Netsmart CareThreads

What does the care at home landscape look like in 2026? In this episode, Dr. Steve Landers, former CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home, shares his thoughts on the forces shaping care at home today and what providers should be preparing for as we move through the year. Dr. Landers offers a candid look at hospice, home health, palliative care and home care. The discussion covers Medicare and Medicaid policy shifts, payment pressures, workforce realities, quality oversight, fraud prevention and the power of advocacy. This episode also explores looking beyond short-term regulation, improving how the care at home story is told and preparing for a future where access, sustainability and patient-centered care are connected. Listen to hear about: Hospice trends in 2026, including length of stay, live discharges and quality reporting under HOPE The state of home health reimbursement, PDGM pressures and the impact of recent CMS rate decisions Medicaid funding uncertainty and what it could mean for home and community-based services Medicare Advantage dynamics, supplemental home care and ongoing concerns about including hospice benefits within Medicare Advantage plans Why advocacy, grassroots engagement and storytelling are critical to protecting access and sustainability

Voices of Care episode 2 features an in-depth conversation on the evolution of healthcare technology across three distinct eras of digitization. Host David Strocchia sits down with 30-year industry veteran and Strategic Advisor Kevin Scalia, along with AJ Peterson, SVP & GM, CareGuidance, to reflect on past developments and define what community-based care providers can expect from technology today. From the early days of paper charts through the development of electronic health records (EHRs) to the modern day of leveraging augmented intelligence and automation, this discussion explores how healthcare IT has steadily progressed from supporting billing and compliance to enabling measurement, interoperability and whole-person care. It also highlights how modernized technologies are giving back to clinicians and consumers by reducing administrative friction, supporting care coordination and empowering decision makers. Tune in to learn why true digital transformation is not about technology for technology’s sake, but about connecting people, systems and data into a unified fabric that supports community-based care.

The role that hospices play in end-of-life care is changing, and technology is helping to shape what comes next. As hospice staff face rising demands, new regulations and shifting reimbursement models, the right technology can make all the difference. By combining leadership innovation with technology designed for care at home, organizations can drive better outcomes for patients, families and clinicians alike. In this episode, Hannah Patterson, General Manager and Vice President of Care at Home at Netsmart, speaks with Patrick Miller, President & CEO of NorthStar Care Community, about how a decades-long partnership and shared commitment to innovation have transformed care delivery and strengthened operational success. Join Listen us as we discuss: Building a “gold standard” blueprint for hospice operations Using data and analytics to improve clinical performance and staff satisfaction Leveraging interoperability to strengthen collaboration and care coordination Preparing for the HOPE transition and the shift toward value-based care Expanding the hospice mission into advanced illness and palliative care

In the inaugural episode of Voices of Care, featuring Kevin Scalia, a Netsmart leader and long-time advocate for community-based care joins Scott Green, SVP & Managing Director of CareDimensions, Netsmart. Kevin shares his journey into shaping policy and technology in behavioral health, starting with the 2008 financial crisis and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which sparked his mission to level the playing field for behavioral health organizations within the evolving landscape of healthcare IT. From navigating the complexities of meaningful use to forging alliances with industry associations and healthcare IT competitors, and the strategies, hurdles and pivotal moments that shaped the Netsmart advocacy efforts. The conversation highlights the importance of technology investments to meet providers’ needs and improve care delivery, along with ongoing initiatives to build infrastructure that supports data sharing and empowers community-based organizations. Join us to hear about: · Kevin’s career journey and bringing Netsmart into the forefront of helping shape policy on behalf of our clients and those they serve · The evolution of the Behavioral Healthcare IT Coalition and the power of unified messaging · Why interoperability is the key to truly integrated, whole-person care · The vital role of technology in integrating physical and mental healthcare · How past investments in EHR infrastructure are laying the groundwork for AI-driven solutions If you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for Voices of Care, a Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Online Resources: Summary of Netsmart Healthcare Legislative Advocacy (ntst.com) Fierce Healthcare Article: Netsmart Clients to Receive Nearly $2 Million in Meaningful Use EHR Incentive Payments The Hill Article: People with addiction issues should be able to control their own health data – Patrick J. Kennedy and Kevin Scalia

Welcome to the Voices of Care Podcast, a short series dedicated to exploring how technology and advocacy shape community-based care. This introductory episode sets the stage for thoughtful conversations about the history, lessons and future of integrated health systems. Kevin Scalia, a long-time advocate for community-based care and Netsmart leader, opens the series with a look back at the evolution of the electronic health record (EHR), the policy and advocacy that fueled progress and the partnerships that made interoperability possible. Kevin discusses the podcast’s purpose, the decisions that shaped today’s Netsmart CareFabric® platform and where technology can move us next to improve coordination, quality and outcomes. Tune in to future episodes where we’ll have special guests join us for the discussion to learn from past successes and explore practical steps we can take together to build a more connected, person-centered healthcare system.

