NHPCO NewsLine Summer 2015 - (Page 5)

Message From Don Summer is here - and for those who have been suffering due to the extreme storms that have hit regions from Texas to Oklahoma and beyond - I want to let you know that all of us at NHPCO are thinking of you who are facing even greater challenges than we normally see. It does seem as though new challenges are coming at us all with a greater pace than in years past. That's probably just perception; however, I do know that the stressors facing all of you who are providing hospice and palliative care in communities across the country are overwhelmed at times by all the change we see. So I am quite sincere when I encourage you to hang in there. Those of you who attended the recent Management and Leadership Conference in April had the good fortune of hearing from Ian Morrison, PhD, at the opening plenary. In his discussion of the future of the healthcare marketplace, he specifically noted that acquisitions, consolidations and regionalization are going to be seen throughout all sectors of healthcare. Dr. Morrison also spoke of cost as it relates to value, quality metrics, empowered consumers, increased oversight, and integrated delivery systems as significant factors that all providers will have to face. Those of us who are part of the hospice and palliative care provider community are already witnessing consolidations and acquisitions; all the while, we are grappling with increased scrutiny and oversight. Many of these changes in our field are a result of growth - both in dollars spent by CMS, number of providers in the field, and the number of patients receiving care. All of us at NHPCO are working, every single day, to help you maneuver through the complex environment around us. It is not something to be afraid of, but is something to be aware of and understand. What is important is that providers continue to do what's right for the patients and families they are serving - which I know is the mission we all share. Thank you for all that you do, J. Donald Schumacher, PsyD President/CEO Summer 2015 | NHPCO NewsLine 5

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NHPCO NewsLine Summer 2015

Issue Table of Contents
2015 Virtual Conference (display ad)
A Message From Don
Research on Hospice Care in Rural Areas
NHPCO's Rural Task Force
Thanks to MLC Supporters (display ad)
Improving Morale Through Authentic Appreciation
Simione Healthy Business Solutions (display ad)
ACHC Accreditation in your Field (display ad)
A Closer Look at Rebranding
ehospiceUSA (display ad)
AAHPM Intensive (display ad)
Diversity Advisory Council
Global Partners in Care
IOM National Conference
CSU Institute Collaboration
Pediatric Conversation Starter Kit
Regulatory Tools
State Hospice Profile (display ad)
Member News
Clinical Team Conference (display ad)
News From National Hospice Foundation
NHPCO Educational Offerings (display ad)
News From Global Partners in Care
NHF Fundraising (display ad)
Moments of Life Video Collection (display ad)
More from Moments of Life
Links to Helpful Resources

NHPCO NewsLine Summer 2015