Partner News Archives - Page 4 of 6

Managed Care Support

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Sep 27, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Christine Stein
(214) 435-6731
cstein@axxess.com

Axxess Partners with strategic health care to offer Managed care support to clients

DALLAS, September 26, 2024 – Axxess, the leading global technology innovator for healthcare at home, has partnered with Strategic Health Care, a leading provider of managed care solutions, to offer Axxess clients managed care support, helping them enhance profitability and drive business optimization.

Through this collaboration Axxess clients have access to services provided by Strategic Health Care, including managed care contracting and credentialing, value-based reimbursement, revenue optimization and network development.

“Through this partnership we are providing our clients with the tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving managed care landscape,” said Chris Taylor, senior vice president of channel partnerships at Axxess. “These services are designed to provide Axxess clients the support needed to succeed in managed care, helping them navigate industry challenges and enabling them to focus on care delivery.”

Strategic Health Care and Axxess are focused on helping clients scale their business and increase profits.

“Even the best care at home providers are struggling to make managed care work,” said Joe Russell, vice president of network management and contracting at Strategic Health Care. “We want to show providers that there’s a world where providers can win and win big. That’s why we’re so excited for the partnership with Axxess. When Axxess clients have managed care related issues, we want them to know they have partner they can rely on where it matters most.”

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About Axxess

Axxess is the leading global technology innovator for healthcare at home, focused on solving the most complex industry challenges. Trusted by more than 9,000 organizations that serve more than 5 million patients worldwide, Axxess offers a complete suite of easy-to-use software solutions that empower home health, home care, hospice, and palliative providers to make healthcare in the home human again. Multiple independent certifications have confirmed that Axxess has the most secure and industry-compliant software available for providers. The company’s collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence is recognized nationally as a “Best Place to Work.”

About Strategic Health Care

For over twenty-five years, Strategic Health Care has earned a reputation in the health plan industry as a knowledgeable and fair representative for provider clients. The highly experienced team of contracting experts at Strategic Health Care ensure providers have access to the reimbursement they need to continue to provide quality patient care.

BREAKING NEWS: Blumenauer Proposes Hospice Overhaul

Breaking News

by Rowan Report | Sep 27, 2024 | Breaking News, Partner News, Regulatory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Portland District Office
503-231-2300

blumenauer proposes overhaul to hospice benefit

If enacted, the legislation would be the single most significant update to the hospice benefit and payment structure since its inception in 1982

WASHINGTON, D.C., SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 – Today, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee, introduced the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform and Enforcement Act (Hospice CARE Act) to modernize Medicare’s hospice benefit, which has remained largely unchanged since its inception in 1982. The proposal comes as egregious reports of fraud and abuse within the benefit persist, despite action from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The legislation is the product of years of collaboration between stakeholders, lawmakers, and industry leaders. It builds on Blumenauer’s decades-long commitment to ensure the federal government supports families at a time of great stress and vulnerability: the end of life.

“The United States spends significantly more on health care than other developed nations for worse outcomes. Nowhere is this more egregious than in the hospice industry,” said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. “Patients and families deserve better. We need a reset. It is past time for Congress to act to end the fraud, waste, and abuse within the hospice benefit and bring it into the 21^st century.”

To protect patients and taxpayers, the Hospice CARE Act would institute a number of long overdue reforms to crackdown on fraud while incentivizing high-quality care. Critically, it would:

- Reform the payment structure: The underlying hospice per-diem payment structure—which generally pays hospices for each day of care regardless of if care is provided on a given day—rewards bad actors who exploit the benefit for financial gain. The legislation revises the payment structure to ensure that providers are incentivized to deliver high-quality care and meet the current needs of individuals and their families.
- Bolster program integrity: Additional safeguards and oversight is needed to prevent fraudulent providers from enrolling in Medicare, especially for new hospices. That includes temporarily preventing new hospices from enrolling in Medicare, with exceptions where additional access to care is needed, increasing survey frequency, and increasing ownership transparency

A one-page fact sheet can be found here. Bill text here.

“The hospice benefit, while unique, is ripe for change. This legislation is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to improve it,” said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit providers of aging services, including hospice, on the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform and Enforcement (CARE) Act of 2024. “Revising a benefit that has not been altered significantly since its creation in 1982 is a formidable undertaking – but a necessary one. Done right, changes will expand the benefit to support the realities of modern-day hospice care and address vulnerabilities that are currently being exploited. There is more work to do and we look forward to continuing our productive partnership to ensure this bill achieves these goals.”

“The National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) is thankful for the work of Congressman Blumenauer, his staff, and the Ways and Means Committee staff who worked with the hospice and advanced illness community to put forward the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement (CARE) Act. This legislation is an encouraging and unique opportunity to consider reforms that would strengthen the Medicare hospice benefit by ensuring it continues to support patients, families, and the non-profit providers who were the original foundation of hospice care,” said Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO and founder of NPHI. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with Congress and relevant stakeholders on efforts to modernize the hospice benefit and improve care of those at the end-of-life.

“The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC), truly appreciates the introduction of the Hospice Care Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement (Hospice CARE) Act. We commend Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3rd) for this important work and for his decades of support for compassionate end-of-life care and for bringing policies to the national stage with bi-partisan support,” stated Jon Broyles, C-TAC CEO. “We have had the privilege to work with the Congressman, his staff, Ways & Means Committee staff and other advocates on this bill and it is an important starting point for ideas that will lead to modernizing the hospice program and improving the lives of people with serious illness and their family caregivers.”

