Beth Carpenter and Associates
June 2010
THE PATHFINDER
In This Issue
THE COOKIE LADY IS DEAD!
WHY DISCHARGE PLANNERS/CASE MANAGERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF PROVISION OF FREE SERVICES
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES FOR HOSPICE AGENCIES ON DISCHARGE PLANNERS/CASE MANAGERS
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 June 2010 issue of THE PATHFINDER. 

As I sit here, it is a quiet summer morning with the air cool and a little humid.  With only the sound of the birds singing their morning songs, this quiet time allows me to think through some of the areas clients have identified as their greatest concerns.  One of those areas is increasing competition in their marketplace.
 
Regardless whether your organization is for profit or not for profit, in order to survive in today's increasingly competitive environment, you must grow your referrals, grow your revenue and grow the skills of your staff.  Our clients often tell us that the competition for referrals is increasing dramatically as new agencies are opening in their marketplace and discharge planners/case managers require more from them.
 
The key to successful sales (yes, I am using the "sales" word!) requires that you know what makes your agency different from the competition, are able to identify what makes you special and unique and have a clear idea of what your referral sources want, need and value.
 
And then you have to go out and tell your referral sources exactly why your agency is their logical choice because of the way you meet their needs and the way that you provide excellent care to their patients.  And do this within the limits established by the law and the interpretations by governmental bodies.
 
This month's articles address sales training and appropriate sales plan implementation as well as giving guidance on your relationship with discharge planners/case managers. 
 
The first article is written by Frank DiPace.  Frank is a sales trainer extraordinnaire!  Because he started out in the "field," Frank understands clearly the issues involved in selling and providing healthcare services.  His sense of humor and outstanding presentation skills make him a favorite with my clients.
 
The second article is written by Elizabeth Hogue, Esq., a well known healthcare attorney.  This article provides clear guidance regarding the legal implications of providing "free services" to patients.  In addition, I am also including two links to articles specifically written on this topic for hospices. 
 
In addition, you will find information regarding our newest service - which supports your activities to prepare for ACHC accreditation - following the articles featured in this month's newsletter.  We look forward to assisting you!  Please call for more information.
 
This is the time of year when we need to find the time to take a walk to recharge our batteries or spend time outdoors watching our children/grandchildren dig in the sand or splash in water.  Open that sunroof and turn up a Beach Boys' tune!  
 
 
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
THE COOKIE LADY IS DEAD!
 
By Frank DiPace
 
For the past 22 years I've weathered Nor'easters in New England, tropical storms in the Southeast, whiteouts in the Midwest, heat waves in the South and even earthquakes in the West.  No, I'm not a meteorologist.  I'm a sales coach and trainer specializing in hospice and homecare.  I've experienced Mother Nature's wrath obtaining various "goodies" while riding with sales reps so they can hand them out to their referral sources!
WHY DISCHARGE PLANNERS/CASE MANAGERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF PROVISION OF FREE SERVICES TO PATIENTS
 
By Elizabeth E. Hogue Esq.
 
Based upon their overriding commitment to patients, case managers or discharge planners may be tempted to "take up the slack" by urging post-acute providers to render free or voluntary services to patients.  Case managers/discharge planners may state to post-acute providers that they will not receive additional referrals unless they agree to provide services to so-called "indigent patients". some of whom may not have a payor source for their care.
ADDITIONAL ARTICLES ON DISCHARGE PLANNERS/CASE MANAGERS FOR HOSPICE AGENCIES
_____________________________________________________ 
What Can Hospices Give to Discharge Planners/Case Managers?
 
By Elizabeth Hogue, Esq.
 
_____________________________________________________
 
What Can Discharge Planners/Case Managers Accept from Providers Who Want Referrals?
 
By Elizabeth Hogue, Esq.
 
 
 
       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