Storm Clouds on the Horizon for Reimbursement Top News Stories, May 2025

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

What happens when ancient philosophical questions about "the good life" collide with modern healthcare regulations?  In this compelling episode of TCNtalks, host Chris Comeaux welcomes hospice leaders Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios, and Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC,  for a deep dive into the regulatory crossroads facing hospice providers.In this episode,  we discuss the FY 2026 Proposed Rule, which focused on implementing the HOPE initiative, and two RFIs (Requests for Information) that were part of it.  Also, discuss how important it is for us in the hospice field to give CMS feedback via these RFIs.  These will impact the Future Quality Measure Concepts for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program, and CMS is asking for input on three concepts for the  HQRP Hospice Quality Reporting Program:- The Challenges of Interoperability,- The Evolving Quality Measures related to Patient Well-Being - Nutrition, including Safe Eating Habits, Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity  appropriate for end-of-life careLast, they discuss a separate RFI related to the Advanced Digital Quality Measurement (dQM) in the HQRP (Hospice Quality Reporting Program) and the data standards of Health Level Seven® (HL7®) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources® (FHIR®).Annette and Judi have a wealth of experience and knowledge.  This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations to become more educated about the tracks being laid with the proposed 2026 Wage Index.  This show is timely and relevant, so join us.Guest:Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC Host:Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOShttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/navigating-the-future-hope-wage-index-and-cms-quality-measuresTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In this episode, Daniel H. Pink, the world-renowned author of seven bestselling nonfiction books, discusses his interdisciplinary approach to understanding human motivation and the evolving work landscape in the AI age.Pink emphasizes the importance of empathy, creativity, and the need for individuals to augment machine intelligence rather than compete with it.  He also explores the role of technology in healthcare, particularly in Hospice Care, and the significance of human connection and listening in providing care.The discussion highlights AI's potential to enhance human capabilities while also addressing its challenges.  Daniel and Chris Comeaux also explore the essential skills and mindsets needed for hospice leaders to future-proof their organizations, particularly in the face of advancing AI technologies.The discussion culminates in a reflection on the evolving nature of leadership in an AI-driven world, urging leaders to remain curious and focused on their core values.Join us, this is a great listen.Guest:Daniel H. Pink,  Author of the NY Times Bestselling book A Whole New MindHost: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleioshttps://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/a-whole-new-mind-with-daniel-h.-pinkTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What defines quality in end-of-life care?  How are hospice organizations navigating workforce challenges?  And why has medical aid in dying become such a critical conversation?  These questions take center stage in this data-driven exploration of April's most impactful Hospice and Palliative Care news stories.In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner discuss the top news stories from April, focusing on hospice and palliative care.  They explore personal aspirations, data insights, the impact of spiritual care, emerging categories in news reporting, and key themes such as reimbursement and workforce challenges. The conversation also touches on mission moments, regulatory changes, technology innovations, and the evolving nature of leadership in healthcare, particularly in the context of AI and human skills. The conversation also explores the increasing demand for senior living and the legislative changes impacting hospice care, including the ban on for-profit hospices in New York and the introduction of psilocybin access in New Mexico.  Cordt closes the show with a Master's Class reviewing the National Hospice Locator, a valuable tool for finding high-quality hospice care anywhere in the country.  Join us.Guest: Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice AnalyticsHost:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TeleiosTeleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast