/Informatics Summit
Presented by Marcus Evans Events
Date: March 18-19, 2019
Location: The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, Los Angeles, CA
The Healthcare Summits are the premium forums bringing senior level medical executives and solution providers together. The one-on-one business meetings provide access to senior medical executives within the largest healthcare organizations across the United States. A thorough selection process ensures a qualified audience, which grants unparalleled business and networking opportunities in a luxurious and stimulating environment.
Information and registration
2019 Omaha System International Conference: A Key to Practice, Documentation, and Information Management
Date: April 3-5, 2019
Location: Eagan, Minnesota
Fees: Pre-Conference (1 day): $165
Conference (2 days): $335
Pre-conference and Conference (all 3 days): $500
Registration and Information
The Omaha System International Conference is held every two years as a venue for those in practice, education, research, and software development to exchange experiences. There is something for everyone involved with the Omaha System, from beginners to experts to everyone in between. Joyce Sensmeier, HIMSS is the keynote speaker, and The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing is the school host. The 2019 PDF flier includes location and registration information, speaker/planner list, agenda, exhibitors, and more.
National Healthcare CXO Summit
Presented by Marcus Evans Events
Date: May 19-21
Location: Eau Palm Beach ResortKeynote Presenters: Susan Blumenthal, past US Assistant Surgeon General; Nicholas Webb, Healthcare Futurist
The National Healthcare CXO Summit is the premium forum bringing senior level healthcare executives and solution providers together. As an invitation-only event, taking place behind closed doors, the Summit offers an intimate environment for a focused discussion of key new drivers shaping the healthcare industry.
WEBINAR: 5 Crucial Ways to Prepare for PDGM
Sponsored by: HealthCare Synergy
Featuring: Michael Tidd, LVN, COS-C, COS-D
Dates: November 13
Time: 10:00 am PST / 1:00 am EST
Information and RegistrationAgencies are rapidly trying to prepare for the PDGM payment model. We will show you the most crucial ways an agency can prepare for the internal changes needed for PDGM. While most agencies are focusing on how to instruct clinicians on the change, PDGM has the most impact on office functions. Attend and gain insight on the things the agency needs to be doing now to prepare for January 1, 2020.
Objectives:
1. Learn agency level changes that can be implemented to be successful in 2020
2. Understand how to approach budgeting and finances under PDGM
3. What do your clinicians really need to know to ensure the agencies continued successMichael Tidd has over 19 years of experience in the Home Care Industry and is a frequent speaker at HealthCare Synergy Workshops and Webinars. He is a Software Developer, LVN and Certified in ICD-9/10 Coding and OASIS (COS-C, HCS-D). As the Clinical Manager for HealthCare Synergy, he directs the Outsourced Management Services, assists in directing the development of the Healthcare Assistant Web Edition, oversees the Clinical Documentation Auditing provided to clients and directs the Clinical Form Development for the Healthcare Assistant Web Edition. Michael continues to educate agencies in the ongoing regulations that CMS produces, the proper application of the Medicare Conditions of Participation and completing timely, accurate and defendable clinical documentation to survive in the current Medicare Reimbursement Model.
Webinar: Post-Acute Care Quality Reporting Programs
Presented by: CMS
Date: Thursday, November 14
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST
Fee: Free
Description: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be hosting a webinar for Medicare-certified hospice providers to provide an overview on Hospital Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) requirements.
During this webinar, CMS subject matter experts will provide information on the following topics:
- Hospice Item Set (HIS) reporting requirements;
- HQRP compliance cycle;
- How to achieve hospice compliance;
- CAHPs survey requirements; and
- How to switch CAHPS survey research vendors.
CMS will answer questions at the end of the webinar as time permits.
Register
Conference: Successful Home Health Transformation
Hosted Dixon Healthcare Solutions, Inc.
