Volume 10, Number 44 — June  16, 2021




Dear Healthcare at Home Colleague,

CMS news tops our reporting this week, though there is plenty in this issue for home care and hospice as well.

In the fall of 2019, a new rule was finalized to control Medicare fraud -- not just in post acute care, but throughout the system. To date, CMS has not decided how to implement this 21-month old rule. We interviewed two home care attorneys and a veteran Medicare appeals consultant to figure out what is going on, and to help you understand what you should be doing about it right now in anticipation of some future implementation plan.

Here is why it matters so much: if one person got in Medicare trouble in the last six years at one HHA, and if you hire that person at your HHA, you will be denied Medicare re-enrollment upon your next application. Be sure to read from our experts by clicking below on "Contaminated 'Affiliations' Predicted to Shutter Hundreds of HHAs."

 

 

 

 

How old will you be in 2060? How old will your children be? Staff writer Darcey Trescone starts an excellent survey on future technologies to manage the exploding elderly population with the finding that the number of Americans needing post-acute care is expected to jump from 8 million today to 27 million by 2060. Her analysis in "Automation Will Be Critical in the Future of Post-Acute Care," is a must-read for all healthcare providers.

More CMS (Bad) News: Every time a case goes to a court questioning who should hold the money during a lengthy payment denial or recoupment appeal, the most recent court disagrees with the last one. Home Health attorney Elizabeth Hogue reports for us on the latest disappointing decision. This time, however, the fault may lie with the HHA. Read her analysis, "Learning From the Mistakes of Others May Save Millions," and see how the way they worded their court challenge led to the judge deciding to let CMS hold onto their money until the end of the lengthy appeal process. When your turn comes, and it will, you may be able to avoid that mistake.

 

 

Other Industry News:

Quick reminder: Did you know we have not thrown away a single news article since we went electronic in 2005? Use our key word search feature on our home page to do your research into our industry's colorful history. You can enter one, two, or three key words and we will search using a Boolean "and." Read about past acquisitions such as Hearst and Homecare Homebase or Netsmart and McKesson. Recall our introductions of new tech companies, some thriving today, some forgotten. Many of our readers use it to help with their orientation of new employees and executives. Some just because they are in a nostalgic mood. Enjoy!

 

 

Worth the Trip

How refreshing it is to be able to use the word "trip" and not mean walking from the kitchen to my home office. We are going to publish one more edition next week, June 23, and then take a break to travel to Marco Island, Florida for Homecare 100. We hope to see you there, but if we don't, we will tell you what we are learning day to day via live video reports on our Facebook page. Bookmark our page and check in from time to time June 26-30 to see we found big news to report. There may still be time to register to attend. Click the Homecare 100 banner ad at the top of this page.

We will also be attending both upcoming NAHC meetings. Look for us in Chicago, August 1-3 for Financial Managers, and in New Orleans, October 3-5, for their Annual Meeting and Expo.

We are also making plans to introduce our friends at Milimatch to our Home Care friends at the HCAOA Annual Leadership Conference in Orlando, September 26-27. You have seen us write about their patented technology. In fact, you made our January article about Milimatch our "most-read" news item for 12 weeks in a row. You will be equally amazed when you see it in person.

Have a great week. Keep making a difference!

Editor signature
Tim Rowan



Contaminated "Affiliations" Predicted to Shutter Hundreds of HHAs
CMS has not decided how to implement 21-month old final rule, but still predicts it may shut down 2,600 Medicare providers.

Automation Will Be Critical in the Future of Post-Acute Care
The number of Americans needing post-acute care is expected to jump from 8 million today to 27 million by 2060. Technologies created today to accommodate the nurse and caregiver shortage will be the ones used by us...and probably on the next generation as well.

Learning From the Mistakes of Others May Save Millions
Court says sometimes the occasional HHA must suffer hardship, or fail, because Medicare rules are complex. A badly worded appeal sank this HHA's chances.

Humana Acquires Another Home Care Provider
One Homecare Solutions, known as "onehome," serves eight states from its Miramar, Florida headquarters.

ATA Applauds Telemental Healthcare Access Act
Statement approves act that repeals problematic, in-person requirement for Tele-mental health services.

AlayaCare Turns Focus to Caregiver Retention
Employee churn and the pandemic are primary pain points for home care providers.



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 42,020,000 Baby Boomers have become Medicare eligible.

 

Last Week's Most-Read Stories:

Homecare Homebase and Corridor Announce Exclusive Partnership
Homecare Homebase℠ and Corridor announce exclusive partnership to provide coding and documentation review services to HCHB customers.

Porter Research Study Finds Patients and Families Prefer Providers Who Communicate
How do you communicate with patients and families? 96 percent of patients and family caregivers say they would choose one Home Health provider over another based on ability to respond in real time.




Upcoming Events

2021 Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo *

National Association for Home Care and Hospice

Date: October 3-5
Venue: New Orleans

Sadly, this conference has had to be postponed, due to the hurricane in New Orleans and COVID situation in Louisiana.


FREE WEBINAR: Targeted Probe & Educate: Where Do You Stand?

Presented by: Healthcare Synergy
Featuring:
Michael Tidd, COS-C, HCS-D, HealthCare Synergy Clinical Manager

Date: Wednesday, November 3
Time: 11:00 am PDT / 2:00 pm EDT

Register

Overview:
Targeted Probe and Educate is a CMS initiative to seek a better understanding of agencies practices in order to protect the Medicare funds. Agencies self-identify themselves and request reviews by their actions and the data they provide to CMS. Are you aware of the signals you might be sending and how to protect yourself?
Objectives:
Speaker:
Michael 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.

FREE WEBINAR: Admit more Patients & Stop Nursing Burnout!

Presented by: OperaCare

Date: November 10

Time: 1:00 pm EST; 10:00 PST

Information and Registration

The nursing shortage is getting much worse and will most likely impact your business if it has not already.
During this event we will demonstrate how to complete an entire OASIS in approx. 60 minutes or less. This includes ICD-10 coding, entry and revision of medication’s, all the OASIS items, and Quality Assurance while the nurse is with the patient in the home.

The result: Eliminating 100% of after-hours documentation, increasing clinical productivity, and reducing your labor costs.

The Benefit: The ability to significantly increase your recruitment and retention efforts by providing your clinicians with a sane and humane work life balance.


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

 


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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.

2023 Virtual Annual Conference
Virginia Association for Homecare and Hospice

Opening Date:November 15

More Information


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


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



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