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This press release was issued by the office of U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer, representing the 3rd district of Oregon. The original press release can be found here. The Rowan Report has reached out to The Alliance for Care at Home for comment.

NAHC NHPCO Announcement

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Sep 12, 2024 | Partner News

Press Release | Sept. 5, 2024

The National Alliance for Care at Home will Combine the Strengths of the Two Largest National Organizations Representing Healthcare Providers Delivering Care Primarily in Homes

The Alliance Will Provide Unparalleled Resources and Representation to Support the Care-at-Home Community

(Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC – September 5, 2024) – The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) today unveiled the new name and logo, as well as the initial website, of the new national organization that will carry forward the work of serving home care, home health, hospice, and palliative care providers as they deliver patients the highest-quality care in their own homes and communities. This new organization will expand on the visions of NAHC and NHPCO to support the full spectrum of providers that offer care in the multitude of settings Americans call home, and the communities in which they live. The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) will deliver resources, education, and information to help members grow their organizations, and will serve as the united voice of the member community advocating for policies that advance the provision of high-quality care for patients and their families.

The National Alliance for Care at Home Logo

The National Alliance for Care at Home logo is both an homage to the past, and a symbol of the future. The logo weaves together visual representations symbolizing NAHC and NHPCO, the legacy organizations coming together to form this new Alliance. NAHC’s logo has long included a waving American flag. The icon in the Alliance logo is shaped like a five-pointed star, inspired by the flag iconography. The icon draws visual and symbolic inspiration from the NHPCO logo, which includes a lotus flower icon to represent the integration of types of care and the interdisciplinary care team. The sections of the new Alliance logo are stylized people, standing together in a circle, and holding hands. The negative space between them can be seen as an icon for house or home. Thus, the logo

represents providers across the continuum of care coming together to support a better future for care in the home. The logo concept is based on guidance from a workgroup of members, whose inputs shaped the Alliance’s brand.

The Alliance also launched its integration website today at AllianceForCareAtHome.org. In addition to providing information on the Alliance, this new website serves as a single sign-on hub for members. With single sign-on, the resources of both legacy organizations will be available to all members of either NAHC or NHPCO with one, unified log-in. The new site offers an updated Find a Provider tool to help consumers find providers of home care, home health, hospice, and palliative care. This resource pulls together NAHC’s Agency Locator and NHPCO’s Find a Care Provider. In the coming weeks, Alliance members will gain access to a combined set of 29 online member communities to enable professional exchange of ideas and best practices. The Alliance is working on a new website to launch in 2025; the new site, which will be housed at the same URL, will bring together top assets from the robust suite of member benefits offered across both NAHC and NHPCO’s legacy sites. During the development of the new site, the Alliance’s integration site will serve as a portal to access resources across the two legacy sites.

“Providers offering various forms of care at home have always looked to our national associations to help create a shared vision for the future,” said Kenneth Albert, Chair of the Alliance’s Transition Board. “It took real imagination, dedication, and guts to take on the tough conversations about combining two organizations, each with more than 40 years of history. This Alliance will be the leading authority on transforming care in the home. We will implement that mission under a new name that welcomes providers across the care continuum to join – the National Alliance for Care at Home. The logo shows people coming together, hand in hand. That is exactly what we will do in this new Alliance – work collectively to imagine what the future of care in home settings can and should look like, and then to bring that vision to reality.”

“The National Alliance for Care at Home name, and the Alliance’s logo, represent the future of what our members will do together. Providers delivering care in patients’ homes will work through the Alliance to learn, connect, and grow. The Alliance will be your advocate, your resource, and your network to help you reach your goals,” said Melinda Gruber, Vice Chair of the Alliance’s Transition Board. “Rolling out our new name and logo, sharing the new website – these are just the beginning. In the coming months we will continue to integrate the strengths of these two longstanding organizations to provide members with an unprecedented national community and the resources you need to thrive in the future.”

In March of 2023, NAHC and NHPCO announced that they were exploring collaboration opportunities. That kicked off a process of member consultation and input that culminated in an agreement to combine the two organizations into a new Alliance, with integration work beginning July 1, 2024. On August 26, the Alliance announced that Steve Landers, MD, MPH, would become its first CEO. Through the remainder of 2024 and into 2025, the Alliance will continue the process of integrating NAHC and NHPCO operations into a single organization. Details will be shared with members each step of the way. Throughout the integration process, members can continue accessing benefits through their legacy memberships.

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About the National Alliance for Care at Home

The National Alliance for Care at Home is a new national organization representing providers of home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and other health care services mainly delivered in the home. The Alliance brings together two organizations with nearly 90 years of combined experience: the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). NAHC and NHPCO are in the process of combining operations to better serve members and lead into the future of care offered in the home. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.

