Beth Carpenter and Associates
December 2009
THE PATHFINDER
In This Issue
USE YOUR THERAPISTS TO REDUCE HOSPITAL READMISSIONS
RACIAL DISPARITIES IMPACT END-OF-LIFE CARE
ANNOUNCING A NEW SERVICE FROM BETH CARPENTER AND ASSOCIATES
Join Our Mailing List
ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH?
 
Since 1995 Beth Carpenter and Associates has provided its real-world experience to the management of healthcare companies, especially those  organizations with a focus on home health, hospice and private duty, in the areas of operations, clinical services, sales and marketing.  We work with management to identify the strategic direction of the organization and implement the necessary changes that allow health care providers to move forward in today's environment.
 
We help you choose the right path to success and then we walk it with you.
 

Hello!

Welcome to the December 2009 issue of THE PATHFINDER. 

Healthcare is certainly in the news!  You cannot miss the discussion, the sharing of ideas and positions, the debate, the polarization, the frustration.  With a compromise to be negotiated in January between the House and Senate bills, we are entering a new era.
 
Speaking of healthcare debate...last month's reaction to proposed changes in the mammogram guidelines certainly raised some debate and ultimately some back pedaling on the recommendations.  Thank goodness!
 
You may have also read the stories in the media last month stating that morphine, an opiate-based painkiller, stimulates the growth and spread of cancer cells.  Morphine has been the "gold standard" for chronic cancer pain for the last two centuries.  I am grateful to the physicians at the GeriPal: Geriatric  & Palliative Care site for their blog on 11/23/09 (http://ow.ly/165YXa) in which they state, "So if you have a patient on morphine asking you whether "morphine will make my cancer worse", the answer is no. There is no clinical evidence that morphine, or any other opioids, cause real harm through stimulating cancer growth. There is though significant high quality evidence for their benefit in relieving pain and suffering."  You may want to read this entire blog entry in order to answer any questions your families may have on this topic.
 
I've included an article this month on the use of physical therapists to reduce hospital readmissions.  Lowering hospital readmissions is the goal of home health agencies and hospital systems.  Without monitoring why your patients are going back into the hospital, you will not be able to devise a plan to impact your current rate of readmission.
 
Our second article outlines a study from the Boston-based Dan Farber Cancer Institute which found that black cancer patients' end-of-life treatment preferences were followed less frequently than white patients.
 
OASIS C is starting January 1st.  Is your agency ready? While some changes will be posted in the OASIS C Manual, the instrument data set is complete.  If we can assist you, please just let us know.
 
As we approach the religious holidays at this year's end, I hope that you all will experience the peace and joy of the season.  May you have the opportunity to tell those you hold in your heart how much you love them, the opportunity to share your bounty with someone less fortunate and the continuing opportunity make a difference in the lives of your patients.
 
If we can provide you with any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 
Best wishes,  Beth Carpenter
 
"Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success"  David O. McKay
HHA CASE STUDY: USE YOUR THERAPISTS TO REDUCE HOSPITAL READMISSIONS
 By Home Care & Hospice News
 
With your patient outcomes and even survey results on the line, curbing hospital readmissions should be at the top of you to-do list.  And with pay for performance expected around the corner, reducing readmits will become even more crucial.
 
HOSPICE RESEARCH: RACIAL DISPARITIES IMPACT END-OF-LIFE CARE
 
By Home Care & Hospice News 
 
Black cancer patients may find that their dying wishes aren't heeded as frequently as their while counter-parts.  A new study from Boston-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that black cancer patients' end-of-life treatment preferences were followed less frequesntly than white patients.
 
       WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW SERVICE 
 
           Accreditation Commission for Health Care
 
  Beth Carpenter and Associates is proud to announce the addition of a new service for its clients!  We are now able to support your efforts to achieve accreditation through Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) whether you are a new or existing agency - home health, hospice or private duty.
 
To assist you in your efforts to reach and maintain deemed status for Home Health and Hospice agencies as well as accreditation as a Private Duty Nursing and/or Private Duty Aide organization, the following are a sample of potential services currently available through Beth Carpenter and Associates:
  • Assistance in preparation of the ACHC Application and the Preliminary Evidence Report (PER).
  • Review of  your Application and PER prior to submission to ACHC.
  • Assistance with any revisions to the PER requested by ACHC following initial submission.
  • Training and instruction to administration and staff to prepare for an on-site ACHC survey.
  • Assistance in creating a Plan of Correction, if necessary, following an on-site ACHC survey.

Subsequent to successful accreditation, we are available to work with your agency to continue compliance with the ACHC standards.

 For further information, call 847-382-1035 or e-mail bcarpenter@bethcarpenterandassociates.com.

 

Beth Carpenter
Beth Carpenter and Associates
847-382-1035
I would like to invite you to visit our website, www.bethcarpenterandassociates.com, to learn more about how we can help your organization move forward and find your path to success.
 
Beth Carpenter and Associates has earned a reputation as a company with deep industry experience and one that works closely with its clients to identify solutions that meet their business goals and strategic objectives.  We do not simply advise.  We partner with our customers to implement the solution and ensure its success.
 
Sincerely,
Beth Carpenter