Home Health Revealed (+Palliative and Hospice)

In hospice, everything starts with philosophy, but documentation and compliance determine sustainability. In this episode, we’re joined by Deanna Heath of KanTime to discuss the critical mindset shift from cure-focused care to comfort-focused care, and what that means for hospice leadership, documentation, and regulatory compliance. As CMS oversight increases and the HOPE tool, audit scrutiny, and reimbursement pressure reshape the landscape, hospice agencies must ensure their documentation tells the full clinical story. Deanna shares insight from the technology side, while we explore how EMR systems should support — not replace — strong operational processes and compliance strategy. Together, we unpack: • Hospice documentation requirements and audit readiness • Compliance risk areas and regulatory trends • The evolving role of EMR systems in hospice operations • Leadership alignment and its impact on audit outcomes and revenue integrity • Preparing for HOPE and shifting CMS expectations Whether you’re a hospice administrator, compliance leader, or revenue cycle executive, this conversation offers practical insight into building operational strength while protecting reimbursement. Strong hospice care requires more than compassion, it requires clarity, alignment, and documentation that truly tells the patient’s story. Chapters (00:00:03) - Home Health Revealed: Dena Heath(00:00:52) - Hospice People Handle Chaos Better(00:02:36) - What Do Hospice Clinicians Need Most?(00:03:47) - What Surprises Home Health Leaders Most When They Step into Hospice(00:09:38) - The Biggest Documentation Challenge for Hospices in 2026(00:16:58) - Cantime Compliance Review(00:23:32) - No Pain Points in Hospice(00:27:26) - Snowboarding in the snow

In this episode of Home Health Revealed, host Hannah Vale sits down with hospice physician and national educator Dr. Lauren Templeton to unpack why every hospice and home health professional’s voice matters in advocacy, quality, and compliance. Drawing on her work with the Pennant Group, Weatherbee Resources, and national organizations, Dr. Templeton shares practical ways bedside clinicians, leaders, and medical directors can influence hospice regulations at the community, state, and federal levels. You’ll hear how engaged hospice physicians serve as the “number one compliance officer,” what meaningful documentation looks like when audits are inevitable, and why understanding the “why” behind the rules transforms quality and compliance from a checkbox task into a strong foundation for patient care. Dr. Templeton also highlights education pathways—from hospice boot camps and webinars to state associations and national alliances—that help teams strengthen eligibility decisions, interdisciplinary documentation, and day-to-day operations. Whether you’re a hospice medical director, administrator, nurse, or quality leader, this conversation will equip you to advocate more confidently, engage your physicians more effectively, and protect both your patients and your organization in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed: Lauren Templeton(00:01:41) - My Voice Really Matters in Advocacy(00:07:16) - What educational opportunities exist for hospice professionals in quality and compliance?(00:13:41) - What Does an Engaged Hospice Physician Look Like?(00:17:51) - Have I Got What You Need For Your Hospice?(00:18:35) - Your voice does matter

What really happens when a nurse walks through a patient’s front door instead of a hospital doorway? In this episode of Home Health Revealed, host Hannah Vale heads into the field with home health nurses in snowy Northeast Ohio and then sits down with leaders from Lorain County Community College and the Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice to unpack what she witnessed firsthand. You’ll hear from: Christopher Hirschler, Dean of the Health and Wellness Science Division at Lorain County Community College Lisa Von Lemden, Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice Hannah DiVencenzo, Program Developer at Lorain County Community College Cynthia Kushner, Director of School, Workforce and Community partnerships Abigail Farabaugh, Career and Academic Advisement Professional Together, they share powerful stories from recent ride‑alongs: organizing overflowing baskets of medications, navigating homes transformed into care spaces, and supporting families through heartbreaking seasons with remarkable resilience. You’ll also hear about those “oh no” moments—like expired blood tubes in the trunk—and how strong team backup turns solo visits into a true network of care. Listen in to learn: Why being invited into a patient’s home is “sacred” work and how it reveals social determinants of health in real time, from housing quality to family support to mental health. How home health nurses flex between roles—clinician, educator, advocate, problem‑solver, even “therapist”—often in the same visit. What schedule flexibility, point‑based pay models, and documentation from home actually look like in a real nurse’s day (including coffee breaks between visits). How AI and technology are changing preparation for visits, decision‑making, and mentorship for newer nurses entering home health.  Why home care can be a smart career move for nurses who want autonomy, meaningful one‑on‑one time with patients, and strong earning potential—without punching a time clock. The episode also highlights new workforce and education partnerships, including a $2 million Department of Higher Education investment into the Center for Community Based Care to grow and support the next generation of home health and hospice clinicians across Ohio. Lorain County Community College shares how it is exposing students to home health early—through ride‑alongs, pathways content, and mentorship—so they can discover if this deeply relational kind of nursing is the right fit. If you’re: A nursing student wondering what’s beyond the ICU or med‑surg, A nurse craving more control over your time and deeper patient relationships, or An educator or leader trying to build stronger home health pathways… …this episode will challenge your assumptions about what nursing “has” to look like and show you what’s possible when care comes to the couch instead of the bedside. Learn more & get connected: Ohio Council for Home Care & Hospice / Center for Community Based Care: visit www.ochch.org and use the Contact Us form to inquire about tuition support, grants, and workforce opportunities across Ohio. Interested in educational pathways at... Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed: Why the Home Matters(00:01:28) - Home Health: The Journey(00:07:35) - The Home Health Care Nurse Experience(00:13:13) - The Day in the Life of Home Health(00:16:30) - Social determinants of health in the home(00:20:06) - What is Home Health Care for People?(00:22:17) - The role of nurses in the field(00:25:59) - Home Health Nurse Training: Flexibility(00:31:39) - Home Care and Hospice Programs(00:36:08) - Home Care: The Career Choice(00:42:31) - Riding Along With a Home Health Nurse(00:45:58) - Home Health Care: A Personal Experience

In this episode, Hannah Vale is joined by Lisa Meadows, Senior Manager, Survey Operations, at ACHC (Accreditation Commission for Health Care), for a timely conversation on how home health agencies can stay compliant while operating with smaller margins and fewer resources.  Hannah discusses the new partnership and product certification for Velocity. Lisa shares how ACHC is helping agencies meet evolving regulations, improve operational efficiency, and "do more with less"! We also discuss how agencies can access free education through ACHCU. ACHCU provides leaders and teams with practical, on-demand learning to stay prepared and confident in a constantly changing regulatory environment.  From accreditation and survey readiness to workforce education and smarter processes, this episode highlights how compliance can become a strategic advantage.  Learn about HealthRev Partners' partnership with ACHC HERE.  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:00:42) - Lisa Meadows at the ACCreditation Conference(00:01:57) - Top of Mind for Hospice Providers(00:02:49) - ACHC: Helping Providers Meet the Regulations

In this power punching episode, we sat down with Jonathan Fleece of Empath Health for a timely and important conversation. When we recorded this episode, the home health Final Rule had not yet been released, but the insights shared remain highly relevant now that it is public.  While the proposed 9% cut would have been catastrophic for the home health industry, even the finalized cuts continue to place real pressure on agencies across the country. At the same time, this moment also highlighted something worth recognizing: the industry rallied! Providers, leaders, and advocates came together to offer meaningful feedback and that collective voice mattered! The episode was co-hosted by Mike Quinn of nVoq, who brings a powerful personal perspective. Mike shares his own experience as a recipient of care through Empath, an unexpected and meaningful connection that surfaced during the conversation. That firsthand experience underscores the impact of care delivered well.  Jonathan dives deep into employee retention and workforce development, emphasizing the importance of listening, truly listening, to staff in order to drive smarter policies, meaningful change, and innovation within organizations. His perspective reinforces that sustainable growth starts with engaged, supported teams.  We also explore how Empath is leveraging nVoq's talk to text technology to empower clinicians in the field, reducing documentation burden and helping teams do more with less. With so much technology flooding the market, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what actually works---solutions that deliver a real return on investment and a return on time.  In an environment defined by cuts, complexity, and workforce challenges, technology isn't a nice-to-have; it's a lifeline. This episode bring a grounded, honest look at what's working, what matters, and how home health agencies can move forward with intention.  Want to learn more about the HealthRev Partners and nVoq partnership? 

In this episode of Home Health Revealed, host Hannah Vale and co-host Ethan Schwarzbach from FlyChain are joined by Kara Cox from Capitol Home Health for one of the most eye-opening conversations of the year.  Kara shares a retention strategy almost no one in home health is talking about: quarterly employee bonuses. Yes, bonuses! In addition to celebrations and personal recognition, employees see the results of the overall agency success in a real way.  And the results?  Higher retention, stronger morale, and a company culture people don't want to leave.  We dive in to the measurable impact on employee satisfaction and retention, the role that recognition plays in sustaining culture, and have a financial weigh-in from Ethan on how the bottom line is impacted when employees stay.  Did you know that the FlyChain and HealthRev partnership are helping agencies achieve better financial health with their Advanced Funding Program? Learn more here: https://healthrevpartners.com/resource-center/advanced-funding/  Check out HealthRev's Resource Center to learn more about how Coding and Billing services backed with technology are preparing agencies for a better financial future. 