Press Contacts

Tom Threlkeld, NAHC Director of Communications
tom@nahc.org | 202-547-7424

Elyssa Katz, NHPCO Marketing and Communications Manager
ekatz@nhpco.org | 571-281-0220

Carolinas Foundation Receives Grant

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Aug 23, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 19, 2024
Media Contact: Susan Franklin
919-848-3450 sue@ahhcnc.org

Carolinas Foundation for Hospice & Home Care Awarded $50,000 Grant for New In-Home Aide Onboarding Program

Left to right: The Carolinas Foundation for Hospice & Home Care Project Director, Susan Harmuth, Constellation Quality Health President & CEO, Steven Martin, MHA, CPHQ, FACHE, CCME Executive Director, Dori DeJong, MPA, and The Carolinas Foundation for Hospice & Home Care Executive Director, Judy Penn

This grant will be used to kick start several essential year one activities, as part of an overall 2.5 year envisioned project to develop an industry recommended, standardized training curriculum and onboarding program, for newly hired in-home aides that provide non-nurse aide level personal care services. A train-the-trainer program will also be developed to accompany the training curriculum, to help ensure the quality and consistency of training provided.

The Carolinas Foundation for Hospice and Home Care will be working with several key stakeholder groups, as well as seeking input from a cross-section of NC licensed home care agencies, as we develop the tools envisioned. Once the training curriculum, onboarding model, and train-the-trainer program have been developed, these products will be piloted in as many as 12 North Carolina licensed home care agencies. The broader project will also include development of a certificate to be issued to in-home aides who successfully complete the training and competency requirements. Certificates will be issued by participating licensed home care agencies, through the Association for Home and Hospice Care of North Carolina.

The Carolinas Foundation for Hospice and Home Care is currently working to secure the additional funding needed to fully implement this major in-home aide workforce initiative. Judy Penn, Executive Director stated, “We are extremely grateful for grant funding from the CCME Foundation to enable us to begin work on this important workforce project, which will ultimately benefit licensed home care agencies in both North and South Carolina.”

The Carolinas Foundation for Hospice & Home Care is a non-profit foundation that was established in 1998 by the Association for Home and Hospice Care of North Carolina.
The mission of the Foundation is to support innovation that improves access to quality hospice and home care services in North Carolina.
Key focus areas of the Foundation include:

Building and supporting the retention of a quality workforce
Determine and promote the economic impact of hospice and home care services on local communities and the State
Develop partnerships with appropriate health care delivery systems to ensure hospice and home care are included as an essential component of the new emerging care models.

The Foundation is supported by individual and corporate donations, special fundraising events, and private and public grants. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is made up of twelve trustees who are educated and experienced members of the hospice and home care community.

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AlayaCare to Work With Multi-State Provider

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Aug 16, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Steph Davidson

steph.davidson@alayacare.com

AlayaCare Selected as Agency Management Platform of Record by Premier Home Health Care

NEW YORK, NY – August 14, 2024 – AlayaCare, a global technology platform for home and community-based care, announced today that it has been chosen as the end-to-end Electronic Health Record (EHR) of choice by Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc., a comprehensive Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) and home health care provider based in New York and serving clients across multiple states, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, and North Carolina.

Premier, which provides high-quality care to over 15,000 people under service weekly, will be migrating its legacy EHR software to AlayaCare’s modern, cloud-based home care platform. This partnership is founded on AlayaCare’s support for multiple service lines to fuel Premier’s growth across its Medicaid skilled and personal care businesses, with the caregiver experience at the heart of it all.

AlayaCare’s commitment to leveraging data and technology to optimize care delivery for caregivers and clients aligns with Premier’s focus on the employee experience. “Engaging and retaining our workforce is not just about numbers; it’s about nurturing a supportive environment where every caregiver feels valued and empowered,” said Dr. Marshalina Ramos, President and COO at Premier.

With AlayaCare as its EHR partner, Premier will be able to utilize a modern technology stack to handle scale and to drive better care coordination using best practices in Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced workflow automation capabilities, and an industry-leading open-API architecture to streamline administrative operations. AlayaCare will transform everything from intake and care plans through to compliance, scheduling, and eligibility monitoring, driving growth and improving experiences for both the care team and the client.

“At Premier Home Health Care Services, we are dedicated to continuous innovation in our care delivery,” said Dr. Ramos. “Partnering with AlayaCare represents a significant step forward in our mission to revolutionize home-based care through advanced technology. By leveraging cutting-edge solutions and fostering ease of partnerships, we are poised to disrupt the market and set new standards in the quality and efficiency of care. This collaboration underscores our commitment to enhancing the caregiver experience and ensuring exceptional outcomes for our clients.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Premier Home Health Care Services as their EHR of choice,” said Adrian Schauer, CEO and Founder of AlayaCare. “This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of harnessing cutting-edge technology to revolutionize home-based care. By digitizing and modernizing care delivery, we ensure that caregivers are equipped with the tools they need to provide exceptional care, and clients receive the highest quality of care in the comfort of their homes. Together, we are not only improving operational efficiency but also transforming the very experience of care for both caregivers and clients.”

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About AlayaCare

AlayaCare is an end-to-end software platform for public, private, non-profit, and community home-based care organizations that manages the entire client lifecycle, including needs assessments, care plans, scheduling, visit and route optimization, and visit verification. Founded in 2014 and now with over 500 employees, AlayaCare combines traditional in-home and virtual care solutions that enable care providers to lower the cost of care and achieve better outcomes for their clients. For more information, visit: AlayaCare.com

About Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc.

Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc. is a clinician-run organization and a leading provider of personalized home health care, dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families across multiple states. With a focus on compassionate care and innovation, Premier delivers tailored health care solutions that enhance patient outcomes in the comfort of their homes.

