In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Dr. Cordt Kassner, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today and CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics, leverage their data and extensive experience to identify key hospice headlines, articles, research, and social media posts that are driving change and transforming end-of-life care and healthcare in America.

They share personal experiences with hospice care, emphasizing the importance of social work and discussing the challenges of healthcare reimbursement. The conversation also touches on MedPAC recommendations, new social media trends, and highlights from recent research articles. 

The hosts explore pressing issues in healthcare, such as workforce challenges, patient demographics, regulatory changes, and the impact of technology.  They address the implications of the aging baby boomer population for healthcare services, the influence of corporate interests on healthcare spending, and the critical role of leadership in navigating these challenges. 

Their discussion underscores the need for innovative solutions and the role of technology in improving care delivery.  It also emphasizes the importance of preparing for upcoming Medicare and home-based care changes.  The episode concludes with a Masters Class from Chris on what leadership is and why it is so needed during these times.  Join us.

Guest: Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics

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

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/transforming-healthcare-hospice-in-the-news-march-2025

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

In this crossover show of TCNalks / Anatomy Of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux interviews NY Times bestselling author T. R. Reid.  They discuss T. R. Reid’s experiences and insights from researching healthcare systems around the world, particularly focusing on the need for universal coverage and the various models of healthcare delivery.

T.R. emphasizes the importance of a key principle in any functional healthcare system at a national level: healthcare for everyone.  He wrote about this in his NY Times bestselling book The Healing of America.  Some of the key discoveries in the book are the inefficiencies of the U.S. healthcare system compared to others worldwide and the potential benefits of adopting a government-run healthcare model similar to Medicare and the VA.  Reid also critiques the profit-driven nature of American health insurance and advocates for reforms prioritizing patient care over profits.

T.R. and Chris then discuss the unique window of opportunity in 2025 and the need for a new framing of universal healthcare, suggesting alternatives in language around 'Medicare for All.'  T.R. emphasizes the importance of price controls in reducing administrative costs and improving efficiency in healthcare systems.  Reid also addresses the role of innovation in healthcare, arguing that high costs do not necessarily lead to better medical advancements.  He cites several excellent examples of recent innovations, all from outside the U.S.  

This is a great listen as the U.S. spends more on healthcare, yet we are not even in the top 10 in the world.  It’s hard to make one aspect of healthcare successful, like Hospice and Palliative Care, if the broader ecosystem it resides in is flawed and unsustainable.  Join us; this is very timely.

Guest: T.R. Reid, Author of the NY Times Best Selling book The Healing of America

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

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-healing-of-america-with-t.r.-reid

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

This show is dedicated in memory of Tali Sutton, who unexpectedly died the week of February 3rd.  Tali was an upcoming leader in hospice and palliative care in New York State as CEO of CareFirstNY.

In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux speaks with Jeanne Chirico, the President and CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State (HPCANYS), about the unique challenges and opportunities facing hospice care in New York State.  Many of us think of New York City when we think of New York yet the entire state with New York State is a picture of many of the challenges we will face in healthcare for the country as a whole in the future.

Chris and Jeanne started the show remembering Tali Sutton, who unexpectedly died the week of February 3rd.  Tali was an upcoming leader in hospice and palliative care in New York State as CEO of CareFirstNY. 

Jeanne shares her extensive background in hospice and palliative care, highlighting the complexities of providing care in a state with diverse cultural and economic landscapes.  The conversation delves into regulatory challenges, workforce issues, and the importance of advocacy in ensuring quality end-of-life care.  Jeanne emphasizes the need for innovative service lines and the role of technology in adapting to changing customer demographics.  The episode concludes with a call to action for hospice leaders to engage in advocacy and community partnerships to navigate the future of healthcare effectively and to do that at a grass roots level.

This episode is a great summary of the challenges facing all hospice and palliative care programs.  This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Board’s of hospice and palliative care organizations.  Join us, this is timely and relevant.

