MainCon Day 2

9:00 AM-9:50 AM | Operations, Financial & Human Resources Track | Citron North-Center

Adapting to Evolving Non-Compete Regulations in Home Care

Will Cantrell, Esq. & Michael Schuette, Esq., Cantrell Astbury Kranz

In April 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved regulations that effectively ban non-compete agreements in various industries, including home care. Several states are already enforcing restrictions on non-compete clauses and other restrictive covenants. Additionally, there has been a noticeable shift in public sentiment against non-compete agreements, particularly within the health care sector. This presentation will explore recent trends surrounding non-compete agreements, offering insights into best practices and effective alternatives to safeguard proprietary business information and maintain patient/client relationships. Join us as we navigate the changing landscape of non-compete agreements and embrace innovative approaches to shaping the future of home care.

9:00 AM-9:50 AM | Operations, Financial & Human Resources Track | Citron East

Dream. Believe. Achieve: Expanding Success Through Third-Party Payers

Greg Bean, Paradigm Senior Services

This transformative program seeks to empower home care professionals to understand the strategic importance of broadening payer sources, such as VA and Medicaid. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the operational aspects and benefits associated with various third-party payers relevant to the home care industry. Through actionable insights, attendees will learn to leverage a diverse payer mix to streamline operations and drive focused growth initiatives. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to set precise and achievable growth goals for their home care agencies, aligned with the strategic value of payer diversification and operational comprehension.

9:00 AM-9:50 AM | Clinical & Quality Improvement Track | Citron West

Optimizing Outcomes: Harnessing Chronic Care Management for Serious Illness

Karen Gomes, Vesta Healthcare

Discover the power of leveraging chronic care management (CCM) medical care to drive optimal outcomes in serious illness. Attendees will gain insights into how partnering with a medical group practicing virtual, high-touch CCM medicine can enhance home health clinical outcomes, streamline operations, and yield positive financial results for your organization.

9:00 AM-9:50 AM | Medicare Track | Meyer 1

Carving Transformative Changes: Medicare Advantage & Part D in 2024

Nanette Smith, Managed Care Consultants of America

Medicare providers and beneficiaries have long grappled with challenges associated with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. In 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a final rule aimed at elevating care standards for beneficiaries and alleviating burdens on providers. This pivotal action represents a significant shift in the landscape of MA and Part D.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the key highlights of the 2024 final rule. Our discussion will encompass critical elements, including the limitation of MA plans' internal coverage determinations, the establishment of new authorization standards, and the implementation of oversight protocols for utilization management programs and AI integration. These changes mark a paradigm shift in health care delivery, fostering enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.

Additionally, we will delve into the updated benefits under Part D and their positive implications for beneficiaries. We'll also scrutinize potential modifications CMS is considering to optimize MA plan operations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain profound insights into the evolving landscape of MA and Part D and how these transformative changes are shaping the future of home care. Dream, believe, and achieve with us as we navigate the path forward together.

9:00 AM-9:50 AM | Clinical & Quality Improvement Track | Meyer 2

Clinical Record Compliance Success: Believe You Can Achieve!

Joe Osentoski, Gateway Home Health Coding & Consulting

The Medicare Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) has introduced several compliance tools, yet Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC) audits often reveal shortcomings in RCD implementation. By integrating RCD best practices with UPIC findings, agencies can pinpoint areas for optimizing clinical documentation and delivering cost-effective care. This approach aims to yield positive outcomes in the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) program while minimizing financial disruptions from UPIC or other payer reviews. It encompasses both agency record generation processes and care management principles. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your agency's compliance efforts and drive excellence in home health care.

9:00 AM-9:50 AM | Clinical & Quality Improvement Track | Sunburst

Unraveling the Mystery: Supply Management in Bundled Care

Sue Grafton, McKesson

Join us as we delve into the complexities of managing supplies in home health under bundled care arrangements. We'll discuss effective strategies like implementing formulary controls and navigating post-discharge allowable quantities to help agencies overcome these unique challenges.

