TCN Talks

What prompts someone to pivot their career path entirely?  For Dr. Kyle Lavin, it was the compassionate care he witnessed during his mother's illness that led him to psychiatry and palliative care, despite initially resisting following in his father's footsteps.  This episode spotlights Kyle's emotional journey, sparked by personal family challenges, including his mother's battle with severe health issues and substance use disorder.  His story is one of resilience and determination, ultimately leading him to champion the integration of behavioral health into serious illness care, aiming to bridge the gap in our fragmented healthcare system.

As we navigate through the complex challenges faced by patients trying to access behavioral health services, Kyle underscores the systemic issues within mental health care. T he difficulties of seeking help in a siloed system, especially during vulnerable times, are significant.  We dissect these hurdles, discussing the critical shortage of mental health providers and the urgent need for a more integrated approach, particularly for the aging population.  By examining collaborative care models and the potential role of non-licensed providers, we highlight innovative strategies for expanding care availability and ensuring each team member operates at their fullest potential.

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, we explore how AI is reshaping patient experiences, particularly in hospice and mental health services.  From AI-enhanced patient intake platforms to the benefits of telehealth, the discussion highlights the transformative potential and ethical challenges of incorporating technology in high-touch fields.  We reflect on maintaining a balance between technology and human touch, emphasizing the need for compassionate care. Join us as we delve into the evolving perceptions of mental health, drawing parallels to advancements in palliative care, and consider the future landscape of healthcare in an age of rapid technological change.

Guest:  Dr. Kyle Lavin, MD. MPH. Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UNC Chapel Hill and Chief Clinical Officer of Cerula Care

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-mental-and-behavioral-health-challenge-with-kyle-lavin

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

How do leaders rise to the occasion when crises strike? We are joined by Jeannee Parker Martin, the remarkable President and CEO of LeadingAge California, who has blazed a trail in international healthcare and pioneered the first AIDS home care and hospice program in the U.S. Jeannee shares her insights on the power of networking and connectedness in leadership, and her story underscores the vital role of empathy and strategic thinking in serving communities during challenging times. Together, we express gratitude for the extraordinary support in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which profoundly impacted hospices in Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Virginia.

The landscape of senior living and healthcare is rapidly changing, and we're examining the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Leadership, as we discuss, is often more about experiencing and learning in the moment than formal teaching, especially during recovery efforts after natural disasters. Demographic shifts and a shrinking workforce present both hurdles and possibilities, and we explore innovative approaches like "crinking" to navigate these dynamics. The conversation touches on how organizations can strategically plan for the future while embracing new technologies and methods to reshape the industry.

Artificial intelligence and adaptability are revolutionizing leadership. Tools like ChatGPT are being harnessed to enhance efficiency, from legal consultations to creative team communications. We delve into the importance of youthful flexibility in adopting new technologies and adapting to post-COVID changes in Medicare hospice benefits. We also reflect on the core attributes of exceptional leaders, from empathy and accountability to strategic vision. With personal anecdotes and valuable advice, we provide guidance for leaders in hospice and palliative care to remain vigilant and proactive in a dynamic and evolving environment.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What if the future of hospice care hinges on resilience and adaptation in the face of natural disasters? Join us as we explore how hospices from Western North Carolina to Virginia are navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene with remarkable tenacity. Hear firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by organizations like Four Seasons, Amorium, and CCWNC Compassionate Care, and discover the critical role of community support in their recovery efforts. We'll also shed light on the pressing news from September and October—including significant legislative proposals and industry mergers—that are reshaping the hospice sector.

In this episode, we tackle the multifaceted landscape of healthcare, focusing on the nuances of Medicare reimbursements, the implications of the recent dip in MA star ratings, and the emergence of "healthcare deserts" that threaten rural hospitals. You'll hear about President Carter's inspiring hospice journey and the broader impact on palliative care, as well as the ongoing legal challenges surrounding Medicare Advantage plans and the controversial Chevron ruling. These discussions highlight the evolving dynamics that healthcare providers must navigate to ensure sustainability and quality care.

Communication is key, especially in disaster-prone areas. Discover effective strategies for hospices to connect with their communities, build trust, and prepare for crises. We'll also touch on technological innovations like AI and robotics that promise to revolutionize at-home care. Together, we explore how these advancements, coupled with a proactive approach to emergency preparedness, can strengthen the hospice industry's resilience. Join us for insights into a healthcare landscape that's as complex as it is promising, and learn how leaders can steer their organizations through times of change.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

While taking a much-needed break from the demanding world of Hospice Care, I stumbled upon the inspiring works of John Burke, bestselling author of "Imagine Heaven" and "Imagine the God of Heaven." This serendipitous discovery provided a fresh perspective and renewed hope during a time of deep reflection. In this heartfelt episode, we express gratitude for the overwhelming community support extended to hospices in Western North Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, and Virginia, following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. John shares his deeply personal journey with hospice care during his mother's battle with Alzheimer's and his father-in-law's struggle with brain cancer, highlighting the critical support these facilities offer during end-of-life journeys.

