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In the current Home Health environment, efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness have become a primary focus. Due to an increase in utilization, and attendant cost increases, home health care has become a target for cost reduction by Medicare. As the government zeroes in on cutting unnecessary expenditures, agencies are being monitored... Keep Reading
(Reuters) - A congressional agency on Friday recommended making traditional Medicare beneficiaries pay more money upfront for medical services as a way to insulate the popular government program from ever-rising healthcare costs. A report by the nonpartisan Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, or Medpac, recommended a new 20 percent charge for the... Keep Reading
Author: Sam Smith
(Tempe, AZ, June 14, 2012) Axxess exhibited for the first time ever and grabbed the attention of the attendees, serving as an Exhibitor and Major Raffle Sponsor of the two-day Arizona Association for Home Care Annual Conference, held at the Fiesta Resort Conference Center in Tempe, AZ.  The conference was... Keep Reading
Author: Sam Smith
Either you've used your legacy platform for way too long, or you've never "made the plunge" to implement a new software platform for your home health agency operation. Now you've gone through months of evaluation of the marketplace for HHA software and finally, you've made the decision to choose AgencyCore... Keep Reading
Does accreditation make a difference? When an organization is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), it has publicly identified itself as promoting the highest professional standards for nursing with its foundational role and impact on healthcare as a whole. The American Nurses Credentialing Center globally promotes excellence in nursing and... Keep Reading
What can you do to reduce your chance of becoming a target of a fraud investigation, or if you do become a target, minimize the risk of assessment of maximum penalties? How can you assure and demonstrate that your organization has accurate medical record documentation that supports the diagnoses and... Keep Reading
Author: Sam Smith
(Traverse City, MI. May 24, 2012) In support of the educational needs of home health agencies, Axxess exhibited and assumed a preeminent role as in serving as an Exhibitor and Major Raffle Sponsor of the two-day Michigan Home Health Association Annual Conference, held at the fabulous Grand Traverse Resort in... Keep Reading
Author: Sam Smith
From the Editor ---This article below was gleaned from the newsletter of the Home Care Association of Florida. The NAHC is actively questioning the CMS which promulgated and published this new rule regarding the PECOS status of physicians who are giving orders for Home Health Care episodes. Of Note: Axxess is... Keep Reading
Author: Denise Mann
New research shows that people with diabetes are living longer, and this is likely due to heart-healthy habits and tighter control of blood sugar levels. Many people may only associate diabetes with vision loss, kidney disease, and limb amputations, but it also increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. From... Keep Reading
The last few articles have reviewed the role of a number of factors and their impact on patient falls.  The role of the environment cannot be overstated in maintaining patient safety, especially in the area of preventing falls. A comprehensive assessment of the home environment should be part of the other... Keep Reading
An Office of Inspector General (OIG) audit of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) revealed errors in 30 percent of all claims paid by HCFA in fiscal year 1996.  These findings remain relevant even today as observed during recent QA appointments. The top three errors identified were: Insufficient/No documentation.  In ~ 47%... Keep Reading
Author: Sam Smith
(Dallas, TX, May 16, 2012)  The sparkling new Omni Dallas Hotel in Downtown Dallas was the scene of a gala celebration that is unique in our city. Its purpose is to bring the supporters of the Boys and Girls Club in direct contact with the youth that benefit from their... Keep Reading