Caring : National Association for Home Care magazine
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While following the same approach to care as hospice, palliative care reaches patients who do not necessarily have a terminal diagnosis or a life-threatening illness, and/or are seeking curative treatment. Reimbursement methodologies and requirements for palliative care differ from hospice, and are not explicitly covered by federal and state regulations. In the first article of a two-part series, the author reviews licensing issues, reimbursement requirements, fraud and abuse pitfalls, and cost report requirements for home health agency palliative care programs.
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The death of an infant or child is a special sorrow, leaving a devastating and enduring impact that demands of us the very best we can offer to prevent and relieve suffering--for the child as well as the family. Pediatric end-of-life care is very different from adult palliative and hospice care and thus requires specialized knowledge and training to address the unique needs of these patients. ⋯ A new coalition of pediatric hospice and palliative care leaders has been formed to serve as a unified voice for the leaders in the field, and the parents and children with which they work. This article examines the work of the coalition, the unique nature of pediatric end-of-life care, and the opportunities to effect change afforded by the release of the IOM report.
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Since the implementation of the Medicare prospective payment system (PPS) in October 2000, many sources indicate that the average numbers of patient visits in a home care episode have decreased. Patients with respiratory system diagnosis are a significant percentage of the total episodes in home care. Respiratory therapists (RTs) can provide additional staffing, meet patient needs, and control costs through greater flexibility in resource utilization.
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Biography Historical Article
Kenneth Maryboy. Answering the dreams, wishes, + needs of Native Americans.
Kenneth Maryboy, a representative of the Navajo Tribal Council and medicine man, serves as a living bridge between the old ways of the Navajo and the current realities of life in America. He adapted the Western notion of Santa Claus to meet the continuing needs of the poorest Native Americans living in remote areas of Utah and Arizona.
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Why in the world would someone want to work or keep working at your facility? If you can't answer this question, you will have a very difficult time finding and keeping the people you need to grow your agency. Home care managers agree that keeping good people is a top strategy. What is needed are clear strategies, concrete action plans, and methods to measure the results.