Axxess Growth, Innovation & Leadership Experience

This session delves into the fascinating world of the brain, with a special focus on the cerebellum. Often associated solely with motor control, the cerebellum also plays a crucial role in memory and cognitive processing. You will learn about the exciting potential of cerebellar stimulation and how early and consistent stimulation may empower aging patients to maintain their independence and recover faster from illness or injury. The session will also explore the cutting-edge advancements in technology that are revolutionizing patient safety and compliance.

Participants will be able to:
1. Explain the role of the cerebellum in cognitive function and how it impacts the aging population.
2. Describe non-invasive cerebellar stimulation techniques that have practical implications for home health patients.
3. Be able to articulate the current research on the effects of cerebellar stimulation on cognitive performance and dementia delay.

Hospice and palliative care providers monitor and report on a variety of data points which include patient-specific clinical outcomes and operational and financial efficiencies. In an ever evolving care landscape, organizations should be leveraging this data to develop predictive analytics that improve the patient experience and strengthen payer partnerships. In this session, we will discuss current and future state analytics that providers should use to improve outcomes, deepen relationships and grow their revenue.

Participants will be able to:
1. Describe three ways that data is used to provide strategic insights for future planning purposes.
2. Identify four quality data points required by most payers.
3. List three MIPS data points.

This presentation explores the transformative potential of integrating technology and artificial intelligence into home care. We will delve into the current challenges in home care reporting and how emerging technologies can enhance the quality of care, streamline administrative tasks and improve the overall caregiving experience. You’ll learn how AI-driven solutions are transforming the industry to the benefit of caregivers and clients.

Participants will be able to:
1. Identify the impact of inefficient reporting on caregiver workload and patient outcomes.
2. Recognize how these technologies can enhance communication, data collection, and task management within the caregiving environment.
3. Explain the role of AI in automating routine administrative tasks and optimizing care schedules.
4. Discuss the quality outcomes that AI-driven predictive analytics for identifying potential health issues and improving care planning can impact.

By embracing innovative solutions, healthcare can become more efficient, accessible and patient-centered. Healthcare organizations can harness the Quadruple Aim to improve patient outcomes, enhance provider experiences, optimize population health management and reduce healthcare costs ultimately leading to a better healthcare system for everyone. In this session, learn to leverage technology to effectively address each component of the Quadruple Aim.

Participants will be able to:
1. Construct a foundational knowledge of the Quadruple Aim.
2. Participants will be able to name four ways technology supports each aim.
3. Participants will be able describe why the Quadruple Aim supports revenue diversification strategies.
4. Participants will be able to describe how the ecosystem of technology can provide real-time quality data allowing for prescriptive decision-making.

CMS announced in January 2023 that all beneficiaries will be in an accountable care risk pool, which means the future of value-based care is here. Government payers are leading the push toward value-based care, followed by private insurers. The acceleration of Medicare Advantage activity makes navigating managed care and value-based contracting top of mind for the care at home industry. Learn how to create a winning value-based strategy as this panel of leaders discuss how they have assumed risk and managed the interaction with payers. 

Participants will be able to:
1. Explore how organization can get started in a value-based arrangements. 
2. Gain insight for developing and managing a value based “Payvider model.” 
3. Explore how technology continues to evolve supporting risk bearing organizations . 

The evolution of Medicare Advantage payers in home health is changing the reimbursement landscape. If your organization is not prepared to embrace these financial conditions and efficiently provide quality care, you are not going to have a long future. Economic, political and consumer forces propagated the growth of MA plans, which are the future of home health care. Organizations must adapt their care delivery and cost structure to survive these inevitable payment changes.

Participants will be able to:
1. Understand the evolution of the beneficiary shift from traditional Medicare to Medicare Advantage plans.
2. Explain the political and economic pressures being applied by MedPAC.
3. Reflect on necessary changes required to reduce costs and improve organization survival odds.
4. Leverage data to improve processes, productivity, outcomes and organization perception and marketability.

Since its introduction, the Hospice Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model has often left hospice providers with more questions than answers. A lack of clear guidance has forced hospice providers to develop their own strategies to effectively partner with participating MAOs to meet CMS’ goal of aligning financial responsibility and quality outcomes. In this session, successful providers will share how they have partnered with MAOs to provide care in the Hospice VBID model. They will also share practical strategies to support partnerships, decision-making and the successful implementation of the VBID model.

