Kenyon Connects

You’re likely familiar with concierge services as they relate to the hospitality industry. But, concierge services for private duty agencies? What are those? Concierge is a French word that means caretaker or guardian, so private pay concierge service implies a comprehensive plan that takes care of everything for the client.

A good example of a concierge program would be a day surgery service. The service can be designed any way the agency chooses, but must address all the needs that the client may have before, during and immediately after the surgery. Usually the best source of information when setting up this service is the client. Additional sources of information would be a brief survey in a surgeon’s office or you or someone in your family may have experienced day surgery yourselves and know what is needed. In my research, I’ve found the biggest issue for clients having day surgery is the need to have all the details attended to so all they have to deal with is the surgery itself. This may mean the agency picks up the client at her home or the airport, transports her to the surgery suite, and arranges for after care, which would include picking up all the medications, arranging a place to stay, if necessary, and providing 24-hour care until she can manage for herself. However you gather your information, it is critical to develop a program customers perceive as valuable and are willing to pay for. Continue reading “Private Duty Concierge Services: Tips for Developing Your Own Concierge Service” »

None of us want to think that someone we hire would commit fraud or abuse. However, fraud and abuse in home health and hospice is on the rise. With all the details that owners and managers must contend with, no one needs to add this to their list!  Fortunately for us, a nurse colleague of mine, Linda Vincent, R.N., P.I., is in the business of helping businesses like ours put policies in place to help prevent
fraud and abuse. We are fortunate to have her as a guest writer this week. I am sure you will find Linda’s article informative and helpful.

Providing quality care and comfort to patients is the primary concern of hospice and homecare agencies. Unfortunately, it’s not the only one. Owners also need to be proactive and vigilant to ensure they are preventing healthcare fraud and abuse.

Whether the fraud is an accident due to negligence or a scam carried out by an unscrupulous employee, hospice and homecare owners must take precautions to legally and financially protect their businesses. The process of safeguarding themselves, their agencies, and their patients begins and ends with their employees. From nurses to accountants to receptionists, healthcare fraud and abuse can be carried out by anyone at any level of the organization. Continue reading “5 Steps for Preventing Healthcare Fraud and Abuse at Hospice and Homecare Agencies” »