10:35 AM-11:55 AM | Medicare Track | Citron North-Center

Understanding the 2025 Home Health Proposed Rule & Revenue Cycle Updates

Melinda Gaboury, Healthcare Provider Solutions

In the upcoming year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will introduce significant modifications through their proposed payment rule for home health agencies, impacting operational procedures and revenue cycles. This session offers a comprehensive review of the proposed rule, addressing both policy and technical changes. Attendees will gain timely and critical insights into adapting and thriving amidst these transformations, ensuring their agencies remain resilient and successful in the dynamic realm of home health care.

10:35 AM-11:55 AM | Medicare Track | Citron East

Navigating the Home Health Survey Landscape in 2024: The Intersection Between Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Kimberly Skehan, Community Health Accreditation Partner

More than ever, home health leaders need to understand the importance meeting both audit compliance and survey regulatory requirements. In this session, we will provide updates related to Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and Conditions of Payment, top audit and survey findings in 2024; discuss the importance of an effective compliance program to effectively and efficiently balance compliance and regulatory documentation; and provide Compliance Auditing & Monitoring Plan (CAMP) strategies that may be used to demonstrate an organization-wide compliance program that is in alignment with the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Seven Elements of an Effective Compliance Program.

10:35 AM-11:55 AM | General Track | Citron West

Visionary Leadership: Dream Bigger, Achieve More, Believe in the Power of "We"

Christina Crumbley, Tidal Healthcare Consulting

Are you prepared to guide your home health team to unprecedented success? Picture a future where your agency not only survives but thrives, delivering unparalleled care and surpassing all expectations. This engaging training session is designed to provide you with the tools and strategies necessary to unlock your leadership potential and ignite transformative change within your organization. Join us and embark on a journey toward realizing your agency's full potential.

10:35 AM-11:55 AM | Operations, Financial & Human Resources Track | Meyer 1

Maintaining Success at the Cross Section of Finance and Regulation

Carissa McKenna & Arrica Canty, McBee

Since the implementation of the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), home health providers have encountered numerous regulatory and financial challenges. Providers’ ability to maintain adequate revenue while adhering to new and evolving regulatory requirements, as well as navigating ongoing reductions in Medicare reimbursement, remains a top concern. The good news? There’s an opportunity to transform these regulatory and financial challenges into achievements. By investing time and effort into understanding and adapting to regulatory changes that impact revenue, care organizations can take control of their financial future.

Several key factors contribute to improving home health providers’ financial performance:

• Increasing the number of 30-day periods per patient (periods per episode).
• Raising the recertification rate.
• Mitigating avoidable Low Utilization Payment Adjustment (LUPA) occurrences.

However, some providers have responded to the growing number of Additional Documentation Requests (ADRs) and Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) audits by restricting the number of 30-day periods per patient, decreasing the volume of recertifications, and consequently, increasing the number of avoidable LUPA instances within their organization. This presentation will explore clinical documentation best practices aimed at supporting reasonable and necessary skilled care, reducing the risk of audit denials, and enabling providers to focus on the key drivers for improving financial performance.

10:35 AM-11:55 AM | Clinical & Quality Improvement Track | Sunburst

Defining Good: Harnessing Success in Times of Change

Marsha Moor, Advanced Care Solutions

In times of change or challenge, it's common to focus on the negative aspects or failures instead of acknowledging what has worked well. By defining what constitutes 'good,' we can effectively align groups or individuals toward a common direction. In this session, we will explore the powerful use of the teach-back method for achieving successful outcomes. This approach involves saturating a topic through repeated demonstration and understanding. While traditionally employed in clinician-patient relationships, its application in leadership and development can guide teams toward realizing the "dream, believe, achieve" ethos in their goals. Join us as we delve into strategies for leveraging the teach-back method to navigate challenges and drive positive change.

1:30 PM-2:20 PM | Medicare Track | Citron North-Center

What’s Old is New Again…Meeting RCD Guidelines for Medical Necessity

Kim Wilkerson, SimiTree

More than 75% of agencies under the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) choose Pre-Claim Review (PCR). Medical necessity was one of those aspects that we never really had to think much about under PCR. It was the one thing that Palmetto GBA wasn’t focused on during their reviews. Well, now that RCD has been extended for another five years, Palmetto has renewed its focus on it. So, are your PCR submissions ready for the increased scrutiny?

