Literature Review
Hospice Ball raises money for health care in the Northern Hills
04/30/24 at 03:00 AMHospice Ball raises money for health care in the Northern Hills Black Hills Pioneer (Spearfish, South Dakota); by Pioneer Staff Reports; 4/26/24Nearly $110,000 was raised during the 27th annual Northern Hills Hospice Ball held on April 6. Monument Health hosts the annual event to help raise awareness and support for hospice patients and their families. Proceeds from this year's event supported hospice care in the Northern Hills and a fund-a-mission portion of the event supported the expansion of the Monument Health Spearfish Hospital. "On April 6 we yet again witnessed the Northern Hills community showing up to help uphold the dignity and support of our local Hospice patients," said Hans Nelson, Director of the Monument Health Foundation.
Kansas won't have legal medical pot or expand Medicaid for at least another year
04/30/24 at 03:00 AMKansas won't have legal medical pot or expand Medicaid for at least another year Newsday; by The Associated Press; 4/26/24 Kansas will remain among the handful of states that haven't legalized the medical use of marijuana or expanded their Medicaid programs for at least another year. Republican state senators on Friday blocked efforts to force debates on both issues before the GOP-controlled Legislature's scheduled adjournment for the year Tuesday. Supporters of each measure fell short of the 24 of 40 votes required to pull a bill on each subject out of committee.
How leaders are building the healthcare workforce pipeline
04/30/24 at 03:00 AMHow leaders are building the healthcare workforce pipeline Becker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 4/24/24 The workforce is top of mind for hospitals and health systems, and executives are investing in retention and upskilling to address shortages and reduce reliance on contract labor. ... "We've got to start thinking about it differently and probably getting to people a lot earlier than we do now," Laura Hurst, administrator for Cooper Green Mercy Health Services Authority, an affiliate of Birmingham, Ala.-based UAB Health System, told Becker's. ... These strategies include working more closely with high schools, community colleges and other schools to help provide instruction and support and highlight the benefits of working in healthcare.
Understanding the scope of aggressive incidents in hospitals | Safer Hospitals
04/30/24 at 03:00 AMUnderstanding the scope of aggressive incidents in hospitals | Safer Hospitals Chief Healthcare Executive; by Ron Southwick; 4/26/24 Researchers found healthcare workers are facing a verbal or physical incident at least once for every 40 hours worked. Joanne De Santo lennaco of Yale University talks about protecting staff. Even with more attention being placed on violence in hospitals and health systems, healthcare leaders say many incidents don’t come to light. ... Much attention has been focused on incidents involving healthcare workers that have resulted in physical injuries, but she says that fails to capture the hostility healthcare workers routinely encounter, she says.
Lindon woman’s dream of having her music on the radio comes true
04/30/24 at 03:00 AMLindon woman’s dream of having her music on the radio comes true KSLTV 5, Salt Lake City, Utah; by Alex Cabrero; 4/26/24 With weeks left to live, a Lindon woman’s dream of her music airing on the radio is becoming a reality. “They are experiences I have had, but there are no words ever that will describe my journey,” Gracelyn Wilkinson said. Gracelyn Wilkinson’s music, specifically the words to her songs, is about as remarkable as it gets. While she is only 19 years old, she has had the kind of life experiences many people will fortunately never have. ... Gracelyn Wilkinson is now home in Lindon on hospice, where precious time is now measured in days.
How Avow Hospice used triage to boost quality, reduce turnover
04/30/24 at 03:00 AMHow Avow Hospice used triage to boost quality, reduce turnoverHospice News; by Jim Parker; 4/26/24Avow Hospice has implemented a triage system that has resulted in improved quality scores and reduced turnover. The Florida-based provider uses an acuity system that draws data from its electronic medical record (EMR) system to help stratify patients based on their most likely immediate needs. To complement these efforts, Avow also revamped its approach to night time and weekend visits, Rebecca Gatian, COO of Avow Hospice, said at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization’s Virtual Interdisciplinary Conference.
University of Texas club puts life's memories into book for people receiving hospice care
04/30/24 at 03:00 AMUniversity of Texas club puts life's memories into book for people receiving hospice care Austin American-Statesman; by Nicole Villalpando; 4/27/24 "What would you like your legacy to be?" Galilea Dupree asks Bob Bell, as she and two other University of Texas students gather around the dining room in Bell's North Austin home. ... Bob, 92, has congestive heart failure. After three strokes and two heart attacks, he began receiving services with Hospice Austin in November. He is one of nine people in hospice who are having their stories told by UT students as part of the Last Writers club. The club works with Hospice Austin and Compassus hospice to identify people who would like to have their stories told.
