As organizations try to find their footing amid increased competition and the need for growth, they’re also facing requirements to deliver value-based care for meaningful engagement throughout the healthcare spectrum. But are there proven ways to leverage technology as a tool for these growing pains?

In this panel-style discussion, these C-Suite leaders will shares some of their visions for the future, addressing their business priorities and challenges through the use of technology in today’s complex operating environment.

Panelists for the webinar will be:

• Paul Pisano, MSPT, CEO, Interim HealthCare, Hartford County
• Gail Gerntrup, RN, CEO, Hospice of Okeechobee
• Tarrah Lowry-Schreiner, CEO, Sangre de Cristo Hospice & Palliative Care
• Darcie Peacock, BSW, MS, OTR/L, CEO, Solace Pediatric Home Healthcare
• Nick Knowlton, Co-Founder, CommonWell Health Alliance and VP, Strategic Initiatives, Brightree

Join us on July 11, 2018, at 1 pm CST for a free webinar that is brought to you by Brightree.

Sign up

The post CEO Insights – The Future of Technology in Home Health and Hospice Webinar appeared first on Home Health Care News.

As organizations try to find their footing amid increased competition and the need for growth, they’re also facing requirements to deliver value-based care for meaningful engagement throughout the healthcare spectrum. But are there proven ways to leverage technology as a tool for these growing pains?

In this panel-style discussion, these C-Suite leaders will shares some of their visions for the future, addressing their business priorities and challenges through the use of technology in today’s complex operating environment.

Panelists for the webinar will be:

• Paul Pisano, MSPT, CEO, Interim HealthCare, Hartford County
• Gail Gerntrup, RN, CEO, Hospice of Okeechobee
• Tarrah Lowry-Schreiner, CEO, Sangre de Cristo Hospice & Palliative Care
• Darcie Peacock, BSW, MS, OTR/L, CEO, Solace Pediatric Home Healthcare
• Nick Knowlton, Co-Founder, CommonWell Health Alliance and VP, Strategic Initiatives, Brightree

Join us on July 11, 2018, at 1 pm CST for a free webinar that is brought to you by Brightree.

Sign up

The post CEO Roundtable – The Future of Technology in Home Health and Hospice Webinar appeared first on Home Health Care News.

These home health providers see that Medicare Advantage (MA) rolls are large and growing.

Medicare Advantage enrollment has grown 71% since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010 according to the Kaiser Family foundation. As of 2017, one in three people with Medicare (33% or 19.0 million beneficiaries) is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. And a new report from L.E.K. Consulting’s Healthcare Services practice estimates that the penetration rate for Medicare Advantage enrollment will hit 60% to 70% between 2030 and 2040.

So, even though Medicare Advantage rates typically are lower than Medicare fee-for-service, and contracting with private sector insurance companies can be complicated, home health companies are making moves to grow their MA revenue.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Amedisys, which provides care to more than 376,000 patients a year,  is one of these companies. While currently a small part of Amedisys’ overall business, admissions from episodic Medicare Advantage and managed care are up 24% year-over-year.

Typically, these rates are about 95% of traditional Medicare fee for service, said COO Chris Gerard.

But Amedisys CEO Paul Kusserow thinks their results could lead to higher MA reimbursement rates.

“We believe …there’s an opportunity to align with payers in certain marketplaces to get paid over fee-for-service. And in order to do so, we need to start to take risk,” Kusserow said while discussing the company’s third-quarter 2017 earnings.

The risk he is referring to has to do with hitting hospital readmission rate targets. He thinks that Amedisys can command higher MA rates by beating the competition, or industry averages, on metrics like readmissions.

Kusserow is comfortable that the company’s data has brought it to a point where they can calculate what aging in place is going to cost.

“We now know what admissions are going to look like by individual. So that’s the place we’re going to see us start to experiment,” he added.

Kusserow’s experience in health insurance, as Humana’s SVP and chief strategy officer until the end of 2013, would make it seem like Amedisys has an advantage in working with these types of payers.

UnitedHealthcare and Humana are the two largest insurance companies involved in Medicare Advantage, together accounting for 41% of enrollment in 2017, according to Kaiser.

“We do understand the payer world,” Kusserow said. “And we’re trying to go back to our payer colleagues and basically say home health is really important. We can do more, but we need to be paid more and we can start to — really start to take some risk on this.”

LHC gets comfortable

Other major players also are more bullish on Medicare Advantage.

On their third quarter earnings call, executives with Lafayette, Louisiana-based LHC Group said managed care contract negotiations are progressing nicely, with a 5% increase in margin year to date. LHC recently announced a merger with Almost Family in a $2.4 billion deal.

“We’re trying to move more towards value-based models, where we achieve a better rate based on our performance,“ said Joshua Proffitt, CFO of LHC Group, during the earnings call. The company is still in the “piloting phase” of these efforts, he added.

