Volume 11, Number 22 — January 5, 2022
Dear Healthcare at Home Colleague,
Here we go! The new year that everyone hopes will surpass the last two in revenue, glowing online reviews, and filling vacant positions. Here at The Rowan Report, we will do what we can to help, continuing our 23-year mission to explain new technologies and unpack the impact of regulations. Our lineup of experts remains ready to help, and, Wow, have we needed their help already this year. Read on to see how much news crossed our desk just this week.
Topping that list is a report that my state, Colorado, is leveraging COVID relief funds to help Medicaid providers boost caregiver pay to $15 per hour. Have you heard anything similar in your state?
The first two big events of the new year come up in February. I will be going to Homecare 100 in Scottsdale, will you? Lincoln Health tells me there are only a few seats left. If you have been considering it, now is the time. Click on the banner ad above, or the display ad on this page to register. The second February event is the Private Duty Leadership Summit hosted by NAHC at the Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Hotel, February 22-24.
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We also want to remind you that we always encourage guest authors. In fact, we introduce one this week. Rosemary Kennedy, PhD, RN, explains "How Connected Care Technology Can Help with the Caregiver Shortage." If you too have an expertise to share, a story to tell, or a comment on one of our stories, send a letter to editor@homecaretechreport.com. If you have a 500- to 800-word product review or other experience with a technology company, submit your article to the same address. The same goes for an experience you would like to share with our readers about an outcome, successful or unsuccessful, with a MAC, ZPIC, or other regulatory agency.
Speaking of interactions with MACs, have you mastered the switch from RAPs to NOAs yet? Staff writer Darcey Trescone took a close look at the challenges many HHAs are facing, with the help of experts at BKD. She was surprised to discover that EMR failures cause most of the reported problems. Medicare HHAs should begin this week's issue with Darcey's excellent analysis, "Notice of Admission (NOA) Poses Industry Challenges."
The pace of mergers and acquisitions picked up in 2022 right where it left off in 2021, perhaps even accelerated a little. We found three major examples already this week. Be sure to read our lead story, "Homecare Homebase to Acquire CellTrak." Then scroll down to "Trella Health Acquires PlayMaker Health." Then see our story about Addus acquiring its Chicago-area neighbor, JourneyCare.
CMS Gets Serious About Vaccination...For Some
In its December 28 document raising 100% vaccination compliance for all home healthcare workers to the level of a Condition of Participation, CMS inexpli cably designated half of U.S. states as exempt from the rule. No explanation, merely a list of states where surveyors have been instructed to keep hands off. We asked our legal experts and found out why, politics.
Are any of your patients or clients diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma, the disease caused by extended exposure to asbestos? If so, we found two helpful resources. Asbestos.com, an Orlando non-profit sponsored by a number of law firms, is a web site with a wealth of basic information on the disease and links to services. MesotheliomaHope is another free service clinicians might find useful. It has helped connect victims with resources for over 20 years.
Have a great week, and a prosperous, peaceful year. Keep making a difference in 2022!
Homecare Homebase to Acquire CellTrak
Longtime collaborators to unite. CellTrak to become wholly owned subsidiary.
CMS Raises Vaccination Compliance to Condition of Participation
Achieve 100% Vaccination or Lose Your HHA, CMS Warns:
"Facilities that do not meet these parameters could be subject to additional enforcement actions depending on the severity of the deficiency and the type of facility (e.g., plans of correction, termination)."
Notice of Admission (NOA) Poses Industry Challenges
You have established new, NOA processes to replace your RAP procedures. But is your EMR helping or hindering your ability to meet the 5-day limit? Many HHAs are doing everything right and still getting it wrong. Why?
How Connected Care Tech Can Help with the Caregiver Shortage
Guest author Rosemary Kennedy, PhD, RN, takes a deep dive into the relationship between caregiver recruiting/retention and improving communications among clinicians, families, and patients.
Trella Health Acquires PlayMaker
Former competitors saw potential synergies by joining forces.
Addus Expands into Hospice & Palliative Through Acquisition
$765 million provider has acquired Chicago-area neighbor agency JourneyCare.
