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Hello!

Welcome to the September 2010 issue of THE PATHFINDER.

I am writing this newsletter this month from a hotel room in Ohio on a bright, sunny, cool (very cool, in fact!) morning.  For the past several weeks we have been assisting clients as they assess the level of compliance in each of their service locations.  To their credit they want to take a pro-active stance on compliance in light of the heightened attention on regulations. Good idea in today's environment!

A couple of months ago  I sent out a questionnaire to the readers of this newsletter asking for two things: how often they would like to see the newsletter and what type of articles they would like included.  And I also asked if there were industry colleagues who would like to submit articles on topics they felt would benefit our readers.

This month's newsletter will bring you two articles written specifically for and by our readers.

The first article is written by David Haley, COO for the Center of Hospice Care in South Bend IN.  David writes about a topic well known in the hospice industry: very late referrals for hospice services.  He explores the referral source incentives to delay hospice referrals.  And he ends his article with an invitation to join him in a national research study.  I think you will find the article is strongly stated with a well thought out position and clear observations.  I feel that you will appreciate his call to action!

Barbara Gray, Senior Consultant for Beth Carpenter and Associates, writes an article (Part 1 of 2) in response to the ongoing concern our customers express over their inability to differentiate themselves from the competition.  Drawing on the resources mentioned in the summer edition of Insights, an industry publication, Barbara introduces you to resources available to assist you - individuals such as Richard Chesney - and helps you define how you are different from other agencies through data gathering and analysis. In an era of tight competition in every marketplace, this is a "must-read."

As we enter my most favorite season of the year, I am reminded of the feeling of "new beginnings" it brings.  As a child it represented new shoes, a new box of crayons and a new lunch box.  As adults laboring in an industry that cares for individuals in their most vulnerable moments, we also need to find those points of "new beginnings" in order to face our challenges with renewed energy and commitment.  You are important to the success of excellent patient care.

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

Peering Into An Invisible Window of Time
By David A. Haley
Center for Hospice Care
South Bend IN

There is an invisible metric associated with death which has not been recognized by the healthcare industry. I cannot ever remember seeing this specific topic discussed in the professional literature. No national or regional data are kept on this subject matter and, therefore, no one even recognizes there are associated issues which need to be examined and corrected. Until this topic is widely discussed and studied, there will be no opportunities or efforts to bring about needed, positive change. The purpose of this article is to begin to shed some light onto this heretofore black hole of healthcare and to begin the professional dialogue in some small way. We will look into an invisible window of time associated with every hospice in this country. This article will discuss the subject of people who are referred to a hospice, but do not survive long enough to be admitted and become "a hospice patient." It will also point out some incentives existing in a hospital setting which have the potential to increase these occurrences.

To read more, please click here

DIFFERENTIATE AND STAND OUT FROM THE REST!
By Barbara Gray
Senior Consultant, Beth Carpenter and Associates

In the summer edition of Insights, a publication of NHPCO's National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals, three articles present some excellent ideas for hospice CEOs, administrators and owners/boards of directors to consider as they plan for a future which will likely bring changing reimbursement methodologies from Medicare and Medicaid, changing regulations, and changing numbers and types of competitors to the local community environment. 

To read more...

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
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.