Our comprehensive care management approach ensures that each client receives coordinated and continuous care, designed to meet their unique needs and support their overall well-being. As an Article 49 Care Management organization, Premier also assists health plans, providers, and individuals in navigating the complexities of the health care system, ensuring seamless access to the necessary services and support.

Operating in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, and Connecticut, Premier fosters a family-like environment for both clients and staff, offering union representation in New York to support our team members.

2024 Homecare Survey

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Aug 9, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hollie Barnidge
912-272-8651
hollie.barnidge@alloycrew.com

HHAeXchange 2024 Homecare Survey: 91% of Caregivers View Patient Relationships as Critical to Job Satisfaction

New data shines a spotlight on the motivations of caregivers and their dedication to improving health and wellness for the thousands of members receiving care in the home

New York, August 7, 2024 – HHAeXchange, a leader in homecare management solutions for providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and state Medicaid agencies, today announced the results of the HHAeXchange Homecare Insights Survey, which surveyed more than 3,900 caregivers across the company’s homecare agency clients. The survey was designed to understand the motivations of today’s caregivers and find ways to enhance caregiver satisfaction to ultimately improve health outcomes.

The need for quality caregivers in the homecare industry continues to grow, as new data has found that many individuals are rejecting institutional care options due to a lack of quality care. Therefore, attracting and rewarding high-quality caregivers is crucial to meet today’s demand.

Patient Observations

Correlated to this, 60% of the caregivers surveyed said making a positive impact on their patients’ health and well-being is the biggest motivator for their work. Additionally, 57% of caregivers reported that they would take extra time to record patient observations after each visit, motivated by the knowledge that it could improve their patients’ care.

In addition to understanding the importance of their role in improving patients’ quality of life, caregivers are attracted to, and choose to remain in, the homecare industry because of the relationships they form with patients. In a 17% increase from last year’s survey, ninety-one percent of caregivers surveyed revealed that the relationships they form with the patients they care for increase their job satisfaction.

HHAeXchange President Stephen Vaccaro

“While the challenges and demands of being a caregiver still remain – low compensation, feelings of stress and exhaustion, and risk of catching infectious diseases – this survey shows that caregivers remain committed to their work to improve the lives of their patients,” said Stephen Vaccaro, President of HHAeXchange. “As more individuals seek homecare options, the homecare industry must continue to evolve to ensure caregivers are given the resources and recognition they need to remain motivated and focused on patient care.”

Training

Another important finding from the survey was caregivers’ interest in receiving professional training as an additional resource to improve their career satisfaction and longevity. Specifically, the caregivers surveyed said they would be interested in receiving training related to reducing stress (24%), understanding how to treat patients with specific illnesses (18%), and how to use additional medical equipment (14%).

“Training is a critical component of caregiving that improves caregiver job satisfaction, confidence, and improves care outcomes,” said Glen Persaud, Vice President at New York Health Care Inc. “Our agency offers training opportunities and ensures our caregivers receive the help and support they need to ensure we are providing the best care possible.”

To learn more about HHAeXchange, and how it can help both homecare providers and caregivers through its solutions, visit hhaexchange.com/solutions/providers.

Survey Methodology

This survey was conducted by HHAeXchange from April 8 to July 31, 2024, among more than 3,900 caregivers across a variety of the company’s homecare agency clients. For complete survey methodology, please contact michelle.rand@alloycrew.com.

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About HHAeXchange

Founded in 2008, HHAeXchange is a leading technology platform for homecare and self-direction program management. Developed specifically for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), HHAeXchange connects state agencies, managed care organizations, providers, and caregivers through its intuitive web-based platform, enabling unparalleled communication, transparency, efficiency, and compliance. For more information, visit hhaexchange.com or follow the company on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

M&A: Commure Acquires Augmedix

Artificial Intelligence

by Rowan Report | Aug 1, 2024 | Artificial Intelligence, M&A, Partner News

Acquisition Creates Large AI Software Provider

by Tanay Tandon, CEO, Commure

Today I’m excited to share that Commure is signing to acquire Augmedix (NASDAQ: AUGX) and take the company private. Combined, we believe we’re creating one of the largest, most comprehensive, and fastest-growing artificial intelligence software suites in healthcare.

AI Scribing

Augmedix is a pioneer in the space of Ambient AI-powered medical scribing, with technology and personnel serving over 20 major health systems and hundreds of sites of care. Together, we believe we can dramatically boost the productivity of every physician in America using language models that transcribe appointments, autonomously code them, and supercharge back-office operations for billing teams.

The companies together are on track to power over 3 million physician appointments using artificial intelligence, ambient scribing, and revenue cycle automation this year. Commure Scribe, and Augmedix Go on average save a physician 2 hours of documentation time a day, reducing documentation time by more than 80%, and help generate billions of dollars in productivity savings for providers across the country.

(Left to Right): Tanay Tandon, Ian Shakil, Hemant Taneja, and Manny Krakaris

Powerful Combination

Augmedix and Commure both partner closely with the country’s premiere hospital systems. Augmedix’s progress in deploying LLM-powered technology within those systems has been genuinely amazing.

Commure today processes billions of dollars worth of healthcare payments, and has the fastest growing Ambient AI scribe + documentation tool deployed within hundreds of health systems and private practices. Our technology suite helps power over 250,000 providers nationally. And with the Augmedix acquisition that number will grow even further.