Prepare to have your understanding of consciousness and the afterlife challenged as John Burke and I discuss the intriguing phenomena of near-death experiences (NDEs). We explore compelling personal accounts, such as that of Mary in London, whose experience of observing her surroundings while clinically dead offers potential evidence of consciousness beyond physical existence. We also touch on the perspectives of medical professionals like Dr. Pim Van Lommel, who provide insights that question traditional brain-based explanations. These stories, along with scholarly research, present a compelling case for rethinking our perceptions of life, death, and consciousness.

Finally, we turn our focus to the spiritual dimensions of NDEs, drawing connections with biblical texts and exploring overarching themes of love and interconnectedness. By examining the Apostle Paul's potential near-death experience and the moving testimonies of individuals like Santosh and Vicki, we discover the transformative power of viewing life through a broader lens. As we conclude, we emphasize the universal importance of love, faith, and hope, encouraging listeners to seek a deeper understanding and live purposefully, making a positive impact in their communities.

Guest
John Burke, New York Times bestselling author of Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven

Host
Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of Teleios

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/imagine-heaven-with-john-burke

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Is the future of nonprofit healthcare on the brink of transformation? Join us as we hear from Rich Church, Parkview Health's Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, who shares his fascinating journey from the halls of a prestigious legal firm to a leading role in healthcare. Rich opens up about the challenges nonprofit healthcare systems face, such as escalating costs and shrinking reimbursements, and the innovative strategies needed to ensure high-quality care remains accessible. Discover the potential of partnerships between healthcare systems and hospice providers as we explore new ways to lighten the financial load on communities without sacrificing the mission of compassionate care.

Imagine a world where nonprofit healthcare systems act like savvy investors, strategically using their assets to foster innovation. Rich Church and our hosts discuss how healthcare systems can emulate universities by investing in promising startups and supporting them with invaluable expertise. Through a blend of internal and external innovation, these systems can forge impactful collaborations that drive regional healthcare improvements.

Guest:  Richard Church, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, Parkview Health

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Private Equity’s Impact on Hospice Care, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Private Equity

Private equity firms are quietly reshaping the healthcare landscape, but at what cost? Today, we sit down with Laura Katz Olson, a distinguished professor of political science at Lehigh University and author of "Ethically Challenged," to uncover the unsettling truths behind private equity's involvement in healthcare. Laura's decades of research on aging and healthcare provide an eye-opening perspective on how these firms operate with minimal transparency, often at the expense of patient care.

Throughout our discussion, Laura breaks down the financial strategies these firms employ, like debt-loading and real estate selloffs, that jeopardize the long-term sustainability of the organizations they target. We contrast the profit-driven motives of private equity with the mission-oriented focus of nonprofit organizations, shedding light on the stark disparities in quality. From the aggressive expansion of private equity into sectors like home healthcare and student loans to the alarming rise in healthcare bankruptcies, the discussion paints a vivid picture of the ethical and operational challenges facing the industry.

We also explore the broader implications of private equity across various industries. As we wrap up, we celebrate the unsung heroes within the hospice community, whose dedication and compassion starkly contrast with a profit-driven approach. 

Join us for a compelling conversation.

Guest: Laura Katz Olson,  Professor of Political Science at Lehigh University

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/private-equitys-impact-on-hospice-care-with-laura-katz-olson

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

We uncover the hidden challenges and triumphs of the Hospice community in our latest episode of TCNtalks.  Join us, alongside Mark Cohen, as we discuss the impact of John Oliver's HBO episode on Hospice fraud, abuse, and neglect.  The conversation highlights the need for reputable providers from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to join forces to protect the integrity of Hospice Care. 

We also bring you the hottest topics from Hospice and Palliative Care Today, including insights on the CMS's 2025 Hospice Final Rule and alarming reports on fraudulent Hospices targeting the most vulnerable.
 
In this podcast episode, Mark Cohen joins Chris for more for the Top News Stories of the Month of August.  This is a new format as Mark has retired from publishing the Hospice News Today as he has transitioned it to Cordt Kassner and the daily publication has been rebranded as Hospice and Palliative Care Today.  You can subscribe for free here:  www.hospicepalliativecaretoday.com

With this new format, Mark and Chris highlight the top news stories you should not have missed, each from their different perspectives.  Mark as an editor, news aggregator, and longtime marketing Executive focusing on the quantitative data provided by Cordt’s team regarding the most clicked on and read stories, and Chris as a C-Suite leader of Hospice and Palliative Care.  

