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Hello!

Welcome to the October 2007 issue of THE PATHFINDER.

Many of our colleagues are chanting "Change is my friend.  Change is my friend..." as the latest round of PPS and Oasis changes approach.  While I must admit that change is something that I personally enjoy, often the lesson of change is missed.  The current lesson is to modify our behavior, our approach.  I have been alarmed by some of my conversations with colleagues across the country over the coming changes to our home care funding design.  Running scenarios through a  grouper and concluding that there is no need to look deeper and change behavior is a mistake.  The purpose of the scheduled changes from CMS is to change our behaviors and our approaches to client care.  I would urge you to start now.

I am happy this month to be able to share with you some articles that have been written especially for this newsletter by several of my friends in the industry.

The first is an article by Elizabeth Hogue, Esq., a well known healthcare attorney.  Elizabeth, a dear friend, writes an update of P4P.  This is particularly timely with the CMS announcement of a P4P two-year demonstration project in seven states.

The second article is written by Keith Carter.  Keith is a colleague and an affiliate of my firm.  I deeply respect him for the detailed work he does to make sure the bills are submitted completely, timely and correctly!

Lastly, for my friends in hospice, I have included an article on the healing power of music.  Music has the ability to calm the emotions, lessen pain and heal the spirit.

With the leaves scuttling across the driveway and the wind blowing through the bare trees, I wish you all a candy-filled Halloween!

If we can provide you with any assistance , please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best wishes,  Beth Carpenter

UPDATE ON PAY FOR PERFORMANCE (P4P)
By Elizabeth Hogue, Esq.

Until recently, implementation of pay for performance (P4P) for providers who are reimbursed for services by the Medicare/Medicaid Programs has been limited to so-called "pay for reporting."  Specifically, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has withheld 2% of annual payments from providers who did not comply with certain reporting requirements.  CMS is now prepared to move from "pay for reporting" to implementation of reimbursement measures that are directly related to the quality of care rendered.

Read More....

HOME HEALTH AGENCY ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGEMENT: POLICY, PROCEDURE AND WORK FLOWS
By Keith N. Carter

Home health managers face billing and collections challenges every day.  Minimizing these challenges and improving cash flow is, or at least should be, at the top of every manager's list.  Developing and documenting the framework by which the agency will manage accounts receivable is one of the most effective ways to improve cash flow.

To learn more about accounts receivable management...

WHAT IS HEALING MUSIC?  A CLOSER LOOK
By Thulasi Venkat

Since the beginning of recorded history, music has played a significant role in the healing of our world.  Music and healing were communal activities that were natural to everyone.  In ancient Greece, Apollo was both the god of music and medicine.  Ancient Greeks said, "Music is an art imbued with power to penetrate into the very depths of the soul."

Learn more on the healing power of music...

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.