Value-Based Models Could Promote Palliative Care Integration
Evolving value-based payment models can promote system integration of palliative care, posing risks and opportunities for participating hospice providers.Hospices will need to be proactive in building relationships with payer networks to reap the full benefits of these programs. A growing number of hospices have been diversifying their services to engage patients further upstream and open new revenue […]
4 Reasons Why Hospices Should Consider Participating in Primary Care First
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently unveiled their Primary Care First (PCF) model to improve the quality of care for Medicare patients while reducing costs. PCF consists of two different payment model options and is based on the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus program. This new model will be offered in 26 states and […]
Why Are People Afraid of Hospice?
Acclivity Health’s Chief Innovation and Advocacy Officer explains why patients and families shouldn’t hesitate to seek hospice care. As seriously ill patients near the end of life, it is often suggested that hospice care become part of their health care plan. Unfortunately, patients often enroll in these services too late to reap the full benefits. […]
The Value of Hospice Care Coordination: 7 Ways Providers Gain From Connected Care Communities
Over half of all hospice referrals today come from hospitals that often wait too long to refer a patient into hospice care. Whether they believe a referral suggests they are abandoning the patient or they anticipate higher profits from an extended stay, too often hospitals prevent patients from receiving hospice care in time to make […]
Connecting End-of-Life Care Through Community: How Connected Care Communities Help Doctors Meet Quality Metrics
Today’s doctors are trained to keep patients alive, but not always to prepare them for death. From developing a care plan to delivering the news to supporting their patients’ medical, emotional and spiritual needs, most doctors are uncomfortable starting the conversations required to develop the most appropriate end-of-life care plans. As Baby Boomers retire and […]
The Unrealized Potential of Hospice and Palliative Care: Improving the Patient’s End-of-Life Journey
Less than 40 years ago, when you went to the Emergency Room at your local hospital, you had no idea what kind of doctor you’d see. Staff physicians in the hospital took shifts in the ER, so you might have an obstetrician casting your broken wrist or a psychiatrist treating your heart palpitations. Beginning in […]
Death in America: The Need for a Culture Shift in Advanced Illness Management
Eighty percent. That’s how many Americans would like to die at home. But despite the fact that 70 percent of Americans die from chronic illnesses1, giving them time to anticipate their deaths, over 50 percent still die in hospitals or nursing homes.2 Of the Medicare patients who died in 2016, only 48% received hospice services […]