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During the 1st Quarter of 2023, web sites of the above advertisers were visited by home care and hospice executives and staff 4163 times. To inquire about placing your message here, contact: Kristin@rowanresources.com As of this date, approximately 44,253,000 Baby Boomers have become Medicare eligible. |
Last Week's Most-Read Stories:
AlayaCare/Delta Announcement Inspires Memory Lane Trip
Aging in Place With Home Modifications
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FREE WEBINAR: Combat the Great Resignation and Reduce Employee Turnover by 40%
Presented by: National Minority Health Association
Date: Tuesday, May 24
Time: 10:00 AM Pacific; 1:00 PM Eastern
Information and Registration
Agenda
As organizations plan for the future, they must cultivate a happier, healthier workforce. Most CEOs, CFOs, HR professionals, and other business leaders are eager to know the true impact of financial wellness. We are gathering to discuss and explore how prioritizing employee financial wellness can help increase caregiver retention and productivity at no cost to your businesses.
Gulf Coast Regional Conference & Exposition
Presented by: Home Care Associations of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama
Date: July 18-20
Venue: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort
Location: Point Clear, Alabama
2022 NAHC Financial Management Conference & Exposition *
Date: July 24-26
Venue: Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas
Register for the in-person conference - starting at $750 for NAHC members or $1,025 for non-members - or for the digital only content - $400 for members and $600 for non-members. If you register for the in-person conference, you'll get access to all of the digital content.
2022 ONC Virtual Tech Forum
Sponsored by: Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT
Location: Online
Dates: September 9, 16, and 23
ONC has posted the high-level agenda and opened up registration for the 2022 ONC Virtual Tech Forum on HealthIT.gov. This year's event takes place during three consecutive Fridays in September (9th, 16th, 23rd). As in years past, the Tech Forum will feature industry perspectives on the progress made in health IT over the past year, and highlight how we can continue to advance health technology to improve patient care, health equity, data exchange, and interoperability.
MHCA 52nd Annual Meeting & Expo
Sponsored by: Minnesota Home Care Association
Date: October 12-14
Information and Registration
Venue: Breezy Point Resort
City: Breezy Point, MN
2022 NAHC Annual Meeting & Exposition *
"Connection 4.0: Linkup"
Date: October 23-25
Venue: America's Center Convention Complex
Location: St. Louis, MOThis year, we want to celebrate one of the most meaningful touchstones of our industry — connection. At the Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo, we'll explore ideas around connection and community to help attendees reach their stakeholders in authentic and meaningful ways.
New technology, workforce developments, and the importance of high standards in quality care continue to push our community of clinicians and providers to revamp their strategies and skill sets. This event is the meeting point for you to uncover groundbreaking ideas, discover new interests, and network with industry pros.
Meet us in St. Louis, Missouri, once known as the "Gateway to the West." So, it is perfectly centered to make those connections even easier for members and attendees from all ends of the U.S. We look forward to linking up with you this October!
2022 Annual Conference
New Mexico Association for Home and Hospice CareDate: November 3
Venue: CNM Workforce Training Center
City: AlbuquerqueFeaturing:
- Lisa McClammy on "Navigating the New World of Home Health Value-Based Purchasing"
- Petria McKelvey on "Medicare Advantage & Third Party Payers: How to Get Paid!"
- Tim Rowan on "Technologies to Improve Staff Recruiting & Retention"
20th Annual Northeast Home Health Leadership Summit
Sponsored by: State Associations of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York (HCA), New York (HCP), Rhode Island, VNAs of Vermont
Dates: January 17-19
Venue: Revere Hotel, Boston
Homecare 100 *
Presented by: Lincoln Healthcare Leadership
Date: January 22-25, 2023
Venue: Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes, FL
Registration Information
Shine Your Light
Illinois HomeCare & Hospice Council Annual Meeting and ExpositionDates: April 9-10
Venue: NIU Naperville
FREE WEBINAR: CMS’ Proposed Hospice FY2024 Payment Rule: Implications for Agencies and the Hospice Community
Sponsored by NAHC
Featuring: Theresa Forster, Katie WehriDate: April 11
Details and Registration
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 EDT
Description: In addition to routine annual payment changes, CMS proposed FY2024 Hospice Payment Rule, issued on March 31, contains valuable updates on the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP). Perhaps most notable, the rule's deep dive into utilization trends signals an intensified interest in hospice care patterns, potentially inappropriate behavior in the hospice sector, and program integrity concerns. Join two of NAHC's hospice experts as they detail proposed changes, including a new requirement that hospice certifying physicians be Medicare enrolled (or to have validly opted-out) and CMS' Requests for Information on hospice utilization and health equity, and examine their potential impact on hospice practice going forward.
