Home Health
Home Health and Community-Based Organizations
Study Links Discharge Planning to Readmissions
The study identified six areas of possible change to the discharge planning process to reduce instances of unplanned hospital readmissions.
High-Need Patients: Utilization of Home Care
Finding ways to improve outcomes and reduce spending for patients with complex and costly care needs requires an understanding of their unique needs and characteristics.
Message From Lisa Remington
September/October 2024 Issue
FREE CONTENT The Remington Report identifies multiple ways for your organization to get positioned competitively and gain referrals with ACOs, physicians, hospitals and health systems, and bundled payments. Get all the information you need in one magazine.
What are the Average 30-Day Readmission Rates Across U.S. Hospitals?
September/October 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Readmission rates are critical for hospitals and ACOs as they work to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary healthcare costs through better care coordination and patient education. This article provides critical readmission data related to average readmission rates, condition-specific readmission rates, and hospitals with high and low readmission rates.
6 Ways to Develop Outcome-Based Relationships Between Physicians and Home Care
September/October 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Outcome-based relationships are becoming crucial for home care organizations to stay competitive. This article describes six ways to develop outcome-based relationships with physicians and specific proactive strategies.
2025 New Hospital Quality Measure for Senior Care
September/October 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A new hospital quality measure for senior care will address the most critical factors affecting the health outcomes of older adults. The measure evaluates five domains and incentivizes team-based care. Get the latest information and learn how this can impact your organization.
Bundled Payments: 7 Ways to Position Home Care Competitively
September/October 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A new mandatory bundled payment model incorporates home care as an essential partner. The payment continues 30 days after discharge. We provide the details of the program and seven ways to position your organization competitively.
6 Ways ACOs are Collecting Information to Track Readmissions
Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) track 30-day readmissions using a combination of data analytics, electronic health records (EHRs), and care coordination strategies. Here's how they typically do it.
ACOs: The Critical Role of Care Coordinators in Discharge Planning and Care Transitions
Lessons from 20 Medicare Shared Savings Programs provide insight into how ACOs manage complex care patients.
ACOs: Care Transitions for Complex Patients
ACOs often employ care management programs that follow evidence-based strategies for increasing the value of care delivered to people with complex needs.
ACOs: 6 Home Care, Hospice, and Telehealth Benefit Waivers
The Accountable Care Organization Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (ACO REACH) Model, a program from CMS, is testing home care benefits, hospice benefits, and telehealth, as well as who can perform home care visits.
Management Service Agreement: Is Orange the Fashion Statement You Want to Make?
A watchdog organization filed a whistleblower lawsuit against MPI and the agencies it managed, resulting in a judgment of approximately $6 million.
5 Reasons Why a 5-Year Strategic Plan May Pose Challenges
Five-year strategic plans in home care often encounter several challenges due to the dynamic nature of the industry.
Understanding Adaptive Leadership in Home Care’s Complex World
Adaptive leadership is not a fixed set of rules or practices; rather, it's a mindset and a skill set that empowers leaders to thrive in turbulent times.
Future Bundled Payment Programs to Improve Care Transitions and Collaboration Across Patients’ Care Journey
CMS is asking for feedback to create a future episode-based payment model seeking feedback regarding a potential new episode-based payment model that would be designed with a goal to improve beneficiary care and lower Medicare expenditures by reducing fragmentation and increasing care coordination across health care settings.
5 Ways High-Functioning Team-Based Care Reduces Clinician Burnout
Fostering effective team-based care improves both the patient’s and the team’s experience of care delivery. In this article, we discuss the two different approaches to team-based care, the five core principles, and how to reduce clinician burnout.
Message From Lisa Remington
July/August 2024 Issue
FREE CONTENT In this issue of The Remington Report, we cover many aspects of social determinants of health. Get valuable insights, trends, and tools your organization can utilize to build referral partners, support patients and their families, and improve outcomes.
Universal Foundation Measures: The Focus on Care Coordination After Hospitalization, Readmissions, Patient Experience, and Screening for Social Drivers of Health
July/August 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Universal Foundation Measures is a framework designed to foster a collaborative approach to quality reporting and improvement across healthcare settings and payers. This initiative aims to promote unity among all healthcare providers, emphasizing the collective effort in shaping the future of quality measures.
8 Reasons Why Hospitals and Health Systems are Focused on Social Determinants of Health
July/August 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Hospitals are using required screening tools to identify the risk factors of social determinants. Results will expand referral relationships to improve meaningful collaboration between healthcare providers and community-based organizations. Get to know the key reasons this is important to your organization.
Social Determinants of Health Z Codes: Important Codes To Know Before Patient’s Discharge
July/August 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Obtain Z codes prior to a patient's discharge to gather crucial information that can assist your organization in identifying non-medical conditions and social and economic factors. We will guide you on how to locate them.
What are the Top Preferences of Consumers to Improve Social Determinants of Health?
July/August 2024 Issue
COMPLIMENTARY CONTENT A groundbreaking consumer survey has unveiled key insights into how your organizations can enhance their social determinants of health. Your understanding of these top preferences can revolutionize your approach, underscoring the importance of your role in this process.
Medicaid MCOs: 4 Key Trends to Reduce Social Determinants of Health and Increase Care Coordination
July/August 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Medicaid MCOs, as key players in the healthcare system, are increasingly focused on social determinants of health. They are implementing strategies to reduce these determinants and improve patient outcomes. Get the current trends and learn what’s ahead, so you can better collaborate with these organizations and enhance patient outcomes.
Teaching Caregivers How to Help Patients Heal
July/August 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Noora Health’s Health Companion Program enhances family and caregiver knowledge, boosts professional development for aides, and gives your organization a competitive edge. Discover the key insights of this innovative program.
Trends and Patterns of Dementia Patient Discharges: SNF vs. Home Health
One-third of all fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries receiving post-acute care have a diagnosis of dementia, and more than 7 in 10 receive this care in a SNF.
Nurse Practitioner: 45% Projected Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% by 2030.
Legal: Recent Case Demonstrates Pitfalls of Getting Referrals from Assisted Living and Independent Living Facilities
In this article is the legal case between referrals: assisted living, independent living facilities, and home health, details of the ruling, and what to consider in a referral relationship agreement.
Message From Lisa Remington
May/June 2024 Issue
FREE CONTENT The home care industry lies at the center of chronic care management. It holds the key to reducing the overall cost of care, minimizing readmissions, emergency department visits, and offering value propositions that align with partnerships involving hospitals, health systems, ACOs, payers, and Medicare Advantage Plans.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Chronic Care Management Services
May/June 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Are you aware that both Medicare and Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are eligible for the Chronic Care Management program? It presents a remarkable opportunity to offer comprehensive care to those grappling with multiple chronic conditions. However, despite the widespread prevalence of chronic illnesses among Medicare beneficiaries, only a fraction is using the program. Which physicians are leveraging the program most frequently? What are the challenges?