Date: December 5-6
Location: Bally's, Las Vegas
Time: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Speakers: Richard K. Dixon, Cheryl Peltekis, RN, Meaghan McCormick, Esq., Donna Floyd, RN, BSN, J'non Griffin, RN, MHA, HCS-D, BCCH-C, COS-C, WCC; Annette Lee, RN, MS, HCS-D, COS-C; Cory Mertz, managing partner for a leading healthcare M&A firm.Approved for up to 10 hours of Continuing Nursing Education by Corexcel, an accredited provider by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
WEBINAR: PDGM Preparation: Operational StrategiesSponsored by Kornetti & Krafft Health Care Solutions & MedBridge
Date: December 5
Time: 1:00 pm EST
Knowing that resources are tight as PDGM approaches, Kornetti & Krafft is offering a free overview of OASIS D1 to ensure that changes to this critical data collection instrument do not get lost in the shuffle.
What is Included:
- Highlight key differences between OASIS D and D1
- Make an informed decision about the use of "=" as a response
- As an outsourced OASIS/Coding company, the most commonly seen OASIS errors and proven strategies for success will be included.
Homecare 100 *January 19-22
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort
Miami, FL
https://www.homecare100.com/
WEBINAR: Key Documentation Issues for 2020 & the Future
A 90-Minute Lunch & Learn Audio Conference by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq. Health Care Attorney
Date: March 18
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 EDT
Encore date: March 25; On-demand recording available
Information and Registration
Documentation remains a key requirement for home care providers as the consequences for inadequate documentation become more severe.
- What can home health agencies do to avoid denials by ZPICs, RACs, etc., for lack of homebound status and reasonable and necessary care?
- What kind of documentation must home health agencies, hospices, private duty agencies and HME companies maintain regarding gifts to referral sources and payments to physicians who make referrals to them?
- How can providers avoid an increase in enforcement action in this area?
- What kinds of documentation problems are private duty agencies facing with regard to recoupments from state Medicaid Programs?
- What dangers do electronic medical records cause for all types of home health providers?
- Is it true that if it wasn't documented, it wasn't done?
Gather your staff members to emphasize effective documentation yet again. Real examples of cases involving problematic documentation will be presented. Questions and case examples are welcome, and extensive handouts will be provided for use by staff members.
Recordings Available: Pandemic Recovery - Rebuild Stronger Than Ever
Texas Association for Home Care and Hospice
Two days of keynote and breakout presentations for home health and hospice providers.
Virtual Conference: Virtual Summit on Health System Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Nation’s Health System Leaders Engage in a Real-Time Dialogue on Pandemic Recovery and the Future of Health Care in America
Sponsored by: Global Health Care, LLC
Featuring:
- David Brailer, MD, PhD, Executive Chairman, Health Evolution, Former National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, Former CEO, CareScience
- Bruce D. Broussard, MBA President and CEO, Humana, Former Chair and Chief Executive Officer, US Oncology
- Michael W. Cropp, MD, MBA President and CEO, Independent Health, Chairman, Alliance of Community Health Plans
- Wyatt Decker, MD, MBA CEO, OptumHealth
Date: June 22-25
The Nation’s Health System Leaders Engage in a Real-Time Dialogue on Pandemic Recovery and the Future of Health Care in America
All health care providers offering full-time, hands-on services to COVID patients click here to register at no cost.
Webinar Series: Sales Training, Home Health and Hospice
Presented by: Healthcare Strategica, LLC
Featuring: Michael Ferris
1 - 8-week Hospice & Palliative Care Sales Training Course2 - 8-week Home Health Sales Training
Rowan Report subscribers: Register with this link to receive $100 discount.
We have taken our best of class industry specific sales training bootcamps and are offering them via Webinar to enable you to continue to train your sales team in today's world of limited travel and social distancing.
The Hospice and Palliative Care course will be offered live every Tuesday starting May 19 through July 7, 2020.
The Home Health course will be offered live every Tuesday starting May 21 through July 9, 2020.
Each class will have participation exercises, homework assignments, quizzes and question and answer opportunities.
Each participant will receive their own course materials and individual coaching and feedback. At the conclusion of the course each student will receive a certificate of completion, an invitation to join the exclusive Sales Mastery Group* and opportunity to join the 52-week Sales Training Excellence Course.*
* Only available to Sales Professionals that have successfully completed the 8-week Sales Training Course – additional fees may apply.
