Effective policies and procedures form the backbone of high-performing hospice organizations. They provide the framework for regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and quality patient care. Without well-defined policies, hospices risk regulatory violations, inconsistent service delivery, and liability exposure—all of which can threaten financial stability and reputation....
As hospice care has evolved, so has a regulatory framework to ensure that hospice services meet certain standards. Two key components of this framework are the Conditions of Participation (CoP) and the Conditions for Payment (CfP). They serve different purposes and have different implications for...
Most industry experts recognize the value of partnerships between private-duty home care agencies and hospice companies. The collaboration makes business sense and also improves quality of life and patient outcomes. However, an ever-changing market means the dynamics associated with these arrangements are constantly in flux....
Hospice care agencies operate in a unique and challenging financial environment. Providing quality care for patients and families while maintaining financial stability requires strategic planning and disciplined execution. Hospice executives can use these financial management best practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of their organizations....
Hospices, like other providers, face ongoing challenges due to staffing shortages, which can impact the quality of care they are able to provide. An aging U.S. population and the imminent retirement of a portion of the healthcare workforce are some of the factors contributing to...
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) takes a systematic and ongoing approach to improving the quality of services an organization provides. CQI recognizes quality as an ongoing pursuit, not a point in time achievement. As the overall healthcare industry experiences increasing demand for personalized, high-quality care,...
Value-based care (VBC) seeks to improve health outcomes while controlling costs, rewarding providers for the quality of care they deliver, rather than quantity. Various models have emerged under the VBC umbrella, such as Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs), and bundled payment models....
In the evolving U.S. healthcare landscape, hospice stands out as a compassionate option for patients facing terminal illness and their families. With increasing demand for end-of-life services, hospice agencies are tasked not only with providing quality care, but they must also navigate a complex web...
According to estimates, 1 out of 5 healthcare organizations have adopted AI solutions. Hospice agencies have also begun to incorporate AI into their clinical and administrative operations to enhance the quality of care provided to patients and families. AI has the potential to revolutionize the...
The Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement Act (Hospice CARE), submitted by Rep. Blumenauer, proposes the most substantial changes to the Medicare hospice benefit in decades. The proposed bill would amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to restructure payment while adding hospice program...