In this episode of Home Health Revealed, hosts Hannah Vale and Joe Russell sit down with Lindsay Williams, founder of Four Pillars Hospice in Texas, for a truly powerful conversation on what it truly takes to open and grow a hospice agency today.  Lindsay shares her journey launching a hospice while navigating the realities of purchasing a location, serving rural communities across long distances, and building a team capable of wearing multiple hats. From salaries clinicians who balance care delivery with outreach, to the day to day decisions that shape a new agency's identity, Lindsay pulls back the curtain on the challenges and opportunities of building something meaningful.  This episode explores "the power of the pivot" when regulations, geography and resources don't align, how innovative staffing models can create stability and continuity, lessons learned from starting a hospice in rural Texas (and renting a jet to get from place to place). More than anything, this is a lesson about how flexibility, grit, and mission-driven leadership shape success.  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:00:32) - An Ohioan on the Issues(00:01:16) - Startup Four Pillars Hospice(00:04:00) - Hospice Care for Rural Communities(00:06:03) - Hospice: Utilizing the Community(00:07:15) - Hospice Care as a Rural Provider(00:12:48) - How Hospice Care is Collaborating(00:13:22) - Hospice CEO on Next Step(00:14:51) - Wonders of the World interview

Join us for a milestone celebration of Home Health Revealed by HealthRev Partners—our 100th episode! Reflect on four transformative years in home health: nationwide HHVBP rollout since 2022, PDGM-driven reimbursement cuts, climbing aide turnover near 35%, and the shift to value-based care and Medicare Advantage. We've covered it all—from staffing crises to AI tools and CMS final rules. Whether you're tackling AR aging, clinician burnout, or payer mix shifts, this retrospective delivers actionable takeaways from 100 episodes of industry truth. A HUGE thank you to our guests, our listeners, and our partners. Here's to the next 100 episodes! Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed: Turning 100 Episodes(00:01:19) - A Thanksgiving Special: Thank You(00:03:24) - Home Health Care: The Last Four Years(00:05:48) - Home Health Revealed: A 100-Episode Podcast(00:10:44) - Home Health Revealed: The Next 100 Episodes

Explore the essential updates from the official CMS Fact Sheet on the 2026 Home Health Final Rule in this episode of Home Health Revealed, hosted by Hannah Vale. This episode breaks down what the CMS rule means for home health agencies, covering payment changes, compliance updates, and care quality adjustments. Key highlights include: A 2.4% market payment update, offset by adjustments, resulting in an overall 1.3% reduction in Medicare payments to home health agencies. Recalibrated PDGM case-mix weights and updated LUPA thresholds, changing how agencies need to plan visits and document care. Important changes to the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (QRP), including removal of the COVID-19 vaccination measure, as well as updates to OASIS data elements. The launch of a revised Home Health CAHPS survey, new value-based purchasing measures, and changes in quality measure weightings. New compliance provisions and revised provider enrollment rules designed to ensure program integrity and fight fraud. Whether you’re an agency leader, clinician, or RCM professional, this episode provides everything you need to know direct from CMS guidance to keep your agency compliant, competitive, and prepared for 2026. Don’t miss Hannah’s expert take and practical tips for navigating the year’s most important regulatory updates. Like, share, and subscribe for more insights on home health policy, revenue cycle optimization, and industry trends. #HomeHealthRevealed #CMSFinalRule #HomeHealth2026 Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:00:36) - CMS Final Rules for Home Health Services (2026)(00:03:28) - CMS Final Rule 1, Home Health Payment Rates(00:05:47) - CMS Rule 6, Home Health Quality Reporting Program (HHQ(00:12:36) - CMS Final Rule 2026 for DME POS