With the Hospice Outcomes & Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool set to go live on October 1st, hospice providers are facing a transformative shift in documentation and patient evaluation. In this episode, we explore what it takes to successfully implement HOPE, without disrupting care delivery. Diana Franchitto, a hospice center president and CEO, shares how her organization is navigating the transition by leveraging structured operating procedures, a dedicated task force and a clear implementation timeline. From regulatory compliance to operational challenges, we break down the steps every provider should consider to stay on track. We also discuss how Netsmart is supporting providers through this transition with solutions designed to streamline workflow adjustments and work towards timely submissions. Whether you are part of a large hospice with a dedicated team or a smaller organization where staff wear multiple hats, this conversation will help you chart your path forward. Don’t wait until October to start preparing! Tune in to gain practical strategies and resources to navigate this change smoothly. Learn more about how HOPE fits into your workflow and how Netsmart can support your transition. Visit www.ntst.com/hope for FAQs, webinars and resources to guide your next steps.

What does the future hold for home health and hospice in 2025? In this Netsmart CareThreads podcast, host Mike Dordick, McBee President and Netsmart SVP of Post-Acute Strategy, sits down with Dr. Steve Landers, President of the National Alliance for Care at Home, for this discussion. They explore the biggest issues facing care-at-home providers today, from payment reform and regulatory pressures to the growing needs of an aging population and the path forward for high-quality, cost-effective home-based care. You’ll hear how policy decisions are reshaping reimbursement and what providers can do now to advocate for change.

Augmented Intelligence is redefining clinical workflows, reducing documentation time and empowering clinicians to focus on patient care. This shift not only improves efficiency but also enhances outcomes and job satisfaction. With tools designed for ease of use and minimal disruption, AI is driving higher productivity and better clinician retention. In this episode, Maria Warren, VP at Netsmart, is joined by Chris Yakscoe, Senior Director of Bells AI at Netsmart, and Trent Smith, CEO of Apricot AI. They explore the transformative power of AI in healthcare, particularly for home health and post-acute care. The guests also share practical guidance for evaluating AI solutions, emphasizing security, compliance and meaningful ROI. In this episode, we discuss: Meaningful AI as a tool to augment clinicians’ capabilitiesAI’s impact on documentationJob satisfaction and retention due to AIAdvice on assessing AI toolsThe potential AI has in healthcareIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or however you listen to your podcasts.

The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly, with staffing shortages, technology advancements, and shifting reimbursement models reshaping how care is delivered. As more baby boomer executives retire and the "silver tsunami" drives a growing demand for home-based care, the stage is set for the next generation of leaders to step up and shape the future. But what does it really take to step into these roles and become an emerging leader? In this episode, Maria Warren, VP of Post-Acute Strategy, sits down with Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network and author of The Anatomy of Leadership. They dive into real-world strategies about what it takes to lead in this changing world, offering a fresh perspective on addressing modern leadership challenges, such as navigating a multigenerational workforce, integrating emerging technologies, and balancing technology with the human touch. Comeaux also shares his personal journey from a young CFO to a respected CEO and thought leader and talks about the pivotal role that mentorship and continuous learning played in his development. He reflects on the unique challenges of leading hospice organizations during times of rapid change, offering insights drawn from his own experiences. Tune in to learn about: A growth-mindset approach to leadership Mentorship strategies for emerging healthcare leaders Practical approaches to integrating technology in care settings Balancing high-tech innovation with high-touch care Navigating staffing shortages and supporting workforce sustainability Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive looking to expand your impact, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, innovation, and building a lasting legacy in healthcare. In his book, The Anatomy of Leadership,Comeaux further explains that effective leadership is not about mastering complex theories but understanding and applying fundamental principles in everyday situations.If you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or however you listen to your podcasts.