Surprising Medical Conditions Dominating Home Healthcare Expenditure
May/June 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT It's often assumed that heart disease ranks highest for medical condition expenditure in home healthcare. Get ready to be surprised by the real leader in medical expenditure.
Unveiling Persuasive Business Intelligence Connected to Chronic Conditions and ED Visits
May/June 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Unlocking insights that profile frequent emergency department visits and common chronic conditions unveils the critical medical conditions linked to your patient management.
Private Duty Home Care in Fraud Enforcers’ Crosshairs
May/June 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Personal care private duty agencies, it's crucial to recognize that fraud and abuse enforcement aren't exclusive to services covered by the Medicare Program. In fiscal year 2023 alone, there were 279 criminal convictions associated with private duty home care services. It's vital to understand the implications.
Tackling Alzheimer’s and Dementia Readmissions and ED Visits
May/June 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT In 2024, approximately 2.4 million individuals with Alzheimer’s dementia are aged 85 or above. Research indicates that patients who receive home health services following hospital discharge have a higher chance of staying in their community for at least 30 days post-discharge, with more significant advantages observed with extended durations of home health care.
Revealing the Impact: Comparing 30 Chronic Conditions With and Without Home Care Services on Total Cost of Care
May/June 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Unlocking business insights into the total cost of care for patients with chronic conditions, with and without home care personal services, presents compelling findings that strengthen value propositions to your referrals.
Multi-Pronged Efforts to Strengthen Direct Care Workforce: CMS Initiative
May/June 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT CMS has unveiled the Direct Care Workforce Strategies Center, a pivotal initiative aimed at tackling the pressing shortage of workers providing direct care to elderly and disabled individuals. Worker registries play a crucial role in addressing fundamental questions: Who meets the criteria to deliver Home and Community-Based Services in each state, and how can Medicaid beneficiaries connect with them?
This ACO Model is Testing the Future of Home Care and Waivers
Care Continuum: Reports just published prove ACOs are saving Medicare money! The next generation ACO is expanding and testing home care through six new benefits including waivers, expanding the role of the nurse practitioner and piloting a value-based payment. This went into motion July 1. We explain in detail how this impacts home care.
High-Risk Readmissions: Skilled Nursing Facility to Home
Readmission after skilled-nursing facility (SNF) discharge following heart failure hospitalization is highest during the first two days home.
ED Patients: Partnering with Home-Based Care to Fill Gaps in Care
The emergency department (ED) is the hospital's front door, providing over 70% of all hospital admissions. How can home-based care providers partner with EDs?
Message From Lisa Remington
March/April 2024 Issue
FREE CONTENT The surge in collaborations between home care providers and referral sources is creating fresh avenues for growth and fostering opportunities for deeper relationship-building. Fostering relationships involves cultivating meaningful connections and collaboration. The increase in referral partnerships between home care and referral partners can be attributed to seven key factors.
ACO MarketScan: Payments Shifting Care at Home Volume
March/April 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT ACO MarketScan: What makes it crucial for home care providers to establish connections with ACOs? With more than half of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in accountable care organizations, aiming for 100%, home care providers must craft compelling value propositions and engagement strategies to foster partnerships.
Hospital MarketScan: Hospital Outcome and Quality Measures
March/April 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Hospital MarketScan: A thorough grasp of hospital quality and outcomes proves highly advantageous for home care providers. Establishing and fortifying referral partnerships with hospitals and health systems necessitates a more comprehensive understanding of hospital outcomes and quality measures to enhance relationship building efforts.
Physician MarketScan: Specialists Expanding Care in the Home
March/April 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Physician MarketScan: As CMS concentrates on integrating more specialists into value-based care, prioritizing engagement with home care providers emerges as a key strategic imperative. These engagement strategies center around areas such as readmissions, care transitions, longitudinal care, value-based payments, bundled payments, and the expansion of specialty care within a home setting.
Enforcers Target Discharge Planners/Case Managers Yet Again
March/April 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Case managers or discharge planners found in violation of the anti-kickback statute may face criminal prosecution, potentially leading to prison sentences and other repercussions. If you were aware or should have been aware, you may bear responsibility. Attorney Elizabeth Hogue provides detailed explanations of these implications.
A Key Health Indicator in Social Determinants of Health
March/April 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT One specific area of concern is transportation, given its high priority. Missed medical appointments incur costs of up to $150 billion annually for the healthcare industry. What is your organization's strategy to address this challenge?
Patients’ Right to Freedom of Choice of Providers
March/April 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Patients possess the right to select their care
providers, and this choice is reinforced through various avenues embedded in policies and regulations. Attorney Elizabeth Hogue explains the key touchpoints.
In Case you Missed This
March/April 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Hospital at home updates you may have missed.
Workforce Analysis: What are the Best States for Nurses to Work In? The Worst States?
Getting to know the nursing workforce by state helps to know states with the most job openings, salaries, and the best and worst states to work. We give you the intel.
Message From Lisa Remington
January/February 2024 Issue
FREE CONTENT In the January/February issue of The Remington Report, we answer two critical questions. What are the most critical areas of change in 2024? How can your organization better anticipate the future, identify opportunities, and confidently grow? Our four environmental scans will get you ready for 2024.
Payments Shifting Care at Home Volume
January/February 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN: Payments are shifting the site of care, accelerating the growth of care at home. The movement of ortho and cardiac payments from impatient to outpatient is related to increased volumes of care in the home. We provide forecasts and the impact to home care organizations.
Team-Based Care – A 2024 Strategy
January/February 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN: Team-based and multidisciplinary teams underpin the success of value-based care models and hospitals-at-home. Cross-collaborative teams in specialty clinical programs are making their way between hospitals and home care organizations. This is the next level of clinical integration and for stakeholders to better understand home care’s value.
Synergistic Referral Partnerships Gain Traction
January/February 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN: Referrals are more dependent on home care as partners for financial, quality, and patient experience measures. Shifting payments are changing traditional views of managing a patient’s care journey. Each segment of healthcare will contribute to a synergistic success level. No organization can do it alone.
Social Determinants: Changes Ahead in 2024
January/February 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN: Screening requirements for social determinants in 2024 are front and center for hospitals, dialysis centers, physicians, and post-acute providers. Coordination across various healthcare settings, including ambulatory, emergency department, inpatient, and home health will create a unified approach.
Social Determinant of Health “Community Care Hubs” Urged by HHS
January/February 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The Department of Health and Human Services encourages stakeholders across the health continuum to formalize Community Care Hubs to manage social determinants of health. We explain the meaning behind Community Care Hubs and conceptual models.
2024 Tests Expansion of Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model
January/February 2024 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The value-based insurance design model will be required to address health-related social needs in at least two of three health-related social needs areas: food, transportation, and housing insecurity and/or living environment, and improve care coordination. Get the changes affecting hospice and the list of 2024 participants.