In order to participate in these types of payment arrangements, managed care payers want to make sure they are going to see the value, and therefore, LHC has been focusing on making sure they have a proof of concept before going all in.

“I think you’ll see that ramping up as we go into 2018, because we’re getting very comfortable with the value-based models we have in place,” Proffitt added.

The LHC Group and Amedisys models rely on resources that the large enterprises can bring to bear, such as sophisticated data tracking. They also have scale that’s attractive to MA payers.
For the smaller home health providers, approaching the insurers in the Medicare Advantage world can be a challenge.

“You really need to be doing at least $20 million in revenue a year and have the right technology and clinical protocols in place to approach the insurers,” said Christopher S. Joos, partner at national accounting and business advisory firm Plante Moran. “When you have a platform and the infrastructure, you can do really well.”

Written by John Yedinak

The post Amedisys, LHC Group Take More Risks on Medicare Advantage appeared first on Home Health Care News.

While the United States will remain the largest market globally, the BRIC countries will be the fastest growing markets as economic prosperity increases.

“In these countries, home health care activity will rise rapidly due to cost saving advantages and ongoing shortages in the availability and accessibility of professional medical providers,” said the group in a statement.

A heightened prevalence of chronic conditions, especially respiratory disorders, kidney failure and cancer, will boost global demand for home therapeutic equipment 7.5% annually to $17.3 billion in 2016. Portable oxygen concentrators for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), continuous positive airway products (CPAP) for managing obstructive sleep apnea, and ventilators and accessories for alleviating severe breathing impairments will account for the fastest sales growth among home respiratory therapy equipment.

Demand for home patient support equipment is forecasted to increase by 5.5% worldwide and reach $5.7 billion in 2016.

“Mobility assist products will continue to dominate sales as fast growth in the elderly population will create opportunities for wheelchairs, walkers, and other products that help orthopedically impaired individuals maintain independent lifestyles,” said the group. “Home medical furniture and bathroom safety products will also fare well in the global marketplace as patient care strategies in most developed and some developing countries shift toward the greater use of home settings.”

Written by John Yedinak

The post Home Medical Equipment to Reach $28 Billion in 2016 appeared first on Home Health Care News.

The funding comes from City Hill Ventures, a previous investor, and strategic partner LG Electronics USA, with participation by additional investors. The respective amounts of investment from these sources were not disclosed. The round also included the successful conversion of the company’s convertible note totaling $2.35 million, announced last April.

Independa, a provider of Integrated CloudCare solutions for the elderly, and LG Electronics announced a strategic technology alliance in January 2012 to offer social engagement and telecare-related capabilities via TVs to residents of senior living communities.

The strategic relationship with LG offers Indepnda’s Angela platform on commercial televisions, designed for a range of healthcare applications that serve the unique needs of senior communities. 

Angela proactively supports independent living by providing seniors with single-click access to multimedia communication, social interaction and a wide range of features designed to help care recipients stay at the residence of their choice longer, safer and more comfortably.

“Our Series A investors have strongly affirmed Independa’s progress to date and recognized the deep impact our cloud-based technology will be having in technologyenabled independent living,” Saneii said. “The caliber of the organizations and individuals involved in our Series A round is simply outstanding and enables us to most effectively pursue our market opportunities.”

Written by John Yedinak

The post Independa Raises $5 Million to Expand Telecare Technology appeared first on Home Health Care News.

The deal is part of Invacare’s focus on its globalization strategy to harmonize core global product lines and reduce complexity within its business. For AssuraMed, a leader in wholesale and home-delivered medical supplies across the United States, this strategic purchase allows the company to strengthen its position as a leader in the medical supplies industry.

“We are thrilled to have ISG as a complement to our Independence Medical business,” said Michael B. Petras, AssuraMed Chief Executive Officer. “ISG’s strong position in the marketplace and focus on customer service are an excellent fit with our product portfolio and focus on customer solutions. This strategic acquisition builds on our strengths in providing disposable medical supplies to the chronic disease market. Our new combined customer base will benefit from enhanced distribution capabilities and services that we will be able to provide.”

For Invacare, the deal allows it to recede the complexity of its business and focus on its core product lines to expand globally said Gerald B. Blouch, Invacare President and Chief Executive Officer.

“I am proud of ISG’s many contributions, and I want to thank the many hard working and dedicated ISG associates, under the leadership of general manager Douglas Harper, for their commitment to our success,” Blouch said. “Our supplies business is respected in the industry, and we are confident that it will continue to flourish and provide customers the high-quality products and services they expect under AssuraMed’s leadership.”

The deal is expected to close in early 2013 and is subject to regulatory approval.