What’s going on with electronic visit verification (EVV) now that the mandate has been in effect for personal care services for more than a year? In this podcast, you’ll discover what’s changed and what may be on the horizon in the EVV landscape. Join Lindsay Mack, director of client success at Netsmart, and Kristy Pyles, founder of In Your Corner Consulting, as they discuss progress made since the implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act and ongoing challenges faced by providers, payers and states, as well at the potential benefits EVV offers in supporting value-based care and improving care delivery. Key takeaways: Providers are making strides in EVV compliance, including technology barriers, rural service locations, device availability and healthcare provider acceptance of new technologiesShort-term impacts on providers involve claim denials, reimbursement changes and manual entry requirementsPotential EVV expansions could include services such as transportation and hospiceNational standardization and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities could be on the horizon and promise to position EVV as a tool to improve care delivery and address workforce shortagesThis podcast can help listeners realize EVV's game-changing potential outside traditional facilities and its role in supporting value-based care through data analysis. Listeners will also hear valuable insights into the past, present and future direction of this critical technology in supporting quality healthcare for Medicaid recipients.If you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

What strategies should states and counties adopt to meet the changing behavioral health landscape? In this podcast, we’ll look at our nation’s largest state, California, to see how they are responding to new legislation, high-risk populations and technology innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI). Join David Strocchia, SVP and Managing Director of Human Services, Netsmart; Mark Van Horn, VP of Public Sector, Netsmart; and Veronica Kelley, DSW, Director of Behavioral Health Services, Orange County for an informative conversation. They discuss the latest challenges facing the public sector in California, from unhoused populations to legislative billing changes––and how they leverage data and technology to successfully evolve.Key Takeaways:Adapting to Legislation: California is facing major initiatives from state government, including CARE Court and CalAIM. See how counties of all sizes are staying compliant.High-Risk Populations: From record numbers of unhoused to the opioid crisis, California providers are exploring innovative solutions to better serve their communities.Importance of Data: A state as big as California needs data sharing and interoperability to solve today’s behavioral health challenges. Learn how they’re meeting this need.Meaningful Automation: Our panel will discuss breakthroughs in AI/automation and why they’re important for improving future outcomes.

Jonah Cunningham is a policy expert who’s seen the evolution of healthcare––up to his present role as CEO of National Association of County Behavioral Health & Developmental Disability Directors (NACBHDD) and Executive Director of National Association of Rural Mental Health (NARMH). In this podcast, he sits down with Tom Herzog, Chief Operating Officer of Netsmart, to discuss current trends in behavioral health and human services. The conversation reveals how some of healthcare’s most innovative programs––including 988 crisis lines and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), as well as AI technology––have grown from partnerships, be they local or industry collaborations. Cunningham challenges all individuals to use their voice to inspire continuous innovation in behavioral health, addictions, crisis care and more.Listeners will learn:The challenges and innovations facing human services organizations today, including recruitment and retention.The role of local authorities, counties, federal agencies and community partnerships––and how you can get involved.The importance of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) and risk management to treat population health.If you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Autism has become a significant issue in healthcare today, with rapidly rising diagnoses each year and new legislation mandating insurance coverage in all 50 states. In this podcast, Jamie Pagliaro, Executive Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at Rethink, a leading provider of ABA solutions, sits down with Jen Gray, Director of Solution Consulting at Netsmart, to talk about the growing demand for autism care. They’ll discuss the impact on service providers like BCBAs and RBTs, along with some emerging technology that can help with large caseloads and overwhelming documentation. (Which translates to increased recruitment and retention for organizations.) Check out this podcast to learn about the future of autism treatment and how you can better serve individuals in your community.Key objectives include:Understand how and why the increase in autism diagnoses has changed the landscape of care in recent years, and what that means for your organizationLearn how technology can help with recruitment and retention, and why increased demand for autism may be causing turnover in BCBAs and RBTsThe importance of data collection, analysis and reporting to drive decision-making and care integration, using a single platform

