The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2024 proposed rule for home health payment rates. The proposed rule includes significant changes in reimbursement, including deep cuts. While the rule will not be finalized until November 2023, it’s important for providers to understand the proposed rule’s content... Keep Reading

There is an increasing trend of home healthcare organizations using technology to assist with routine patient care and predict patient outcomes. For patients who need support with cognitive function, technology can assist with improving cognitive outcomes, leading to increased patient satisfaction and decreased hospitalization. In an education session at the 2023... Keep Reading

With Congress looking at legislation that supports more home-based healthcare programs and payers looking for lower-cost solutions, home care organizations have many opportunities for growth and expansion. “What a time to be in home care, right? It’s the new frontier,” said Debbie Miller, Founder and CEO of 52 Weeks Marketing, LLC. In... Keep Reading

Care at home leaders are continuing to rapidly add community-based palliative care programs to their service lines. While this growth offers a benefit to the community and patients, palliative care is often viewed as a loss leader for organizations. Amy Rose, RN, MSN, CHPN, Product Director at Axxess, shared how... Keep Reading

The hospice interdisciplinary group (IDG) is more than just a key element for delivering compliant, quality care for patients at the end of life. The IDG is made up of people who come together to discuss the care of a patient in one of their most vulnerable moments. Navigating the... Keep Reading

The Quadruple Aim has emerged as a guiding principle for transforming and enhancing patient care. Industry experts argue it’s crucial to apply this framework to address the unique challenges in care at home, such as declining reimbursement for home health, increased productivity expectations and ongoing staffing shortages. During an education session... Keep Reading

Hospice leaders are responsible for the health and well-being of both their patients and their organization. From a financial perspective, this includes minimizing risk by managing spending and the hospice cap. Defining the Hospice Cap The cap is designed to ensure that hospice care does not exceed the cost of conventional medical... Keep Reading

The Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) Survey makes up 30% of an organization’s Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) score. Given its direct impact on an organization’s financial health, monitoring how patients respond to the HHCAHPS Survey questions is critical. In an education session at the 2023... Keep Reading

With new rules and regulations from Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) to a full rollout of the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Program (HHVBP), the home health care landscape is ever-changing, with industry leaders consistently challenged to maintain compliance. With added pressures due to staff shortages, leaders today need to ensure they are... Keep Reading

Developing a compliant plan of care must be a priority for hospice organizations. The plan of care should address recent compliance trends, including: Individualized plan of care Hospice aide services Registered nurse (RN) designation Bereavement In a session at the 2023 Axxess Growth, Innovation and Leadership Experience (AGILE), Zaundra Ellis, Vice President of Hospice Professional... Keep Reading

When a patient begins receiving home health services, they may not be thinking about what will happen when the care episode ends. However, home health organizations need to start thinking about discharge right away – even during the initial intake of a new patient – to ensure the patient will... Keep Reading

When the new Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS-E) came into effect on January 1, 2023, clinicians and care at home leaders expressed concerns of longer completion times for the updated assessment, putting further strain on recruitment and retention efforts. However, it’s important for clinicians to know they can save... Keep Reading