'Why we need to talk about dying': Thames Hospice and the reality of palliative care
04/30/24 at 02:15 AM'Why we need to talk about dying': Thames Hospice and the reality of palliative careMaidenhead Advertiser; by Sam Leech; 4/27/24What is your understanding of what a hospice does?Many would suggest it is a place where people go to die – but there is much, much more to the journey of patients and loved ones at Thames Hospice [United Kingdom]. ... Catherine McLaughlin, the hospice’s chief executive, said: “This is a place where – yes, death is a big part – but it’s about how do you make memories? How do you give hope at a time when there might not be much of that? Those final days in somebody’s life is a very important time and the lasting memories are important to those who are left behind.”Editor's Note: Too often--in order to make hospice palatable to another's "sign-on-the-dotted-line-so-we-can-admit-you"--marketing professionals overtly deny that hospice is about "dying," "death," or "grief." Take note from this CEO who sensitively weaves in death, dying and bereavement for not only hospice, but also for "palliative care" with gentle, authentic conversation and questions to the public.
Cleveland Clinic eHospital expands to monitor 300,000 patients
04/30/24 at 02:00 AMCleveland Clinic eHospital expands to monitor 300,000 patients Becker's Health IT; by Naomi Diaz; 4/24/24 Cleveland Clinic's eHospital program has expanded and now monitors 248 patient beds in ICUs and other units across the organization's network. The eHospital program launched in 2014 as a pilot in one intensive care unit. ... The program has enabled more patients to receive care at community hospitals, reducing the need for transfers to the main campus, according to Cleveland Clinic. It has also helped decrease ICU lengths of stay and minimize the volume of calls received at night.
How to overcome the disruptive forces that can impede high-value innovation
04/30/24 at 02:00 AMHow to overcome the disruptive forces that can impede high-value innovation Healthcare Financial Management Association (hfma.org); by Liz DeForest; 4/28/24 ... Healthcare is full of what we call “missing innovations” — good ideas that never go beyond promising pilot tests or, like EHRs, are adopted so slowly that their progress is measured in decades, even though other industries were adopting digital solutions very rapidly. Switchover disruptions are among the reasons for these missing innovations. ... [The author interviewed authors of Why not better and cheaper? (Oxford University Press, June 2023), written by industry analysts and twin brothers James B. and Robert S. Rebitzer about their observations of health system action and inaction. James Rebitzer is the Peter and Deborah Wexler Professor at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. Robert Rebitzer is a national adviser at the consulting firm Manatt Health.]
Hospital CEOs chart paths into healthcare's future
04/29/24 at 03:15 AMHospital CEOs chart paths into healthcare's futureBecker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 4/24/24Hospital and health system CEOs understand the need to meet demand for healthcare services while also focusing on the well-being of employees and strengthening the talent pipeline. They are also focusing on healthcare education and workforce development. Additionally, they are zeroing in on technology or partnerships that can expand capacity, help improve care and drive innovation. The innovation piece particularly resonates with Bert O'Malley, MD, president and CEO of Baltimore-based University of Maryland Medical Center.
Generative AI is supposed to save doctors from burnout. New data show it needs more training
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMGenerative AI is supposed to save doctors from burnout. New data show it needs more trainingSTAT+; by Casey Ross; 4/25/24After stratospheric levels of hype, early evidence may be bringing generative artificial intelligence down to Earth. A series of recent research papers by academic hospitals has revealed significant limitations of large language models (LLMs) in medical settings, undercutting common industry talking points that they will save time and money, and soon liberate clinicians from the drudgery of documentation.
Death with dignity or slippery slope? [NH] Senate committee hears end-of-life bill testimony
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMDeath with dignity or slippery slope? Senate committee hears end-of-life bill testimonySeacoastline, Portsmouth (NH); by Margie Cullen; 4/25/24... The bill has sparked passions as it has made its way through the New Hampshire Legislature. It passed the House in March by just three votes. The hearing Wednesday was its first in the Senate and is likely to be its last public hearing before going to the Senate floor for a vote. The committee did not vote on whether to recommend the bill Wednesday. The bill has transcended typical party lines, with both Democrats and Republicans voting for and against the bill in the House. On Wednesday, Smith was joined by Rep. Bob Lynn, R-Windham, a cosponsor of the bill, in introducing it to the Senate committee.
HCA's CEO-to-worker pay ratio over the past 5 years
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMHCA's CEO-to-worker pay ratio over the past 5 years Hospital CFO Report; by Andrew Cass; 4/22/24 Nashville, TN-based HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen was paid between 254 and 556 times more than the health system's median employee since becoming the health system's chief executive in 2019, according to proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ... Here is how the ceo-to-median-worker pay ratio has changed the past five years: ...
CC Biz Buzz: Death, taxes and planning
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMCC Biz Buzz: Death, taxes and planning Columbia Daily Tribune; by Mary Dorn; 4/24/24 This column is one that I never really wanted to write, but, in hindsight, it is likely one of the most important that I will write. Monday, April 15, 2024, the dreadful “tax day” was upon me, and I was at a local funeral parlor making the final arrangements for my spouse and partner of 23 years. I kept thinking of the famous quote by Benjamin Franklin, “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.” ...