Executive Briefing: 2023 Senior Report
This report finds the most recent shifts in senior’s social determinants of health, urgent needs to support older Americans, long-term trends, and the health of older Americans.
Message From Lisa Remington
November/December 2023 Issue
FREE CONTENT In the November/December issue of The Remington Report, we explore the best solutions for patient engagement. Three different strategies reduce emergency department visits, readmissions, and encourage self-care.
Patient Engagement Strategies for High-Need, High-Cost Patients
November/December 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT It has become a national priority to understand the needs of high-need, high-cost patients. In this article, we hear the voices of patients and how to prevent ED visits and readmissions.
More Hospitals Facing Readmission Penalties in 2024
November/December 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT More hospitals will face readmissions penalties in 2024, per preliminary CMS data. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will restart its pneumonia readmissions measure.
Preventing Violence in Home Care: Action Items
November/December 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT According to a recent analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, home healthcare is one of the most dangerous places to work in healthcare. Homecare field staff members who provide services on behalf of private duty agencies, hospices, Medicare-certified home health agencies, and home medical equipment companies are extremely vulnerable.
Patient Engagement Framework for Chronically Complex Patients
November/December 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A coaching framework of techniques and tools employed by health providers is part of an intensive care management intervention and an Authentic Healing Relationship between patients and care teams.
4 Cost Burdens Faced by Seniors in Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans
November/December 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A respected biennial health insurance survey sheds light on the burden seniors face to afford medications and care that are enrolled in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
Patient Engagement Coaching: A Strategy for Patients Living with Chronic Conditions
November/December 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Coaching interventions have been widely touted as a potential way to prevent chronic illness and to help patients better self-manage their chronic illnesses. Coaching draws from a range of strategies to tailor its response to the dynamic situation of patients and their families.
Certificate-of-Need Ties Back to Health Equity Assessments
November/December 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT New York State’s new requirement for certain certificate-of-need applications includes a health equity impact assessment. New York is now the first state to implement a required equity assessment in its health facility planning and approval process that went into effect June 22.
2023 Providers are Responsible for Social Determinants of Health Quality Measures
Research shows that social determinants can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. Numerous studies suggest that SDOH account for between 30-55% of health outcomes.
5 Trends and Policies Impacting Social Determinants and Outcomes
The focus on social determinants of health in 2023 is uniting payers and providers to increase their efforts to find solutions and improve outcomes. Driven by policy and payments, change is coming.
Discharge Planning: CMS Concerns About Missing Information Provided to Post-Acute Providers at Discharge
September/October 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT On June 6, 2023, CMS issued a that when a patient is discharged from a hospital, it is important to provide post-acute providers and caregivers as applicable with the appropriate patient information related to a patient’s treatment and condition to decrease the risk of readmission or an adverse event.
Judge Orders State to Provide Private Duty Nursing Care
September/October 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A Judge issued an opinion and order, in which he said that the State of Florida must provide services, including private duty nursing care, to medically fragile children who are living in nursing homes or threatened with institutionalization so that they can live at home.
CMS Proposes Payment to Physicians to Train Caregivers
September/October 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT For CY 2024, CMS proposes paying physicians for Caregiving Training Services (CTS) when the treating practitioner identifies a need to involve and train one or more caregivers to assist the patient in carrying out a patient-centered treatment plan.
Legal: Recent Study Links Hospital Readmissions to Discharge Planning Process
September/October 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The study is based on eight focus groups that included nurses, physicians, discharge planning staff, and patients. It identified areas of possible change to the discharge planning process to reduce instances of unplanned hospital readmissions.
CMS Proposes to Pay Doctors for Social Determinants and Illness Navigation Services
September/October 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT CMS is proposing to pay separately for Community Health Integration, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Risk Assessment, and Principal Illness Navigation services to account for resources when clinicians involve community health workers, care navigators, and peer support specialists in furnishing medically necessary care.
What’s Changing About Dementia Care Offered in Patient’s Home?
September/October 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The eight-year Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience Model (GUIDE) seeks to keep Medicare enrollees outside of long-term care facilities by extending a package of local care coordination and management and caregiver education and support services.
MarketScan: Medicare Advantage Plan
July/August 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT This article identifies four essential attributes of the growth in Medicare Advantage Plans and interesting other facts.
3 Policies and Regulations Look to Change the Future of Medicare and Medicaid
July/August 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Three new and proposed policies and regulations are reshaping critical areas of healthcare, including social determinants of health, Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicaid Managed Care. Taking a deeper look helps to predict future changes.
CMS’s Making Care Primary Model Advances Primary Care into Value-Based Care
July/August 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A new CMS model for primary care is testing value-based payments, chronic care management, and management of social determinants. If successful, the model Making Care Primary can scale both large and small physician practices into value-based care and comprehensive care management.
Supreme Court Rules on Knowledge Required to Prove False Claims
July/August 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A ruling from the Supreme Court may make it more difficult for enforcers to prove liability under the False Claims Act and more manageable for providers to defend themselves against claims of violations.
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Participants Have Outpaced Workforce Expansion Since 2013
July/August 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The HCBS workforce is not growing fast enough to serve residents relying on long-term services and support. New investments in this workforce are essential to sustain access to HCBS for current and future generations.
How Does Telehealth Change After a Public Health Emergency Has Ended?
July/August 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Some telehealth waivers extended under COVID reached their end, while others continue through December 31, 2024. This article provides an easy way to know the current status of telehealth waivers in each health care sector.
Get to Know the New Providers in Care-at-Home Delivery
May/June 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Disruptors or non-traditional providers are quickly accelerating their footprint into the care-at-home market. These providers are addressing the pain points and healthcare gaps that traditional-for-service providers have failed to correct for many years.
Lack of Patient Discharge Instructions Disrupt Care Transitions
May/June 2023 Issue
FREE CONTENT Learn the five key areas that home-based care organizations could assist in discharge planning.
Court Upholds Medicare Contractor’s Decision to Deny Claims Based on Untimely Appeal
May/June 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Learn the results of a homecare agency’s audit and appeals case.
The Patient’s Perspective on Their Care Transition Process
May/June 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Learn the perspectives of patients regarding their care transition experience after discharge.
Potential Changes to the Home-Based Care Industry
May/June 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The Expanding Care in the Home Act: By moving an array of services for Medicare beneficiaries from hospital to home, lawmakers hope they can save money while allowing older Americans to receive care in their homes. Get an understanding of a new proposed bill.
8 Factors Leading to Clinician Satisfaction and Retention
May/June 2023 Issue
FREE CONTENT In this special report, we provide guidance to help your organization improve the clinician experience and gather data to easily track satisfaction and achieve a more engaged workforce.
16 Key ACO Trends to Know in 2023
March/April 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The importance of key ACO trends is to better understand the plan to decrease fee-for-service and increase value-based payments. Growth through three initiatives will be the foundation to reach CMS’s goal of 100% of Medicare into an accountable care program.
What Motivates ACOs to Make Home Visits?
March/April 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Learn the seven reasons why ACOs use home care and what’s behind the motivation.
ACO Reach Model Expands Home-Based Care Primer
March/April 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT This article summarizes the major provisions of the new ACO Reach Model and the expanded role of home-based care providers.
Senior Care Profiles
March/April 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The profile of seniors is changing according to the Administration on Aging. Get the latest information.
Why Collaboration Across the Care Continuum Improves ACO Patient Experience
March/April 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A study out of the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business explores factors that can help ACOs deliver more efficient and effective health care, by how much and the costs associated with these improvements.
30-Day Readmission Trends to Improve Outcomes
January/February 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Key studies and data can help providers reduce readmissions, improve outcomes, and increase partnerships.
5 Changes to Social Determinants of Health Quality Measures Across the Continuum 2023
January/February 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT New social determinants of health (SDOH) quality measures will be required by hospitals, health plans, and multi-payer federal and state programs. We provide details on how each healthcare sector will be incorporating SDOH quality measures.
Trends Driving Home-Based Care’s Contracting Options with Medicare Advantage Plans
January/February 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Home care is big business for payers. No better industry is more aligned with payer goals than home-based care. We address six strategies to evaluate contracting with Medicare Advantage plans.
2023 CMS Adding Physician Relationships to Home Care Providers on Medicare’s Care Compare Website
January/February 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Medicare’s Care Compare website is adding physician and clinician affiliations to home-based care organizations. The new information is meant to provide additional information to support patients and caregivers as they make healthcare decisions.
5 Ways Health Equity is Advancing in Medicare Models
January/February 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT In this article, we explore the models of care advancing health equity and the closer connection to value-based care.
Home Care and Hospice Payment Recommendations for 2024
January/February 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission submitted its official payment recommendations to Congress for March FY2024. Recommended cuts include home healthcare and hospice.
Electronic Visit Verification Systems Required January 1, 2023
January/February 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Medicaid-funded personal care services and home healthcare services will need to be fully compliant with their state’s electronic visit verification systems by January 1, 2023. We review the oversight and details.
9 Key Trends: How CMS is Aligning Value-Based Arrangements Across Traditional Medicare Programs
January/February 2023 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT CMS has indicated that the agency intends for anyone with Medicare coverage to be under a value-based payment arrangement by 2030. Learn which fee-for-service programs are advancing value-based care.
Do You Know Which Principal Diagnosis Has the Highest Rate of 30-Day Readmissions?
As a home-based care provider, all referral partners have the same goal – how to reduce readmissions and the cost. It’s important to continue to hone in on data that can help your organization better understand your role in preventing readmissions and reducing the cost of care.
Clinical Service Lines that Reduce the Cost of the Top 5 Medical Conditions
New information will help your organization better align clinical services to reduce the cost of the highest medical conditions and their expenditures. The data can be used in conversations with various payer sources to align your organization’s services to reduce the cost of care and readmissions.
How Proactive Team-Based Care Engagement Improves Care Transitions
November-December 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Care transitions promote improved outcomes when discharge planning, home-based care, physicians, and hospitalists engage on the first day of an inpatient admission.
Which Types of ACOs Use Home Visits the Most and Why?
November-December 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Home-based organizations eager to have partnerships with ACOs will learn in our discussion why certain ACOs engage in greater home visits and care transitions to manage complex patients. No two ACOs are alike. Get insights into the characteristics of ACOs and their decision points. We follow up with three key leadership discussion questions.
Care Transitions Intervention Model to Manage Social Determinants of Health
November-December 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The focus on social determinants of health is a hot topic in healthcare. Multidisciplinary teams and a care transition model in the case study resulted in reduced readmissions and improved outcomes. The model is scalable and a win-win for healthcare and the patient.
36 Ways Your Investment in Technology Can Produce a Positive ROI Across Your Organization
November-December 2022 Issue
FREE CONTENT In this special report, we provide 36 ways your investment in technology can produce a positive ROI across your organization. We identify the right technologies to get a positive return on your investment.
7 Things Changing in Healthcare 2023 You Should Know About
November-December 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Seven areas of healthcare are changing in 2023 related to quality measures, bundled payments, the hospice benefit, and the expanded HHVBP model. For each, we provide details and resources to keep you in the know.
Legal: Workforce Hiring and the Crackdown on “No-Poach” Agreements
“Poaching agreements” may produce artificial suppression of employees’ compensation and may violate the federal Sherman Act.
Legal: 6 Fraud and Abuse Issues to Avoid When Marketing to Referral Sources
The Office of Inspector General has stated that there are two major types of fraud and abuse compliance that must be addressed through ongoing evaluation processes.
Legal: Practitioners Liable for Harm to Patients and Fraudulent Conduct Despite Physicians’ Orders
Practitioners owe a duty of care in the diagnosis and treatment of patients even though they are working under the supervision of licensed physicians.
Workforce Analysis: What are the Key Factors That Would Motivate Nurses to Stay in the Profession?
The crisis level of the nursing shortage has no easy fix. A national survey provides insights into what are the most important benefits for nurses, how salaries compare nationwide, and what are the most crucial factors for job satisfaction.
Workforce: How Will Medicare Fee-For-Service Trends Change the Way You Think About Future Staffing Needs?
September/October 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT With all the evolving changes occurring in healthcare, you may have missed CMS’s initiatives aligning value-based arrangements across traditional Medicare programs. We discuss the eight trends to help your organization think about the impact on your labor force and referral partners.
Workforce: How is the Role of Nurse Practitioners Changing?
September/October 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The role of the nurse practitioner continues to grow with more than 355,000 NPs nationwide and growth projections of 45% by 2030. We provide important state-by-state analysis and annual salaries.
4 Care Transition Challenges and How to Solve Them
September/October 2022 Issue
SPECIAL REPORT/FREE CONTENT In this special report, learn about the challenges and solutions to effective care transitions, competitive tools, and shared peer actions.
Analysis: Seniors Usage of Technology and Telehealth Growing
September/October 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The gap between the younger generation and the senior population is narrowing when it comes to smart phones, tablets, internet users, YouTube, and telehealth. A recent study provides valuable insight for healthcare providers adopting technology in the home.
Workforce: Rural Communities Get Investment to Improve Health Care Workforce and Access
September/October 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT $60 million in investments will expand and improve the rural community workforce. We provide details and resources for each.
Workforce: Job Outlook for Home Health and Personal Care Aides
September/October 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The job outlook for home health and personal care aides is growing much faster than all occupations. Our analysis breaks it down by state and wages.
The Number of Home Health Agencies Decline
According to the most recent MedPAC report, the number of home health agencies has been declining since 2013 after several years of substantial growth.
What are the Highest Chronic Care Conditions in Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Special Needs Plans?
Payers are developing care models specific to the level of need. There is not a one-size-fits-all care-management strategy. Payers tend to categorize medical conditions by risk.
