Volume 11, Number 22 — February  16, 2022



Dear Healthcare at Home Colleague,

Quite a bit of important news came out of last week's Home Care 100 meeting in Scottsdale. We will cover it over the next couple of issues. This week, the moment that had everyone talking occurred during the opening panel discussion. Look to our lead article, "Shock and Awe at Homecare 100," to read about the LHC Group executive who finally said aloud about Medicare Advantage what everyone has been whispering for years.

We also covered the closing session, Lincoln Healthcare Leadership's annual exposition of new technology companies. Without a doubt, at least two or three of this year's seven innovative technologies will support your efforts to recruit staff, streamline workflow, and improve worker and patient satisfaction.

 

 

More Recruiting and Retention Help

Over the last three years, in response to a problem that pre-dates the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, we have focused on your nurse and non-medical caregiver shortage. We have published multiple product reviews, offering our readers potential solutions. Today, with the situation getting worse instead of better, we have decided to step up our efforts. This year, we are compiling a comprehensive list of technology companies that say their products help with recruiting and retention, either directly or as a side effect of their primary function. We will not only describe these products here, but we will also feature them in the series of presentations we will be making at state and national association conferences throughout the year. This effort is described in this week's issue in the article titled, "Will We See You There?"

 

Hospital@Home: Friend or Foe?

Does the movement to provide hospital-level care in the home, by hospital personnel instead of Home Health nurses, supplement or replace your Home Health services? Staff writer Darcey Trescone takes a close look at the movement and offers some foundational background. It would be wise to keep an eye on these new in-home care providers. We will help.

 

 

Court Slams Door Shut on Closed HHA

Guest writer and veteran home care attorney Elizabeth Hogue describes a court case in the Midwest that reads like an Aesop's fable. Learn the moral of the story before it is too late. After a $1.26 million overpayment accusation, the HHA failed to file an appeal, went out of business, and later sued CMS for violating its civil rights. Read Elizabeth's analysis of the case in "CMS Puts Agency Out of Business, Court Approves."

 

Worth the Trip

It was great seeing so many friends and colleagues in Scottsdale last week. We are encouraged that in-person conferences may be returning in greater numbers in 2022. As soon as we get exact dates and locations, we will continue to list them in our "Upcoming Events" feature, below.

Have a great week. Keep making a difference!

Editor signature
Tim Rowan



Shock and Awe at Homecare 100
475 attendees too stunned to applaud.

Innovative Technologies Featured at Home Care 100 2022
Last week's Home Care 100 gathering concluded with demonstrations of seven new technology products. Whether you are Home Health, Hospice, or Home Care, at least two or three of them will improve your organization's operations.

What about Hospital at Home? What is going on?
Hospital@Home, friend or competitor?

Will We See You There?
We are spreading the word at this year's conferences about technologies that help with your staff shortage challenges.

CMS Puts Agency Out of Business, Court Approves
HHA learned its lesson too late so that others can learn it. After failing to appeal an overpayment decision, this Indiana agency sued CMS. Judge said, "why didn't you appeal when you had the chance?"

Nevvon Lands Largest Contract to Date
Help at Home will use online training for 30,000 caregivers.



During the 3rd Quarter of 2023, web sites of the above advertisers were visited by home care and hospice executives and staff 11531 times.

To inquire about placing your message here, contact:

Kristin@rowanresources.com

As of this date, approximately 44,715,000 Baby Boomers have become Medicare eligible.

 

Last Week's Most-Read Stories:

Nursing Autonomy and Shared Governance Improve Job Satisfaction
The secret to retaining good nurses is not limited to paying well. Darcey Trescone outlines what the experts say about how a Professional Practice Model empowers both recruiting and retention.

You Never Know Who Might Be A Real Hospice Worker
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance. We found this story in the public domain and just had to share it with you. Is it true? Does that matter?




Upcoming Events

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

 

Information and Registration


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 Exposition

Dates: April 9-10
Venue: NIU Naperville

Information and Registration


FREE WEBINAR: CMS’ Proposed Hospice FY2024 Payment Rule: Implications for Agencies and the Hospice Community

Sponsored by NAHC
Featuring: Theresa Forster, Katie Wehri

Date: April 11
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 EDT

Details and Registration

 

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
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 EDT

Encore date: April 13
On-demand recording available 24/7
Option to purchase recording and handouts

 

Information 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.

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.


Rise Above!

Michigan Home Care & Hospice Association Annual Conference

Dates: May 3-5
Venue: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

Registration and Information

The 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.


Home Care Innovation Forum*Presented by: The Influence Group

Dates: June 4-6
Venue: Park Hyatt Aviara 
City: 
Carlsbad, CA


Information and Registration

Featured Speakers:

Partial list of topics:


HI2: Home Care Innovation and Investment Conference *Presented by: Lincoln Healthcare Leadership

Dates: June 12-14
Venue: Swissotel 
City: 
Chicago


Information and Registration

Featured Speakers:


leading ONE vision

Homecare Homebase User Group Meeting

Dates: June 12-14
Venue: Sheraton Dallas Hotel

Information and Registration

Clinical 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:


2032 NAHC Financial Management Conference & Exposition

Date: July 16-18
Venue: Hilton Riverside, New Orleans

Information and Registration

 

In addition to NAHC president Bill Dombi, featured speakers will include:


54th Annual Meeting: "Bring Care Home"Presented by: Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice

Dates: August 28-31
Venue: Grand Hyatt Riverwalk
City: San Antonio


Information and Registration


FREE Webinar: "The Role of the Hospice Physician in Organizational Compliance"Presented by: FEMA

Date: September 6

Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM, EDT

Register here 

Collaborating with the Administration for Community Living, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Office of Policy, Planning, and Innovation, and the Schoharie County, NY, Area Agency on Aging, the webinar is designed to equip organizations with strategies to ensure seamless service continuity during an emergency. 