Each session will be offered on-demand and if unable to attend the live webinar, you will be able to view the recording and participate in exercises, questions, coaching and quizzes. If you start after the first webinar date, you will be provided with access to those classes missed so that you can get caught up or you may elect to attend via the recorded sessions.
Virtual Conference: NAHC Financial Managers Annual Meeting
July 27-30
Free Webinar: Carpe Diem: Now is the Ideal Time to Excavate Your Brand Genius
A complimentary webinar & roundtable discussion for executive business leaders
Featuring: Mary Maloney
Date: September 11
Time: 12:00 - 12:45 EDTNow more than ever we need leaders ready to own a new world narrative - those who are brave enough to strategically position and message their voice in the marketplace from a deeper perspective of purpose that connects directly to what lights them up (their brand genius).
Many leaders confess that they have forgotten their greatness or feel lost in a sea of sameness, amongst a fiercely competitive set. They say they struggle with what words will resonate or feel “salesy” when asked, “What do you do?”
Thanks to the pace of technology, we have less than seconds to connect, therefore, it’s no longer all about what you do for a living and the quantifiable goals you achieved; it’s much more about what you stand for, the legacy you want to leave and building trust expeditiously with your tribe.
If 82% of people make buying decisions based on emotion (Capgemini), what emotive messages are you sending?
This webinar will start you on your journey to deliberately make your personal brand come alive.
Free Webinar: Preparation For A New Normal — Infection Control
Presented by: Savii
Featuring: James Cohen, CEO, Nevvon
Date: October 20
Time: 1:00 EDT
Fee: FreeThis webinar is catered to home care agency owners, HR, operations, nursing and marketers.
You will learn:
- How infection control will change home care
- What we learned from COVID-19
- How to increase your census
FREE WEBINAR: How Technology Enhances Home Care in an Increasingly Remote World *
Sponsored by: Care Connect
Moderator:Panelists: Tim Rowan
Panelists: Mike Gelman, President COO, CareConnect; Jim Rolla, SVP, VNSYNY Partners in Care; Steve Pellito, SVP, Provider Sales, Sandata
Date: November 12
Time: 1:00 pm EDT
Virtual Conference: Southwest Homecare and Hospice
A collaborative online conference by the home care associations of:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Utah
- and the Arizona Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Date: November 18-19
Experience recognized experts and thought leaders as they share their insights, actionable strategies, and relevant tools and resources.
VIRTUALLY UNSTOPPABLE
The 2020 Annual Conference of the South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association
Virtual Conference: December 9-10
This year's conference will be presented onlineKeynote Speakers:
- David Rendall, Author of "Pink Goldfish"
- Bill Dombi, President, NAHC, "The View From Washington"
*The Rowan Report will see you there.
Navigating the Hospice Cost Report
Sponsored by: ElevatingHOME
Date: February 19, 2019
Time: 12:00pm EST
Fee: FREECMS has stated that 66% of the cost reports previously filed should not have been accepted and will now be subject to more strenuous requirements. The cost reports will be used by CMS to recalibrate and adjust the hospice daily payment rates.
Join Elevating Home for this webinar as Tom Boyd, Vice President of Reimbursable Services with Simione Healthcare Consultants discusses what is new and help participants identify and understand the requirements for the completion of the Medicare Hospice cost report.
The Hospice Cost Report: A Requirement & A Management Tool
Presented by: Tom Boyd, MBA, CFE, CHFP, Vice President of Reimbursable Services, Simione Healthcare Consultants
Date: February 14
Time: 2:00 - 3:00 EST
Fee: FREE
Join Simione Healthcare Consultants for an overview of hospice cost reporting and ways to make sense of all the required information to support timely, accurate and affordable filing. A Simione cost report is backed by our longstanding experience with reimbursement and government reporting. Discover the difference and get the bigger picture on your hospice finances!
