Navigating the Wage Index: Insights from Industry Experts

The healthcare landscape is transforming before our eyes, shifting away from hospital-centered care toward home-based models. This fundamental change raises urgent questions about Medicare's outdated reimbursement systems, particularly for hospice providers facing the reality of a mere 2.6% rate increase while battling significant inflation.Join us in this illuminating conversation and in-depth discussion with industry experts Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios, and Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC, as they sit down with Chris and explore the complexities of the final 2026 Hospice Wage Index and its impact on hospice organizations.  Discover the challenges and opportunities within the current regulatory framework and gain valuable insights into strategic actions for the future.  So join us, this is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations.  This is timely and relevant.  GuestAnnette KiserChief Compliance Officer with TELEIOSJudi Lund PersonPrincipal, Lund Person & Associates LLC HostChris ComeauxPresident / CEO of TELEIOSTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

"Connection isn't new, it's just neglected.  And it's neglected now more than ever."  These powerful words from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ryan Jenkins set the stage for a transformative conversation about what might be our most critical yet overlooked human need.Despite our hyperconnected world of social media, texting, and endless digital communication, genuine connection continues to slip through our fingers.  Jenkins reveals the crucial distinction between mere communication and true connection – explaining how our brains process these experiences differently and why it matters so profoundly. The stakes couldn't be higher: lacking social connection is actually more harmful to your health than smoking twenty cigarettes daily for forty years.  In this episode of the Anatomy of Leadership, Ryan also discusses the critical importance of connection in leadership and the workplace.  He emphasizes that connection is often neglected despite being a fundamental human need. The conversation explores generational differences in experiencing loneliness, the challenges of remote work, and the innovative AI tool Rivet designed to foster connections. Jenkins shares actionable insights for leaders to cultivate meaningful relationships within their teams, highlighting the necessity of being intentional about connection in an increasingly digital world.  Guest: Ryan Jenkins, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Leadership Author and Keynote SpeakerHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS and author of The Anatomy Of Leadershiphttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-future-of-work-prioritizing-human-connectionTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Path to the Future May be the Un-obvious - Top News Stories, July 2025 The future of hospice care hangs in the balance as providers navigate a perfect storm of challenges and opportunities. From financial pressures closing hospice houses to unprecedented Medicare fraud schemes, from technological disruption to changing consumer expectations – the hospice field stands at a critical inflection point that demands both reflection and action.Join hosts Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner as they delve into the latest trends and challenges in Hospice and Palliative Care, discussing key trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the field. This episode covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of healthcare layoffs, disruptive innovations, and the importance of disaster preparedness. They also discuss the evolving landscape of Hospice Care, the role of technology, and the significance of maintaining an authentic brand in the field.  Join us.HostChris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOSCohostCordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analyticshttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-path-to-the-future-may-be-the-un-obvious-top-news-stories-july-2025Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What does it take to lead in one of the most complex corners of healthcare?In this crossover episode with TCNtalks and Anatomy of Leadership, we delve into the complexities of leadership in healthcare, particularly in Hospice and multi-service settings. Rebecca Ramsay and Mark Jarman-Howe, two dynamic leaders who are navigating the evolving world of Hospice and multi-service healthcare with vision and heart,  share their experiences in managing diverse service lines, emphasizing the importance of culture, workforce resilience, and community engagement.Rebecca and Mark discuss the challenges of balancing mission and margin while fostering innovation and collaboration. The conversation underscores the importance of strategic planning, mentorship, and understanding regulatory frameworks to navigate the healthcare landscape effectively.  Highlights:Leading through culture and communityManaging diverse service lines under pressureInnovating within regulatory constraintsThe power of mentorship and planning for long-term impact This episode is a powerful listen for anyone passionate about healthcare leadership.Guest: Rebecca Ramsay, Chief Executive Officer of Housecall Providers in Portland, Oregon Mark Jarman-Howe, Chief Executive of St Helena Hospice, based in Colchester, EnglandTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Is Hospice Care losing its soul?  Dr. Ira Byock thinks so, and after months of soul-searching work, he's offering us the roadmap back to our roots.In this episode, Dr. Ira Byock discusses the current state of Hospice and Palliative Care, emphasizing the need for reform and improvement in the field.  He and Chris spend time unpacking Dr. Byock’s recently released seminal work, “A Strategic Path Forward for Hospice and Palliative Care: A White Paper on the Potential Future of the Field. This conversation tackles the uncomfortable truth: corporatization is eroding the core values of our field.  Dr. Byock highlights the challenges posed by the corporatization of healthcare, particularly in hospice and palliative care, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining high-quality care for patients and their families.  Dr. Byock presents a strategic framework that all of us in hospice and palliative care can draw from to chart a path forward. That framework includes:Publishing clear clinical and programmatic standardsMaking meaningful data readily availableDriving quality-based competitionEmbracing the field’s authentic brand of expert care that fosters well-being for patients and their familiesThis episode is more than a discussion—it’s a wake-up call for every leader, clinician, and team member in Hospice and Palliative Care.  Listen now.  Share it with your Board.  And be part of the movement to safeguard the future of this essential work.Guest: Dr. Ira Byock, MD, FAAHPM, is a leading palliative care physician, author, and public advocate for improving care through the end of lifeHost:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOShttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/a-strategic-path-forward-for-hospice-and-palliative-care-with-dr.