In this episode, we welcome Nina Del Grande, Director of Quality- Home Health at Addus HomeCare, for an insightful discussion on why quality is the hearbeat of home health.  Nina brings her deep passion for quality to this conversation, showing how it influences everything from star ratings to documentation to the level of care delivered. Together, we dive into the important connection between the actual patient and the "paper patient", providing exceptional patient-facing care while maintaining compliance, how targeted education can strengthen both clinical outcomes and documentation, the impact of of quality on reimbursement, reputation, and clinician confidence, and practical strategies for leaders and clinicians to align care delivery with documentation requirements.  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:00:36) - How Quality Drives Everything at Addis Home Care(00:05:41) - President Trump on the culture of the NBA(00:05:58) - Democracy in the Elevator

In this episode of Home Health Revealed, we sit down with Mike Sokoloski, Director, Grassroots Advocacy at BAYADA Home Health Care to discuss one of the most impactful ways you can support home health- advocacy.  Mike shares how clinicians, agency leaders, and even patients can get involved at the state and national levels to influence legislation, improve reimbursement models, and protect access to home care services. This episode covers why advocacy is essential for the future of home health, how to get involved with your state and national associations, like Alliance for Home Care, including practical steps to take- even if you're new to advocacy.  Bayada is also launching their new podcast, "Home Care, You Say?" (worth following!).  Learn more about advocacy and get involved at heartsforhomecare.com  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:00:38) - Hearts for Home Care: On Advocacy(00:01:50) - Advertisements for Home Health and Hospice(00:03:20) - In the Elevator With Tom Rath

In this episode, recorded on site at the 2025 Alliance annual conference, Nicole Hoesing from Chadron  Hospice opens up about the true impact of hospice care, not just for patients, but for their families as well. Hospice isn't only about end-of-life care; it's about preserving dignity, offering comfort, and supporting loved ones long after the patient has passed.  Nicole shares about the emotional, spiritual, and practical support given to families and how some times the family support can be a deciding factor for a patient choosing hospice services.  Nicole also talks about how her time at Alliance allows her to focus on what she does, why she does it, and how to better take care of her team so they can take care of their patients who need that last grace.  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed: The Alliance in New Orleans(00:01:00) - Hospice Expo 2017: Talking About the Future

In this poppin' Alliance conference episode, Hannah Vale sits down with Jil Schexnayder from Kantime and Ashley Franciol with Complete Home Health to talk all things connection! Yes, including the Kantime popcorn. Together, they explore what staff truly appreciate, why giving back matters, and how vendors can build meaningful, people-first relationships in this space. Ashley also shares how Complete Home Health's services are helping patients remain safely in their homes while improving overall quality of life. It's a fun, heartfelt episode about showing up, supporting agencies, and making this industry feel a little more human.    Chapters (00:00:02) - Cantime Home Health and Hospice Conference(00:05:02) - Local People Talk New Orleans Beignets(00:05:54) - Home Health and Hospice Advocates(00:09:30) - How to Keep a Nursing Staff Happy

This Alliance conference episode wastes no time in diving in to what defines excellence in hospice and palliative care. Co-hosted with Jess Chew from Trella Health, Hannah Vale welcomes Natalie McNeal, Director of Hospice and In Home Palliative Care for Northeast Georgia Health System, Board Chair for the Georgia Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, and Education Chair for Alliance for Care at Home. Natalie shares practical insights on navigating accreditation, maintaining compliance and WHY is matters, and keeping person-centered care at the heart of every process. With a focus on doing the right things the right way, this thoughtful conversation blends compassion, leadership, heart, and a hometown connection in all the right ways.  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:01:12) - In the Elevator With Hospice Director Natalie McNeil(00:01:37) - Quality and Compliance in the Hospice Care Industry(00:03:04) - Georgia's hospice coverage

This Alliance conference episode brings big insights and even bigger New Orleans energy. Hannah Vale catches up with Miguel Aquino from Careficient to discuss how truly listening to people in the industry leads to smarter, more practical solutions. Between leadership lessons, a few laughs, and let's not forget the Cafe Du Monde chickory coffee, this episode is all about connection, collaboration, and culture.  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:01:06) - Cafe New Orleans(00:03:40) - Best Food In New Orleans

We're calling a timeout from home health to bring you something unexpected- a full on Dallas Cowboys trivia showdown with Jack Bell from Trella Health. Recorded live at the Alliance conference, this episode is packed with laughs and some test yourself against Jack Bell trivia questions. Sometimes you have to call an audible! It's a light-hearted break full of laughs so whether you're a football fan or just here to enjoy a little chaos between conference sessions, tune in!  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:00:32) - Golf Outing With Obsessed Cowboys(00:01:12) - Five Questions for Trella's CEO(00:01:50) - Multiple Choice Questions for the Dallas Cowboys(00:04:47) - Jerry Gets a Copy

In this Alliance Conference conversation, Hannah Vale from HealthRev Partners and Bobbi Heimsoth from Careficient talk with Carol Weir, a dedicated clinician and leader from rural Maine, Chief Clinical Officer with Andwell Health Partners, about the real-world challenges of providing care across the continuum. Carol shares her insights on how technology partnerships and strong collaboration can ease burden and "drill tech down to the human being." She passionately describes the need for technology to make the jobs of clinicians easier, especially in rural areas. 

