Beth Carpenter and Associates
September/October 2009
THE PATHFINDER
In This Issue
ANNOUNCING A NEW SERVICE FROM BETH CARPENTER AND ASSOCIATES
OIG WORK PLAN FOR 2010
"RED FLAG" EXEMPTION MAY BE ON THE WAY!
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 September/October 2009 issue of THE PATHFINDER. 

We have had an excellent autumn in the Carpenter household!  How do I know!  Because I have spent Friday nights at football games.  Football has always been the sport of choice here and it is a pretty exciting time as my grandson "suits up" and my son participates as an offense coach for a high school team.
 
As I watch the boys move through their plays, I could not help but think about teams, teamwork and what makes a team strong.
 
As we face the days of change ahead for all of us in healthcare, it is our teams that will lead us, support us and in inspire us to meet every challenge before us.
 
Here is one of my favorite quotes:
 
"Team player: Once who unites others toward a shared destiny through sharing information and ideas, empowering others and developing trust."  Author Unknown
 
Our goal is to be an integral part of our client's team, walking beside them, teaching and learning from one another.  With that in mind, please see our announcement of our new service below. 
 
Here's to wishing each of you the chance to enjoy the warm sunny days and the cool evenings of the season.  Find the time to take a walk this week and enjoy being outside before winter makes its appearance! 
 
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
       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.

 

 

                      OIG WORK PLAN FOR 2010  
 
The work plan gives a clear indication of the areas and issues that OIG intends to audit, evaluate and inspect during the fiscal year 2010.
 
HOME HEALTH: 
 
  • Part B Payment for Home Health Beneficiaries
  • Accurately Coding Claims for Medicare Home Health Resource Groups
  • Medicare Home Health Payments for Insulin Injections
  • Home Health Agency Outlier Payments
  • Home Health Prospective Payment System Controls
  • Home Health Agency Profitability
  • Medicare Home Health Payments for Diabetes Self-Management Training Services
  • Oversight of Home Health Agency Outcome and Assessment Information Set Data
HOSPICE:
 
  •  Trends in Medicare Hospice Utilization
 For your convenience I have listed the link below:
 
http://oig.hhs.gov/publications/docs/workplan/2010/Work_Plan_FY_2010.pdf
 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES RED FLAG EXEMPTION FOR SMALL PRACTICES
 
By HealthLeadersMedia.com
 
The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Tuesday, October 22, that would exempt a healthcare practice with 20 or fewer employees from the FTC's identity theft Red Flag Rule enforcement.
 
The bill moves on to the Senate.
 

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