Faculty: Theresa M. Forster, NAHC VP for Hospice Policy & Programs
Katie Wehri, NAHC Director of Home Health & Hospice Regulatory Affairs
WEBINAR: Audits: What to Do
A 90-minute Lunch & Learn Audio Conference by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq. Health Care Attorney
Date: Thursday, April 6
Encore date: April 13
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 EDT
On-demand recording available 24/7
Option to purchase recording and handoutsInformation and Registration
Audio-Conference Description: Home care providers of all types; including home health agencies, private duty agencies, hospices and HME companies; remain targets of audits by various regulators, including but certainly not limited to United Program Integrity Contractors (UPICs). The results of these audits can be devastating because they may threaten the ability of providers to remain in business, especially when overpayments are extrapolated to millions of dollars. Audits of all types must be taken seriously and providers must take action to close audits as quickly as possible! The first thing providers must do is to review records requested by auditors.
- What must providers do when reviews show deficiencies in documentation?
- When and how can providers amend or supplement records prior to submission to auditors?
- Should providers send summaries to auditors along with patient records?
The purpose of this teleconference is to give providers detailed steps to follow to avoid adverse consequences of audits. Examples of common issues targeted by auditors will be provided and there will be time for questions and answers.
First Joint Conference of the Carolinas
Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina & South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association
Dates: April 23-26
Venue: Westin
City: Charlotte
Rise Above!
Michigan Home Care & Hospice Association Annual Conference
Dates: May 3-5
Venue: Grand Traverse Resort & SpaThe theme for the Conference is “RISE ABOVE” a fitting recognition of the challenges our industry and each of you overcame in your personal lives and professional careers to navigate the challenges of the past three years.
The MHHA conference presents an opportunity to meet new friends and reacquaint with peers. What better place to rise above, than at the spacious and beautiful Grand Traverse Resort & Spa? This conference has a little bit for every service line and discipline. Wednesday offers a track for Volunteer Managers and Thursday offers a track for Palliative Care as well as many other sessions for Certified Home Health, Hospice, DME and Private Duty Home Care.
2023 Annual Home Health & Hospice Conference
Homecare and Hospice Association of UtahDate: May 10-11
City: Sandy
2023 Rocky Mountain Home Care, Home Health & Hospice Conference *Presented by: Home Care and Hospice Association of Colorado
Dates: May 18-19
Venue: Beaver Creek
Home Care Innovation Forum*Presented by: The Influence Group
Dates: June 4-6
Venue: Park Hyatt Aviara
City: Carlsbad, CAFeatured Speakers:
- Mark King, CEO, Taco Bell
- Darryl "DMC" McDaniels
- David Causby, President & CEO, Gentiva
- Susan Benoit, CEO & President, CenterWell Home Health
- Bruce Greenstein, EVP, LHC Group
- Bill Dombi, President, NAHC
Partial list of topics:
- AI-enabled Remote Patient Monitoring
- Recruitment/Retention strategies
- AI and Automation for Better Hiring
- Developing an Effective MA Strategy
- The Future of Telehealth
- Taking on Risk
HI2: Home Care Innovation and Investment Conference *Presented by: Lincoln Healthcare Leadership
Dates: June 12-14
Venue: Swissotel
City: ChicagoFeatured Speakers:
- Vin Gupta, CMO, Amazon
- Patrick Conway, MD, CEO, Care Solutions
- Kevin Ban, MD, Global CMO, Walgreens
- Andy Slavitt, Founder, Town Hall Ventures, former CMS Administrator
leading ONE vision
Homecare Homebase User Group Meeting
Dates: June 12-14
Venue: Sheraton Dallas HotelClinical Education Credits
Nationally recognized speakers, eight clinical sessions. Clinicians are encouraged to sign up for the clinical sessions, but are free to jump between clinical and non-clinical topics. Clinical topics include a homecare focus on Wound Care, Value Based Purchasing, Clinical Leadership, conflict resolution, Quality Report, Oasis and more.Featured Speakers:
- Mark Scharenbroich: Award Winning Author, Emmy Award® Winner for an ABC TV special, National Speakers Association Hall of Fame Inductee, Golden Apple and Silver Screen Film award for his movie, "The Greatest Days of Your Life…(so far)," International film festival award winner.
- David Glickman: David has been a professional speaker and entertainer for over twenty years and has presented over 2000 programs. Before transitioning from "show business" to "speech business," he worked with everyone from Steve Martin to Ellen DeGeneres and performed at private parties for singer Gloria Estefan and former President Jimmy Carter. He also appeared on "Evening At The Improv" and several other national television shows.
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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