Guest:  Jeanne Chirico, , HPCANYS President/CEO

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

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-challenges-ahead-with-jeanne-chirico

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

The latest episode dives into important topics affecting hospice and palliative care today, shedding light on key trends from February’s news. Our hosts emphasize how personal experiences shape their perspectives on the challenges and innovations within the field. 

• Overview of TCN Talks and its purpose 
• Discussion on meaningful personal experiences in hospice care 
• Key February news stories impacting hospice leadership 
• Overview of workforce challenges faced in hospice 
• Exploration of technology's role in hospice care advancements 
• Insights into improving access to high-quality end-of-life care 
• Predictions for the future of hospice and palliative care 
• Importance of continuous learning and innovation in leadership 
• Encouragement for audience engagement and dialogue 

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

In this episode of TCN Talks, host Chris Comeaux interviews Bree Owens, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of The Holding Group. They discuss Bree’s journey in the healthcare field, particularly in palliative care. 

Bree shares insights on having learned the importance of having meaningful conversations with patients and families about their care options, which led her to the unique model of The Holding Group.  Her organization has held space, hence the name The Holding Group, for a patient-centered approach, helping patients and their families find the right care at the right place at the right time. Bree emphasizes the significance of informed consent and the role of social workers in facilitating these discussions to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Chris and Bree also delve into the evolution and current state of palliative care, highlighting the challenges and innovations in the field.  Bree emphasizes the importance of integrating social work into healthcare, particularly in serious illness and dementia care.  They also discuss the upcoming GUIDE model, which aims to provide comprehensive support for dementia patients and their caregivers.

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of Hospice and Palliative Care organizations.  Join us, this is timely and relevant.

Guest: Bree Owens, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Co-Founder of The Holding Group 

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

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

In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner, PhD, publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today and CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics, begin a new format for the “Top News Stories of the Month.”  Cordt joins, stepping in for Mark Cohen, and brings the statistics from the daily newsletter Hospice & Palliative Care Today.

Chris and Cordt explore key trends in hospice news, challenges in reimbursement, competition, workforce issues, and the impact of technology on the field.  They also touch on demographic trends, regulatory issues, and predictions for the future of hospice care.

Their dialogue highlights the challenge of filtering vast information and the excellent service provided to hospice and palliative care leaders.  This podcast and Hospice & Palliative Care Today are for the leaders in the hospice and palliative care field.

Join us.  This is a must-attend opportunity for Hospice and Palliative Care leaders.  It’s a one-stop shop for catching up on all the essential and relevant news articles and information impacting the field today and tomorrow.

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

Guest:  Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-january-2025

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

What happens when you blend nearly 25 years of legal expertise with the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare? Join us as we welcome Meg Pekarske, head of the Hospice and Palliative Care Practice Group at Hush Blackwell, who shares her remarkable journey and insights into hospice law. From her early mentorship under Mary Michael to leading a dynamic team of 15 professionals, Meg's story is one of adaptability and growth. As we navigate the complexities of the evolving healthcare market, Meg's unique blend of analytical and creative skills provides invaluable perspectives on fostering resilience and innovation in hospice care. 

Discover the strategies for financial sustainability in the hospice industry as we explore the significance of revenue diversification. With traditional Medicare reimbursement for palliative care falling short, there's a pressing need for creative financial strategies tailored to organizational needs. You'll learn about the potential of innovative care models and the increasing appeal of PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) as we discuss substantial investment and staffing requirements. This conversation emphasizes the urgency for leaders to be agile and inventive in meeting the needs of the community and patients effectively.

Our exploration doesn't stop there. We tackle the intricacies of legal structures in healthcare, the resurgence of Independent Practice Associations, and the active landscape of healthcare antitrust concerns. Meg's insights guide us through the potential future of Hospice care, advocating for a broader approach that prioritizes upstream interventions and interdisciplinary care. As we ponder the evolving role of professional skills in the age of AI, don't miss our reflection on the enduring importance of human empathy and emotional intelligence. This episode promises a thought-provoking journey that challenges conventional methods and inspires a broader vision for serving our communities.

