Expanding Home Health Services with Palliative Care: Avoiding Common Pitfalls & Building a Successful program
(updated October 26, 2023)
Home health agencies are increasingly recognizing the important benefits of integrating palliative care into their service offerings. while the potential to improve patient outcomes and expand market reach is ample, many providers hesitate, unsure how to navigate the complexities of establishing a successful program. This article explores key considerations for home health agencies looking to embrace palliative care, drawing on insights from industry leaders and successful implementation models.
Why Palliative care is a Smart move for Home Health
Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, improving quality of life for both the patient and their family. It’s not about giving up; it’s about living as fully as possible, regardless of prognosis. For home health agencies, this translates to:
* Enhanced patient Satisfaction: Addressing the holistic needs of patients – physical, emotional, and spiritual - leads to higher satisfaction scores.
* Improved Clinical Outcomes: proactive symptom management can reduce hospital readmissions and emergency room visits.
* Competitive Differentiation: Offering palliative care sets yoru agency apart in a crowded market.
* New Revenue Streams: Palliative care programs can be structured under various payment models,including Medicare Part B and value-based contracts.
While still relatively uncommon – as noted in a recent Home Health Care News report – leading organizations like Visiting Nurse Health System,Contessa Health (now part of Amedisys),and Compassus are demonstrating the viability of integrating palliative care into existing home health models.
The Biggest Mistake? Confusing Palliative Care with Hospice.
According to Nikki Davis, Senior Vice President of Palliative care Programs at Contessa, the most frequent stumbling block is misrepresenting palliative care as simply ”early hospice.”
“It’s crucial to clearly define palliative care and differentiate it from hospice,” Davis explained at the recent Home Health Care News FUTURE conference. “Establishing clear eligibility criteria and referral pathways is paramount. When collaborating with your home health and hospice teams, ensure everyone understands who is appropriate for palliative care and how to initiate a referral.”
Key Elements of a Successful Palliative Care Program:
Here’s a breakdown of essential components for home health agencies considering a palliative care expansion:
* Clear Definitions & Eligibility: Develop specific criteria for patient enrollment. Palliative care is appropriate for anyone living with a serious illness, regardless of age or stage of disease.
* Streamlined Referral Processes: Integrate palliative care referrals into existing workflows for both internal teams and external partners (physicians, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities).
* Interdisciplinary team: Build a team that includes physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and perhaps other specialists (e.g., pain management).
* Comprehensive Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments to identify the patient’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
* Personalized Care Plan: Develop a tailored care plan that addresses the patient’s specific goals and priorities.
* Payment Model Strategy: Explore options including Medicare Part B reimbursement, value-based contracts, and private insurance coverage.
Contessa Health: A Model for Integrated Care
Contessa, a Nashville-based company partnering with 12 health systems and 30 health plans, provides a compelling example of successful integration. Acquired by Amedisys in 2021, Contessa offers comprehensive in-home care, including hospital-at-home, skilled nursing facility-at-home, and palliative care services.