 


 

Home and Community-Based Palliative Care: Past, Present, and Future
NAHC and HHFMA

September 28, 2023

More Information

 


I've been surfing online more than 3 hours these days, but I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is lovely value enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made just right content material as you probably did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

2023 NAHC Annual Meeting & Exposition *

"One Voice, Many Stories"

October 15-17
Gaylord Hotel and Conference Center
National Harbor, MD

Information and Registration

Keynote Speakers:

 


 

2023 National Home Care Conference*
Home Care Association of America

October 23-24, 2023

Hilton Chicago
Chicago, IL

More Information

 

 


Vision – Plan – Succeed: 2023 Leadership Conference

Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina

October 29-31, 2023
Renaissance Hotel Ashville, NC

Information and Registration

Featured speakers:

Bill Dombi, Melinda Gaboury, Tim Rogers, Nick Seabrook, Mark Sharp, Robert Markette, Mark Kulik, and more.


Ignite Your Revenue Engine - Virtual

HomeCareSales

November 1-3, 2023

More Information


Strategic Analysis and Provider Guidance

CMS CY2024 Final Rule Cuts to Home Health

Axxess

November 9, 2023
2 PM CST

More Information


Unlocking Home Care Agency Efficiency with AI

Virtual Workshop

Automation Edge

Nov 8, 2023

11 a.m. CST

More Information


Home Health Final Rule: Clinical & Financial Strategies for Success in 2024

McBee Associates

Nov 8, 2023
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. EST
Virtual

More Information


Automating Your Compliance Process in Home Care

AxisCare and CareAcademy

Nov 8. 2023
12 p.m. CT
Virtual

More Information


2023 Annual Conference – Hybrid Hospice & Palliative Care

Hospice & Palliative Care Association of New York State

November 13-14, 2023
Albany Marriott Hotel
Albany, NY

More Information


Call for Speaker Proposals

Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina (AHHC) Annual Convention and Expo

April 7-10, 2024
Raleigh Convention Center

Submit Your Proposal

The deadline to submit a proposal is November 15, 2023.

 


Understanding the CY 2024 Home Health Final Rule:

Your agency's path forward

WellSky

Nov 15, 2023
12 p.m. CST

More Information

Presented by Cindy Campbell, MHA-Healthcare Informatics, BSN, RN, COQS, CHHCM

Request for Speakers: 2024 Annual Conference

Indiana Association for Home Health Care

April 16-17, 2024

More Information

The deadline to submit proposals is November 17, 2023.

Safety Matters: Protecting Home Care Workers from Violence

National Association for Home Care & Hospice

Nov 29, 2023
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

More Information


2023 Virtual Annual Conference
Virginia Association for Homecare and Hospice

Opening Date:November 15

More Information


Rapid Competency and Quality Improvement Training

CMS

November 30, 2023
1:00 p.m. EST

More Information


Safety Matters:
Protecting Home Care Workers from Violence

National Association for Home Care and Hospice

Nov 29, 2023
3 p.m. - 4 p.m. EST

More Information


Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Developing resilience in the face of change

McBee

Dec 6, 2023
1:00 p.m. EST

More Information


CRM Showcase:Empowering Reps for Smarter, More Efficient Growth

Trella Health

December 12, 2023
12 p.m. EST

More Information


Don't be Late for Section GGPrepare now for the new Discharge Function Score

NetSmart

Dec 12, 2023
2:00 p.m. EST

More Information


CRM Showcase: Empowering Reps for Smarter, More Efficient Growth

Trella Health

Dec 12, 2023
12 p.m. EST

More Information


Excavate-Tell-Affirm

Brand Leadership Summit

Revealing Genius

Dec 7-15, 2023
1 p.m. - 2 p.m. EST

More Information


RCM Success Toolkit:

Insights for RCM Leaders

NetSmart

December 14, 2023
2:00 p.m. EST

More Information


Understanding, Identifying, and Overcoming Conscious and Unconscious Bias

Home Care Pulse

Ongoing
FREE Sample Course

More Information


Home Health and Hospice Summit

HealthCare Synergy

January 10, 2024
Renaissance Hotel
Long Beach, CA

More Information


Home Care 100*

Lincoln Intelligence Group

January 21-24, 2024
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Scottsdale, AZ

More Information


AGILE: Axxess Growth, Innovation and Leadership Experience*

Axxess

April 21-24, 2024
Irving Convention Center
Dallas, TX

More Information


Annual Conference & Trade Show

Michigan HomeCare & Hospice Association

May 8-9, 2024
Radisson of Kalamazoo

More Information


2024 KHCA Annual Conference

Kentucky Home Care Association

August 14-15, 2024
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream
Lexington, KY

More Information


Insight2024

6th Annual Forum on Coding, OASIS & Quality

McBee

Aug 5-7, 2024
Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center
Overland Park, Kansas

More Information


Agency Amplify

HomeCareSales

Recurring
2nd Tuesday

More Information


*The Rowan Report will see you there.


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



Did you receive this issue as a forward from a colleague? Would you like to have your own free subscription? Click here.

Home Care Technology Report is published by Rowan Consulting Associations, Inc., Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved. Request reprint permission by writing to editor@homecaretechreport.com.

HCTR is free to subscribers and supported by its generous advertisers. To inquire about presenting your message to our 12,000 subscribers, write to Kristin in our ad sales department, Kristin@RowanResources.com.