Guest:  
Meg Pekarske, Partner and Head of the Hospice and Palliative Care Practice Group at the Law Firm of Husch Blackwell

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

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/meg-pekarske-on-model-considerations-for-the-future

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

In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux, Mark Cohen, and Cordt Kassner discuss the top news stories in hospice and palliative care for December 2024. This episode marks the end of Mark’s two-year run of partnering with Chris to review the month’s top stories, with Cordt taking on that role going forward, along with his colleague at Hospice & Palliative Care Today, Joy Berger.

Mark’s takes a deeper dive into three big news events in December, Cordt looks at the most-viewed articles from both December and all of 2024, and Chris, as usual, highlhights articles of particular import to hospice C-Suites. Among the biggest stories from December, they reflect on the significance of President Jimmy Carter's hospice journey and the pre-Holiday release by CMS of the 50 lowest quality hospices nationwide. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proactive communication strategies and the need for hospice organizations to be transparent and accountable.
 
This is a do not miss opportunity for Hospice and Palliative Care leaders.

Our Guest

Cordt Kassner, PhD
Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today

Mark Cohen
Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Show Host

Chris Comeaux
President / CEO
Teleios Collaborative Network / Teleios Consulting Group

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

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

In this crossover podcast episode, host Chris Comeaux does a recap of the top podcasts of 2024.  First for TCNtalks with amazing guests like New York Times best-selling author John Burke, Peter Benjamin, Dr. Ira Byock, and Judi Lund Person.

Chris then does a recap from our first year of our new podcast, the Anatomy of Leadership, with great guests such as Quint Studer, Meridith Elliott Powell, John Locke, and Brian Jaudon.

Additionally, Chris introduces the intriguing concept of the "One Word," which serves as a thematic or guiding principle for the upcoming year.  This is a great piece of wisdom Teleios and many of it’s members practice every year.  This is a much more powerful way to set the tone and intention for your upcoming year and is much more useful than a New Year’s Resolution which seem to wane about thirty days into the New Year. 

By looking back on the past year and gazing forward, individuals can gain clarity about their personal causes and purposes.  Selecting a One Word for the year can offer a focused and directional approach to both personal and professional life.


Host:  Chris Comeaux, MLAS, CPA; President/CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network and Teleios Consulting Group

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

Unlock the transformative potential of palliative care as we sit down with Torrie Fields, the innovative founder and CEO of TFA Analytics. Torrie's unique blend of expertise as a health economist and actuary is driving new approaches to palliative care, particularly through the use of data analytics. Join us as Tori shares her journey from a C-TAC conference meeting to reshaping Medicare guide programs and creating comprehensive care models for patients with serious illnesses. Her insights are changing the way healthcare providers think about aligning patient care with personal goals and reducing unnecessary treatments.

Explore the future of palliative care reimbursement and the significant strides being made by pioneering figures like Janet Bowles and Diane Myers. With an eye on 2025, we delve into the exciting developments in healthcare policy and innovative payment models. Discover how collaborative efforts with CMS are shaping a new era in community-based palliative care, and why hospice leaders must urgently adapt to these changes. We dive into the bipartisan nature of palliative care and the importance of educating health insurance companies on its value, ensuring a seamless integration into standard healthcare practices.

Witness the evolution towards a co-management model in palliative care, as specialists and primary care providers navigate the challenges of large patient panels. Torrie and I discuss the need for a multidisciplinary approach that supports overwhelmed providers while delivering tailored care. We explore the complexities of integrated healthcare systems and the essential role of palliative care in improving patient experiences and outcomes. Through engaging stories and thought-provoking discussions, this episode celebrates the visionary leaders pushing the boundaries of healthcare solutions, ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time.

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