Opening – Creating the Continuum: The Health Insurer’s Perspective – Facilitator: Dr Rich Raskin, Panel: Dr Randy Krakauer, Aetna, Catherine McFayden, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Dr John Mach, XLHealth

Much of the current health care payment system is provider and episode-specific, encouraging “silo-ed” rather than coordinated care.   Traditional medical care and hospice care are usually reimbursed through two separate payment methodologies, without clinical or financial overlap.  As a result, there is very little data demonstrating the efficacy or cost-effectiveness of offering the hospice model, as currently defined, to people earlier in their disease progression. 

This panel will discuss ways that hospices and other providers can collaborate with health insurers to offer palliative care and care management services now and in the future.  Results from Aetna’s pilot program on concurrent care and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s Oncology Care Management program will be shared as well as ideas on what health care reform and other changes will bring to palliative care providers.

Day Two Morning – Creating a New Paradigm: Meeting Community Needs–Samira K. Beckwith, LCSW, FACHE, Hope HealthCare Services

For three decades, hospice professionals have compassionately focused their skills and core competencies on caring for people at the end of life. As our communities and demographics change, those same skills and competencies can be used to benefit many more people.

In order to meet future needs, we must look at the utilization of resources with the goals to improve health care quality, reduce costs, expand coverage and enhance access. One way to reach those goals is to develop new programs and initiatives.

Participants will learn how one hospice was able to create an expanded care continuum to meet the unique needs of their community.   Specific strategies for assessing community needs, developing new programs and integrating expanded services will be provided. 

Day Two Afternoon – Creating the Continuum: The Provider’s Perspective – Facilitator: Don  Panel: Diane Meier, CAPC, Shawn Bloom, PACE

Given the competing streams of revenue, regulations, and financial resources, how can a continuum of care be created to meet the needs of all people in the last years of life?   Are there models that currently exist which we should consider?  Does a “one size fits all” approach work when consider consumer preferences and the different approaches needed in urban, suburban, rural or frontier communities?  How can providers assess community needs, consumer preferences and identify potential partners and economically viable approaches to meet the needs of a new generation of consumers?

How do providers transition from where they are in offering services to where they need to be with respect to new approaches to care?   How will they be funded?  By whom? 

National leaders of key providers along the care continuum will discuss these questions and much more.   Information will be sent to all conference registrants encouraging the submission questions they want answered during this dynamic session. 

Closing – Pebbles Into Water: Spreading Our Insights Across the Continuum – Dr Bill Thomas, Eden Alternative

The elements that make up good end-of-life care also support good care for everyone of every age. As the health care system moves toward a "person-centered" basis for operations and innovation, those of us who believe and practice good end-of-life care are going to be called on to share what we know with others.  This talk will review the roots of person-centered care and examine the best strategies for designing and replicating innovative models of care. Attendees will gain an appreciation for the many ways in which the hospice movement partnered with and can continue to deepen partnerships with leading models of care such as the Eden Alternative, the Green House, Planetree, Regenerative  Community, the Village Model and Senior Co-Housing. These are exciting times. Join Dr. BIll Thomas for inspiration and information that can change the way you approach your work.