What strategies do provider groups operating in Accountable Care Organizations and Medicare Advantage Plans need to successfully partner with the growing Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) markets? Join Beth Reece, VP and GM of GEHRIMED at Netsmart, Todd Tyler, CIO at Curana Health, and Mike Emery, EVP at Curana Health, to discuss innovative senior care solutions, emphasizing prevention and care coordination. The guests shed light on the future of CCRCs, focusing on continuous innovation, expanded services, and cost-effective, high-quality care to support aging in place and prevent the need for higher acuity care settings.Key Takeaways:Adapting to the Middle Market: CCRCs accommodate both high-end and middle-market residents, offering affordable housing options to serve a broader audience.Innovation in Care Models: On-site primary care, telemedicine, and technology drive proactive, engaging healthcare for residents.Partnerships for Better Outcomes: Collaborations between Curana Health, CCRCs, and tech providers like Netsmart and GEHRIMED are enhancing care quality while managing costs.Future of CCRCs: Focus on continuous innovation, expanded services, and cost-effective, high-quality care to support aging in place and prevent the need for higher levels of care.

What strategies do a human services organization need to improve both top-line (growth) and bottom-line (profit) sustainability? Join Dave Strocchia, SVP, Netsmart, as he shares insights with Monica Oss, CEO, OPEN MINDS. This conversation will focus on new and emerging technology as the secret to a healthy business––including less overhead, happier staff, more service lines and stronger consumer engagement.Come away with an understanding of:The importance of automation to optimize your bottom line and increase employee satisfactionHow emerging technologies like AI can transform your clinical processesTechnology as a strategy for improving and diversifying your relationships with payersWhy data is more important than ever to prove your valueThe path toward integrated care and why it’s so important to sustainabilityWhere technology is headed and what we can expect in the futureIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.

How did a CFO with a non-clinical background revolutionize care outcomes for a 140-year-old IDD nonprofit? In this episode, Toni Pergolin, CEO, Bancroft, talks with Mike Valentine, CEO, Netsmart, about her unexpected journey from changing budgets to changing lives. Learn the financial and strategic planning measures that took her organization from a struggling intuition to an innovative industry leader. Best of all, discover how the right business decisions benefit everyone from consumers to staff to communities. Come away with an understanding of:The importance of focusing on key initiatives before you allow yourself to growHow to create the right strategic plan––and implement it as a team Why technology is crucial for innovation, care, and your bottom lineKey guidelines for operating a Human Services nonprofit, and the importance of community relationships to the well-being of your consumers. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

The president of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) says the performance of these agencies during the pandemic raised their awareness among the public and people in other parts of health care services. As we move through 2023, and further away from the pandemic, home care agencies and hospices are looking to increase their value in the overall home care landscape.In this episode, NAHC President Bill Dombi talks with Mike Dordick, Netsmart SVP of Post-Acute Strategy, about the current environment, challenges and opportunities for the home care and hospice industry. Listen in as these two healthcare leaders talk about what you need to know as you work through 2023.Join us as we discuss:Solutions to workforce shortagesThe growing Medicare Advantage populationThe impact the new Congress will have on policy and regulationHome care expansionDombi’s forecast for the futureIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or however you listen to your podcasts.

While healthcare is often viewed with an episodic lens, human services operate very different. Benchmark Human Services has found when it comes to managing the most complex populations, integrated care is more vital than ever to driving better outcomes. With a clear mission of serving people at the forefront, they’ve taken a lifestyle approach to care and evolved their model to meet the unique needs of each state, serving people no matter what their needs are today.Netsmart CEO Mike Valentine is joined by Benchmark Human Services CEO Doug Beebe and his team to share their perspective of how they’re offering their services to the highest-need, highest-cost individuals among us, from those with complex needs, to individuals in crisis, populations that were previously marginalized and children.Listen in as we discuss:How Benchmark Human Services helps niche populations that most others have a very hard time serving.Supporting basic human needs as part of the continuum of care for better outcomes, meeting the needs of individuals today.Prioritizing technology investments and innovation opportunities that align with your organization’s mission, vision and strengths.To make sure you never miss an episode of the CareThreads podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

The expectations seniors have for healthy aging is changing and it is up to continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), also referred to as life plan communities, to adapt. A tenured leader in senior living and long-term care dives into the changes, challenges and opportunities ahead to ensure long-lasting success for CCRCs.Eva Bering, MSN, MHA, RN, NHA, is an expert on enhancing the experience of aging. In this episode with Netsmart Senior Solution Strategist Maggie Cameron, Bering taps into her extensive background to discuss what leadership at life plan communities need to focus on to provide the best possible experience for their residents and staff.In this episode, we discuss:What questions CEOs of nonprofit CCRCs should be addressing with the board chairHow leaders can lean into digital transformationTechnology’s role in the CCRCThe pivot to value-based reimbursementHow CCRCs can stay competitive in the market

