Hospital Home Health 2009-02-01

Addition of process measures means more prep for OASIS C

Although the proposed OASIS C is often described as more user-friendly than the current OASIS, the addition of process measures will be a major change for many agencies.

Process measures require use of assessment tools

The biggest challenge that home health managers will face with the proposed OASIS C is the addition of 30 process measures that will affect outcomes.

HH aides earn rewards points; retention increases

Don't you feel like you've given yourself a gift when you redeem those points that you earned with your credit card? A free flight, a no-cost hotel stay, or dinner at a restaurant you've always wanted to try, are all rewards offered by credit card programs in an attempt to keep you a loyal, paying customer.

CMS strengthens fight against waste and fraud

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) now requires certain durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers to post a surety bond.

CMs, DMs coordinate care for Advantage members

At Regence, a health insurer in the northwest mountain state region, case managers and disease managers work hand in hand and share an electronic care management software system that allows them to seamlessly manage the care of their Medicare Advantage members.

Case managers interact with members and their families as well as providers.

"We try to address the issue of continuum of care, explaining to the family why members are at the current level of care, and when and where they should receive care in the future. We work with the discharge planners at the facility to help the member transition between levels of care," King says.

Follow-up care helps avoid readmissions

With the number of uninsured patients increasing rapidly, the case management and social work staff at North Broward Medical Center are faced with the challenge of making sure patients receive the follow up they need to stay healthy and out of the hospital.

Tough times present challenge for fundraisers

Diversification is not only sound investment advice during these rocky economic times, but it also is sound fundraising advice. While a financial advisor will recommend a mix of cash, short-term savings such as certificates of deposit and stocks in a variety of industries or types of companies, fundraising experts for hospice recommend a development plan that addresses passive and active efforts as well as short- and long-term activities.

Journal Reviews: HH aide job satisfaction affected by safety

Although independence is an attractive feature of working in home health, job satisfaction can be affected negatively if the home health worker does not feel safe.

Home-based rehab effective for COPD patients

A one-year study that followed 252 patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) shows that home-based rehabilitation can produce the same results that outpatient hospital-based rehabilitation.

Hospital Home Health Archives – February 1, 2009

February 1, 2009