As I’ve gotten to know Ian and Manny – founder and CEO respectively at Augmedix – it’s become clear they share a common passion with Commure for deploying artificial intelligence to supercharge provider operations and boost the productivity of the US economy.

In line with the health assurance vision, we believe this combination further unlocks an ecosystem of companies that can collaborate to transform healthcare. In partnership with Augmedix, Commure is poised to become the single, AI-powered interface for providers, accelerating innovation and our shared goal of creating a more proactive, accessible, and affordable system of care.

In the coming months, we hope to announce much more about how the combined company’s product suites will help transform provider operations at all the systems we partner with.

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About Commure

Commure, Inc. is connecting disparate datasets, surfacing meaningful insights, accelerating performance through a suite of intuitive applications, and enabling seamless innovation across the healthcare industry. Commure’s mission is to empower every person in the health ecosystem to deliver exceptional care. Commure’s original applications include solutions to improve staff safety, enhance clinical workflow, and bolster revenue operations. Currently, the company enables more than 160,000 clinicians and staff across more than 500 care facilities to advance care through collaboration. With Athelas in the portfolio, Commure will add thousands of clinicians and over 100,000 patients to its national network. Combined, Commure and Athelas is backed by General Catalyst, Sequoia, Lux, Human Capital, 8VC, Greenoaks Capital and Elad Gil. Learn more at commure.com.

M&A: HHAeXchange Acquires Generations Homecare System

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Jul 26, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michelle Rand

855.300.8209

Michelle.rand@alloycrew.com

HHAeXchange Acquires Generations Homecare System, Enhancing its Software Platform for Homecare Stakeholders

Through the acquisition, HHAeXchange will expand footprint into new states and gain talent with deep homecare technology experience

NEW YORK, July 8, 2024 – HHAeXchange, a leader in homecare management solutions for providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), state Medicaid agencies, and fiscal intermediaries, today announced its acquisition of Generations Homecare System. Generations provides an all-in-one homecare agency management software solution that gives providers the ability to connect care teams, simplify daily tasks, and maintain compliance. This acquisition brings together two companies sharing a common vision and values, aimed at driving innovation and excellence in homecare.

The homecare industry is poised for tremendous additional growth, with demand for personal care aides expected to rise by 43% between 2020 and 2035. Industry stakeholders need a software platform that can rapidly evolve to meet the requirements and growing needs of providers, caregivers, and payers – particularly when it comes to compliance and usability.

“As HHAeXchange remains focused on building a better product that supports our dynamic industry, we’re thrilled to combine forces with the Generations team, which is known for its homecare technology expertise,” said Paul Joiner, HHAeXchange’s Chief Executive Officer. “This deeper talent bench, along with an expanded geographic footprint, will move us closer to fulfilling our mission of enabling caregivers, families, providers, and payers to deliver the best care in the home.”

Building on HHAeXchange’s recent acquisition of Cashé Software, a leading Minnesota-based solution for homecare operations and billing, the Generations acquisition will enable HHAeXchange to further expand its footprint into new states and add talent with deep expertise in homecare technology – ultimately driving more value for clients, partners, and others across the industry.

“At HHAeXchange, we’re dedicated to revolutionizing homecare by empowering providers with the best tools and solutions. Our recent acquisitions of Cashé Software and Generations Homecare System represent a significant milestone in this journey, underscoring our commitment to enhancing the care experience for caregivers and members nationwide. With this newly fortified combination of expertise and values, we’re strategically positioned to drive meaningful change in the industry and make a lasting impact on the lives we serve,” Joiner added.

Generations has been dedicated to creating a quality homecare software service for the growing homecare industry since it was founded in 2002. Committed to the promise of providing exceptional technology, Generations is used by over 700 customers in 48 states across the U.S.

Lisa Ferden, Generations Co-Founder and COO, and Lance Ferden, Generations Co-Founder and CTO, will work in advisory roles over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

“Generations was built on the foundation of providing exceptional technology, always keeping usability and intuitiveness at the forefront of our homecare software service,” said Lisa Ferden, COO and co-founder of Generations Homecare System. “But what has always set us apart is our commitment to providing an unparalleled customer experience. From our onboarding process to our help system and our customer success team we care deeply about doing our best with every customer interaction. We are thrilled to combine this passion with HHAeXchange’s strengths and push the homecare industry forward.”

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About HHAeXchange

Founded in 2008, HHAeXchange is the leading technology platform for homecare and self-direction program management. Developed specifically for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS), HHAeXchange connects state agencies, managed care organizations, providers, and caregivers through its intuitive web-based platform, enabling unparalleled communication, transparency, efficiency, and compliance. For more information, visit hhaexchange.com or follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Axxess Announces Agile 2025

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Jul 26, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Johnathan Eaves
(903) 445-6969
jeaves@axxess.com

Axxess 2025 AGILE Conference to be held May 5-7 in Dallas

DALLAS, July 18, 2024 – Axxess, the leading global technology innovator for healthcare at home, today announced the 2025 Axxess Growth, Innovation and Leadership Experience (AGILE) will be held May 5–7 at the Fairmont hotel in downtown Dallas.

Each year several hundred care at home thought leaders, industry providers and partners attend AGILE to learn and share insights to help build the future of healthcare at home. The conference also features valuable networking opportunities and educational sessions on topics at the leading edge of care at home. Clinicians earn much needed continuing education units toward their license renewal.

