During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to remember the usefulness of the bag technique and how it reduces the likelihood of passing microorganisms between patients, while also minimizing the possibility of contaminating the clinician’s home. A proper bag technique will help with infection management. As always, follow your organization’s... Keep Reading
The next 15 days will be challenging times for clinical staff that provide care in the home in the wake of guidelines unveiled by President Trump. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the White House offered these guidelines for Americans:
Work from home whenever possible School your kids from home, if... Keep Reading
With the home healthcare community serving the population most vulnerable to the coronavirus (COVID-19), it is understandable that organizations would focus immediately and primarily on patient care. But during times of crisis such as this, it is important to also remain focused on communicating not only to patients and clients,... Keep Reading
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that has affected thousands of people worldwide. In the United States, the virus has helped propel the term ‘social distancing’ into the public consciousness and reinforced the importance of proper hand hygiene. Home health, home care, and hospice providers are faced with... Keep Reading
Most agencies boast that they have the best caregivers in the industry, but we all know that there is always room for improvement. In fact, agencies and their staff should never stop striving to do better and be better for their clients. Creating an atmosphere that empowers caregivers to cultivate the traits that make... Keep Reading
Liver disease is one of the only diagnoses for which the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) Cigna Government Services (CGS), National Government Services (NGS), and Palmetto, have set laboratory value guidelines to determine eligibility for hospice services. These values and comorbidities assist with determining when a patient is going from chronic... Keep Reading
Aging and age-related illnesses and conditions can cause changes in sleep patterns, from decreases in deep sleep to waking up during the night. March 8-14 is National Sleep Awareness Week and a good time for caregivers to ensure that the seniors in their care have healthy sleep habits, also known... Keep Reading
The Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) Cigna Government Services (CGS), National Government Services (NGS), and Palmetto, have set disease-specific criteria for pulmonary disease eligibility that include assessing the non-disease specific criteria alongside the disease-specific criteria. As with all diagnoses for hospice patients, eligibility is ultimately determined by the physician’s narrative statement... Keep Reading
Hospices must understand that Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) Cigna Government Services (CGS), National Government Services (NGS) and Palmetto set disease-specific criteria for eligibility for a stroke that include assessing the non-disease specific criteria alongside the disease-specific criteria. As with all diagnoses for hospice patients, the eligibility is determined by... Keep Reading
When the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) was implemented on January 1, it initiated 30-day billing periods that categorize diagnoses into 432 case-mix groups t to determine payments.
While many home health agencies are adapting to this payment model, there are still a number of agencies who do not fully... Keep Reading
It’s no secret that the cost of home care can mount and mount quickly. Unfortunately, there’s not one program that provides payment for all the help that a client might need. The best options often depend upon a combined quilt of services from businesses, social service agencies, nonprofits, and insurers, as well... Keep Reading
Hospice professionals, whether they be a case manager, hospice aide or executive director, are all affected by staff retention. Members of the IDG rely on one another to provide compassionate and compliant care. When there is a change to the IDG team due to staff turnover, it can stress team... Keep Reading
