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| THE PATHFINDER NEWSLETTER |
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Hello!
Welcome to the February 2012 issue of THE PATHFINDER.
The holidays - long anticipated - passed by quickly. It was a time filled with family and friends, lots of food and time spent just being together. As we move into 2012 and all the issues we face in healthcare, New Year celebrations and resolutions made and, perhaps, kept may seem like a long time ago!
We have a lot on our plates this year. As scrutiny of documentation and quality of service increase, we are required to make sure that we cover the "basics" of service provision every day in every visit. And we need to work to be part of the future of healthcare in America which means we must be a viable player in the creation of ACOs.
In this month's newsletter I have included the third article in Elizabeth Hogue's series on ACOs. It is important for us to understand the regulations ACOs will operate under.
The second article is one written by Richard Chesney. He addresses how a home health agency can sell itself to ACOs.
The last article was published by Becker's Hospital Review and identifies home health as one of the recommended ways for hospitals to avoid readmissions. This is an area where we as home care providers can make a significant difference for hospitals.
Have a wonderful Valentine's Day! Celebrate with your caregivers who give their whole heart to providing care to our patients every day!
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 |
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Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) - Final Regulations Issued - Part 3
by Elizabeth Hogue Esq.
Section 302 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions related to Medicare payments to providers of services and suppliers that participate in Accountable Care Organizations (ACO's). Providers of services and suppliers who participate in ACO's will continue to receive payments under Parts A and B of the Medicare Program, but will also be eligible for additional payments if they meet certain requirements related to quality of care and cost savings. Proposed regulations to implement these provisions were published in the Federal Register on April 7, 2011.
To continue reading, click here. |
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How to Sell Your Agency's Services to Medicare's New Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
by Richard Chesney
Becoming a preferred provider with Medicare's new Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) is likely to be a very lucrative relationship for home health agencies. Is your agency well positioned as a preferred provider in the eyes of the ACOs? In this issue's feature, we help you answer that question, plus give you tips on how to successfully sell your agency's services to ACOs.
To continue, please click here |
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10 Proven Ways to Reduce Hospital Readmissions
by Jaimie Oh of Becker's Hospital Review
The reasons hospital and health system leaders should be concerned with driving down preventable readmissions are clear. Under healthcare reform, healthcare providers with high levels of preventable readmissions face the potential of losing a portion of their federal payments. The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, which is part of CMS' Inpatient Prospective Payment System, will reduce Medicare reimbursements to hospitals with high levels of preventable 30-day readmissions for three high-volume conditions: acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and pneumonia. Additionally, CMS' proposed Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program includes measures for readmissions, which will further penalize hospitals for high rates of preventable readmissions. Both programs take effect fiscal year 2013.
To read further, please click here. |
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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. |
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Beth Carpenter
Beth Carpenter and Associates 847-382-1035
bcarpenter@bethcarpenterandassociates.com
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 |
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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. |
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