Written by John Yedinak

The post AssuraMed to Acquire Invacare’s Medical Supply Business for $150 Million appeared first on Home Health Care News.

Skilled nursing saw facilities revenue come in at $106.9 billion in 2011 according to the study and are projected to grow to $126.5 billion in 2016 and $146.5 billion by 2021. Revenues for home health care services were reported and projected to be $61.1 billion, $85.5 billion and $120.5 billion for the same time periods.

The growth will be driven by the baby boomers entering their retirement years, but could be constrained by efforts at the state and federal levels to cut Medicare and Medicaid.

“There is no question that there will be an enormous growth in demand for eldercare services which will place an enormous burden on families,” declares Jesse Slome, executive director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. “Medicare and Medicaid will not be able to carry the burden without seeking additional tax revenue or forcing states to reduce allocations to other programs such as education. You just can’t have everything unless someone is willing and able to pay.”

Slome predicts the growth of interest in long term care insurance a private form of coverage already owned by some eight million aging Americans. “If you want to have some choice in your care you either have to have sufficient dollars to pay, have a family member willing to provide free care or some insurance that will cover some of the cost,” Slome explains. “People are increasingly aware of the importance and more are looking into the area every day.”

Written by John Yedinak

The post Home Health Care Revenues to Reach $120 Billion in 2021 appeared first on Home Health Care News.

Since its founding in Norcross, Georgia in 2004, Extrakare has become a leading provider of home oxygen, positive airway pressure (PAP) and continuous passive motion (CPM) devices modeled for sleep apnea and knee treatments, among other home medical equipment. 

“Our entire team is excited to build the Advanced Home Care brand on top of the solid reputation we have developed in the North Georgia market. The additional resources Advanced Home Care brings to this market will allow us to become an even more valuable partner to the local health care community,” said Scott Lloyd, co-founder and president of Extrakare. 

AHC said it plans to work closely with patients, partners and employees to help smooth the transition process as the company intends to create a region of operations in Northern Georgia with Lloyd as Regional Director. 

“Going forward, we will expand services offered to patients in this region. This is an exciting addition to our geography with quality leaders and staff members joining our team,” said CEO of Advanced Home Care Joel Mills.

The integration into the Norcross, Georgia location will occur over the next few weeks, with AHC assuring all patients will continue to receive the same high quality care and service they have come to expect. 

Written by Jason Oliva

The post AHC Acquires Home Care Provider, Expands into Georgia appeared first on Home Health Care News.

The acquisition provides Epic with three new service lines: home nursing for clients with psychiatric and other behavioral issues, private-pay personal care for older adults, as well as nursing and aide services for other elderly and disabled clients.

“For over ten years, Epic has been a recognized leader in in-home private duty nursing as well as pediatric therapy in Texas and subsequently in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware,” said John C. Garbarino, Epic’s president and chief executive officer. “We’re excited to enter Massachusetts in our on-going quest to expand Epic care throughout the northeastern United States.”

Epic said it plans to also launch pediatric therapy and private duty services in Massachusetts. 

For the immediate future, AmeriCare will continue to operate under the AmeriCare name. Epic’s and AmeriCare’s management teams expect the integration to go smoothly because both companies have built their businesses on a commitment to providing the highest quality care with extraordinary client service.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Written by John Yedinak

The post Epic Health Services Acquires AmeriCare to Expand into Massachusetts appeared first on Home Health Care News.

“Much has changed in health care since HIPAA was enacted over fifteen years ago,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “The new rule will help protect patient privacy and safeguard patients’ health information in an ever expanding digital age.”

The changes announced today expand many of the requirements to business associates of these entities that receive protected health information, such as contractors and subcontractors. Some of the largest breaches reported to HHS have involved business associates. Penalties are increased for noncompliance based on the level of negligence with a maximum penalty of $1.5 million per violation. The changes also strengthen the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Breach Notification requirements by clarifying when breaches of unsecured health information must be reported to HHS.

Patients also have the right to ask for their medical record in an electronic form. When individuals pay by cash they can instruct their provider not to share information about their treatment with their health plan. The final omnibus rule sets new limits on how information is used and disclosed for marketing and fundraising purposes and prohibits the sale of an individuals’ health information without their permission.

“This final omnibus rule marks the most sweeping changes to the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules since they were first implemented,” said HHS Office for Civil Rights Director Leon Rodriguez. “These changes not only greatly enhance a patient’s privacy rights and protections, but also strengthen the ability of my office to vigorously enforce the HIPAA privacy and security protections, regardless of whether the information is being held by a health plan, a health care provider, or one of their business associates.”

THe rule is effective March 26, but businesses won’t have to comply until September 23, 2013.

View a copy of the rule here.

The post HHS Makes Big Changes to HIPAA With New Rule appeared first on Home Health Care News.