The Post-Acute POV

In the latest episode of the Post-Acute POV podcast, host Jim Berklan, Executive Editor of McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, introduces a dynamic panel discussion led by Chris Pugliese, Head of Interoperability at ResMed. Joining the conversation are Chris Lukezic, RN, Director of Clinical Informatics at Saber Healthcare Group, along with Tanna Wright, Intake Supervisor, and Danya Fahlstrom, Revenue Cycle Manager, both from Northwest Respiratory Services. Together, they dive into the real-world challenges faced by skilled nursing and HME providers during transitions of care. From communication breakdowns to their direct impact on patient outcomes, the panel explores what it takes to bridge the gaps and build stronger collaboration across the continuum. Tune in for practical insights and first-hand experiences from the front lines of post-acute care. Topics discussed during today’s episode:   [00:30 – 02:37]: Host Jim Berklan sets the stage by introducing four experts from the intersecting worlds of HME and skilled nursing. He previews a candid conversation about the complex relationships and common challenges these providers face when collaborating across care settings. [02:37 – 10:15]: Chris Pugliese kicks things off with a deep dive into interoperability challenges in post-acute care. He explores how better coordination and data-sharing can unlock opportunities for more connected and effective care. [10:15 – 13:50]: Chris Pugliese continues the conversation, pointing out the pitfalls of outdated analog processes in healthcare. He advocates for digital transformation as a key to improving both operational efficiency and patient outcomes. [13:50 – 18:51]: Tanna Wright and Danya Fahlstrom share behind-the-scenes perspectives from their roles in intake and revenue cycle management. They highlight how their day-to-day operations impact the broader continuum of care. [18:51 – 24:02]: The panel addresses the logistical hurdles DME providers face—especially around deliveries and documentation. They discuss how working across different states, technologies, and facility requirements can complicate even the most routine processes. [24:02 – 29:00]: Chris Lukezic underscores the critical role of electronic signatures and timely communication in preventing care delays. His insights stress the need for proactive coordination to ensure patients receive essential supplies without disruption. [29:00 – 33:24]: Chris Pugliese and Danya dig into the nuances of documentation and billing, calling for more standardized practices. They also highlight the importance of staff training and the ongoing challenge of navigating inconsistent requirements across facilities. [33:24 – 38:22]: In the closing segment, the group reflects on the value of strong, collaborative relationships among clinicians, facilities, and HMEs. They emphasize how technology can help bridge gaps and streamline workflows before wrapping up with closing thoughts and gratitude for the conversation. Resources   Learn more about MatrixCare at: https://www.matrixcare.com/  Find out more about Northwest Respiratory Services: https://www.nwrespiratory.com/ Find details on Saber Health: https://www.saberhealth.com/ Listen to more episodes of the Post-Acute POV   Disclaimer   The content in this presentation or materials is for informational purposes only and is provided “as-is.” Information and views expressed herein, may change without notice. We encourage you to seek as appropriate, regulatory and legal advice on any of the matters covered in this presentation or materials.   ©2025 by MatrixCare  

In the latest episode of the Post-Acute POV podcast, our host, Jeremy Crow, Head of RCM and Survey, MatrixCare, is joined by Armine Khudanyan, RN, MSN, CPHQ, CEO and Co-Founder, QAPIplus, and Trish Weber, RN, BSN, HCS-D, HCS-O, Manager, Coding & Review Services, MatrixCare. Join us as we delve into the critical role of quality in healthcare and explore how MatrixCare's integration with QAPI Plus is revolutionizing compliance and efficiency. In this episode, our guests discuss the transformative shift from reactive to proactive quality improvement, the significant benefits of strategic integrations, and the essential role of effective data utilization. Tune in to learn about the proactive approaches that are setting new standards in healthcare quality. Topics discussed during today’s episode:   [00:31 – 06:01]: Armine shares her journey from acute care nursing to data management and the development of the QAPIplus software. The software has been instrumental in automating compliance, improving efficiency, and reducing administrative burden for healthcare organizations. [06:01 – 08:15]: Armine discusses the collaboration between QAPIplus and MatrixCare that began in 2024. This integration aims to reduce administrative burdens, enable better decision-making, and provide actionable insights. [08:15 – 14:44]: Armine emphasizes the importance of proactive quality improvement and continuous compliance in home health care, highlighting the need for constant auditing and closing gaps in procedures. Trish added that quality in documentation directly impacts reimbursement and performance metrics, stressing the significance of accurate and thorough reporting. [14:44 – 19:49]: Armine describes the benefits of continuous auditing and external evaluations. Jeremy and Trish discuss how outsourcing compliance functions can provide specialized expertise and unbiased insights, enhancing overall quality and efficiency. [19:49 – 24:10]: Jeremy and Armine discuss the common compliance challenges faced by both small and large organizations. Smaller organizations often lack experience and regulatory knowledge, benefiting greatly from outsourced services, while larger ones may have internal expertise but struggle with prioritizing compliance tasks. [19:33 – 22:15]: Armine highlights the benefit of eliminating data silos and integrating fragmented systems to improve performance. Jeremy closes out the conversation by thanking our guests. Resources   Learn more about MatrixCare at: https://www.matrixcare.com/  Find out more about QAPIplus: https://qapiplus.com/ Find a quick guide on the QAPIplus and MatrixCare integration for home health and hospice. Listen to more episodes of the Post-Acute POV   Disclaimer   The content in this presentation or materials is for informational purposes only and is provided “as-is.” Information and views expressed herein, may change without notice. We encourage you to seek as appropriate, regulatory and legal advice on any of the matters covered in this presentation or materials.   ©2025 by MatrixCare  

