Volume 11, Number 22 — August 17, 2022
Dear Healthcare at Home Colleague,
DISAPPOINTING NUMBERS!
CMS plans to slash Medicare payments by more than 7 percent next year on our sector's nearly 10,000 Home Health agencies. Experts estimate that 40 percent of you will be pushed into a negative Medicare profit margin by the proposed cuts. Original Medicare profits underwrite your losses from Medicare Advantage and other insurance payers.
However, through August 12, CMS has received 158 viewable comments, and at least 64 of those, 40.5 percent, are "copy and paste" of someone else's sample comments. My friends, that is fewer than one-tenth of one percent original comments. The only logical conclusion is that most of you are content with the proposed cuts.
Fortunately, it is not too late. The deadline for submitting your comment is August 16. Here is the link. We spoke with veteran Medicare reimbursement consultant John Reisinger, CPA, who offered us a checklist of problematic provisions in the proposed rule. Without copying and pasting them, you may use this checklist to construct your comments. As we wrote in July, "Stop what you are doing and submit a strongly worded comment to CMS about their 2023 proposed PPGM rule. Do it today."
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Two women made big news at the NAHC Financial Managers meeting last month. We have feature articles about each one. Note to Private Duty providers: before you let "Financial Managers" make you think this issue is all Medicare, you should know that one of these women delivered a historic presentation about research into recruiting and retaining caregivers. If you struggle with recruiting personal care workers, do not miss our report on a new study of successful recruiting and retention strategies, which was summarized by Brandi Kurtyka, CEO of MissionCare Collective, the parent company of myCNAjobs.
The NAHC meeting also featured early results from the BerryDunn "National Healthcare at Home Best Practices and Future Insights Study" presented by Lindsay Doak. We found it so important, we sat down with Lindsay after the meeting and planned out a series of video conversations with her. The first episode is available now. Lindsay has so much data to unpack, we will present it one topic at a time between now and the NAHC Annual Meeting in late October, where she will present an updated analysis of the more than 400,000 data points you and your colleagues submitted to the study.
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has released important findings regarding healthcare equity. Of note, they say that one of the single greatest social determinants of health is where a patient lives. If you serve a low income, rural, or high-density population area, these insights will help inform your care planning.
Cincinnati's Xavier University conducted a study of the use of remote patient monitoring and patient engagement tools with persons with disabilities. LADD, a not-for-profit healthcare organization offering services to the disabled in their homes, has been offering tools from GrandCare, makers of touchscreen-based remote monitoring/support technology. Our report on Xavier's study includes a finding that in-person visits were reduced in some cases by 75 percent without sacrificing the quality of patient care.
Be sure to put Lincoln Health Leadership's new Home Care Tech conference on your calendar for September 6-8 at the Gaylord in National Harbor, Maryland. We hope to see you there. Scroll down for information about this conference and the South Carolina Home Care and Hospice Association annual meeting at the end of this month.
Have a great week. Keep making a difference!
Guidelines for Submitting Comments to CMS
Excellent template from a leading Medicare reimbursement consultant to guide your comment writing before the August 16 deadline.
BerryDunn State of the Industry Survey Results Are Stunning
Lindsay Doak offered a hint at the insights the survey will present in detail in October.
Brandi Kurtyka on Recruiting
Whether in Winslow, Arizona or anywhere else, Home Care recruiters should have seven women on their minds, but they only have one. Founder of myCNAjobs explains what you are doing wrong by not recruiting all seven caregiver personas.
ONC and AHIMA: Advancing Health Equity Requires Better Data
According to a news release from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT, one of the single greatest social determinants of health is where a patient lives.
University Study Verifies Cost-Cutting Impact of In-Home Remote Monitoring with 24/7 Patient Support
Cincinnati non-profit serving adults with disabilities slashes cost of care in half with GrandCare Systems remote monitoring. Xavier University researchers report 75 percent reduction in in-person support hours.
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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 46,717,000 Baby Boomers have become Medicare eligible. |
Last Week's Most-Read Stories:
Shock and Awe at Homecare 100
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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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