Mark McLaughlin, a hospice news reporter. He provides an editorial perspective on the most important topics in hospice care and palliative care. His reporting is informative and well-informed. Here are his top picks for hospice news today:
Hosparus is exploring palliative and hospice care
Hosparus Health has begun to explore palliative options because of the increasing number people with end-of-life problems. This is care that is offered at death, but with the same level as care for milestones. Palliative care helps patients and families live the best possible lives. This service is available to anyone at any stage of a serious illness.
Medicare payments to hospices reduced by the Sequestration
A recent letter to congressional leaders urges them to take action to avoid the automatic cuts to Medicare payments to hospices. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and various hospice organizations wrote the letter to address concerns about the potential impact of the sequestration. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization is a Washington-based advocate for hospice care. It has successfully lobbied for $1Billion in Provider Relief Funding to hospices and a moratorium in Medicare sequestration payments.
End-of-life doulas
Doulas are a growing trend in hospice care. They help people with advanced disease prepare for their eventual death and reflect on life. They aren't medical experts, but they can help families with their loved one's final days. There are many benefits to hiring a doula. Here's a list of them. Here are three.
Hospitalizations are reduced by home-based palliative services
Although many health systems have begun to offer Home-Based Palliative Care (HBPC) as a cost-saving option, there is still a large variation in service models and payment structures. Diverse services are also offered. Comparing different models is not possible due to a lack of high-quality data. HBPalC's effectiveness in end-oflife care is being demonstrated by increasing evidence.
Racially disparate hospice use
Research on racial disparities regarding hospice use is scarce, but a recent study found that black and brown people use hospice services at differing rates. While the study could not detect any racial disparities, it did show that there was variation in hospice services between counties. These findings may be helpful in local efforts to improve accessibility to hospice care services for people from different races. This study was conducted to explore the relationship between health care resources and intercounty variations in black and white hospice use.
FAQ
What do we need to know about health insurance?
Keep track of any policy documents you have if your health insurance covers you. Ask questions if you are unsure about your plan. Ask your provider to clarify it or call customer service.
When you are using your insurance, be sure to take advantage the deductible that your plan offers. Your deductible determines how much you have to pay before insurance will cover the rest.
What is the point of medical systems?
Many people living in poor countries lack basic healthcare facilities. Many people living in these areas will die before they reach their middle years from diseases such as tuberculosis.
The vast majority of people in developed nations have regular checkups. Minor illnesses are usually treated by their general practitioner. Yet, many people suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
What should I know regarding immunizations
Immunization is the process that stimulates the immune response to a vaccination. The body produces antibodies (immunoglobulins), to protect itself against infection after receiving the vaccine.
What does "health care" actually mean?
Health care refers to delivering services related to maintaining good physical and mental health.
What are the different types of healthcare systems available?
First, the traditional system in which patients are given little control over their treatment. They visit hospital A if they are in need of an operation. But otherwise, it is best to not bother as there is little else.
The second system is a fee per service system. Doctors earn money depending on the number of tests, operations, or drugs they perform. If you don’t pay them enough they won’t do additional work and you’ll be twice as expensive.
A capitation system, which pays doctors based on how much they spend on care and not how many procedures they perform, is the third system. This encourages doctors not to perform surgery but to opt for less costly treatments like talking therapies.
Statistics
- Foreign investment in hospitals—up to 70% ownership- has been encouraged as an incentive for privatization. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The healthcare sector is one of the largest and most complex in the U.S. economy, accounting for 18% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.1 (investopedia.com)
- Over the first twenty-five years of this transformation, government contributions to healthcare expenditures have dropped from 36% to 15%, with the burden of managing this decrease falling largely on patients. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
How to Find Home Care Facilities
People who need help at home will benefit from the services of home care providers. Home care facilities can be used by elderly or disabled individuals who are unable to get around on their own, as well those suffering from chronic diseases like Alzheimer's. These facilities provide services like personal hygiene, meal preparations, laundry, cleaning and medication reminders. They also offer transportation. They often work with rehabilitation specialists, social workers and medical professionals.
The best way to find a home care service provider is through recommendations from friends, family members, local businesses, or online reviews. After you have identified a few providers, you can inquire about their experience and qualifications. Flexible hours are important so they can work around your schedule. You can also ask if they offer 24-hour emergency service.
It might be worth asking your doctor/nurse for referrals. If you don't know where to start looking, try searching online for "home health care" or "nursing home". Websites like Yelp or Angie's List, HealthGrades and Nursing Home Compare are some examples.
For further information, you may call the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), or Visiting Nurse Service Associations (VNA). These agencies will have a list that lists local agencies that provide home care services.
It is crucial to find a quality home care agency, as many charge very high fees for patients. Some agencies can charge as much as 100% of the patient's income. You can avoid this by choosing an agency that is highly rated by the Better Business Bureau. Get references from past clients.
Some states even require homecare agencies that register with the State Department of Social Services. Find out the requirements for agency registration in your area by contacting your local government.
There are many things you need to remember when selecting a Home Care Agency:
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Don't pay upfront if you don't want to receive services.
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It is important to find a trustworthy and established company.
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For those who are paying out-of-pocket for insurance, make sure you have proof.
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Verify that the state has granted the agency license.
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Get a written contract that outlines all costs involved with hiring an agency.
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Confirm that there are follow-up visits by the agency following your discharge.
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Ask for a listing of certifications and credentials.
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Never sign anything without having read it.
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Take the time to read all fine print.
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Make sure the agency has insurance and is bonded.
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Ask the agency how long they have been in business.
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Verify that the State Department of Social Welfare licenses the agency.
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Find out if there have been any complaints about the agency.
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Call your local government department that regulates home care agencies.
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Ensure that the staff member answering the phone is qualified to answer questions about home care.
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Ask your lawyer or accountant for tax advice on the use of home-based care.
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Always solicit at least three bids per home care agency.
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Accept the lowest offer, but don't settle for anything less than $30 per an hour.
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Be aware that you may be required to pay for more than one visit to a local home care agency each day.
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Read everything before signing any contracts.