Hospice of the Foothills Joins California Hospice Network

Hospice of the Foothills of Nevada County has joined the California Hospice Network, a regional collaborative of nonprofit providers. Though each California Hospice Network member remains a distinct, independent organization, the partnership enables the hospices to collaborate on best practices and improve efficiency through cost sharing and shared services. Hospice of the Foothills launched in […]

Study: 40% of Adults Don’t Want to Talk About Palliative Care

An Irish study found that 4 in 10 adults prefer not to think or discuss palliative care. All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC ) conducted the research on public perceptions of palliative care. Though the study occurred in Ireland, misconceptions and fear around palliative care remain a barrier to providers’ growth in […]

CMS’ Proposed Method of Selecting SFP Hospices May Be Flawed

While the hospice community has generally embraced the concept of a Special Focus Program (SFP) to address quality concerns, some are troubled by the government’ methodology for identifying providers. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to launch the program in 2024, according to language included in the agency’s proposed home health […]

How the 4 Largest Hospice Industry Groups Work Together to Support Program Integrity

The four largest hospice industry organizations have been working to present a united front to address widespread program integrity issues. As those problems proliferate, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC), LeadingAge and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) have been speaking […]

Building a Palliative Care-Focused ACO

Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) represent a growing opportunity for palliative care companies, and providers have a number of ways to get in on the ground floor. Along with Medicare Advantage, ACOs are one of the few avenues towards more robust reimbursement than fee-for-service models. Operators can come to ACOs by two main avenues. For one, […]

Appellate Ruling in Care Alternatives FCA Case May Set New Precedent

A recent court decision in a False Claims Act (FCA) case involving hospice provider Care Alternatives may set a precedent that could influence similar cases. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is pursuing a qui tam lawsuit against Care Alternatives Inc., doing business as Ascend Health, for alleged False Claims Act (FCA) violations. The case […]

5 Things to Know About New AccentCare CEO Laura Tortorella

AccentCare recently tapped Steward Health Care COO Laura Tortorella as its new CEO. A look at her background reveals some of the reasons Tortorella may be well-suited for the role. The Dallas-based home health and hospice provider announced on Sept. 14 that Tortorella would succeed former CEO Stephan Rodgers as he steps down. AccentCare is […]

NPHI Calls for Revisions to Proposed Hospice SFP, Home Health Rule Provisions

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should clarify timeframes associated with a proposed informal dispute resolution process for hospice providers and retool aspects of the agency’s forthcoming Special Focus Program, according to an industry group representing nonprofits. The National Partnership for Hospice and Healthcare Innovation (NPHI) has issued public comments on CMS’ […]

The Role of Medicare Advantage in Growing Palliative Care Services

For the time being, Medicare Advantage may be providers’ best bet for palliative care reimbursement. The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also allows Medicare Advantage plans to cover palliative care as a supplemental benefit. In addition, the agency has integrated palliative care components into the Value-Based Insurance Design Model (VBID), often called […]

Good Samaritan Hospice Opens Residential Facility; Hospice of the Piedmont to Rebrand

Good Samaritan Builds $13 Million Center for Caring Virginia-based Good Samaritan Hospice is constructing a residential facility in the Roanoke community in its home state. The new 30,000-square-foot Center for Caring will feature 16 private rooms for residential hospice patients in need of 24-hour care. Construction costs are expected to reach $13 million, financed primarily […]