Interoperability for Service Providers through CMS’s EMDI Initiative
Presented by: ElevatingHOME and VNAA
Featuring: Pallavi Talekar, Project Manager, Scope Infotech, Inc.; Ray Wilkerson, Sr. Business Analyst, Scope Infotech, Inc.; Nandini Ganguly, Business Analyst, Scope Infotech, Inc.; Kishan Patel Business Analyst, Scope Infotech, Inc.; Briana Barnes, Project Coordinator, Scope Infotech, Inc.
Date: Tuesday, July 30
Time: 12:00 pm EDT
Fee: Free to ElevatingHome, VNAA, and Alliance for Home Health Quality Improvement members
Representatives from the EMDI Initiative team will discuss interoperability using health IT standards, including Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR). Participants will learn about pilot opportunities with CMS to enhance provider workflow using three critical use cases. Participants will:
Learning Series Webinar: Million Hearts®2022 & Related Medicare-Covered Preventive Services
CMS National Training Program
Date: February 14, 2019
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 EST
Fee: FREE
This webinar provides an overview of:
Security Risk Assessment Tool Overview and User Feedback Session
Presented by: CMS
Date: Wednesday July 17
Time: 1:00 pm EDT
Fee: Free
ONC and the HHS Office for Civil Rights are holding a training session and overview of the Security Risk Assessment (SRA) Tool. The tool is designed to assist small to medium providers in conducting an internal security risk assessment. This assessment will aid providers with their security risk analysis as required by the HIPAA Security Rule and the CMS EHR Incentive program. Following the webinar, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Register
PDGM’s Behavioral Adjustments - What You Need to Know Now
Sponsored by eSolutions
Featuring: Karri Wright, Sr. Director, Product Management at Homecare Homebase
Date: Thursday, August 29
Time: 2:00 pm CDT
Fee: FreeThe webinar covers:
- CMS assumptions and intended adjustments and their impact on:
- Upcoding
- Comorbidities
- LUPA Avoidance
- Considerations for HHAs
- Evaluating your HHA data now to assess tomorrow based on today’s reality
A QUALITY JOB: Clinical Management & Care Coordination Under PDGM
Hosted by VNAA
Sponsored by MatrixCare/Brightree
Presented by Simione Healthcare ConsultantsFeaturing: Laura Wilson, RN, BSN, Sr. Manager, Simione Healthcare Consultants
Date: Wednesday, September 11
Time: 12:00 pm EDT
Free Registration
PDGM is so much more than a billing change! Home health agencies preparing for payment reform need to look closely at clinical operations to make accommodations that will uphold quality, including care alternatives that add value to the equation. In this webinar, we’ll share insights based on the findings of gap analyses to help your organization make a successful transition under the new requirements. Recommended Attendees: Clinical Managers, Intake Staff, Coders / QA, Finance & Billing personnel Hosted by VNAA, sponsored by MatrixCare/Brightree, presented by Simione Healthcare Consultants
Hospice compliance 2019: confronting a surprising new survey focus
Sponsored by: Wellsky
Featuring: Robert Markette, esq.
Date: March 14
Time: Noon CDT
Fee: None
Hospice providers today are confronting a new and unexpected survey focus. Hospice surveyors are increasingly focused on issues relating to hospice administration. This administrative focus includes topics such as your hospice’s corporate structure, the relationship between your hospice’s parent office and its multiple locations, and the role and job title of your administrator. Hospice providers who have been successfully operating for years are suddenly finding themselves hit with condition level citations. How will your hospice team adapt to the major survey focus of 2019? Join renowned hospice attorney Robert W. Markette of Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman, P.C. for an exclusive webinar that will prepare you and your team for the major survey focus of 2019.
Information and registration
Attend and learn:
Why a poorly drafted organizational chart can be a significant problem for your hospice
What hospice surveyors are looking for in the relationship between your hospice’s parent office and its multiple locations
Why calling your administrator something other than “administrator” could be a survey issue
Your state or national association meeting or webinar not listed? Send the details to Conferences@RowanResources.com using this format:
Conference Title
Sponsoring Association
Date(s)
Hotel or Conference Center, City, State
URL
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