Category: Home Health

Clinical concerns, Home Health, News

Educate aides about steps they can take to keep patients out of the hospital

Brought to you by Home Health Line.
Aides can be an integral part of preventing hospitalizations, but they are often left out of an agency’s interdisciplinary team.
A new, free online course from the Home Health Quality Improvement (HHQI) National Campaign will help educate aides about how to reduce avoidable hospitalizations.
The one-hour course presents a great opportunity for agencies to engage aides within their scope of practice, says Misty Kevech, RN project coordinator for HHQI.
Course materials were …

Assisted Living, Home Health, News, Payment/economy, Skilled Nursing Facility

Study finds older Americans filing for bankruptcy at high rate

A new study available at SSRN shows that older Americans are struggling with increased financial risks, namely inadequate income and unmanageable costs of healthcare. The study concludes that the increasing baby boomer population entering into old age does not alone account for the significant rise in older Americans filing for bankruptcy.
According to the study:
“[Older Americans’] representation among those in bankruptcy has never been higher. Using data from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project, we find more than …

Billing, Home Health, News, Payment/economy, Skilled Nursing Facility

Two strategic responses to bundled payment models

Source: HealthLeaders Media
Medicare’s bundled payment programs are profoundly impacting the way acute-care providers are working with their post-acute care partners.
Hospitals and health systems participating in federal hip and knee replacement bundles are adopting two post-acute care strategies: limiting referrals to skilled nursing facilities and integrating with SNFs.
For hospitals, establishing strong relationships with SNFs can drive positive clinical outcomes and financial gains, researchers say.
“Linkages between hospitals and SNFs may be associated with reductions in readmission rates, …

Five-star quality rating system, Home Health, News

Few home health agencies have remained 5 stars in quality since July 2015

Brought to you by Home Health Line.
Just 27 home health agencies have maintained a 5-star rating in quality of care during the 13 quarters the star ratings system has existed. The latest ratings were released July 25.
Four states have had multiple agencies achieve 5-star ratings for all 13 quarters: California (eight agencies), Texas (four), Illinois (three) and Florida (two).
Houston is the only city nationwide that has multiple agencies that achieve the honor.