Hospices around the country are dealing with a similar issue – staffing shortages. It’s forced some to reduce services while others have shut down. One expert has some ideas on how to retain staff and how to prepare hospice nurses for the rigors of the job.Barbara Karnes, RN has devoted decades towards educating, caring and supporting those who are dying and their loved ones. She wrote the iconic booklet “Gone from My Sight.” It is recognized as an important tool for hospice nurses. In this episode, she talks with Amy Wilson, Netsmart Senior Solution Strategist, about the biggest challenges and opportunities facing hospice agencies.Join us as we discuss:Retaining staffPreparing the next generation of hospice nursesAdvice for hospice clinical leadersTechnology’s impact on hospice care

Tom Herzog, COO, NetsmartDr. Eleanor Castillo-Sumi, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Innovation & Growth for Pacific Clinics.Organizations from all communities of care are faced with the challenge of navigating a sea of change, while at the same time trying to scale services to those in need. From taking a proactive approach to new payer models, to focusing on a strong organizational culture, providers can continue to cultivate their mission.In this podcast, we’ll discuss how Pacific Clinics has learned to anticipate changes and transform accordingly. By focusing on strategy, innovation and growth, they’ve managed to serve 40 million people over the last 155 years and continue to adapt and grow through an ever-changing landscape.Listen as we discuss:How to keep existing teams aligned and working closely together through changeWhat makes a strong culture that is flexible and motivated about changeStrategies to help scale services and improve the lives of both staff and clientsTo make sure you never miss an episode of the CareThreads podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

Health and human service organizations are confronted with the challenge of maintaining and improving care coordination, clinician satisfaction, and client outcomes with shrinking resources. Faced with staff shortages and an increase in demand for services, organizations are looking for ways to help clinicians do their job better, quicker, and easier, as well as improve the efficacy of their work.In this episode, hear from executives of two of the largest and most complex providers in the country, Chief Information Officer of Institute for Community Living, Hao Wang, and Uday Madasu, Chief Administration Officer of Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, how emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, have the power to simultaneously transform the client and staff experience, making their lives easier and enabling better outcomes.Listen as we discuss:How the power of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing are being leveraged by providers to drive efficiency, boost staff retention and recruitment, and improve care delivery.How advanced technology is making strides in population health, workforce management, consumer engagement, and data analyticsTechnology in the emerging stage that will play a large role in the future of care.To make sure you never miss an episode of the CareThreads podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO at National Council for Mental Wellbeing joins Kevin Scalia, Executive Vice President at Netsmart, to discuss the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act recently passed by Congress that provides funding for the expansion of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Join them as they discuss how this Act came to be and how the efforts over the past decade demonstrate the importance of advocacy.When it comes to advocacy, even one person’s voice can make a difference. From letters and phone calls to Congressional home district visits and Hill Days, building relationships with members of Congress is key to driving change. In the case of CCBHCs, the collaboration and consistent efforts of individuals and organizations across the human services community led to the passage of this much-needed legislation. Even though this Act provides the most funding for mental health in 60 years, it still falls short of what is truly needed to support the increase in demand for mental health services. The work that has been done on CCBHCs is just the beginning.Join us to hear their experiences as they discuss:What it took to get this CCBHC legislation passedThe importance of the Behavioral Health IT Coalition and Hill Day within advocacy effortsWhat the hope is for the future of mental healthOnline resources:National Council for Mental Wellbeing analysis of Bipartisan Safer Communities ActNational Council for Mental Wellbeing CCBHC Impact Report – May 2021Netsmart summary of Healthcare Legislative Advocacy | Netsmart (ntst.com)Speak with a Netsmart CCBHC SpecialistIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or anywhere you get your podcast content.