Participants will be able to:
1. Describe three ways to align financial responsibility and quality outcomes.
2. Identify two practical strategies in implementing the VBID model.
3. List three strategies to effectively partner with participating MAOs.

Mergers and acquisitions can create anxiety for employees on either side of the deal. This session will explore the challenges and concerns that employees face during these transitions and offer insights on how to create a positive and productive environment. Keeping employees engaged will support a smooth and successful integration that benefits everyone.

Participants will be able to:
1. Share insight into the emotions, fears, and uncertainties experienced by employees when their organization is being acquired.
2. Explain the significance of clear, transparent, and consistent communication throughout the acquisition process.
3. Discuss how to achieve cultural alignment between both organizations.
4. Promote employee well-being during times of transition.
5. Share methods for tracking and measuring the success of the integration process.

In recent years, there have been several payment innovations in post-acute care aimed at improving quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes. From inflation and labor shortages to consumers taking an active role in their healthcare, it is more important than ever for care at home leaders to be agile and adapt. Complexity and fragmentation create structure as well as nuances; this session will explore and analyze the limits of the currently dominant payment system and the emerging alternatives.

Participants will be able to:
1. Describe key characteristics of alternative payment model(s)
2. Learn the top three barriers to entering an alternative payment model.
3. Learn the top three facilitators for alternative payment models.
4. Evaluate the benefits of participating in value-based care models and the necessary components for success.

The home health staffing crisis is worsening as more healthcare workers choose independent contractor jobs over traditional W-2 positions. Home health organizations need to find ways to attract and retain staff in a competitive market by developing clever hacks that require equal parts wit, art and technical ability. This presentation will showcase successful hacks for staffing, customer engagement, enhanced productivity, and data-driven performance tracking. Learn how organizations can create a "call to purpose" culture that puts patient care first while balancing the needs of an evolving workforce.

Participants will be able to:
1. Explore how technology can assist in addressing the home health staffing crisis.
2. Share three contributing factors that have led to the workforce challenges we are seeing in the care at home industry today.
3. Define "gig staffing” and the benefits of using non-traditional staffing to recruit and retain employees.
4. Share three innovative staffing ideas that will create a "call to purpose" culture that enables organizations to overcome their staffing crisis while providing high-quality care to their patients.

In an employee-driven workforce it is more important than ever for hospice organizations to attract and retain the highest quality team members. Cultivating a committed workforce is about more than just pay. This session will show how a connection to the organization’s mission and vision statement, staff development and high-performing teams also create an environment where employees want to work. It will highlight how to build this culture and identify and cultivate a team that can change the course of your business.

Participants will be able to:
1. Describe three components of the employee-driven workforce.
2. List four ways to improve staff recruitment and retention.
3. Describe three ways that culture affects the employee experience.

There is a dynamic relationship between immigration and workforce innovation. This session will explore how immigration can be a powerful resource for organizations to tap into diverse talent pools, incorporate new ideas and drive economic growth. You will learn more about the opportunities and challenges in leveraging immigration for workforce development and how it can contribute to long-term success.

Participants will be able to:
1. Recognize the significance of immigration as a strategic resource for addressing labor shortages, driving innovation, and enhancing workforce diversity.
2. Share an overview of immigration policies and regulations, including work visas, green cards, and talent recruitment programs.
3. Implement effective strategies for recruiting and retaining immigrant workers, including talent acquisition, cultural integration, and professional development.
4. Identify potential challenges and risks associated with immigration as a workforce innovation strategy.

Consolidation in the post-acute care industry has been driven by various factors, including changing healthcare regulations, reimbursement models, and market dynamics. By consolidating, healthcare organizations aim to achieve economies of scale, improve care coordination, enhance operational efficiency, and increase their market share. Despite the challenges, the five largest home health providers still account for just 20% of the national market share. This suggests that the industry remains highly fragmented and ripe for further consolidation. This session will explore and analyze current and future strategies to optimize working capital and scale organizational offerings to the care at home industry.

Participants will be able to:
1. Learn the five trends driving home healthcare consolidation.
2. Describe the benefits and challenges associated with consolidation.
3. Describe why alternative payment models drive consolidation among healthcare providers.

Care at home is caught between competing challenges of the shrinking supply of nurses and the skyrocketing demand for care at home. Experts will explore the complexities of the nursing workforce challenges and how one size doesn’t fit all. And panelists will share strategies to engage the workforce to nurture a sustainable supply that meets future demand in the care at home industry. From providers to one of the largest insurers in the United States, this panel will show how to address and reframe the critical shortages to build a robust future.