“AGILE is the must-attend event for anyone involved in care at home,” said John Olajide, Founder and CEO of Axxess. “We are excited about the future of care in the home and believe AGILE 2025 will play a crucial role in advancing our industry by fostering innovation and bringing our community together to learn and grow. Next year’s conference will feature thought-provoking keynote speakers, informative breakout sessions and interactive workshops, all focused on the latest trends, technologies and best practices. I know that AGILE 2025 will inspire and equip attendees with the knowledge they need to provide exceptional care and drive positive change in the care at home industry.”

Attendees can also learn about new solutions and practical applications of the insights shared during sessions by visiting an exhibit showcase featuring the latest products and services from leading care at home solution vendors. More than 50 organizations sponsored the 2024 AGILE conference.

Registration for AGILE 2025 will open in the fall of 2024. For more information, visit the AGILE conference website.

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About Axxess

Axxess is the leading global technology innovator for healthcare at home, focused on solving the most complex industry challenges. Trusted by more than 9,000 organizations that serve more than 5 million patients worldwide, Axxess offers a complete suite of easy-to-use software solutions that empower home health, home care, hospice, and palliative providers to make healthcare at home human again. Multiple independent certifications have confirmed that Axxess has the most secure and industry-compliant software available for providers. The company’s collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence is recognized nationally as a “Best Place to Work.”

HHAeXchange Opens Minnesota Office

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Jul 26, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michelle Rand

855.300.8209

Michelle.rand@alloycrew.com

HHAeXchange Opens Minnesota Office and Call Center, Expanding Technical Support Team

The office and call center opening will strengthen HHAeXchange’s technical support and fuel job creation in Minnesota

NEW YORK, July 18, 2024 – HHAeXchange, a leader in homecare management solutions for providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and state Medicaid agencies, today announced the opening of a new Minnesota office and call center for its Technical Customer Care team and local company employees. The strategically located call center in Bloomington, MN will offer localized, skilled agents to provide timely, efficient, and responsive customer support.

This investment is one of many designed to enhance HHAeXchange’s customer care capabilities, while also creating job opportunities and growth in the local area. Minnesota is ripe for technology expansion, particularly within the medical technology industry, accounting for 380,263 jobs in 2019 and ranking 13th highest in high-tech jobs among all states, making it a perfect fit for HHAeXchange’s new location.

This announcement comes on the heels of HHAeXchange’s recent acquisition of Cashé Software, a leading Minnesota-based solution for homecare operations and billing. Integrating Cashé talent with deep domain and regional expertise will further support HHAeXchange in creating a leading homecare software platform and a strengthened presence in Minnesota.

“As HHAeXchange continues to advance its homecare management solutions to best meet the needs of today’s customers, we also remain focused on our service and support capabilities to ensure caregivers, families, providers, and payers are able to provide the best care in the home,” said Paul Joiner, HHAeXchange’s Chief Executive Officer. “Both the acquisition of Cashé and our increased presence in Minnesota will help us make this vision possible.”

In tandem with the new office and call center opening, HHAeXchange is launching multiple customer experience initiatives across its business, including:

- Streamlined support processes to ensure swift and accurate issue resolution, minimizing delays that might impact service delivery.
- Enhanced focus on workforce optimization aiming for peak efficiency across all call centers.
- Increased investment in training and onboarding to resolve technical issues as they arise.

Tammy Prause, VP of Technical Customer Care for HHAeXchange, will be spearheading these initiatives to improve HHAeXchange’s overall technical support.

“Through my 30 years of experience, I’ve gained a deep understanding of what truly drives customer satisfaction, and in my newly appointed position, I am dedicated to elevating the support HHAeXchange provides its customers,” said Prause. “These company-wide initiatives, coupled with our expanded presence in Minnesota, further our commitment to fulfilling our customers’ needs and exceeding their expectations.”

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About HHAeXchange

Founded in 2008, HHAeXchange is the leading technology platform for homecare and self-direction program management. Developed specifically for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS), HHAeXchange connects state agencies, managed care organizations, providers, and caregivers through its intuitive web-based platform, enabling unparalleled communication, transparency, efficiency, and compliance. For more information, visit hhaexchange.com or follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Axxess to Offer Cybersecurity to Clients

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Jul 19, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Christine Shein

(214) 435-6731

cstein@axxess.com

Axxess Partners With Security Compliance Associates to Offer Comprehensive Cybersecurity Services to Clients

DALLAS, July 11, 2024 – Axxess, the leading global technology innovator for healthcare at home, and Security Compliance Associates (SCA), a leading provider of comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, have partnered to offer Axxess clients tailored, cost-effective cybersecurity services.

Through this collaboration, Axxess clients have access to a robust suite of cybersecurity services offered by SCA, including penetration testing, risk assessments and cyber regulatory compliance. These services are specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by the home healthcare industry, ensuring sensitive patient data remains protected against the evolving landscape of cyberthreats.

“Our partnership with Security Compliance Associates complements our industry-leading secure software solutions, providing our clients with additional specialized cybersecurity services,” said Chris Taylor, senior vice president of channel partnerships at Axxess. “By leveraging SCA’s expertise in healthcare cybersecurity, we are enhancing our clients’ ability to safeguard sensitive data, ensuring they can deliver exceptional care with utmost confidence in their operational security.”