In the latest episode of the Post-Acute POV podcast, our host, Michele Spadola, Senior Product Manager at MatrixCare, is joined by Christina Lukezic, Director of Clinical Informatics at Saber Health. The pair discuss the challenges and solutions in ensuring seamless care transitions for residents in post-acute care. Listen in as Christina shares insights on the importance of timely and accurate paperwork, the benefits of using technology to streamline processes, and how these improvements lead to better resident care and reduced administrative burdens. The conversation highlights the positive impact of technology on staff efficiency and resident satisfaction. Topics discussed during today’s episode:   [00:31 – 02:11]: Michele introduces today’s guest and topic. Christina shares her career journey and her role at Saber Health. [02:11 – 05:53]: Christina discusses the challenges of obtaining timely paperwork for resident admissions and how technology helps streamline the process. She explains how accurate, complete resident profiles enhance care quality and safety. [05:53 – 08:06]: Christina details how technology improves consistency and efficiency in managing resident admissions by centralizing information and reducing manual paperwork. This allows teams to prepare in advance, leading to better care outcomes. [08:06 – 14:36]: Michele and Christina explore how technology reduces administrative burdens, enhances information management, and improves the overall experience for residents and families. By minimizing paperwork, caregivers can focus more on bedside care, alleviating stress for both staff and residents. [14:36 – 19:33]: Christina underscores the importance of proper training and support when adopting new systems, highlighting the significant time savings and accuracy improvements. Michele stresses the need for better information sharing between care facilities and hospitals to enhance patient outcomes and reduce rehospitalizations. [19:33 – 22:15]: Christina emphasizes continuous improvement in care processes through technology. She encourages organizations to stay committed to advancements and leverage data to drive meaningful change. [22:15 – 24:04]: Christina highlights the power of data in justifying process changes and reinforcing resident satisfaction and safety as top priorities. Michele thanks Christina for her insights and closes the discussion with a reminder of the collaborative effort required to enhance care. Resources   Learn more about MatrixCare at: https://www.matrixcare.com/  Find out more about MatrixCare Data Exchange Manager: https://go.matrixcare.com/interop-by-the-numbers.html Find details on Saber Health: https://www.saberhealth.com/ Listen to more episodes of the Post-Acute POV   Disclaimer   The content in this presentation or materials is for informational purposes only and is provided “as-is.” Information and views expressed herein, may change without notice. We encourage you to seek as appropriate, regulatory and legal advice on any of the matters covered in this presentation or materials.   ©2025 by MatrixCare  