Home healthcare providers face an uncertain future following a proposed rate cut by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The proposal would implement a permanent -7.69% cut to Medicare home health services beginning in January 2023. The Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare (PQHH) says the rate cut proposal would equal $1.33 billion in 2023 alone. More cuts have also been proposed for the years to come which could reach $18 billion over the next 10 years. Providers and home health advocates are fighting back, urging passage of the Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022. The legislation seeks to delay cuts to allow time to implement a payment system update based on full, current and accurate information. Advocates say CMS should treat home health consistently – and apply the same budget methodology principles as it does in analyzing budget neutrality in the skilled nursing facility payment system.In this episode, Netsmart EVP of Corporate Development Kevin Scalia talks with Joanne Cunningham, CEO of PQHH, about the proposed rate cuts to home healthcare services, which come at a time of increasing interest in care at home. Listen in as we discuss:How the proposed cuts would have a devastating impact on home healthcare access and growthThe Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022…and the urgent need for advocacy to pass itWhat you specifically can do to support efforts already underway in WashingtonThe increased use of technology in post-acute care delivery…connecting clinicians and caregivers for patient-centric careClick here to read more about PQHH’s detailed analysis of the proposed home health rate cuts.You can also visit a Take Action link to ask your representatives in Congress to support the Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022.To make sure you never miss an episode of the CareThreads podcast, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

Tim Rowan, Editor of “Healthcare at Home: The Rowan Report"Mike Dordick, President of McBee and SVP Post-Acute Strategy of NetsmartDawn Iddings, SVP of Post-Acute, NetsmartIt is projected that in two years 50% of Medicare beneficiaries will be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, and by 2040 that number is expected to rise to 70%. As MA grows its market share among seniors, home-based care providers are battling two business decisions: accept the MA contract and what they feel are unfair reimbursement rates, or reject the rates and lose out on MA contracts and the revenue that comes with it. In this episode, we unpack the biggest challenges and opportunities for home health agencies as they grapple with whether to engage with MA contracts and take on risk. To hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.

Palliative care is growing at an accelerated pace with providers beginning to unlock the keys to profitability through value-based contracts. By taking a deep dive into one of the most rapidly growing fields of healthcare in the U.S., we can understand why these predictions for growth point to palliative as one of the highest demand and most needed services in the post-acute care continuum and what the future of palliative care includes.In this episode hosted by Mike Valentine, CEO of Netsmart, we explore the expansion of palliative care services as well as some of the challenges facing providers. Joining us in the dialogue to unlock success for palliative care is Dawn Iddings, Senior Vice President & GM of Post-Acute and Jim Parker, Editor of Hospice News. Jim is a journalist who has covered healthcare and public policy since 2000 and has a deep understanding of the hospice and palliative care industry. The collective of post-acute care industry leaders discuss improving access to palliative care, building the infrastructure to support new programs and understanding the benefits and pitfalls of new payment models.Join us as we share key factors to unlocking success:Team skills and interdisciplinary care positioning hospice agencies to broaden service offeringsA robust technology system to collect and interpret data demonstrating positive outcomesMobilizing data through interoperability to pursue value-based contractsThe importance of ONC-certification for providers to realize the full potential of reimbursementPursuing value-based contracts through programs like Medicare Advantage, ACOs and other alternative payment arrangementsLeveraging value-based partnerships to offer additional support to patients and share costs for care deliveryHow to use insightful data to drive partners, referral organizations, payers and other providers to collaborate and arrive at a win-win contractThank you to Jim Parker for joining the discussion and for your thought leadership in the industry which can be found online at Hospice News: https://hospicenews.com/For additional technology resources visit: https://www.ntst.com/Solutions/By-Community/Post-Acute-Care/Palliative-CareIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher.

In this episode, AJ Peterson, vice president and general manager of CareGuidance, talks with Jennifer Miller and Hank Watson about how their organizations are incorporating integrated care into their services and what integrated care means to them. Learn about the importance of looking at interconnectedness and the whole health of a person. Social determinants of health (SDoH) are also discussed and how the right model of care can overcome the barriers keeping people from getting appropriate treatment and services.Telehealth, remote therapy and group sessions, and how technology can be an enabler of value-based models of care are covered. Miller and Watson also share how forming partnerships and data sharing among organizations can be helpful in developing effective treatment plans.Hear their experiences as they discuss:How to define integrated care and what success looks likeHow integrated care is being delivered through the lens of different organizationsLessons, challenges and opportunities around implementing integrated care modelsTechnology needed for integrated care and the role it plays in forging community partnershipsIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher.

