We uncover the hidden challenges and triumphs of the Hospice community in our latest episode of TCNtalks. Join us, alongside Mark Cohen, as we discuss the impact of John Oliver's HBO episode on Hospice fraud, abuse, and neglect. The conversation highlights the need for reputable providers from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to join forces to protect the integrity of Hospice Care.

We also bring you the hottest topics from Hospice and Palliative Care Today, including insights on the CMS's 2025 Hospice Final Rule and alarming reports on fraudulent Hospices targeting the most vulnerable.

In this podcast episode, Mark Cohen joins Chris for more for the Top News Stories of the Month of August. This is a new format as Mark has retired from publishing the Hospice News Today as he has transitioned it to Cordt Kassner and the daily publication has been rebranded as Hospice and Palliative Care Today. You can subscribe for free here: www.hospicepalliativecaretoday.com

With this new format, Mark and Chris highlight the top news stories you should not have missed, each from their different perspectives. Mark as an editor, news aggregator, and longtime marketing Executive focusing on the quantitative data provided by Cordt’s team regarding the most clicked on and read stories, and Chris as a C-Suite leader of Hospice and Palliative Care.

In this conversation, Chris Comeaux and Mark Cohen discuss the impact of negative media coverage the hospice sector. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the quality of care and sharing positive stories to counteract negative perceptions while also preparing Hospice leaders for crisis communication scenarios. Mark provides tips for effective crisis communication, including identifying and training spokespeople, and having a professional standing by to provide assistance. The conversation concludes with a reminder to tell the Hospice story consistently and over time to build reputational goodwill.

Guest: Mark Cohen, Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-august-2024

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In this episode of TCN Talks, Chris interviews Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios and Judi Lund Person, Principal with Lund Person & Associates LLC. The conversation covers the need to know around the final published 2025 Wage Index for Hospices. Some of the key points discussed are:

• The rate increase of 2.9%.
• The CBSA is an important factor in determining rates for Hospices, and changes can significantly impact reimbursement.
• The CAHPS Hospice Survey is undergoing changes, including the introduction of online survey options and revisions to the survey questions.
• Hospices need to stay informed about these changes and adjust their operational planning to ensure compliance and quality care. The lag in reporting data can result in a delay of several years before the public sees the results of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program.
• Understanding and addressing patient care preferences is crucial for providing individualized and high-quality Hospice Care.
• Increased participation in the CAHPS Hospice Survey is necessary to gather valuable feedback from families and improve the quality of care.
• The implementation of the HOPE tool brings significant changes to the hospice industry, including additional questions and visits to assess symptom impact and social determinants of health.
• Regulatory changes regarding certification of terminal illness and the election statement provide clarity and align different sections of the Hospice Conditions of Participation.
• The future of Hospice Care involves a shift towards value-based arrangements and the collection of more detailed data to measure outcomes and improve quality of care.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of hospice care and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Annette and Judi are a wealth of experience and knowledge. So join us, this is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations to become more educated about the changes that are coming and the tracks being laid with the 2025 Wage Index. This is timely and relevant.

Guest:
Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios Collaborative Network

Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-need-to-know-on-the-2025-hospice-wage-index

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Prepare to gain unparalleled insights into the current state of hospice care and healthcare. On this episode of TCN Talks, we promise to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate today's healthcare complexities. From the latest updates on the NAHC-NHPCO Alliance's comments on the Hospice Care Act to the evolving trend of green burials, we've got the crucial news stories that matter. We'll also unpack the financial struggles facing for-profit healthcare systems and how community health systems are responding.

Ever wondered how private equity's growing influence is reshaping healthcare? Laura Katz Olson's eye-opening book "Ethically Challenged" serves as our starting point as we explore this provocative issue. Hear firsthand accounts and regional examples illustrating the delicate balance between necessary capital investment and its potential negative impacts on service quality and community trust. The discussion extends to rising unionization among healthcare workers and whether similar unrest is brewing in the hospice sector.

We don't shy away from the hard-hitting topics. From the destabilizing effects of removing large trauma centers to controversies around nonprofit hospitals' tax-exempt status, you'll get a comprehensive look at the challenges public hospitals face. We spotlight recent hospice fraud cases, revealing their devastating consequences on families and Medicare, and offer effective strategies for healthcare providers to maintain integrity and service quality. Additionally, Mark explores impactful healthcare marketing strategies, stressing the importance of skilled writing and editing in creating engaging content. Tune in for a deep dive into the multifaceted issues shaping today's healthcare landscape.

Guest
Mark Cohen, Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Host
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-july-2024

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast