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It's been 20 years since Springfield, MO, Medical Centers Hospice Program became the first U.S. prison hospice program, and now there are more than 70 hospice programs within state and federal prisons.
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Patients' right to freedom of choice of providers has been a source of continuing conflict, especially between hospitals and post-acute providers not owned by or affiliated with hospitals -- so-called freestanding providers.
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Designating a staff member as the "coding expert" for your agency is one way to ensure accurate reimbursement; but the person does not have to be a certified coder to help your agency understand the myriad codes and guidelines.
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Opioid use for patients with advanced illness has been the focus of controversy and misconceptions, even among health care practitioners, an expert notes.
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A recent Institute of Medicine (IOM) report recommends that Medicare gradually replace its current fee-for-service payment system with a new pay-for-performance system for its 42 million beneficiaries.
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All home health agency managers understand the need to market their agencies to ensure success. The use of web sites, brochures, sales staff, and communication with referral sources will produce success, but be sure that you are addressing all of your referral sources in your efforts.
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With individuals who are ages 65 and older undergoing almost one-third of the 25 million surgical procedures performed annually, and with people ages 85 and older representing the fastest growing segment of our population, it is important that any surgical program pay close attention to the special needs of older patients.
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We've all heard that laughter is the best medicine, but home health managers have also found that humor can help staff members provide better care and learn more effectively as well.
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Home health, private duty, hospice, home medical (HME), and case managers encounter frequent instances of non-compliance. Diabetic patients do not stick to their diets.