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Blue Sky Hospice Medical Director Convicted of $2.8M Hospice Fraud

Hospice News

A federal jury has convicted Dr. John Thropay, a hospice medical director, on charges of health care fraud in a $2.8 Thropay was the medical director of several hospice companies, including Blue Sky Hospice, based in Van Nuys, California. The former medical director will be sentenced on May 28.

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Longleaf Medical Director: Hospice Care Needs a ‘Revolution’ 

Hospice News

A revolution is needed in hospice care, complete with a new mindset, updated care models and redesigned payment systems, Dr Monisha Pujari, medical director for Longleaf Hospice, told Hospice News. Hospice News spoke with Pujari about her vision for hospice care and what it would take to make it a reality.

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Hospice Medical Director Receives 50-Month Prison Sentence for $150M Fraud

Hospice News

A federal judge has sentenced Jesus Virlar-Cadena, formerly a medical director for the Texas-based hospice company Merida Group, to 50 months in prison for his role in a $152 million scheme. The Texas Medical Board suspended his medical license in 2019, when he pleaded guilty to the fraud charges.

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Medical Director Dr. Lauren Templeton: How Engaged Hospice Physicians Can Drive Quality, Compliance

Hospice News

But in time, her drive to improve patients’ quality of life led her to the hospice and palliative care fields. Templeton now is a hospice physician consultant at Weatherbee Resources as well as medical director for Texas-based Hendrick Hospice Care. What qualities or characteristics would such a person possess?

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2025 Proposed Rule Seeks to Clarify Physician Certification of Hospice Patients

Hospice News

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposed 2025 hospice rule contains clarifications on which physicians may certify patients for hospice enrollment. Clarification from CMS in these areas will be helpful to hospices, physicians and those reviewing hospice records for compliance.”

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CMS Delays Start of Hospice Physician Enrollment Requirement

Hospice News

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has delayed the implementation of hospice certifying physician Medicare enrollment requirements. CMS delayed the date to enroll in or opt out of Medicare until June 3 for physicians who certify hospice services.

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Former VITAS Manager Becomes VP of Operations; Hawaii E.D. Doc Turns Hospice Medical Director

Hospice News

She returns to the company after nearly three years at the helm of San Diego-based The Elizabeth Hospice as its chief strategy officer. Bliss has more than 18 years of hospice leadership experience, along with 12 years of managing hospice and home health operations across multi-site locations.