article thumbnail

‘Upgrading’ the Medicare Hospice Benefit

Hospice News

The Medicare Hospice Benefit could use an “upgrade” to ensure greater flexibility that may be necessary to fully support patients’ needs. Wladkowski, the Larry and Patty Benz Professor and an associate professor of social work at Bowling Green State University. Wallace, the Dorothy A. Among the changes that the U.S.

Medicare 272
article thumbnail

VA Study Finds 95% Increase in Palliative Care Utilization When Patients Have Access to Social Workers

Hospice News

They found a 95% increase in hospice or palliative utilization among veterans served by VA providers participating in the agency’s Social Work Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). These findings suggest that social workers may increase access to and/or use of palliative care.”.

professionals

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

St. Croix Hospice Leverages Predictive Analytics to Boost Quality

Hospice News

“What we found with this tool is that we could transition patients in need quicker, identify declines faster and get the appropriate team members there to be with them in a timely fashion, especially during those last and important days of care.” Croix Hospice cares for more than 4,400 patients daily across its 10-state service region.

Hospice 260
article thumbnail

LeadingAge to Congress: Reform Hospice Benefit, Fund Palliative Care

Hospice News

The Medicare Hospice Benefit should allow some concurrent care, and Congress should support greater access to palliative care, among other reforms, according to LeadingAge. In addition to concurrent care, LeadingAge urged Congress and the U.S. In addition to concurrent care, LeadingAge urged Congress and the U.S.

article thumbnail

Black Communities Face Barriers to Advance Care Planning

Hospice News

The health care system, in both private and public settings, that is engaged with financing, managing, and providing palliative and hospice care must directly address the issue of racism, discrimination, and disparities, particularly among marginalized underserved non-Hispanic Blacks,” authors stated in the study.

2016 222
article thumbnail

8 Myths About Hospice Care

Seasons Hospice

There are many myths and misconceptions about hospice care. Some people think that hospice care is only for people who are near the end of their lives. Others believe that hospice care is expensive and only provides minimal benefits. What Is Hospice Care? Who Is Eligible for Hospice Care?

article thumbnail

How Outpatient Palliative Care Clinics Advance Person-Centered Care

Hospice News

To meet growing demand, more outpatient palliative care clinics and programs are cropping up. Insurance companies and Medicare are also starting to recognize the cost savings and improved patient outcomes the clinics can provide. “I Reimbursement for palliative care services remains scarce. In May 2022, Sen.