Home Care Software Solution: What You Need to Know to Choose the Right EMR with Kristen Duell
Hannah Vale and Michael Greenlee as they talk with Kristen Duell, the EVP at Kantime. She has over 17 years of experience and is a wealth of knowledge in the health care/tech space. She loves helping people grow, learn and accomplish their goals.
Home health agencies have to find the right EMR (Electronic Medical Record) software system. Kristen talks about the real questions agencies should consider when choosing an EMR solution that works best for them.
She discusses topics like how user friendly a solution is, if it’s able to grow and scale with you, considering payer diversification and the ability to flow all the way through to billing.
Kristen defines the most common functionalities that agencies should look for when making a decision about implementing an EMR solution.
One of the most important aspects is the implementation process. Kristen talks candidly about her experiences with implementation.
What should agencies look for from a clinical documentation standpoint?
Online training has become an essential piece of continuing to hire and expand your organization.
Other resources for agencies includes reports, analytics and data.
The decision-making process is complex. Kristin gives the top 3 questions agencies should ask when making the decision to adopt an EMR solution.
Kantime is the #1 home health and hospice EMR Solution. They offer a web-based management system in the post-acute care space: private duty, home health, pediatric, hospice and palliative care and self-direction.
Request a Demo from Kantime to learn more!
Home Health Revealed is sponsored by HealthRev Partners. Grow your agency and expand your mission with a high power revenue cycle management partner.
Mention this podcast and receive up to $500 off your first three invoices with a coding or billing 12-month service agreement. Request a Quote.
Barbara Karnes on Dementia and the End of Life | Neutralizing the Fear of Dying
“People don’t understand that there’s a normal, natural way of dying. My materials are written to guide and support anyone who finds themselves addressing end of life situations. The goal is to help people have a positive experience so everyone involved will have a sacred memory to carry with them.” – Barbara Karnes, RN
In this episode, Hannah Vale and Barbara Karnes talk about dementia and the end of life. Hospice doulas are playing a very important role in end of life care. Learn the signs to look for to know when a patient should call an end of life or dementia doula.
Barbara also talks about how interdisciplinary care teams can reduce the fear of dying by educating their patients and families and doing some things that are practical.
Learn about her resource and an exciting new project that will be released in 2024!
Barbara Karnes, RN, is an internationally recognized author, speaker, thought leader and expert on end of life care and the dynamics of dying. Barbara was recognized in 2018 as a Hospice Innovator by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and was named the 2015 International Humanitarian Woman of the Year by the World Humanitarian Awards.
If it has to do with death and dying, Barbara Karnes, RN is talking about it. Her articles have been featured in The NY Times, USA Today, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, & The Washington Post, among others. Awarded the NHPCO Innovator award for her decades as an end-of-life educator and for her iconic booklet, GONE FROM MY SIGHT: The Dying Experience (aka: “the little blue hospice book”).
Barbara’s career spans four decades and began as an early hospice pioneer during the AIDS crisis. In addition to the many years she has spent at the bedside caring for patients and their families as a nurse, Barbara has also served as executive director of hospice and various home-health agencies. She has also worked through the hospice ranks as patient care manager, clinical director, staff, nurse, and volunteer. Barbara is a dedicated end of life educator, training professionals, authoring resource materials, booklets, movies, and her fabulous blog.
You may find Barbara’s end of life resources for patients, families, and caregivers on her website: www.bkbooks.com
Barbara’s Social Media Platforms:
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
LINKEDIN
Family Support Bundle and other resources we talked about on this podcast can be found on Barbara’s website.
Website: bkbooks.com
Office #: 360.828.7132
Barbara’s email address: barbara@bkbooks.com
Barbara’s experience as a hospice care provider at the bedside of hundreds of people, and as an administrator overseeing the care of thousands, led to the 1985 publication of Gone from My Sight: The Dying Experience. Affectionately referred to in the industry as the “little blue hospice book,” Gone from My Sight has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, is published in 12 languages, and remains the leading resource on the market today educating families on the signs of approaching death.
In 2015, Barbara’s film New Rules for End of Life Care was featured in film festivals around the world and was the recipient of 10 prestigious film awards.
Barbara’s other award-winning publications and films include:
The Eleventh Hour: A Caring Guideline to the Hours to Minutes Before Death
A Time to Live: Living with a Life-Threatening Illness
My Friend, I Care: The Grief Experience,
You Need Care Too: Self Care for the Professional Caregiver
How Do I Know You? Dementia at E
Revolutionizing Hospice Care Costs, One Patient at a Time with BetterRX
Dive into hospice care cost management with our latest podcast episode featuring Jared Stong, PharmD, Founder and Chairman at BetterRX, delving into the heart of the matter.
BetterRX opens the conversation by shedding light on the challenges of medication management in hospice care, emphasizing the delicate balance between addressing symptoms effectively and controlling costs. With insightful strategies for optimizing drug regimens and deprescribing, BetterRX introduces a groundbreaking approach that tailors medications to each patient’s unique needs, steering clear of unnecessary expenses.