-ira-byockTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What if everything you thought you knew about marketing was completely wrong? Dave Mastovich, founder and CEO of MASSolutions and author of the Amazon bestseller "No Bullshit Marketing," challenges conventional wisdom in this eye-opening conversation about the true nature of effective marketing. Dave emphasizes the need for organizations to understand their customers deeply and to gather insights systematically to craft compelling marketing strategies. The discussion also highlights the significance of storytelling in marketing and how aligning the organization's purpose with customer needs can lead to more effective marketing outcomes. Chris and Dave also discuss the importance of aligning client expectations with strategic execution, the necessity of authentic messaging, and the unique challenges faced in healthcare marketing.  The conversation concludes with actionable insights on leveraging customer voices and the power of compound messaging to drive growth.  Join us, this is a great listen.Guest: Dave Mastovich,  founder and CEO of MASSolutionsHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleioshttps://www.teleioscn.org/anatomy-of-leadership/no-bs-marketing-with-dave-mastovichTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What makes Hospice special isn't magic—it's the masterful implementation of coordinated care plans that align interdisciplinary teams with patient priorities.  This month's deep dive into June's most critical Hospice and Palliative Care developments explores how this "secret sauce" remains simultaneously the heart of our philosophy and our most common survey deficiency.  In this episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics, discuss relevant top news stories in Hospice and Palliative Care for June.They also explore technology's dual-edged potential, suggesting that AI and robotics should enhance, rather than replace, the human elements of Hospice Care.  As Daniel Pink notes, "if a robot can replace you, you should be"—allowing us to focus our irreplaceable human capacity on meaningful connection rather than routine tasks.Dr. Ira Byock's strategic framework for hospice's future emerges as perhaps the most significant development of the month, offering four concrete paths forward: establishing clear clinical standards (like appropriate caseload sizes), creating meaningful data transparency, driving quality-based competition, and embracing our authentic brand as specialists in fostering well-being through the end of life. Subscribe to TCNtalks for monthly insights.  Additionally, we explore leadership strategies for growth and the necessity of a strategic path forward in Hospice and Palliative Care, emphasizing the importance of quality and ethical practices in the field.  We respect your time while keeping you informed on what truly matters.  Join us.Guest:Cordt KassnerPhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost:Chris ComeauxPresident / CEO of TELEIOShttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/plans-of-care-ethics-robotics-and-more-top-news-stories-june-2025Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Is America’s Healthcare System Beyond Repair?  Rita Numerof Doesn’t Think So.In this powerful crossover episode of TCNTalks and Anatomy of Leadership, Chris Comeaux sits down with healthcare strategist and thought leader Rita Numerof, Co-founder and President of Numerof & Associates.  Together, they pull back the curtain on one of today’s most urgent crises: the deeply flawed business model driving healthcare in America.Rita offers a bold diagnosis, explaining how misaligned incentives, opaque pricing, and outdated payment systems have derailed care.  But she doesn’t stop there.  With clarity and conviction, she lays out a path forward: a market-based model that ties payment to performance, empowers consumers, and demands transparency and accountability from every player—from providers to payers to policymakers.The episode dives into:Why the current system resists change—and how to break throughThe role of technology in reshaping care deliveryHow insurance companies contribute to the dysfunctionWhat real consumer responsibility in healthcare could look likeRather than offering quick fixes, Rita champions systemic reform with optimism and urgency. 🎧 Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation.  It’s a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of healthcare.Guest: Rita Numerof, Co-founder and President of Numerof & AssociatesHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOShttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/redesigning-healthcare-a-path-to-value-based-careTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In this episode of TCNtalks, Marcus Escobedo, Vice President of Communications at the John A. Hartford Foundation, joins Chris Comeaux to discuss the future of healthcare for aging populations. Marcus shares how the Foundation’s Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative transforms care for older adults through the evidence-based 4Ms framework: focusing on what matters to older adults, medication management, cognitive health, and mobility.The conversation dives into the impact of ageism in healthcare and the importance of reshaping language and practices to serve older adults better. Marcus and Chris explore how healthcare systems can elevate the voices of older adults, address the unique challenges of the workforce, and promote age-friendly practices that honor each person’s dignity and preferences.They also tackle communication barriers surrounding serious illness and hospice care, offering valuable insights and resources for enhancing these vital conversations. Given the growing demographic of baby boomers, who comprise most of those served in healthcare, this episode is essential listening for anyone committed to creating better systems for aging with grace and dignity.Guest: Marcus Escobedo, MPA, Vice President of Communications at the John A. Hartford FoundationHost:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleioshttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-healthcare-customer-of-the-futureTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What happens when artificial intelligence meets end-of-life care?  How do we reconcile private equity's profit motives with hospice's mission-driven ethos?  These questions took center stage in this month's roundup of hospice news with host Chris Comeaux and guest Cordt Kassner.The May edition of TCNtalks' top news stories reveals a healthcare sector at a fascinating crossroads.  AI has emerged as both a tantalizing promise and a practical challenge for hospice providers.  As Chris notes, "We live in a time where people use sensationalized language for everything," yet the revolutionary potential of AI in healthcare deserves the hype. Meanwhile, some hospices struggle with basic internet connectivity, creating what Chris calls a "weird dichotomy" reminiscent of the 1920s when modern conveniences existed alongside homes without electricity.In this episode of TCN Talks, hosts Chris Comeaux and Cord Kastner reflect on Memorial Day and discuss significant news stories from May, including the complexities of thanking veterans for their service, the role of artificial intelligence in hospice care, and the importance of honest conversations about racism in healthcare.They also explore the leadership skills necessary for healthcare CEOs, the challenges of dementia care, and the implications of private equity in the healthcare sector.  Chris also introduces a new initiative called Brain Bookmarks, which aims to provide quick leadership insights.  Join us.Guest: Cordt Kassner,  PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost:Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of Teleioshttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/storm-clouds-on-the-horizon-for-reimbursement-top-news-stories-may-2025Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast