Integrating Hospice Into Primary Care: Your Health’s Strategic Rollout

Show Notes / Summary

• Why launch hospice now: continuity, fewer hospitalizations, value-based alignment
• Clarifying myths: CNA hours on hospice, attending provider still leads care
• RAF & staffing logic: ~$6k/mo hospice per diem ↔ RAF ~5; translating RAF → weekly CNA/CHW hours
• Nurse incentives: $150 per admission; double telehealth-assist credit on hospice patients
• Software + workflow: Athena ↔ WellSky (care plans, documentation, pull-through)
• Facility model: converting buildings; estimating FTEs from hospice census + RAF
• Chaplain/social work: leverage in-region LSWs; connect to patient’s faith community
• Respite options: Medicare respite/GIP + GUIDE program for dementia (up to $2,500yr)
• Therapy as palliative strength: weekly PTA/COTA; telehealth support
• After-hours model: optional call, $300 RN death/critical visit; $150 for non-nurse critical checks
• Guardrails: clinical judgment first; financials inform—not dictate—care

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