In this conversation, Chris Comeaux and Mark Cohen discuss the impact of negative media coverage the hospice sector.  They emphasize the importance of focusing on the quality of care and sharing positive stories to counteract negative perceptions while also preparing Hospice leaders for crisis communication scenarios.  Mark provides tips for effective crisis communication, including identifying and training spokespeople, and having a professional standing by to provide assistance.  The conversation concludes with a reminder to tell the Hospice story consistently and over time to build reputational goodwill. 

Guest: Mark Cohen, Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communications 

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG 

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-august-2024

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In this episode of TCN Talks, Chris interviews Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios and Judi Lund Person, Principal with Lund Person & Associates LLC.  The conversation covers the need to know around the final published 2025 Wage Index for Hospices.  Some of the key points discussed are: 

• The rate increase of 2.9%.
• The CBSA is an important factor in determining rates for Hospices, and changes can significantly impact reimbursement.
• The CAHPS Hospice Survey is undergoing changes, including the introduction of online survey options and revisions to the survey questions.
• Hospices need to stay informed about these changes and adjust their operational planning to ensure compliance and quality care.  The lag in reporting data can result in a delay of several years before the public sees the results of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program.
• Understanding and addressing patient care preferences is crucial for providing individualized and high-quality Hospice Care.
• Increased participation in the CAHPS Hospice Survey is necessary to gather valuable feedback from families and improve the quality of care.
• The implementation of the HOPE tool brings significant changes to the hospice industry, including additional questions and visits to assess symptom impact and social determinants of health.
• Regulatory changes regarding certification of terminal illness and the election statement provide clarity and align different sections of the Hospice Conditions of Participation.
• The future of Hospice Care involves a shift towards value-based arrangements and the collection of more detailed data to measure outcomes and improve quality of care. 

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of hospice care and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.  Annette and Judi are a wealth of experience and knowledge.  So join us, this is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations to become more educated about the changes that are coming and the tracks being laid with the 2025 Wage Index.  This is timely and relevant.   

Guest: 
Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios Collaborative Network

Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-need-to-know-on-the-2025-hospice-wage-index

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Prepare to gain unparalleled insights into the current state of hospice care and healthcare. On this episode of TCN Talks, we promise to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate today's healthcare complexities. From the latest updates on the NAHC-NHPCO Alliance's comments on the Hospice Care Act to the evolving trend of green burials, we've got the crucial news stories that matter. We'll also unpack the financial struggles facing for-profit healthcare systems and how community health systems are responding.

Ever wondered how private equity's growing influence is reshaping healthcare? Laura Katz Olson's eye-opening book "Ethically Challenged" serves as our starting point as we explore this provocative issue. Hear firsthand accounts and regional examples illustrating the delicate balance between necessary capital investment and its potential negative impacts on service quality and community trust. The discussion extends to rising unionization among healthcare workers and whether similar unrest is brewing in the hospice sector.

We don't shy away from the hard-hitting topics. From the destabilizing effects of removing large trauma centers to controversies around nonprofit hospitals' tax-exempt status, you'll get a comprehensive look at the challenges public hospitals face. We spotlight recent hospice fraud cases, revealing their devastating consequences on families and Medicare, and offer effective strategies for healthcare providers to maintain integrity and service quality. Additionally, Mark explores impactful healthcare marketing strategies, stressing the importance of skilled writing and editing in creating engaging content. Tune in for a deep dive into the multifaceted issues shaping today's healthcare landscape.

Guest 
Mark Cohen, Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communications 

Host
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-july-2024

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Can accountable care organizations (ACOs) truly revolutionize the healthcare landscape? Join us on TCN Talks as we welcome Larry Preston, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Silver State ACO. With an astounding 51 years of experience in healthcare, Larry takes us on a journey from the early days of ACOs in the 1970s to the present. Listen as he recounts Silver State ACO’s remarkable story of overcoming initial setbacks, including a failed partnership, and how leveraging the right IT and legal expertise has been pivotal in managing a minimum of 5,000 Medicare lives.

Our discussion continues with an exploration of the strategies that have driven Silver State ACO to achieve consecutive savings for eight years—a notable accomplishment among nearly 1,000 ACOs in the nation. Learn how strong hospital partnerships, strategic hiring, and meticulous compliance and clinical auditing have paved the way for success. Larry dives into the importance of being present in physician offices to ensure adherence to required formats and standards, a critical factor in maintaining high performance and quality care.

Lastly, we delve into the evolution of healthcare risk models and the transformative power of technology in patient care. From the initial 50-50 savings split to riskier models like the 75-25 plan, discover the financial and operational adjustments that Silver State ACO has undertaken. We also discuss the integration of hospice care within the ACO framework and future innovations in healthcare analytics. Larry’s insights are sure to inspire healthcare professionals to reflect on their own practices and the future of patient care in an ever-changing environment. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable knowledge from one of the leading minds in healthcare management.

Guest:  Larry Preston, CEO and Co-founder of Silver State ACO 

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-dl-on-acos

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast