Volume 11, Number 22 — August 24, 2022
Dear Healthcare at Home Colleague,
DATA, DATA, DATA. You have been hearing it is king for so long, you are likely growing immune to the cliché. Please do not succumb to the temptation to say, "I've heard this song before."
This week is different.
We are learning about advances in data analysis due to Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing are on the brink of changing your life and the lives of every clinician in Home Health. The way you train how to do an OASIS visit will change. The way your coders operate will change. Your hospital readmission rates will improve. And the overall impact will accrue to your bottom line.
Do I have your attention yet?
Note to Private Duty providers: we have forgotten you this week. Look below for information to nominate your caregivers for the 2022 CellTrak $1,000 scholarship for home care aides.
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First up is a new artificial intelligence system designed for use by coders. Since the introduction of PDGM, and especially after Value-Based Purchasing arrives, coding accuracy and optimal sequencing are make or break functions for your star ratings, patient outcomes, and profit margins.
Our lead story unveils the long-awaited release of SmartCareAI, a futuristic AI tool for Home Health coders from Select Data. You will read about their years of testing and fine-tuning the system's intelligence by first giving it to their own experts on their coding services team, then expanding it to some large, national HHA organizations. Top-rated coders, already with the best outcomes in the industry, are seeing improvements in their accuracy, while slicing their intake document processing time by 90 percent. OASIS time is down and accuracy is up. As always, when OASIS is more correct and complete, PDGM revenue rises.
The article you will read is not another rewrite of a tech company's promotional news release. We went to Anaheim and studied SmartCareAI in person; we spoke to a product designer and to CEO Ed Buckley; we read the comments of Select Data's coders. We read numbers from an early adopter and saw evidence of total elimination of ADRs. We became convinced that this product is no incremental improvement on existing data analysis tools. This is a leap forward. Scroll down to "Product Review: New AI Tool Turns Good Coders into Great Coders; Eliminates ADRs"
Until AI came along, the data analysis made possible by Natural Language Processing was already improving Home Health processes for Homecare Homebase customers. Through its affiliation with Medalogix, HCHB is able to add a deep dive into data gathered by its EMR. This story is about national Home Health and Hospice provider Aveanna, with offices in 30 states and a flurry of recent acquisitions in California, Alabama, and Tennessee. A Homecare Homebase client, Aveanna has reported substantial gains in clinical outcomes from Medalogix data analysis. Look below for the complete Aveanna story.
We are packing up for the Lincoln Health Leadership technology conference in DC, September 6-8. I hope to see you at the Gaylord in National Harbor, Maryland. Click on the graphic ad above or click here for information and registration. I have also been confirmed to present at the New Mexico Association for Home & Hospice Care. I will be speaking about technologies for recruiting and retention of clinicians and caregivers on November 3-4 in Albuquerque. If not at one of these events, maybe I'll see you at the NAHC Annual Meeting in St. Louis, October 23-25. If you are in the Carolinas, be sure to scroll down for information about the South's annual meeting later this month and the North's in September.
Have a great week. Keep making a difference.
Product Review: New AI Tool Turns Good Coders into Great Coders; Eliminates ADRs
Early adopters report 6% reimbursement increases, 16.2% improvement in co-morbidities identification, and 35% reduction in hospital readmissions. Longtime users speak of employee satisfaction and a 27% decrease in clinician turnover.
Aveanna Healthcare Launches Homecare Homebase and Medalogix Platforms Across Home Health and Hospice Divisions
Data analysis leads to improved patient care for Homecare Homebase customers using Medalogix.
Nominations Open for Annual CellTrak Home Care Aide Scholarship Program
Act now to nominate a home care aide for a $1,000 scholarship.
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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 46,794,000 Baby Boomers have become Medicare eligible. |
Last Week's Most-Read Stories:
Brandi Kurtyka on Recruiting
Retaining And Growing The Direct Care Workforce
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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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