Legal: Kickbacks to Discharge Planners and Case Managers – A Recent Case
Case managers/discharge planners continue to come under fire from fraud enforcers for violations of the federal anti-kickback statute.
Trend #1: Payers Are Accelerating Into the Home-Based Care Market
July/August 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT How should your organization be responding to payers expanding their position in home-based care? What key trends support this advancement? What are key strategies to partner and align with payers? In this article, we cover the key market changes, the disruption, and growth opportunities for home-based care organizations.
Trend #2: Payers Expanding Home-Based Care Models Nationally
July/August 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Payers are deepening their care delivery models focused on the home. In the past, we may have thought of payers in traditional roles as a medical-cost manager. Today, they are acquiring home-based care organizations to control readmissions, cost, and outcomes.
Trend #3: Highest Chronic Care Conditions in Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, And Special Needs Plans
July/August 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Different payers such as Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Special Needs Plans are focusing on the highest chronic care conditions to reduce the cost of care. In this article, is the data by payer and a discussion about how organizations can support a better aligned financial and quality partnerships.
Trend #4: Growth in Medicare Advantage Plans 2022 Signals Future in Managed Care Contracting
July/August 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Medicare Advantage enrollment is growing at a fast pace. The number of plans is expanding geographically, and payers will continue to invest in the Medicare Advantage market. In this article, we dig deep into the growth of Medicare Advantage by enrollment, states, and the future. The market signal is strong to put Medicare Advantage contracting as a high priority.
Trend #5: Payer and Home-Based Provider Partnering to Reduce the Cost of Care
July/August 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Important to all payers is the value your organization brings to reducing the cost of care. Available data can gear-up your partnership value quickly. In this article, we sliced and diced data to provide an overall macro/micro picture of how to reduce the cost of care.
ACOs Perspective About Home-Based Care
A recent study in the Journal of Managed Care was an eye-opener when it comes to better understanding home-based care from an ACO perspective.
Legal: Antitrust Guidance for HR Professionals
It’s a new environment for anti-trust enforcement, especially in the healthcare industry. Providers should pay close attention to this issue.
Study: Increasing Your Partnership Value with Hospitals
Increase your partnership value with hospitals by leveraging this study, which showed home health vs. no post-acute care was associated with reduced 30-day readmissions and better outcomes.
Action Strategy: High-Risk Readmissions: Skilled Nursing Facility to Home
Patients discharged with heart failure from a skilled-nursing facility to home face the highest risk of readmissions in the first two days after a SNF discharge.
Action Strategy: Timely Care Transitions: Planning the Next Site of Care as The Priority
Achieving a timely transition of care while simultaneously lowering the risk of readmission remains one of the toughest challenges in the quest for value-based outcomes.
Discharge Planning: How is a Post-Acute Transfer Defined?
May/June 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Hospitals are responsible for coding a Medicare beneficiary discharge bill based on the discharge plan for the patient. Here's what you need to know.
Data Point: Discharge Planning Codes Identify Where the Patient is Being Referred
May/June 2022 Issue
FREE CONTENT The discharge status code identifies where the patient is being discharged to at the end of their facility stay or transferred to such as an acute/post-acute facility.
Post-Acute Care Transfer to Home Health Reduced Readmissions
May/June 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A recent study published in the American Journal of Managed Care showed home health vs. no post-acute care was associated with reduced 30-day readmissions and better outcomes.
Post-Acute Transfer to a Home with Home Health Services
May/June 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Medicare’s IPPS post-acute care transfer policy requires hospitals to apply the correct discharge status code to claims where patients receive home health services within three days of discharge.
OIG Report: Medicare to Overpay More Than $267 Million
May/June 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT This important OIG report has finding of hospitals that did not properly code post-acute transfer correctly.
Fast Facts About the Post-Acute Transfer Policy
May/June 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Fast facts about the Post-Acute Transfer Policy. Here's what you need to know at a glance.
Post-Acute Care Transfer Policy: The Overpayment for Discharges
May/June 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Medicare improperly paid acute-care hospitals $54.4 million for 18,647 claims subject to the Post-Acute Care Transfer policy.
Timely Care Transitions: Planning the Next Site of Care as The Priority
March/April 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Discharge destinations require established relationships with a network of high-quality post-acute providers, facilities and home health resources in the community.
DataPoint: Readmissions By Payer
March/April 2022 Issue
FREE CONTENT Data Sharing: Number of readmissions, readmission rates, and average cost of readmissions
Is Socioeconomics a Main Influencer of Readmissions?
March/April 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Researchers examined the common reasons why some hospitals have more readmissions treating a disproportionate share of patients with low incomes, poor health and other negative circumstances.
30-Day Readmissions: Managing Clinical Conditions to Prevent Readmits
March/April 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The federal government’s effort to penalize hospitals for excessive patient readmissions is ending its first decade with Medicare cutting payments to nearly half the nation’s hospitals.
Hospital Readmissions, Ages 65-74, by State
March/April 2022 Issue
FREE CONTENT Percentage of Medicare aged 66-74 enrolled in Medicare fee-for-service within 30-days of hospital discharge.
Which Chronic Conditions Managed by Home Care Services Reduce Medicare Spending?
March/April 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A recent analysis determined that Medicare fee-for-service patients who received personal care services experienced a decrease in Medicare expenditures over time.
Discharge Planning Patterns: Care Transitions and Readmissions
March/April 2022 Issue
FREE CONTENT A recent study examined the patterns of Medicare beneficiaries post-acute care transitions among assisted living residents and their outcomes in the first 30 and 60 days after hospital discharge.
Medicare Advantage: 5 Care-At-Home Supplemental Benefits Skyrocket in 2022
January/February 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT CMS’s reinterpretation of “primarily health-related” benefits has led to more Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offering services.
7 Trends Changing Medicare Advantage Plans In 2022
January/February 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT CMS projects that nearly 30 million people are signing up for MA in 2022. Here are seven trends to watch for.
The Expansion and Shift Into Community-Based Care
January/February 2022 Issue
FREE SPECIAL REPORT Seven trends supporting growth and the future, including the expansion of community-based care and expanded clinical care models to attract referrals.
Patient Discharge: Is Your Organization Asking Hospitals, SNFs, and Physicians for “Z” Codes?
January/February 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Z codes are a set of ICD-10-CM codes used to report social, economic, and environmental determinants known to affect health and health-related outcomes.
Workforce Salaries: Nurse Practitioners by State
January/February 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' latest occupational employment and wage statistics survey, the mean annual wage for nurse practitioners in the U.S. is $114,510.
Workforce Salaries: Home Health and Personal Care Aides
January/February 2022 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The median annual wage for home health and personal care aides was $27,080 in May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Legal: What Can Providers Give to Patients?
Providers, including marketers, are tempted to give patients free items and services. But be careful! These activities may violate laws prohibiting providers that participate in state and federal health programs from giving free items and services to patients.