SCA’s services will help Axxess clients navigate the complexities of cybersecurity compliance, safeguard patient information and enhance their overall security posture. This partnership comes at a critical time when the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the healthcare sector is increasingly paramount.

“Security Compliance Associates is very excited to partner with Axxess to provide a full range of cybersecurity and compliance services to the home healthcare industry,” said Jim Brahm, CEO of Security Compliance Associates. “With the alarming and detrimental cyberattacks specifically targeting the healthcare industry causing significant business interruption, the time is now to proactively protect your practice and stay in compliance with the state and federal security and privacy laws.”

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About Axxess

Axxess is the leading global technology innovator for healthcare at home, focused on solving the most complex industry challenges. Trusted by more than 9,000 organizations that serve more than 5 million patients worldwide, Axxess offers a complete suite of easy-to-use software solutions that empower home health, home care, hospice, and palliative providers to make healthcare in the home human again. Multiple independent certifications have confirmed that Axxess has the most secure and industry-compliant software available for providers. The company’s collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence is recognized nationally as a “Best Place to Work.”

About Security Compliance Associates

Security Compliance Associates (SCA) specializes in providing tailored cybersecurity solutions that help healthcare organizations meet stringent regulatory requirements from HIPAA and HITRUST. Their services include penetration testing, risk assessments, cyber regulatory compliance and more, ensuring sensitive patient data remains secure.

Ohio HHA Violated Anti-Kickback Statute

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Jul 19, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Office of Public Affairs

July 1, 2024 — Guardian Health Care Inc., Gem City Home Care LLC and Care Connection of Cincinnati LLC, home health agencies operating in Texas, Ohio and Indiana, along with their owner Evolution Health LLC (together, the Companies), have agreed to pay $4,496,330 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly providing illegal kickbacks to assisted living facilities and physicians in exchange for Medicare referrals.

This settlement resolves allegations that, from 2013 to 2022, Guardian Health Care, Gem City Home Care and Care Connection of Cincinnati provided lease payments and other valuable benefits, including wellness health services, sports tickets and meals, to numerous assisted living facilities and their residents, as well as certain health care providers, in exchange for referrals of Medicare beneficiaries. The home health agencies then billed Medicare for the home health services they provided to the referred patients.

The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits the provision of remuneration with the intent to induce referrals of government health care program business. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives. Claims that are knowingly submitted in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute are ineligible for payment and can violate the False Claims Act.

“It is imperative to ensure that improper financial incentives play no role in decisions regarding patient care,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s resolution demonstrates the department’s commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs and the medical treatment received by their beneficiaries.”

The Companies received credit under the department’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation and remediation into account in False Claims Act cases. Among other actions, the Companies disclosed the conduct to the government, identified the individuals involved and assisted in the determination of losses caused to Medicare.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

Trial Attorney Elizabeth A. Strawn of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Stewart for the Southern District of Ohio handled the matter.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. And there has been no determination of liability.

Settlement

New Chief Operating Officer at Axxess

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Jul 19, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Johnathan Eaves

(903) 445-6969

jeaves@axxess.com

Tom Codd Appointed Chief Operating Officer at Axxess

Codd to Leverage Extensive Background Serving Global Corporations

DALLAS, July 3, 2024 – Axxess, the leading technology innovator for healthcare at home, announced that Tom Codd has been appointed Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Codd will be responsible for leading Axxess’ global operations and driving the company’s continued growth.

“Tom joined Axxess two years ago as our first Chief People Officer and has done exceptional work growing our talent and ensuring we maintain our award-winning culture as we expand,” said John Olajide, Founder and CEO of Axxess. “His extensive leadership experience and years managing global activities has been invaluable to our growth. As he transitions into his new role, we are excited about the continued positive impact he will have on our ambitious plans. His contributions will help us realize our vision of being the leading care at home technology company, and most admired for our people, partnerships and solutions.”

Codd has more than 40 years of experience in business and financial leadership. Prior to joining Axxess, he was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he served multinational and private equity clients in various industries. He held numerous leadership positions at PwC, including Managing Partner of North Texas, Vice Chairman and U.S. Human Capital Leader, and U.S. Fit for Growth Managing Partner.

Codd is a CPA and financial expert with human capital and governance expertise. His leadership competencies include business strategy and operations, M&A, inclusion, equity and diversity, international and risk management.

“John has done an extraordinary job in building Axxess with an exceptional culture comprised of dynamic and innovative people who are committed to ensuring the future of healthcare is in the home,” said Codd. “I continue to be impressed by Axxess’ commitment to providing high-quality solutions for the care at home industry while cultivating a positive work environment. I am eager to keep collaborating with the talented team at Axxess to help the company achieve its full potential.”

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About Axxess

Axxess is the leading technology innovator for healthcare at home, focused on solving the most complex industry challenges. Trusted by more than 9,000 organizations that serve more than 3 million patients worldwide, Axxess offers a complete suite of easy-to-use software solutions that empower home health, home care, hospice, and palliative providers to make healthcare in the home human again. The company’s collaborative culture focused on innovation and excellence is recognized nationally as a “Best Place to Work.”

