Encompass Health’s April Anthony: PDGM Isn’t a ‘Free Pass’ for Breaking Coding Rules

Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE: EHC) has lowered internal estimates on how the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) will impact its home health operations, though the company remains firmly against assumption-based behavioral adjustments included in the payment overhaul. CEO Mark Tarr — along with home health and hospice segment leader April Anthony as well as other execs […]

Encompass Health to Pay $48M to Settle False Claims Allegations

Encompass Health Corporation (NYSE: EHC) — the largest operator of in-patient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in the country, with a network of hundreds of home health and hospice locations to boot — has agreed to pay $48 million to resolve false claims allegations. The Birmingham, Alabama-based company had previously disclosed the matter in its public filings […]

Encompass Health Latest Home Health Giant to Invest in Medalogix

Encompass Health (NYSE: EHC) has made a minority investment in predictive analytics firm Medalogix. Regulatory changes and staffing shortages driving the need for increased efficiency in home health and hospice motivated the investment, according to Encompass Health Chief Strategy Officer Luke James. “As we look out into the future, [we’re excited about] having a direct […]

Encompass Health’s April Anthony: PDGM Is an ‘Overcorrection’ to Therapy

As currently structured, the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) will completely change how and when home health providers deliver therapy services. It will do so in multiple ways, most notably by eliminating the use of therapy service thresholds as a factor in payment determinations. It’s a move the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has long recommended. […]

September Conference: C-Suite Speaker Preview

Join the ConversationSeptember 18 Home Health Care News is hosting its third annual HHCN Summit on Wednesday, September 18 in downtown Chicago at Convene. Buy your ticket for the conference that will bring together over 300 professionals in home health, private duty, hospice and palliative care for a full day of exclusive, dynamic content and […]

Humana Executives Get Candid About PDGM, Medicare Advantage

Top executives from Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) on Wednesday got candid about their home health operations and the expected impact of the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM). In addition to its long-standing Humana At Home business, the Louisville, Kentucky-based insurance company owns a 40% stake in Kindred at Home, one of the largest home health providers […]

Predictive Analytics-Driven Telehealth Program Lowers ED Visits by 20%

In recent years, the U.S. health care system’s shift toward value-based reimbursement has given home health providers cause to test all sorts of approaches aimed at reducing hospital readmission rates or preventing unnecessary trips to the emergency department. Predictive analytics-driven telehealth outreach programs that risk-stratify patients based on medical vulnerability and other factors can be […]

Volume, Pricing Gains Help Encompass Health Hit $1.12B in Q1 Revenues

Encompass Health Corp. (NYSE: EHC) saw its home health-related revenue jump in the first quarter of 2019, driven primarily by volume and pricing gains. The Birmingham, Alabama-based company expects more of the same moving forward — even as the home health industry marches toward the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM). Overall, net operating revenues for Encompass […]

Home Health M&A Activity Expected to Climb Following PDGM, Bankruptcies

Cash flow interruptions and operational changes caused by the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) may lead to a spike in the number of home health providers in the U.S. filing for bankruptcy, some experts predict. If the forecast is accurate, that may also mean more initial M&A action as well. “I agree with the premise that […]