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The Emerging Landscape of Outpatient Palliative Care, Community Integration, and the Challenge of Perception

In this week’s email:

• Today’s Insight from AgingHere

• The Revolution of Outpatient Palliative Care for Chronic Illnesses

• Modern Palliative Care in the Heart of the Community.

• UNC Health Southeastern Transitions Hospice Care to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Amid Rising Senior Demands

• How Palliative Care Can Transform Medicare and the Hurdles to Overcome

• Today’s AgingHere Survey

• Making us laugh this week

• AgingHere Referral Program

• Today’s Sponsor: Mastering Medicare Podcast (MasteringMedicare.net)

Today’s Insight from AgingHere

The medical landscape is experiencing a noticeable shift towards outpatient palliative care clinics, which cater to those with chronic illnesses. These clinics are primarily designed to alleviate symptoms while patients continue with their treatments, providing a holistic approach distinct from end-of-life care. However, a significant challenge lies in the general misconception, with many confusing palliative care with hospice care. With technological advancements, telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool in managing patient symptoms. Concurrently, legislative efforts are being made to bolster understanding and training in this field.

The pressing need for community-based palliative care has led to an evolution of models aiming to provide these crucial services. These models range from the hospice licensure expansion to the home health approach, with each having unique regulatory considerations. The Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design model has notably recognized the importance of palliative care, emphasizing its role beyond just late-stage patients. This attention underscores the potential of palliative care to cater to those with serious illnesses right in the comfort of their homes.

In a strategic move to realign its services and optimize efficiency, UNC Health Southeastern has decided to transition its community-based hospice operations to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. While this move allows UNC to focus on its core mission as an acute care hospital, it also enables them to direct more resources towards its palliative care program. The decision comes against the backdrop of a broader discussion on the transformative potential of palliative care for Medicare and the ongoing challenges posed by misconceptions and enrollment issues.

The Revolution of Outpatient Palliative Care for Chronic Illnesses.

Outpatient palliative care clinics are growing due to increased demand, offering patient-centered care for chronic illnesses. These clinics, distinct from end-of-life care, aim to alleviate symptoms while allowing continued treatments. Insurance and Medicare recognize the benefits of these clinics in terms of cost savings and improved patient outcomes. However, many misunderstand palliative care, often confusing it with hospice care. Professionals emphasize the importance of early intervention and comprehensive, tailored care plans. Telemedicine is increasingly utilized to manage patient symptoms, while legislative efforts are underway to improve understanding and training in palliative medicine. read more.

Modern Palliative Care in the Heart of the Community.

Increasing need for community-based palliative care programs, which serve as both a precursor to hospice care and a standalone service. Historically, many found it challenging to establish these programs due to inadequate reimbursement models. However, with the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design model, there's growing attention to palliative care and its counterpart, "transitional concurrent care." The article highlights how palliative care has expanded beyond late-stage patients to address needs of those with serious illnesses at home. It also examines different models for providing this care: the hospice licensure expansion, the group practice model, and the home health approach, each with their regulatory considerations and benefits. read more.

UNC Health Southeastern Transitions Hospice Care to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Amid Rising Senior Demands

UNC Health Southeastern is selling its community-based hospice operations to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, effective May 1, 2023. The sale is part of UNC's strategy to align its services with its core mission as an acute care hospital and enhance efficiency. The hospital will maintain inpatient hospice services. The transfer allows UNC to reallocate resources to its palliative care program. The decision was also influenced by the underutilization of UNC's outpatient hospice services. Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, a nonprofit with over 40 years of experience, will expand its services to Robeson County. read more.

How Palliative Care Can Transform Medicare and the Hurdles to Overcome

A CMMI analysis indicates that palliative care, when scaled, can reduce Medicare costs and enhance patient satisfaction. Despite its potential, misconceptions about palliative care among physicians and health equity concerns hinder its adoption. The analysis, examining four programs, found that most saved costs and improved care quality. One program, MCCM, reduced Medicare spending by 14%, decreased ED visits and inpatient admissions, and increased hospice enrollments. Yet, misconceptions among referring physicians created enrollment challenges. Future efforts will focus on better integration, targeting appropriate patients, and ensuring health equity in palliative care. read more.

Making us laugh this week:

AgingHere Referral Program

Today’s Sponsor: Mastering Medicare (MasteringMedicare.net)

Listen to Mastering Medicare Podcast Episode 23: Medicare broker deep dive - interview with Matt Gibson from 90 Days From Retirement

AgingHere Inspirational Quotes

The true essence of geriatric care lies in the ability to bring comfort, preserve dignity, and ignite hope in the hearts of those who have traveled the longest roads