In the latest episode of the Post-Acute POV podcast, our host, Andrew Donlan, Senior Editor at Home Health Care News, presents a panel discussion featuring Chris Pugliese, Director of Product Management, MatrixCare, as the moderator, and Paul Wilder, Executive Director, Commonwell Health Alliance, Angela Richards, Director of Health Informatics, Andwell Health Partners, and Nick Knowlton, VP of Business Development, ResMed, as the special guests. Their conversation delves into the critical role of interoperability in post-acute care, particularly with the implementation of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). The group covers key topics such as challenges in data access, streamlining data for home health and hospice, and the importance of engagement in interoperability. Listen in as the panelists stress the value of seamless data exchange and collaboration across the healthcare system to enhance patient care. Topics discussed during today’s episode:   [00:31 – 01:08]: Andrew Donlan, introduces our panelists: Chris Pugliese, Paul Wilder, Angela Richards, and Nick Knowlton, and our topic for today’s panel: improving health data exchange and interoperability in post-acute care. [01:08 – 05:40]: Chris Pugliese kicks off the conversation by highlighting key challenges like inefficient care transitions, outdated processes, and limited tech adoption in post-acute care. He also highlights MatrixCare’s focus on balancing innovation with legacy systems, educating stakeholders, and integrating digital solutions to improve data access and care quality. [05:40 – 09:18]: Chris discusses the importance of interoperability for post-acute providers in the value-based care landscape, focusing on the role of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) and certified entities, called Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs). [09:18 – 12:34]: Paul Wilder discusses the evolution and impact of interoperability in healthcare, highlighting Commonwell Health Alliance's role since its founding in 2013. He emphasizes the importance of TEFCA as a government-supported "network of networks" that establishes a unified framework for data exchange. [12:34 – 16:22]: Nick Knowlton and Paul Wilder highlight TEFCA’s role in building trust and clarifying use of health data especially as technologies like AI evolve, ensuring health data exchange remains secure and collaborative under a unified national framework. [16:22 – 22:06]: Angela discusses her organization’s use of tools like CommonWell, HealthInfoNet, and MatrixCare to manage referrals and access meaningful patient data, emphasizing the need for accurate, actionable information for frontline care teams. [22:06 – 28:24]: Paul explains that while interoperability has improved, post-acute workflows often lag due to outdated processes and limitations in real-time data sharing. Paul recommends prioritizing local data connections, focusing on recent and relevant information, and building workflows that align with available data. [28:24 – 35:03]: Paul highlights how COVID-19 accelerated the use of digital health records as manual processes like faxing were disrupted. Chris promotes the PACIO Project, which aims to create standardized data formats for post-acute providers. [35:03 – 42:18]: Chris, Paul, Angela, and Nick wrap up by highlighting key points: Angela emphasizes interoperability's role in improving efficiency and safety in post-acute care; Nick urges providers to engage now with referral sources and tech partners; and Paul stresses the importance of data sharing and regularly assessing data exchange quality. Resources   Learn more about MatrixCare at: https://www.matrixcare.com/  Find out more about Commonwell Health Alliance: https://w...

In the latest episode of the Post-Acute POV podcast, our host, Jessica Rockne, Associate Director of Product Strategy, is joined by Deborah Wesley, RN, BN, MSN, MHA, CEO at Addison County Home Health & Hospice, Janell Solomon, Director of Compliance at Sangre de Cristo Community Care, and Debbie Goings, Advanced Specialist, Customer Support Consultant at MatrixCare. Their conversation delves into strategies for maintaining compliance and optimizing care in post-acute care. The group covers key topics such as ensuring data connectivity for field staff, the importance of individualized care plans, and practical tools to ensure documentation is thorough and survey ready. Listen in as the panelists stress the value of training surveyors on using the EMR system, making documentation accessible, and using real-time analytics to support fast, efficient reviews. Topics discussed during today’s episode:   [00:32 – 05:23]: Jessica Rockne, introduces our guests: Deborah Wesley, Janell Solomon, and Debbie Goings. Deborah emphasizes proactive survey readiness, with lessons from the pandemic about maintaining workflows. Janell discusses the importance of accessible policy and procedure manuals, advising agencies to streamline compliance efforts to focus on meaningful actions. [05:23 – 11:03]: Deborah explains how her agency integrated the policy manual and other tools into their EHR on iPads, making compliance resources easily accessible for field staff. Janell shares an example of a staff member's documentation error and the importance of following protocol precisely, especially for critical tasks like seizure protocols. [11:03 – 15:41]: Janell describes Sangre’s approach to mock surveys, focusing on manageable audits led by different staff to ensure thoroughness. Deborah details using surveyor guidance and conducting impromptu visits to simulate real survey conditions. [15:41 – 20:03]: Deborah highlights tools like speech-to-text and coding services that improve efficiency and documentation accuracy. Janell details the benefits of their EHR system, which enhances efficiency and compliance, with surveyors impressed by ease of use and integration of tools like HIPAA-compliant texting. [20:03 – 26:02]: Deborah and Janell discuss the critical nature of ensuring data connectivity for field staff, where cellular-enabled devices and Wi-Fi allow seamless data access even in remote areas. Janell highlights the importance of individualized care plans to ensure compliance with care standards, using tools like laminated cards for staff. Debbie Goings adds that surveyors often check documentation against care plans during compliance audits. [26:02 – 30:51]: Deb discusses using a wound care consultant and later an in-house wound care specialist, ensuring all policies are compliant and contracts are clear for surveyor review. Janell recounts how quick EMR training sessions with surveyors improved efficiency. [26:16 – 32:59]: Deb notes that during recent surveys, they could show low wait times and maintained staffing, crediting MatrixCare's remote work tools with improving work-life balance for staff. [33:01 – 39:15]: The group closes out their discussion by detailing challenges with goal specificity in documentation, such as measurable objectives and clear timelines in patient care plans, ensuring that goals are specific to individual patients. Resources   Learn more about MatrixCare at: https://www.matrixcare.com/  Find out more about Addison Home Health & Hospice: https://www.achhh.org/ Find details on Sangre de Cristo Community Care: https://www.sangre.org/ Listen to more episodes of the Post-Acute POV   Disclaimer  ...