This session will cover the basics of medical necessity under the Medicare benefit. We will learn what Palmetto is looking for and how to provide the information needed to get quick affirmations, using what you already have in your charts without spending more time on the overall process. Discussion will include the “new” wound care and hand-off requirements. Medical necessity…it’s baaack!

1:30 PM-2:20 PM | Private Care/Private Duty Track | Citron East

Embracing Age Diversity: Transforming Your Agency's Workforce

John Dalton, Optimum RTS

In a time where workforce shortages challenge our agencies, the solution might lie in embracing the wealth of experience offered by retired individuals. This session explores how corporations worldwide are shifting their perspectives on workforce effectiveness and combating ageism in the recruitment process. Join us to learn how to break free from outdated notions of "overqualification" and harness the potential of a diverse and resilient workforce.

1:30 PM-2:20 PM | Medicare Track | Citron West

Shaping Your HHVBP Future: The Emergence of GG Element Importance

Cynthia Campbell, WellSky

A significant addition to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HHQRP) is the Discharge Function Score (DFS), which replaces the Total Normalized Composite (TNC) for mobility and self-care. The DFS comprises Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) GG codes for mobility and self-care functions, comparing observed scores at discharge with expected scores using risk adjustment at the start or resumption of care — measures which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will complete themselves if left blank. With the increasing importance of OASIS data, our clinicians’ ability to understand GG scoring guidance, accurately assess, and capture aligned GG elements has become a strategic element for successful Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model performance.

1:30 PM-2:20 PM | Operations, Financial & Human Resources Track | Meyer 1

Achieving Seamless Care Transitions & Minimizing Rehospitalizations Through Collaborative Partnerships

Renee DelMonico, Alliant Health Solutions & Sean MacNeill, Florida Hospital Association

Embark on a journey towards seamless care transitions and reduced rehospitalizations through collaborative partnerships. With the support of home health agencies and hospitals, a dynamic workgroup has crafted a comprehensive toolkit comprising provider and patient resources. By harnessing the power of this toolkit, referral sources can better facilitate successful handoffs to home health agencies, foster effective communication between care settings, empower patients through education and engagement, and ultimately, diminish hospital readmissions. Join us as we embody resilience, innovation, and collaboration in shaping the future of home care.

1:30 PM-2:20 PM | Clinical & Quality Improvement Track | Meyer 2

Enhancing Parkinson’s Disease Care: Introducing the TULIPS Model

Rose Wichmann & Joan Gardner, Parkinson's Foundation

As the number of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease rises, so does the demand for effective home care services tailored to their unique needs. However, many caregivers lack a comprehensive understanding of Parkinson’s disease and its diverse array of symptoms. Research indicates that a significant portion of individuals with Parkinson’s do not receive timely medication, negatively impacting their quality of life. In response to these challenges, this presentation introduces the TULIPS model — T stands for time; U stands for understanding; L stands for quality of life; I stands for increased awareness; P stands for pills on time; and S stands for support — a comprehensive approach to Parkinson's assessment and care planning. Through practical strategies and tools, caregivers will learn how to address the complex motor, non-motor, and cognitive issues associated with Parkinson’s disease, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to individuals living with this condition.

1:30 PM-2:20 PM | General Track | Sunburst

Empowering Your Office Sales Team: From Referral Intake Call to Home Assessment

Thomas Rose & Kelli Sandler, Home Care for the 21st Century

Discover the essential steps in training your office staff to effectively convert referral phone calls into scheduled in-home assessments. While community liaisons and marketing efforts are vital for generating referrals, the sales process truly begins when a prospect contacts your agency. This presentation emphasizes the importance of equipping your staff with the skills to guide callers seamlessly from inquiry to assessment scheduling. Learn how to instill consistency in phone etiquette, develop scripts for open-ended discovery questions, and address frequently asked questions and objections. Gain insights on transitioning the conversation towards scheduling the in-home assessment, ensuring your office sales team plays a confident and integral role in driving census growth for your agency.

