HOSPICE CARE

Hospice bill’s information reporting provision raises industry concerns

Hospice bill raises industry concerns about a couple of provisions in a landmark piece of hospice legislation, still in draft form, among hospice stakeholders. Providers, however, generally believe that, if passed, the bill would modernize the Medicare hospice benefit with much-needed program integrity measures and payment reforms.

One notable concern is the so-called “hospice addendum provision” in the Hospice CARE Act, which would require hospices to provide patients with information related to non-covered services.

Overall, the measure has received a positive reaction from providers.

TELEHEALTH

Bipartisan group pushes for  more investment, permanent telehealth for Medicare providers

With a deadline to extend current telehealth reimbursement policies fast approaching, a bipartisan group of policy advocates is calling on legislators to make telehealth a permanent fixture of US healthcare — and to simultaneously tighten oversight of potential fraud or compromised care quality.

Telehealth reimbursements initially put in place during the COVID-19 public health emergency have garnered wide support from providers for continuing to allow greater flexibility and providing access to patients who may have difficulty accessing in-person care — such as older adults, and especially those living in rural areas.

The benefits of virtual visits for older patients and their caregivers include  treatment that is typically faster and more convenient.

Noting that they expect a bipartisan extension to pass through Congress before the deadline at the end of the year, the authors laid out the steps they would recommend for making a more stable, evidenced telehealth system in the long term.

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE & NETWORKING

2024 DRI Senior Living and Long-Term Care Litigation Seminar

September 18-20, 2024 | Chicago Hyatt Regency in Chicago, IL

Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 9:15 am
The Bloody Truth About Brain Bleeds & Blood Thinners: Suits, Surgery, and Solutions

Many claims against senior living operators are related to falls, and alleged brain hemorrhages present a high risk of exposure.  The use of anticoagulation therapy further increases the risk.  University of Chicago Neurosurgeon Dr. Sean Polster and attorney James Bream of Cray Huber Horstman Heil & VanAusdal LLC, will join Moderator Beth Wilson, President of Excelas, LLC, to explain key medical principles and legal strategies for mitigating risk and defending these complex cases.

SENIOR LIVING

New senior living or skilled nursing offerings in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio

Trilogy plans to kick off the expansions in August with the addition of 26 new independent living “patio homes” at The Lakes of Sylvania in Sylvania, OH.

Patio homes, in fact, factor into many of the company’s upcoming investment plans. The homes have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, high-end finishes, a one-car garage and modern kitchens, according to the organization. Trilogy will handle all maintenance inside and outside the homes, and a clubhouse will offer fitness classes and outings to residents.

The company has more than 130 senior living and care communities throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

You can always read all our newsletters online!