The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Hospice Survey empowers hospice organizations by attracting referral sources, driving business growth, and sustaining compliance with industry regulations, including the current pay-for-reporting requirements and the shift to value-based care on the industry’s horizon. By evaluating hospice patient and caregiver experiences, the... Keep Reading
Opioid-induced constipation is a frequent problem that does not resolve without intervention using a bowel regimen. In addition to the use of opiates presenting constipation challenges, hospice patients are at higher risk for constipation because they are generally not as mobile or not well hydrated. The goal of this quality... Keep Reading
I have a ‘pet peeve’ that I mention often when I speak at events. The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) was designed to assist the clinician in creating a “Point of Care” method of documentation that would improve communication among disciplines, maintain confidentiality of the medical record, and collect meaningful patient... Keep Reading
If family is able and available, family members usually provide the bulk of care for elderly or disabled relatives, but they often require help from in-home care providers in order to maintain their own lives. In order to become a part of the care team as qualified home care providers,... Keep Reading
The Quality Measure for Dyspnea Treatment encompasses both the timing of treatment once a patient has been screened as having shortness of breath, as well as allowing for multiple possibilities of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment measures. The screenings should also be documented in the hospice software. The quality measure also... Keep Reading
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a highly prevalent symptom among many patients at the end of life and should be properly documented in the hospice software. In some diseases, it is more common to find shortness of breath than pain. Dyspnea is often undertreated and causes distress for the... Keep Reading
According to the Hospice Quality Reporting Program: Specifications for the Hospice Item Set-Based Quality Measures, patients and caregivers rate pain management as a high priority when living with life-limiting illnesses. The consequences of inadequate screening, assessment, and treatment for pain include physical and existential suffering, diminished functional status, and development... Keep Reading
While it's true that the need for private duty home care is increasing, that doesn't mean business and referrals will simply fall into your lap. There are certain items and concepts an agency must have in order to market effectively. Now is a great time to re-evaluate your agency’s... Keep Reading
Patients and caregivers rate pain management as a high priority when living with life-limiting illnesses. The consequences of inadequate screening, assessment, and treatment for pain include physical and existential suffering, diminished functional status, and development of depression. The first step in pain management that should be documented in hospice software... Keep Reading
As you may know, the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) payment model went into effect on January 1. A recent industry survey by Axxess and home health consulting firm BKD confirmed PDGM is among the biggest concerns agencies have in 2020.
While we have heard that some clients are finding the new... Keep Reading
Keeping up with the ever-changing trends of the home care industry can often be a challenge. It is important to have a home care software partner that helps you grow your business and provide quality care to your clients. Whether you provide medical, non-medical, or pediatric services to your clients,... Keep Reading
Hospice provides an interdisciplinary approach toward holistic care for needs of the patient and caregivers, often using hospice software. Discussing spiritual concerns early in the hospice experience is an essential component of meeting the needs of patients and caregivers. The Quality Measure: Beliefs/Values Addressed is specifically focused on addressing spirituality... Keep Reading