The discussion takes an innovative turn as BetterRX explores the role of technology in improving medication management. From formulary plans to streamlined communication, discover how technology simplifies processes, providing immediate recommendations and enhancing collaboration among hospice providers, hospitals, and specialists.
Listen in as BetterRX shares a real-world example of successful collaboration, illustrating how a united front among healthcare organizations can improve patient outcomes while effectively managing costs. Uncover the challenges providers face in coordinating care and the strategies they can implement to strike the delicate balance between cost control and quality.
The episode concludes with a thought-provoking exploration of ethical considerations in cost-saving measures. BetterRX emphasizes the importance of maintaining patients’ comfort and dignity in end-of-life care, leaving listeners with key takeaways and best practices for providers and families.
As the hosts wrap up, BetterRX offers insights into the future of hospice care cost management and collaboration. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that transcends dollars and cents, focusing on the impact of thoughtful care on patients’ lives. Discover the keys to achieving a harmonious balance between cost control and compassionate end-of-life care.
KPIs and Reporting Needs | 2023 End of Year Series: Practical Tips and Inspirational Insights for a Powerful Year-End
Michael and Hannah discuss the importance of real-time data in the Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) process for home health and hospice agencies as they approach the end of the year. They emphasize the significance of having access to up-to-date financial information, especially when outsourcing RCM services.
Learn the critical questions agencies should ask their RCM partners regarding real-time financial data accessibility and communication of accounts receivable status. They stress that relying on outdated data, such as monthly or quarterly reports, can hinder decision-making and necessary adjustments.
The discussion revolves around the benefits of real-time data, including maintaining a healthy cash flow, tracking claim statuses, identifying and rectifying errors promptly, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
The role of real-time data in assessing the efficiency of RCM processes is outlined, identifying bottlenecks, and improving overall operational efficiency. They encourage agencies to ask detailed questions of their Electronic Health Record (EHR) or RCM partner to ensure the granularity and timeliness of the data received.
Michael and Hannah conclude by highlighting how real-time data facilitates proactive issue resolution, helps monitor the performance of outsourced RCM companies, and ensures compliance with privacy regulations in the healthcare industry. They stress that access to current and accurate data is indispensable for informed decision-making, optimizing revenue generation, and maintaining the overall integrity of the revenue cycle management process.
Handling Denials and Appeals | 2023 End of Year Series: Practical Tips and Inspirational Insights for a Powerful Year-End
Michael and Hannah guide us through a crucial aspect of home health or hospice agency management: the billing and collections process. As the year wraps up, they emphasize the importance of a detailed breakdown, focusing specifically on handling denials and appeals.
Effective management of denials and appeals is essential for financial stability and maintaining quality care standards. Understanding the reasons behind each denial is the first step, achieved through meticulous review of payer feedback to identify patterns and systemic issues hindering reimbursement.
Hannah highlights the significance of comprehensive documentation for successful appeals. Ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with payer requirements is crucial. Regular training sessions to keep staff updated on regulation changes foster a culture of compliance, reducing the likelihood of errors.
The establishment of clear internal processes as a daily compass, defining roles, setting timelines, and establishing communication channels. Monitoring denial trends enables identification of root causes and implementation of corrective actions, fortifying the agency against financial risks.
Often overlooked is the aspect of communication with payers, a crucial element in denial management. They stress the strategic use of technology not only to react to denials but proactively shape a resilient reimbursement process.
Hannah concludes by underlining the significance of proactive denial and appeal management, urging listeners not to put it off.
Don’t miss the next episode: a discussion on KPIs, reporting, and analytic tools within RCM (Revenue Cycle Management). Join them for insights into shaping a sustainable future for home health agencies.
Navigating Eligibilities and Authorizations | 2023 End of Year Series: Practical Tips and Inspirational Insights for a Powerful Year-End
In this podcast episode, hosts Hannah and Michael unveil a series aimed at helping listeners end 2023 on a strong note and kickstart 2024 with momentum. They delve into crucial topics such as optimizing revenue collection and conducting a detailed breakdown of the billing and collections process for home health or hospice agencies. Michael introduces a special offer from HealthRev Partners for agencies looking to recover uncollected funds, emphasizing its importance for financial stability and performance analysis. Interested? Contact connect@healthrevpartners.com for more info.
Hannah walks through the steps for entering 2024 with financial peace of mind through HealthRev Partners’ Revenue Recovery Agreement. Michael and Hannah share insights on the intricacies of the billing process, stressing the significance of accurate documentation from the patient’s referral. They offer practical tips, such as verifying insurance cards and understanding payors.
Michael shifts the focus to measures agencies should take regarding their internal teams or partners, including qualifications of coders and reviewers, familiarity with Medicare guidelines, and EHR expertise. Hannah highlights the addition of HealthRev’s eligibility and authorizations service, underscoring its role in preventing revenue loss. Michael stresses the importance of getting this aspect of revenue cycle management right and suggests considering outsourcing.
