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What to Watch In 2019 As 2019 begins to get into the books, many home health industry insiders and experts are preparing for what’s ahead while learning some lessons from the previous year. By most if not all measures, 2018 was a monumental year of change,...
Home health is a dynamic industry that requires constant review of regulations changes. In 2018 the industry experienced a major update to the Conditions of Participation including revisions to the plan of care and comprehensive assessments. So far 2019 has brought a fairly high level of arguably drastic changes. In this article we will highlight some of those changes, and where relevant point out any direct impact to your Home Health Software or your agency’s operations as whole.
Alora is committed to keeping home health professionals informed about regulatory changes that affect your businesses, patients, and staff. With December right around the corner, many are preparing for the January first, 2019 implementation date for OASIS-D.
Homecare agency owners small and large have recently had good reason for optimism over a provision in the health care reform bill related to the home care industry’s opportunity with hospitals. Thanks to a provision in health care reform legislation that penalizes hospitals that fail to reduce their hospitalization rates for three specific diagnoses, Homecare agencies have the opportunity to be more than just a provider. They can actually come to the rescue of hospitals and develop mutually advantageous relationships that keep the hospital in compliance, and increase business for the Home care agency.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that they have completed the mailing of new Medicare cards for Waves 1, 2 and 3. This includes: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Alaska, American Samoa, California, Guam, Hawaii, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Read more:
OASIS-C1 PREPAREDNESS
As part of our commitment to keeping our blog readers informed on important developments in the Homecare industry, we would like to spend some time addressing Alora Home Health Software's OASIS-C1 preparedness as well as the upcoming changes to the CMS OASIS Data submission. This information pertains to all Medicare Certified agencies. The following information will help all Medicare Certified agencies prepare for the upcoming conversion to OASIS-C1:
A new bill freshly passed by the U.S House of Representatives demonstrated a rare showing of unison and bipartisanship for lawmakers in Washington, DC. The bill focused on areas of near universal agreement addressing important matters such as physician training, patient outreach, and quality of end-of-life care.
July 2018 Home Health Blog - There are many who cite the aging population and a lack of financial flexibility for seniors as clear indicators that a national universal healthcare bill is needed; one which would include an allowance of homecare services for seniors (and others in need) as well. One northeastern state is on the cusp of passing hotly debated legislation which would draw closer to implementing a universal healthcare system which would provide free home care services for aging residents in need. A ballot initiative in Maine which would begin effect late in 2018, is drawing praise as a God send from some, while garnering ire as a scam by others.
Newest U.S. Data Suggests Lower Number of Home Health Providers Nationwide Across Markets July, 2018 In the latest in a growing string of reports highlighting the inequity between supply and demand in the homecare and home health markets, recent data confirms that the average number of Medicare...
Fierce Legal Confrontation Continues Over Unions Forcing Membership on Home Health Care Employees June, 2018 This edition of the Alora Home Health Software blog keys in on a state issue that could have rippling effects in setting a precedent for other states where unions are prevalent. In...