5 Ways to Improve Medical Supply Management, Reduce Costs, and Improve Outcomes
November-December 2021 Issue
FREE CONTENT Interviews with two organizations share how they tackled challenges to improve medical supply management, reduce the cost of care, and improve outcomes.
Diabetes Rehospitalizations Tied to Timing of Home Healthcare Services
November-December 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Learn the association between the timing of home healthcare start of care and 30-day rehospitalization outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries following a diabetes-related hospitalization.
Closing the Patient Communication Gap With Your Referral Partners
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Across the board, we see from referral sources and other care providers alike that they really feel as if they’re part of the care team now instead of the end of the line where a patient goes when they get out of the hospital. Your peers share their thoughts and solutions.
Why is It Important to Understand Hospital Stays By Medical Condition?
Your partners – ACOs, payers, commercial insurers, physicians, and health systems – seek ways to reduce hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations. A critical measurement of your value is to show how your organization can reduce the cost of care, decrease re-hospitalizations, and improve outcomes.
The Obesity Crisis and Chronic Illness Attributed to 64% of Hospitalizations
The 18th annual report by Trust for America’s Health on the obesity crisis in the United States has been released. This year, special features highlight the interaction of the COVID-19 pandemic with social, economic, and environmental conditions that impact hospitalizations, social determinants of health (SDOH), and outcomes.
The Ten Most Frequent Diagnoses for Inpatient Stays
September/October 2021 Issue
FREE CONTENT In this article, we discuss the 10 most frequent principal diagnoses and their costs impacting hospital inpatient stays.
Six Digital Health Investments: What Are the Targets?
September/October 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Learn the specific six surging areas businesses are investing in that is creating a road map to healthcare’s future.
Six Smart Ways to Stay in Communication with Your Referral Sources
September/October 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Your referral partners increasingly expect robust communications to make patient transfers as seamless as possible, for both the patient and providers. They will have to make a choice. Ultimately, they will look for relationships with organizations that are easy to work with and that can deliver proven quality care. We provide insights and strategies from high-performing organizations.
What Program is the Biggest Winner for Home-Based Care?
September/October 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Read the insights about home-based primary care and how they have reduced hospitalizations, readmissions, and emergency room visits.
Five COVID Waivers the American Hospital Association is Urging CMS to Keep That Impact Your Organization
September/October 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT The American Hospital Association is urging CMS to keep five COVID waivers and to not return to the old ways of doing things.
Six Ways to Identify, Increase, and Manage Referrals
September/October 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT In this new normal, it’s important to understand how your referral sources work, what they are sending to you versus the competition, how to deepen relationships with these sources, and what differentiates you as a provider in the marketplace.
Seamless Care Transitions: Six Smart Ways to Stay in Communication with Your Referral Sources
SPECIAL REPORT Your referral partners increasingly expect robust communications to make patient transfers as seamless as possible, for both the patient and providers, which means you need strategies to create seamless transitions. Learn what leading home health and hospice agencies are doing in this free special report.
Four Key Trends Impacting Chronic Care Management, Physician Practices, and Payers
July/August 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Four significant trends are impacting chronic care management and the future of physician groups and payers. Moving forward this can change your referral growth and the need to expand your managed care contracts.
Five Payer Strategies Ramping-up Home Care Usage
July/August 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Payers are targeting their member populations that will benefit the most from at-home care. The center of their home health offerings is focused on high-cost patients, palliative care, diabetes, home care visits, telehealth, and at-home testing.
Administering Specialty Drugs at Home
July/August 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT A recent study found receiving certain forms of care at home instead of in the hospital can lower healthcare spending. Administering specialty drugs at home or in a provider’s office lowered healthcare spending by $4 billion.
Six Ways To Recharge Clinical Engagement and Work/Life Balance
July/August 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Strategies and actions to improve clinician experiences. Work/life balance is something nurses are constantly trying to achieve, and many nurses are falling short of that goal. What solutions are your peers using to combat burnout, achieve better nurse work/life balance, and improve patient care?
Nine Payer and State Medicaid Managed Care Investments in Social Determinants
July/August 2021 Issue
FREE CONTENT In this article, we take a look at social determinant insights and investments from the perspective of Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid managed care and healthcare providers.
Participation in Payment Reform and Delivery Falling Short By Primary Care Organizations
July/August 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT Primary care transformation in voluntary programs has failed to broadly engage primary care organizations. What’s causing the low participation?
3 Secrets for Accelerating Home Health and Hospice Growth and Referrals
July/August 2021 Issue
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT How to empower your team, drive efficiency of care, prevent readmissions, and gain a competitive advantage for your home health and/or hospice agency.
6 Ways to Identify, Increase, and Manage Referrals
The Remington Report presents six ways to accelerate home health and hospice growth through improved referral processes, including questions you should be asking your referral sources.
Telehealth’s Future for Medicare and Medicaid Managed Care
A new report from the GAO titled, "COVID-19 Program Flexibilities and Considerations for Their Continuation," investigates the future of telehealth
6 Ways to Recharge Clinical Engagement and Work-Life Balance
SPECIAL REPORT Work-life balance is something nurses are constantly trying to achieve, and many nurses are falling short of that goal. Here, then, are strategies and actions to improve clinician experiences.
Legal Perspective on Patient Choice
What are the fraud implications when patients' rights are violated? What is the role of physicians in patients' freedom of choice? The Remington Report gets answers from Attorney Elizabeth Hogue.
3 Secrets for Accelerating Home Health and Hospice Growth and Referrals
SPECIAL REPORT How to empower your team, drive efficiency of care, prevent readmissions, and gain a competitive advantage for your home health and/or hospice agency.
The Care at Home Market Shake-Up
May/June 2021 Issue
Payers, health systems, Private Equity firms, and SPAC’s acquisition of care at home companies are quickly changing market dynamics, and signaling change is ahead. This is a must-read to understand trends and insights reshaping the future.
The Four Frustrations Your Referrals are Voicing. Is Your Organization Losing Referrals?
May/June 2021 Issue
Your referral sources are the lifeblood of your organization. Ultimately, they will look for relationships with organizations that are easy to work with and that can deliver proven quality care. A new research report reveals the four frustrations felt by your referral sources. A roundtable of your peers' weigh-in with solutions.
Advance Care Planning: Pilot Studies for Care at Home Providers
May/June 2021 Issue
The National Institute of Health advance care planning studies are focusing on the effectiveness of telehealth for patients receiving home-based palliative care and leveraging in home support services to engage patients in advance care planning. Learn more about the pilot studies supporting this research.
What Legal Parameters Establish Patient Choice?
May/June 2021 Issue
The right of patients to choose providers has generated considerable conflict within the provider community. In this article, learn the four key legal sources supporting patient choice and actions your organizations and patients can take to have them enforced.
Are CMS Payment Models Delayed … Or Gone Forever?
May/June 2021 Issue
A review of payment models under CMS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) is quietly under review to decide if they will be implemented. Many of these models were popular with care at home providers. We provide insight into each of these payment models.