Novant Health launches 'hospital at home' with $2.7M donation
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMNovant Health launches 'hospital at home' with $2.7M donation Becker's Health IT; by Giles Bruce; 4/24/24 Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Novant Health launched a hospital-at-home program thanks to a $2.7 million donation. The health system rolled out the program in March at its coastal North Carolina region, and said the ideal patient is one likely to need four days or fewer of inpatient care. ... atients, who are monitored by technology around the clock, have 24/7 access to a remotely located registered nurse, receive at least two visits a day from paramedics, and meet virtually with a physician once daily. ... The New Hanover Regional Medical Center Foundation provided $2.7 million to help with operational startup costs. Novant Health received a waiver from CMS for the program in 2021.
Palliative care nursing: Podcast with Betty Ferrell about ELNEC
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMPalliative care nursing: Podcast with Betty Ferrell about ELNECGeriPal Podcast; by Alex Smith, Eric Widera, and Betty Ferrell; 4/26/24As Betty Ferrell says on our podcast today, nurses play an essential role in care of people with serious illness. Who spends the most time with the patient in the infusion center? Doing home care? Hospice visits? In the ICU at the bedside? Nurses. ELNEC (End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium) celebrates it’s 25th anniversary in 2025. We talk today with Betty Ferrell, who has been a nurse for 47 years, and is the founder and PI of ELNEC.
5 hospitals seeking CEOs
04/29/24 at 03:00 AM5 hospitals seeking CEOsBecker's Hospital Review; by Kelly Gooch; 4/22/24 Here are five hospitals that recently posted job listings seeking CEOs.Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Listings were compiled from job-seeker websites. Listings will be updated routinely on this page and were last updated April 22. ...
Kaiser notifies 13 million patients of breach
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMKaiser notifies 13 million patients of breachBecker's Health IT; by Naomi Diaz; 4/25/24Oakland, CA-based Kaiser Foundation Health Plan is notifying current and former patients that it shared information with third-party advertisers. Kaiser Foundation Health Plan reported to the HHS' data breach portal that 13.4 million current and former patients were affcted by the breach. The cause of the breach, according to an April 25 report from TechCruch, was the use of online technologies on its websites and mobile applications that "may have transmitted personal information to third-party vendors."
Today's Encouragement: Life is like riding a bicycle ...
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMLife is like riding a bicycle: to keep your balance you must keep moving. - Albert Einstein
Getting your claims denied? Here are reasons why and what you can do about it
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMGetting your claims denied? Here are reasons why and what you can do about itMedial Economics; by Gretchen Heinen, RN, PHN, BSN and Wael Khouli, MD, MBA; 4/25/24A recent voluntary, national survey by Premier shed new light on denied claims. The survey, conducted from October to December 2023, revealed that nearly 15% of all claims across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Commercial, and Managed Medicaid are denied. Of those denied claims, 45% to 60% were overturned, albeit with a costly appeal process sometimes involving multiple appeals. ... With a skillfully crafted appeal letter, a denial can be overturned 50% to 70% of the time. In this article, we will cover denial basics, reasons for claim denials, and actions to take. It is crucial to address all potential reasons for claim denial, including: ...
California hospital to lay off 191 workers as it faces loss of Medicare contract
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMCalifornia hospital to lay off 191 workers as it faces loss of Medicare contract Becker's Hospital CFO Report; by Kelly Gooch; 4/24/24 Stanislaus Surgical Hospital in Modesto, Calif., which is facing a decision from CMS to end its Medicare contract, is laying off 191 employees, according to regulatory documents filed with the state April 15. The layoffs are effective April 30, the same day CMS said it will terminate the Medicare Provider Agreement with the hospital. In a notice dated April 11, the agency said it is terminating the agreement because of the hospital's noncompliance with the Medicare conditions of participation.
E-book: "Combating loneliness in senior living residents: A call to action"
04/29/24 at 03:00 AME-book: "Combating loneliness in senior living residents: A call to action"McKnights Senior Living; 4/24/24Discover in [this] e-book:
Payment cuts are having a compounding, dire effect on the home health industry
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMPayment cuts are having a compounding, dire effect on the home health industry Home Health Care News; by Andrew Donlan; 4/25/24 Home health providers’ fight against cuts to fee-for-service Medicare payment has become a year-by-year battle. But the yearly cuts are compounding, which is exactly what industry advocates are trying to illustrate to Congress prior to the next payment rule proposal. ... Many of the cuts CMS has implemented are permanent, and multiple cuts on top of each other moving forward – plus unsatisfactory adjustments for inflation – are putting significant pressure on providers.
Relief provisions not enough to mitigate damage of 80/20 policy, providers say
04/29/24 at 03:00 AMRelief provisions not enough to mitigate damage of 80/20 policy, providers say McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 4/24/24 Though newly finalized changes to the Medicaid Access Rule attempted to soften the blow of its controversial 80/20 provision, home care providers remained vehemently opposed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ strict new spending mandate. “Overall, while there are many positive provisions within the final rule as well as mitigations to make the payment adequacy provision less onerous, NAHC remains extremely concerned about the negative consequences of the pass-through policy,” the National Association for Home Care & Hospice said in an analysis for NAHC members released after the rule was published.