Participants will be able to:
1. Describe effective strategies to build a sustainable nursing workforce.
2. Identify actionable ways to engage their states nursing and healthcare associations to assist in education, clinical experiences and employment opportunities.
3. Identify which sectors of nursing and the United States are most impacted by the current shortages.

The fraud and abuse of a few bad apples can lead to audit scrutiny and other headaches for everyone playing by the rules. Legal, public policy and financial experts in the care at home industry will highlight potential vulnerabilities and how providers can prepare for a successful future. Additionally, the panel will look at the effect of Medicare Advantage and the future of payer-driven self-regulation and audit scrutiny. Experts will review what is necessary for care at home providers to disrupt the current system, make their voices heard, and shift from being victims of circumstance to being victorious.

Participants will be able to:
1. Gain a firm understanding of current regulatory challenges and best practices to achieve compliance and financial sustainability.  
2. Gain insight on the future state of policy, regulation, and increased presence of commercial payers and the impact it may have on care provision. 
3. Learn how to advocate for the care at home industry at the local and national levels to influence change.

Artificial intelligence and outcomes-based connectivity are major contributors to securely improving the quality of healthcare outcomes and workforce efficiency. This panel discussion between leading technology experts will examine current and future technologies, the importance of cybersecurity, and how to achieve long-term stability by creating a team culture that embraces innovation.

Participants will be able to:
1. Attendees will understand how artificial intelligence will be used in the care at home space and its impact on patient outcomes.
2. Attendees will be able to identify 3 technology driven workforce efficiencies.
3. Attendees will learn how to keep their organization’s technology protected from vulnerabilities.

Quality care is demonstrated through objective, data-driven outcome metrics. This session will encourage attendees to demonstrate that their outcomes exceed those of their competitors by adopting age-friendly, patient focused care. Home Health Value-Based Purchasing is data and outcome driven and outcome scores also affect staff recruitment and retention, public perception of quality, marketing and sales efforts and they can help secure contracts with ACOs and Managed Care plans. Organizations that can make small but meaningful shifts in their care planning and interventions could see improved satisfaction and better clinical outcomes and hospitalization rates that position you for financial success.

Participants will be able to:
1. Define the 4M project and Age-Friendly Care and describe how minor modifications to your approach to individualized care can improve outcomes.
2. Discuss and demonstrate the ever-growing impact of measurable clinical outcomes and how optimizing outcomes is vital to organization success.
3. Identify three actionable takeaways and best practices designed to improve measurable clinical outcomes, reduce hospitalization and improve patient satisfaction.

As CMS increases funding to hospices, it’s also increasing scrutiny to root out fraud and abuse. it is not enough for hospice organizations to hope that they survive an audit, they must have a strategy and tools to manage any investigation. In this session, we will discuss the types of audits, their frequency and provide meaningful insights on how hospices can mitigate their risk.

Participants will be able to:
1. Describe three ways that an audit affects their organization.
2. Implement three audit preparation strategies.
3. List three Medicare Administrative Contractor audit tool.

Explore the evolving landscape of non-medical home care with a focus on compliance, quality standards, and the increasing scrutiny faced by the industry. This presentation will discuss the latest regulatory developments, quality assurance measures, and the importance of maintaining high standards in care delivery. Experts will share valuable insights into how to ensure the well-being of care recipients and the long-term sustainability of non-medical home care providers.

Participants will be able to:
1. Discuss emerging compliance challenges and strategies for proactively addressing current and forthcoming compliance issues.
2. Provide guidance on how to prepare for and respond to regulatory audits, compliance checks, and investigations.
3. Identify the role of quality assurance programs in monitoring and enhancing the care provided by non-skilled home care agencies.
4. Explain how technology can aid in compliance and quality assurance, such as electronic health records, caregiver management software, and telehealth solutions.

Financial stability is a direct result of prioritizing quality and implementing rigorous scrutiny measures. Post-acute care organizations can deliver safe, effective, and patient-centered care, promoting successful and improved health outcomes while achieving financial success. This session will feature valuable insights on how to drive growth and reduce risk while still having a patient-centered program.

Participants will be able to:
1. Construct opportunities to align enhanced quality and financial growth.
2. Illustrate opportunities to construct and align internal self-audits to reduce scrutiny and improve  compliance.
3. Explore variations in operating profit levels between providers with and without rigorous scrutiny measures.