Unifying our Brand as Activated Insights

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Jul 12, 2024 | Partner News

by Bud Meadows, CEO, Activated Insight

A Letter from the CEO

In 2023, we united the leading post-acute and long-term care technology companies to deliver mission critical applications and analytics to enable better care. These companies were aligned in a shared mission to help improve experiences for our customers, employees and for the people in their care. Now operating as a single entity, we are unifying under a single brand that demonstrates the breadth of our capabilities and aligns to each of the markets we serve.

I am thrilled to announce that we are now consolidating our growth under one unified name: Activated Insights. This new name clearly reflects our dedication to serving the long-term and post-acute care market, and it better represents our diverse range of unique capabilities.

As we transition to Activated Insights over the coming months, you’ll benefit from our integrated capabilities designed to empower employees to deliver the very best care, and make clients feel like they’re receiving just that. And we’re committed to doing our part by:

Providing you with the data to help recruit and retain employees.
Educating and supporting your clinical and care staff.
Enabling you to improve the experience of the people in your care through our unique analytics, workflow, and benchmarking.
Informing and enhancing internal processes so you can demonstrate your commitment to those you hire and serve.

Although we are adopting a new name, the heart and mission of who we are remains the same. We are dedicated to helping you make the most of every interaction for your employees, clients, and beyond.

Our goal is to keep you well-informed and ensure your experience with us remains seamless throughout this transition. You can expect to see updated branded materials in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Bud Meadows

Chief Executive Officer, Activated Insights, Formerly HCP

Disincentives for Information Blocking

Partner News

by Rowan Report | Jul 12, 2024 | Partner News, Regulatory

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2024

Contact: HHS Press Office
202-690-6343
media@hhs.gov

HHS Finalizes Rule Establishing Disincentives for Health Care Providers That Have Committed Information Blocking

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today released a final rule that establishes disincentives for health care providers that have committed information blocking. This final rule exercises the Secretary’s authority under the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act) to establish “disincentives” for health care providers who engage in practices that the health care providers knew were unreasonable and were likely to interfere with, prevent, or materially discourage the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information (EHI), except as required by law or covered by a regulatory exception.

“This final rule is designed to ensure we always have access to our own health information and that our care teams have the benefit of this information to guide their decisions. With this action, HHS is taking a critical step toward a health care system where people and their health providers have access to their electronic health information,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “When health information can be appropriately accessed and exchanged, care is more coordinated and efficient, allowing the health care system to better serve patients. But we must always take the necessary actions to ensure patient privacy and preferences are protected – and that’s exactly what this rule does.”

HHS has established the following disincentives for health care providers found by the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) to have committed information blocking and referred by OIG to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):

Under the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program, an eligible hospital or critical access hospital (CAH) that has committed information blocking and is referred to CMS by OIG will not be a meaningful electronic health record (EHR) user during the calendar year of the EHR reporting period in which OIG refers its determination to CMS. If the eligible hospital is not a meaningful EHR user, the eligible hospital will not be able to earn three quarters of the annual market basket increase they would have been able to earn for successful program participation; for CAHs, payment will be reduced to 100 percent of reasonable costs instead of 101 percent. This disincentive will be effective 30 days after publication of the final rule.

Under the Promoting Interoperability performance category of the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), a MIPS eligible clinician (including a group practice) who has committed information blocking will not be a meaningful EHR user during the calendar year of the performance period in which OIG refers its determination to CMS. If the MIPS eligible clinician is not a meaningful EHR user, then they will receive a zero score in the MIPS Promoting Interoperability performance category. The MIPS Promoting Interoperability performance category score is typically a quarter of an individual MIPS eligible clinician’s or group’s total final score in a performance period/MIPS payment year, unless an exception applies and the MIPS eligible clinician is not required to report measures for the performance category. CMS has modified its policy for this disincentive to clarify that if an individual eligible clinician is found to have committed information blocking and is referred to CMS, the disincentive under the MIPS Promoting Interoperability performance category will only apply to the individual, even if they report as part of a group. This disincentive will be effective 30 days after publication of the final rule.

Under the Medicare Shared Savings Program, a health care provider that is an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), ACO participant, or ACO provider or supplier who has committed information blocking may be ineligible to participate in the program for a period of at least one year. Consequently, the health care provider may not receive revenue that they might otherwise have earned through the Shared Savings Program. CMS also finalized in this rule that it will consider the relevant facts and circumstances (e.g. time since the information blocking conduct, the health care provider’s diligence in identifying and correcting the problem, whether the provider was previously subject to a disincentive in another program, etc.) before applying a disincentive under the Shared Savings Program. This disincentive will be effective 30 days after publication of the final rule; however, any disincentive under the Shared Savings Program would be imposed after January 1, 2025.

Additional disincentives may be established through future rulemaking.

This HHS final rule complements OIG’s final rule from June 2023 that established penalties for information blocking actors other than health care providers, as identified in the Cures Act (health information technology (IT) developers of certified health IT or other entities offering certified health IT, health information exchanges, and health information networks). If OIG determines that any of these individuals or entities committed information blocking, they may be subject to a civil monetary penalty of up to $1 million per violation.

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) and CMS will host a joint information session about the final rule on June 26, 2024 at 2pm ET. More information can be found at healthit.gov/informationblocking and via ONC’s X account, @ONC_HealthIT.

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All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other news materials are available at https://www.hhs.gov/news.
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Last revised: June 24, 2024