The Top Six Strategies to Grow and Manage Referral Partners
May/June 2021 Issue
The Remington Report interviews Nick Knowlton to discuss how to manage referrals, grow referrals, exchange communications with referrals, and gain a competitive advantage.
The Four Frustrations Your Referrals are Voicing: Is Your Organization Losing Referrals?
SPECIAL REPORT What referring hospitals, ACOs, and physicians want from home health, hospice, palliative care and private duty providers to make their lives easier.
5 Top Strategies to Grow and Manage Referral Partners
SPECIAL REPORT For five top strategies, we discuss actionable steps that can be taken by home health, hospice, palliative care, and private duty organizations to gain a competitive advantage.
Market Signals Broaden Continuum-of-Care Services
March/April 2021 Issue
Expanding continuum of care services is an important strategy for future market positioning. We explore how providers, payers, and physicians are broadening services to expand partnership referrals, create innovation, and ensure sustainability.
Does Your Organization Have the Right Clinical Service Lines to Reduce the Cost of the Top Five Medical Conditions and Expenditures?
March/April 2021 Issue
New information will help your organization better align clinical services to reduce the cost of the highest medical conditions and their expenditures. The data can be used in conversations with various payer sources to align your organization’s services to reduce the cost of care and readmissions.
How Community-Based Care is Being Redefined
March/April 2021 Issue
Under Andrew Molosky’s leadership, Chapters Health System has combined innovation and creative disruption to shift end-of-life care into a leading community-based population health organization.
Legal Use of Consulting Physicians/Medical Directors: Practical Issues
March/April 2021 Issue
Post-acute organizations need consulting physicians’ services. The OIG continues to scrutinize these relationships. What are the three things providers should know before signing agreements?
How to Accelerate Business Growth and Technology Innovation for Home Health, Hospice, Palliative Care, and Private Duty Providers
March/April 2021 Issue
National leaders discuss how to lean into new approaches to accelerate growth, improve performance, and address technologies that create faster reimbursement, better work-life balance for clinicians, and optimal patient outcomes.
Vital to Survival Business Intelligence: Operational, Financial, and Clinical
SPECIAL REPORT The compelling ways business intelligence drives actionable results.
4 Strategies to Dramatically Improve Productivity, Volume, and Revenue
SPECIAL REPORT National leaders discuss how to lean into new approaches to accelerate business growth, improve performance, and address technologies that create faster reimbursement, better work-life balance for clinicians, and optimal patient outcomes. They share how their organizations address four key questions.
OIG’s Audit: Home Health Telehealth Payments
On a temporary basis, CMS issued blanket Section 1135 to healthcare professionals in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). But now the OIG wants to be sure the rules are being followed. This Remington Report special report dives into the subject of home health telehealth payments.
How Community-Based Care is Being Redefined
SPECIAL REPORT The shift from end-of-life care to building a continuum-based approach, plus strategies for growth, market position, and innovation revealed.
7 Models That Will Accelerate Value Based Payments in 2021
This year, several value-based payment models will begin the shift from fee for service to value-based. Earmark this as the transformation of payment reform for care-at-home providers and how they will be paid in the future. This white paper explains the seven value-based models impacting care-at-home providers.
Should Your Organization Be Preparing for Greater Value-Based Payments?
January/February 2021 Issue
Beginning in 2021, several value-based payment models will begin the shift from fee-for-service to value-based. Earmark this as the transformation of payment reform for care at home providers and how they will be paid in the future.
How is Your Organization Prepared to Participate in New Non-Traditional Care-at-Home Models?
January/February 2021 Issue
New choices to receive care at home centers on patients receiving acute level care in the home. Non-traditional care at home models is expanding into a new era. The twist to non-traditional programs is to keep care at home leadership’s eyes wide open about the impact to their organizations. Waivers are changing rules, policies have changed, and the role of who can care for patients in the home is transforming models.
How is Technology Expanding Care at Home and How Does it Effect Your Organization’s Future?
January/February 2021 Issue
The invisible technology boundaries expand the rules of who can offer care in the home, how they will be paid, and it creates a less restrictive policy environment to deliver care at home. The opportunity to reshape care delivery and create a more efficient and cost-effective healthcare system is achievable because of the acceleration and adoption of technology.
How is Your Organization Rethinking Strategic Positioning to Offer Continuum-of-Care Services from Pre- And Post-Discharge to End-of-Life?
January/February 2021 Issue
The question for leadership is how do you want to position your organization? As an integrator? Or as an aggregator? For care at home providers, the goal is to create a post-acute continuum model as patients transition from one care setting to another whether that be in-home personal care services, skilled home health, palliative care, or hospice.
2021 Regional Outcomes for Medicare Require Full Financial Risk
January/February 2021 Issue
Geographic direct-contracting model (GEO) is the latest CMS Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) model which allows Direct Contracting Entities to accept full financial risk for all traditional Medicare enrollees in their region. Three options enhance Medicare benefits and provide waivers for care in the home.
2021 Healthcare Outcomes Go Statewide and Regional
January/February 2021 Issue
A growing number of initiatives are expanding to address social determinants of health. Payers, health systems, community-based organizations, and government entities are partnering together to create statewide efforts to improve community health and social care.
DATA POINT: 2021 Medicare Advantage Membership Growth Continues to Outpace Medicare Fee-For-Service Growth
January/February 2021 Issue
Medicare Advantage growth continues to outpace overall Medicare FFS membership growth, according to the latest statistics.
DATA POINT: Why Does Primary Care Spending Matter?
January/February 2021 Issue
Why should we be concerned that primary care spending appears to be declining? A growing body of evidence measuring health system performance and population health outcomes finds that greater primary care is associated with better value: enhanced population health outcomes, greater equity, and more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Physicians Expanding Care Into the Home
Home-based medical care models are shaking-up the $260 billion primary care market. Three physician models, new reimbursement models, telehealth, and chronic care management are key drivers.
COVID-19 Readmissions
In this free industry report, The Remington Report provides key data analysis to help your organization mitigate COVID-19 readmissions, along with five action steps for your organizations to explore.
Physicians are Expanding Care Into the Home
November-December 2020 Issue
Home-based medical care models are shaking-up the $260 billion primary care market. Three physician models, new reimbursement models, telehealth, and chronic care management are key drivers.
Payers Expanding Care at Home Models
November-December 2020 Issue
Building home care capacity will give plans more flexibility to meet patients on their own terms and could improve outcomes. Learn what is changing models of care in the home.
State Medicaid Programs are Expanding Value-Based Payments
November-December 2020 Issue
States are developing plans to increase Medicaid provider participation in and adoption of value-based care models. How will these new payment models work?
Medicare Advantage Plans Expand Supplemental Benefits
November-December 2020 Issue
Medicare Advantage Plans are expanding supplemental benefits in 2021. Learn what services are expanding and how this expands your partnerships.
