Though seniors receive most of the hospice care in the United States, a rising number of hospice and palliative care providers are focusing more of their attention on a very different patient population: children with serious or terminal illness. More than 47% of hospice patients in 2017 were older than 85, according to the National […]
The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has begun distributing the first $30 billion installment of public health funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also called the CARES ACT. An estimated $1 billion is expected to go to hospice and palliative care providers via direct deposit. The CARES Act, enacted […]
Analysts project that employer health insurance costs could rise by as much as 12% during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. A jump of that size could hit the hospice industry hard, with smaller, community-based organizations being most vulnerable. The firm of Willis Towers Watson conducted an actuarial analysis of self-funded employers to […]
While the federal government is making billions of dollars available to health care providers through the CARES Act and other programs, the lion’s share of those funds and equipment is going to hospitals, often leaving providers in other settings out in the cold, including hospice. Hospitals nationwide unquestionably are taking a tremendous hit due to the […]
Massachusetts-based health care data analytics firm Cyft Inc. has established a nationwide effort to help health care organizations, and hospices in particular, learn to better collect, analyze and leverage data to support patient care and improve negotiating power with payers as well as referral partners. The Serious Illness Performance Collaborative is designed to educate providers […]
While staring down tighter reimbursements and intensified regulatory scrutiny, hospices are becoming interested in health care system integration because of improved access, collaboration, operational support, and financial stability. Hospices and hospitals are increasingly joining forces to provide goal concordant care, reduce costs and prevent readmissions, while supporting growth for the hospice. While most people wish […]
Lexington, Ky.-based hospice provider Bluegrass Care Navigators has developed an integrative medicine program to help manage patients’ symptoms, such as pain and anxiety. Integrative medicine combines conventional medical care with complementary treatments such as bodywork or art and music therapy. The organization’s board of directors recommended the new service offerings at their recent meeting. “We […]
Lexington, Ky.-based hospice provider Bluegrass Care Navigators has unveiled a new community-based pediatric palliative care program called Bright Path, offering specialized medical care for infants, children, adolescents and young adults suffering from serious illness. Physicians, nurse practitioners, nurse coordinators, nurses, clinical social workers, and chaplains comprise the multidisciplinary team providing care through Bright Path. A […]
Hospice providers are paying closer attention to the issue of drug diversion, as the opioid crisis continues and a rising number of prescription drugs finding their way to street dealers and black market internet sites. Consequently, pain management, one of hospices’ most essential priorities, has become more complicated. Hospice providers are seeking new ways to […]
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin signed into law legislation to expand awareness and utilization of palliative care throughout the state. Kentucky Senate Bill 65 will establish a Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council as well as a Professional Information and Education Program by July 2020. “I’m thrilled that SB 65 has finally passed,” the bill’s sponsor, State […]
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