2:50 PM-3:40 PM | Operations, Financial & Human Resources Track | Citron North-Center

Optimizing Recruiting Initiatives for Success

Ryan Mattson & Eric Scharber, SimiTree

This presentation will delve into essential steps to guarantee a fruitful recruitment process, covering key objectives such as:

• Analyzing Your Need: Learn to thoroughly assess your organization's staffing requirements to identify the most suitable candidates.
• Creating Your Search Strategy: Discover effective methods for developing a tailored recruitment plan that aligns with your organization's goals and values.
• The Interview Process: Gain insights into conducting structured and insightful interviews to evaluate candidates effectively.
• The End Game: Explore strategies for finalizing the recruitment process and making informed hiring decisions that benefit your organization.
• Common Mistakes and Pitfalls: Identify potential pitfalls in the recruitment process and learn how to avoid them to ensure successful outcomes.

2:50 PM-3:40 PM | Operations, Financial & Human Resources Track | Citron East

Navigating Legal Compliance: Diversity, Harassment, and Ethics in Home Care

Joshua Vaughn, Esq., Nicole Dunlap, Esq., & Colby Ellis, Esq., Littler

This legal session is designed to equip home care providers with a comprehensive understanding of new regulations affecting the industry. From proposed regulations to imminent changes, attendees will gain clarity on compliance requirements and dispel common myths. The speakers will also highlight common pitfalls encountered by home care businesses, offering practical guidance to mitigate legal risks and ensure ethical conduct.

2:50 PM-3:40 PM | Medicare Track | Citron West

Aspiring for Excellence: Medicare Home Health Accreditation Survey Readiness

Becky Tolson, Accreditation Commission for Health Care

Join us for a session focused on preparing for excellence in Medicare home health accreditation surveys. Explore the accreditation process for initial certification and recertification surveys, including pre-survey preparation, on-site procedures, and post-survey processes. Embrace the spirit of resilience and innovation as we shape the future of home care through rigorous preparation and commitment to excellence.

2:50 PM-3:40 PM | Clinical & Quality Improvement Track | Meyer 1

Sculpting Perspectives: Fostering Clinical Excellence in the Evolving Home Health Environment

Felecia Hudson, Brooks Rehabilitation Home Health

Home health care has long been valued for its cost-effectiveness and high-quality care delivery. Today, home health agencies are advancing their approaches to care, offering innovative models like Hospital-at-Home and leveraging cutting-edge technologies and clinical pathways to meet patients' needs in the comfort of their homes. As the landscape of home health delivery evolves, how can we cultivate a culture of clinical excellence? Key strategies revolve around envisioning quality within your organization, establishing a framework for clinical excellence through enhanced education, innovation, and data solutions, and embracing a collective "WE" mindset for organizational success. This presentation offers an overview of strategies to promote clinical excellence and foster an environment conducive to improved patient outcomes. Join us as we explore how to redefine clinical excellence in the changing home health landscape.

2:50 PM-3:40 PM | Medicare Track | Meyer 2

Charting the Future: Mastering ICD-10 Coding for Home Health Claims

Nanette Minton, MAC Legacy

Join us for an immersive session where participants will explore the application of current ICD-10 coding guidelines in home health. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned coder, this session offers invaluable guidance on selecting accurate codes to ensure compliance and precision in your claims. Emphasizing the importance of face-to-face encounters in coding, attendees will gain practical skills and insights essential to the coding process. Don't miss this opportunity to refine your coding proficiency!

2:50 PM-3:40 PM | General Track | Sunburst

Empowering Advocacy: Influencing Government Officials and Public Policy

Sean Schwinghammer, SurfMed

In this session, we explore state politicking, aiming to mobilize individuals for advocacy. Key topics covered include the significance of government interaction and understanding the legislative process. Participants will gain insight into effective strategies for engaging elected representatives, participating in campaign activities, and managing budgets for donations and travel, including visits to legislative centers like Tallahassee. Furthermore, we delve into the influence of grassroots movements and offer insights into shaping government mindsets and processes. Practical guidance will be provided on conducting both legislative office and home care visits with policymakers, as well as on regulatory outreach efforts. Additionally, we discuss leveraging organizations such as the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to impact managed care organizations (MCOs) and influence governmental processes at both local and national levels. Join us as we empower individuals to become proactive advocates, contributing to positive change and shaping the future of home care through grassroots engagement and beyond.