Medicaid Managed Care are Linking Bonus Programs Tied to Performance
November-December 2020 Issue
States are expanding value-based payments (VBP) in Medicaid and leveraging their Medicaid managed care programs to advance their payment reform goals. We discuss the details.
New Care Models Allow Payers to Take on Risk for Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries
November-December 2020 Issue
CMS' innovation center (CMMI) is about to roll out a new model allowing insurance plans to take on financial risk for patients enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. How will this affect payers? What other new models can you expect in the future?
Expanded Access for Rural Communities and Transformation of Care
November-December 2020 Issue
The Community Health Access and Rural Transformation (CHART) Model expands telehealth services, links residents to non-local healthcare providers, and provides more than $8.7 million in grant funding. What are the new opportunities for your organization?
COVID-19: The Triumphs and Challenges
November-December 2020 Issue
Compelling stories from your peers talk about their experiences with COVID-19 and their patients.
COVID-19: Overseeing Multiple Conditions
November-December 2020 Issue
We share a collection of stories from caregivers on the frontline overseeing patient care for multiple conditions at home: dementia, end-of-life, behavioral health, and falls.
COVID-19: Overcoming Fear and Showing Strength
November-December 2020 Issue
This collection of stories shares how caregivers overcome the challenges of treating patients during COVID-19.
OIG Says Providers Can Offer Services to Caregivers
November-December 2020 Issue
In Advisory Opinion No. 18-05; issued on June 18, 2018; the OIG addressed the circumstances under which providers can establish “caregiver centers” that provide or arrange for free or reduced-cost support services to caregivers in local communities.
6 Ways Care in the Home is Changing Your Business
In this free industry report, The Remington Report shares six ways care in the home is changing the future of healthcare. Leaders will need to address these strategically if they intend to realize continued growth in a significantly changing marketplace.
The No. 1 Reason Why Patients are Not Getting Home Health Care After a Hospital Discharge Referral
In this free industry report, The Remington Report unveils the major reason why patients are not getting home health care after a hospital discharge referral, plus four strategies you can use to boost referrals.
Four Ways to Combat the Under-Utilization of Home Health and Hospice
In this free industry report, The Remington Report offers up four strategies to increase the utilization of home health and hospice in the age of COVID-19.
Home-Based Primary Care: It’s Time to Think Beyond the Clinic Walls
September/October 2020 Issue
Primary care is being rapidly redefined today right before our eyes. As healthcare evolves, patient needs expand and providers must look for new and better ways to achieve a patient-centered model of practice. Read the four reasons home-based primary care is opening doors and opportunities for patients and providers today.
DataPoint: 40% of Americans Delay Care
September/October 2020 Issue
How is COVID-19 delaying care? Nationwide 40% of Americans are still delaying care according to a survey from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Telehealth: 2021 New Billing Codes for Physician Home Visits and Care Planning
September/October 2020 Issue
CMS has released proposed policy changes for 2021 Medicare payment rates under its annual Physician Fee Schedule. Telehealth codes allow physicians to bill for home visits and care planning. We dive into the codes and what they mean.
Home-Based Primary Care Models are Disrupting the Traditional Primary Care Market
September/October 2020 Issue
Home-based medical care models are shaking-up the $260 billion primary care market. How are integrated primary care delivery models addressing chronic care management in the home?
The Vulnerabilities of COVID-19 Expand Insurers Capabilities In the Home
September/October 2020 Issue
Insurers' strategies to provide greater services in the home are moving rapidly. Changing models have insurers partnering-up with primary care physicians, telehealth, and pharmacies to deliver care in the home. We provide insights to insurers' reactions post COVID-19 and beyond.
Stronger Strategic Partnerships: Data Exchange is a Driving Factor
September/October 2020 Issue
Payers are interested in talking about the data. In particular, they are interested in understanding how home care providers are able to reduce their penalties and increase their rewards in a value-based payment system. Learn how one organization is advancing conversations.
Strategy Insight: How To Align Financial and Clinical Incentives with Payers and the Most Costliest Medical Conditions
In this article, we take a look at data reflecting the costliest medical conditions by payers. This becomes an important strategy as payers begin to move more value-based care contracting into the home care space and look to treating higher acuity patients in the home.
COVID-19 Discharge Status Reveals Under-Utilization of Home Health and Hospice Services
CMS released a data snapshot of COVID-19 hospitalizations, length of stay, and discharge status for 109,607 patients. Payer sources include Fee-for-service (FFS) claims data, Medicare Advantage (MA) encounter data, and Medicare enrollment information.
Legal: Managing the Risks of Wound Care
Wound care is a risky business these days. Providers who render wound care services are at risk for many things, including liability for negligent wound care, violation of fraud and abuse prohibitions based on substandard wound care, and liability for abandonment when wound care services are discontinued.
Telehealth’s Outlook Beyond COVID-19
July/August 2020 Issue
Telehealth is healthcare’s hottest topic. How should providers support and drive growth? What new opportunities will improve outcomes? How will telehealth reshape care delivery?
COVID-19 Telehealth Expansion to Access Essential Health Services
July/August 2020 Issue
How can home care optimize telehealth during COVID-19 to work with other stakeholders and maintain continuity of care? What strategies can increase uptake and new models?
COVID-19 Case Study: Intermountain Healthcare’s Hospital-Level Care In Patients’ Homes
July/August 2020 Issue
Intermountain at Home’s hospital-level care in patient’s homes supports their health system in the event of a surge of COVID-19 patients. Their models include home-based post-hospital care, palliative, and end-of-life care as well as medical equipment maintenance.
COVID-19 Medicare Emergency Waivers For Discharge Planning And Home Care Providers
July/August 2020 Issue
CMS has provided blanket waivers with a retroactive effective date of March 1, 2020 through the end of the emergency declaration to help providers during COVID-19. We gathered the waivers for discharge planning, in-home care providers, and other post-acute care settings.
DataPoint: Almost 90% of COVID-19 Admissions Involve Comorbidities
July/August 2020 Issue
The hospitalization rate for COVID-19 is 4.6 per 100,000 population, and almost 90% of hospitalized patients have some type of underlying condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CommonSpirit Health at Home Reinvents Virtual Telehealth Monitoring
July/August 2020 Issue
CommonSpirit Health at Home provides another layer of protection and defense to keep vulnerable patients safe, healthy, and in their homes during this pandemic. And, it positioned to play a key role in preventing a post-COVID surge at care sites. Learn how CommonSpirit at Home expanded its virtual monitoring capabilities to better respond to patients’ needs during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seniors Using Telehealth in Medicare Advantage Plans are Highly Satisfied
July/August 2020 Issue
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, 91% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries using telehealth report favorable experiences while a record-setting 99% express satisfaction with their MA plan. 78% are willing to use it again.
COVID-19 Discharge Planning Waivers Link to Patients’ Freedom of Choice
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a number of waivers of various requirements for healthcare providers related to discharge planning for hospitals and critical access hospitals (CAHs).