Beth Carpenter and Associates: Pathfinder Newsletter

THE PATHFINDER NEWSLETTER
Hello! Welcome to the March 2008 issue of THE PATHFINDER. Well, the calendar says spring, but the weather man says snow and sleet on today's weather agenda! Perhaps you share my restlessness as I am anxious to resume outdoor activities and feel the warmth of the sun. Patience, Beth ... patience. Recently Elizabeth Hogue and I were able to spend some time together at a conference in Florida. While we communicate often, it is always good to have some time together - in person -to talk about all topics - personal and professional. Always generous, she has graciously sent me one of her articles for inclusion in this month's newsletter. The challenges for 2008 are clearly outlined in this article. Cardiac Heart Failure patients (CHF) have been front and center for the attention of both home health and hospice agencies. CHF patients are almost always the first choice of home health agencies for telehealth monitoring. And "Across the board, physicians reported that they were unlikely to refer a patient with end-stage heart failure for hospice care. Their reluctance was due in part to uncertainty about timing and patient acceptance of the (hospice) recommendation." This is an interesting article reporting on a study conducted by St. Louis University which provides insight into physicians' beliefs and biases. Ah! The challenges of making the right hire! Our last article this month asks whether the emphasis in hiring should be placed on the interview process or whether the candidate choice is better measured through a tight probationary review process. Good topic for discussion with your team... Beth Carpenter and Associates take it on the road!!! Lynn Serra and I have been invited to present at the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care's April 29 - May 1st. Our presentation is scheduled for May 1st at 8A on Open Access for hospices. We look forward to seeing our Indiana friends at the conference. With the snow covering the early spring flowers, I send warm, positive, sunny thoughts your way! If we can provide you with any assistance , please do not hesitate to contact us. Best wishes, Beth Carpenter

HOT LEGAL ISSUES FOR 2008 By Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq. There is always something new for home care providers to master! Never a dull moment! The coming year will undoubtedly bring new challenges including the following: • Increased enforcement by state Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCU's) • Increased regulation of referrals by state governments. • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will move closer to the application of Pay for Performance (P4P) to home care providers. To read more of Elizabeth's article, please click here...

DOCTORS UNCERTAIN ABOUT APPROACHES TO CARE FOR VERY SICK HEART FAILURE PATIENTS From Sciencecentric.com 11 February 2008 Less than one fourth of physicians specialising (sic) in geriatrics, internal or family medicine or cardiology believe they can accurately predict whether patients with heart failure are at risk of dying, new Saint Louis University research found. The ability to determine whether patients are within six months of death is crucial to clinical care, impacting key patient-care decisions such as therapeutic approaches and referral for palliative care, which is focused on symptom relief rather than cure. To read more about approaches for CHF patients...

CHOOSING THE RIGHT EMPLOYEE - Selecting and Hiring the Best Candidate During a Probationary Period By Joni Rose Suite101.com There is a lot of emphasis put on the hiring process. Many companies conduct multiple interviews and some go to the extent of hiring background checking companies to do an extensive review down to where potential candidates went to elementary school,. Is this where the focus should be when selecting a best fit candidate? Should the emphasis be on the initial interview and selection process or should more emphasis be put on the first few weeks they are on the job i.e. the probationary period? To read further...

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

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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