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| THE PATHFINDER NEWSLETTER |
Hello!
Welcome to the January 2011 issue of THE PATHFINDER.
Well, I must say - We have really started off the year in this industry with a bang! There are so many topics to cover and so much information to share with you that I plan to schedule this issue and the February issue in quick succession!
Let us start with MedPAC. I am always surprised that, in general, my colleagues in home care do not follow MedPAC and its recommendations closely. MedPAC is a Congressional advisory body....a very powerful Congressional advisory body. Since 1997, MedPAC has recommended changes to the Medicare program to Congress. And Congress often implements MedPAC's recommendations. Thus the industry concern over the recent MedPAC recommendation to implement a co-payment for home care services. I urge you to review the MedPAC recommendations on a regular basis in order to give you an opportunity to share with your Congressional representatives your position on the actions recommended by MedPAC. I have included information on MedPAC’'s most recent communication to Congress below.
Secondly, I am going to share an article with you that has touched me. I first read Erin Marcus, MD's comments on the KevinMD.com web site. The opening sentence of her comments grabbed me -
"Every once in a while, there's a magazine piece that so encapsulates the key moral issues - and irrationality - of 21st Century medicine that it warrants designation as mandatory reading for anyone who interacts with patients."
(http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2010/09/doctors-family-members-push-futile-aggressive-care.html)
I also think that you will find Katy Butler’s article on her parent’s care disconcerning and thought provoking.
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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WHAT BROKE MY FATHER’S HEART, BY KATY BUTLER
One October afternoon three years ago while I was visiting my parents, my mother made a request I dreaded and longed to fulfill. She had just poured me a cup of Earl Grey from her Japanese iron teapot, shaped like a little pumpkin; outside, two cardinals splashed in the birdbath in the weak Connecticut sunlight. Her white hair was gathered at the nape of her neck, and her voice was low. “Please help me get Jeff’s pacemaker turned off,” she said, using my father's first name. I nodded, and my heart knocked.
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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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