The next episode, which will cover the handling of denials and appeals in the healthcare revenue landscape.
Catalyst: Jodi Norgaard on Driving Positive Change
In this episode of the Home Health Revealed Podcast, hosts Mike Greenlee and Hannah Vale engage with Jodi Norgaard, a change-maker in the toy industry. The discussion centers around Jodi’s mission to create positive change by introducing dolls that inspire young girls to engage in sports and promote holistic development. The hosts and Jodi share insights on leadership qualities crucial for driving change, such as honesty, vulnerability, and persistence. Drawing parallels to the home health industry, the conversation underscores the importance of leaders in healthcare fostering a culture of positive change. She emphasizes the significance of having a supportive network during hard times. The episode serves as a compelling exploration of how visionary leaders, like Jodi, can inspire transformation within their respective fields, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more empowered community.
Find more information about Jodi at https://www.jodibondinorgaard.com/
This podcast is brought to you by HealthRev Partners
Meeting Home Health Challenges with Centralization with Alicia Marr, CEO of Excelin Health
Join your hosts, Michael and Hannah, as they engage in an insightful conversation with a distinguished guest, Alicia Marr, the CEO of Excelin Health.
Alicia Marr brings over two decades of leadership experience in home health and hospice care to our discussion. Before taking the helm at Excelin Health, she played pivotal roles in various clinical and operational positions within private, private equity-sponsored, and public organizations. Alicia’s expertise extends to orchestrating clinical network integrations between post-acute service lines, making her the perfect guest to unravel the complexities and solutions of home health challenges.
In November 2019, Alicia stepped into the role of CEO at Excelin Health, a private equity-backed company that spans 23 service sites across three states. Her leadership has been instrumental in steering Excelin Health towards clinical success, operational efficiencies, and sustained growth, which are essential for thriving in today’s healthcare environment.
In this episode, we focus on the core pillars of Excelin Health’s success: centralization and Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) solutions. Alicia’s journey with Excelin Health showcases how centralization of operations and data management can be a game-changer in healthcare. They have tackled the complexity of managing patient data in home health by centralizing it for reliability and consistency, even across multiple states with varying regulations.
The conversation then delves into the intricate world of billing efficiency. Alicia explains how Excelin Health handles billing complexities in home health, dispelling the misconception that it’s as simple as clicking a button. Billing complexities are further compounded by the shifting payer mix from traditional Medicare to various replacement plans, a challenge Excelin Health tackles by centralizing their RCM functions and fostering clear communication between departments.
Regulations and compliance management are another vital aspect of home health agencies. Alicia highlights the significance of a strong compliance program and how they’ve integrated compliance from an employee’s first day. Excelin Health has developed an internal compliance department that ensures regulatory and financial compliance, working in partnership with centralized functions to scale while minimizing risks.
The podcast also explores how streamlined workflow standardization is pivotal to the agency’s efficiency. Excelin Health is continually redefining processes to maximize efficiency and track patient progress while evaluating and improving workflow streams. Centralization plays a significant role in enhancing workflow consistency.
Real-time data is the linchpin of decision-making in today’s healthcare landscape, and Alicia underscores its importance. Excelin Health employs KPI dashboards that provide real-time insights into agency activities, enabling timely decision-making for better patient care and operational efficiency.
Patient engagement is a cornerstone of healthcare, and Excelin Health has implemented innovative solutions to enhance it. They utilize an app-based patient engagement system to keep patient engagement at the forefront of their daily operations.
Centralization has allowed agencies like Excelin Health to scale their operations effectively and efficiently. By centralizing functions and reducing duplication at the branch level, they’ve streamlined administrative tasks, saving both time and money while ensuring clinicians can focus on providing excellent patient care.
For more information or to reach out to Alicia Marr, you can contact her via email at amarr@excelin.com or visit Excelin Health’s website at www.excelin.com. Don’t miss this episode of Home Health Revealed for a deep dive into home health solutions that are shaping the future of patient care.
What to Expect at NAHC’s 2023 Annual Conference with Christopher Adams
Listen to this special edition of Home Health Revealed with
Christopher Adams of National Association for Home Care and Hospice to let you know what you can expect at the NAHC 2023 conference
this year.
Learn about the theme, the incredible speakers and presenters
and about things to do at the venue!
Efficient Human Capital Management in the Unique Post-Acute Setting with Viventium
In this episode, we explore the world of HR challenges within post acute agencies with Logan Little of Viventium. We start by dissecting the unique HR challenges these agencies face, including recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and scheduling. The episode delves into the repercussions of poor HR management on patient care and agency success.
Discover practical solutions and technologies for streamlining HR tasks, such as applicant tracking systems and HR software. Real-world success stories illustrate the tangible benefits, such as cost savings and enhanced patient care.
Stay informed by subscribing, rating, and reviewing Home Health Revealed. Join us next time as we continue to delve into the world of home health, hospice, and palliative care. Until then, strive for HR excellence, particularly if you’re in the home health care industry.
Home Health Revealed is brought to you by HealthRev Partners.