Exploring Age-Friendly Healthcare Programs

The Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC) has launched two new specialty credentials for organizations providing home care and/or hospice.  These programs are in line with the Age-Friendly Health Systems (Care) programs and initiatives started by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), in partnership with the American Hospital Association (AHA) and … Read more

TEAM Model and Post-Acute Care

The mandatory Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) will advance CMS prior work on value-based care models, including bundled care initiatives. The TEAM model (participation) will be mandatory for selected hospitals and participation “optional” for post-acute care providers. Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) | CMS The Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) is set to be a … Read more

Unlocking the Potential: Overcoming Challenges for LTPAC Providers in ACO Participation

Yesterday, the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living plus the National Assocation of ACOs released a white paper that includes a set of recommendations for CMS, designed to increase the participation of long term and post-acute care (LTPAC) providers in accountable care organizations (ACOs).  The white paper is available here: AHCA … Read more

Value-Based Care: What it is and How it Can Work for Post-Acute Providers

I get asked about value-based care a lot. It is a buzzword or term these days, somewhat driven by the rise in Medicare Advantage enrollment. Frankly, it is a bit of a catch-all concept that has its origins in Medicare and various demonstration projects (e.g., bundled payments) and the implementation of quality measures to “improve … Read more

Value-Based Care: Why it Matters, or Should, for Post-Acute Providers

Value-Based Care is kind of a vogue term, one that I encounter quite often. I also have used it when speaking or writing and know most people have no idea what it means or how it can be developed and/or applied. Value-based care is not a new concept. Medicare tried a foray into it back … Read more

Friday Feature: Quality and the Revenue Connection (2019 version)

I’ve written a lot over the years about understanding the unique connection between quality care and the systems to support its delivery, and revenue. Arguably, the most successful provider organizations understand that impeccable quality of care (delivery, outcomes, patient satisfaction) begets high occupancy (referrals) and preferential payer mix (quality mix). Of course, the inverse relationship … Read more