In this kick off episode from the Alliance Conference Series, the HealthRev Partners team dives into one of the most important decisions a home health agency can make- whether to outsource billing. Discover the reasons these team members would outsource. Recorded live at the Alliance Conference, this episode sets the tone for a series exploring innovation, collaboration, and success acros the post-acute care industry.  If you've ever wondered whether outsourcing your billing could actually work for your agency, this episode is for you! The HealthRev Partners team breaks down the top reasons home health agencies choose to outsource and what THEY would look for in a strong partnership.  Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed: Revenue Cycle Management Conference(00:01:10) - Meet the VP of RCM at Health Residence(00:01:39) - Shailene Gets the Clap(00:02:24) - Home Health and Hospice Out-source(00:04:10) - "We need help with our agencies."(00:04:28) - What other things do you think businesses need to Outsourcing?(00:05:45) - Billing Specialist: What Do You Look For In A Candidate?(00:07:44) - Democracy in the Elevator

Host Hannah Vale sits down with Demetress Harrell—CEO of Hospice in the Pines, Board Chair of the Texas New Mexico Hospice Organization, National Organization Alliance for Care at Home Board Member, and a long-time leader in hospice care.  With more than 32 years of experience, Dr. Harrell shares her profound insights on effective leadership, emotional intelligence, and building resilient teams in hospice care. Listen as she explores: - How presence and accountability shape effective leadership in hospice - The role of emotional intelligence in creating positive staff culture - Strategies for leading through industry changes and regulatory updates - Preparing for the HOPE Assessment and its impact on patient outcomes - The importance of mission-driven work and empowering emerging leaders You'll hear stories from the front lines, practical advice for staff development, and a passionate outlook on why compassion and adaptability matter most in end-of-life care. If you’re a hospice leader, staff member, or emerging professional looking to make a greater impact, this episode will equip and inspire you. Connect with Dr. Harrell and Hospice in the Pines at [www.hospiceinthepines.org](https://www.hospiceinthepines.org), or by phone at 936-632-1514 / 1-800-324-8557. Don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes on the realities and opportunities in home health and hospice! #HomeHealthRevealed #HospiceLeadership #HOPEAssessment #HealthcarePodcast #EndOfLifeCare #TeamDevelopment #CompassionInCare #HospiceinthePines Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed: Leadership in Hospice Care(00:01:49) - A Leader's Role in the Community(00:03:11) - What is Effective Leadership in Hospice?(00:05:04) - What Makes a Leader Effective?(00:07:33) - The Role of Emotional Intelligence at Hospice in the Pines(00:17:50) - What advice would you give to emerging leaders in hospice?

For our final Live from the Alliance Conference episode of Home Health Revealed, Hannah Vale and Sara Nigro close out the series with an incredible conversation with Melissa Battistella of Cadre Hospice. With deep expertise in revenue cycle management (RCM) and years of hands-on leadership, Melissa shares what it really takes to guide teams through change while keeping people—and purpose—at the center. Melissa dives into: Leveraging human capital and why investing in your people delivers the greatest returns Teaching teams to master Medicare collections with confidence How to bundle into payor projects and document strategically so denied claims get paid The value of training as an investment, staying ahead of RCM “snowballs,” and building sandboxes for safe experimentation Avoiding analysis paralysis by creating safe spaces to use data, explore root causes, and strengthen decision-making Her insights make it clear: lasting success in RCM isn’t just about processes—it’s about people leading those processes. If you’re ready to rethink how you support, teach, and empower your team, this is the conversation for you. Chapters (00:00:02) - Home Health Revealed(00:00:53) - Revenue Cycle Team Lead(00:06:18) - What is your key to success?(00:09:02) - What's the most creative thing your team has done to stretch a(00:10:48) - Billing 101: Confidence in your EMR System(00:12:53) - Interview with RCM Home Health and Hospice CEO