The past several years have seen accelerated technology application for healthcare organizations across the continuum of care, yet we're going to see more change in the next ten years than most of us have seen in our collective lifetime. To understand where we are going, we should reflect on the history that brought us to where we are today. The origins of healthcare IT adoption for providers stemmed from the financial compliance era for electronic health records (EHRs). Historically, behavioral health providers across the country had been slower to adopt healthcare IT in comparison to other care settings; but the shift of bringing consumers and clinicians to the technology table has driven rapid innovation and development of solutions and services.At no other time in our history has person-to-person collaboration been more important to the outcomes of those we serve. Technology adoption requires more than just the IT team. Success requires that every function of an organization needs a seat at the table. The caregivers, clinicians, administration, operators, financial billing and more because these technology systems are dependent upon each other to work extraordinarily well. Each stakeholder, their perspective or persona is absolutely valid, and each influences the others as a cross representation team at the table designing not only for today but for tomorrow. In this episode, Tom Herzog, Chief Operating Officer, speaks with Dr. Dennis Morrison, Chief Clinical Officer about his unique experience adopting and applying healthcare technology throughout his career. A psychologist by training, Dr. Denny has been in various corners of the healthcare landscape over the last 30 years, running a community mental health center (CMHC) and leading a research institute before landing at Netsmart. The thought leaders unpack the past, present and future of behavioral health care delivery including the intersection of clinical and technology, improved outcomes and next-generation healthcare IT on the horizon.Join us to hear their experiences as we discuss:History of healthcare IT and the financial compliance eraAccelerating technology adoption for behavioral healthcare organizationsDesigning workflows with the patient and clinician in mindPerspectives of peers and the recovery movementTreatment and recovery models for acute problems, chronic illness and addictionPredictions for augmented intelligence, predictive analytics, DNA and big dataFuture technology innovations transforming healthcareFinally, Denny shares a suggestion on the latest reads that he’s found fascinating. Denny recently finished a series of articles for the Netsmart CareThreads blog (https://www.ntst.com/Blog) on the pure movement, and he found inspiration and background in a book about the history of addiction treatment in the United States called Slaying the Dragon. Denny states, “It’s a fascinating read about how we have used peers in health care, particularly in addiction treatment and how that came about – it’s absolutely fascinating.” Download Slaying the Dragon Today!To hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts.

Rachelle Casto, VP of Administration, McLeod Addictive Disease CenterMelanie Conforti, VP of Medication Assisted Treatment, McLeod Addictive Disease CenterChristy Majors, VP of Finance, McLeod Addictive Disease CenterMary Ward, President, McLeod Addictive Disease CenterTricia Zerger, Director of Child & Family and Developmental Services, NetsmartIn this episode, representatives from the McLeod Addictive Disease Center and Netsmart discuss where addiction treatment is now and how the use of technology can take treatment to a whole new level. While the COVID pandemic created challenges for treatment, it also provided many opportunities, creating many roads to recovery.The McLeod Addictive Disease Center has been operative throughout many areas of North Carolina since 1969, caring for up to 2800 individuals at any given time. The pandemic drastically changed the ways in which treatments were viewed. Thankfully, being deemed an essential location, the treatment centers did not close, however, Telehealth and other online treatments got created for caregivers and patients alike. Finding that many patients enjoyed and preferred Telehealth as opposed to in-person treatment, the focus became more centered on asking the patients how they themselves think they can receive the best care. During a time of fear and uncertainty, this organization embraced opportunity because of the pandemic, leading to more innovation ideas and greater success of everyone involved.Join us to hear their experiences as we discuss:Factors that have and continue to contribute to the addiction crisis in our societyThe challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemicThe advantages of technology in Telehealth and other online services and how they related to overall patient satisfaction.How the pandemic shaped their organization, bringing about great new ideas and successWhat the future looks like without having strict regulationsIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you stream your podcasts.

In this episode, we unpack the most pressing concern facing human services and post-acute organizations today: the staffing shortage. Hear how you can flip the script from the “Great Resignation” to the “Great Transformation” by using technology strategies to recruit, retain and empower staff.Listen as three industry experts, Peter Flick, VP and General Manager of Bells Netsmart; Mike Dordick, Senior VP Post-Acute Strategy, Netsmart and President, McBee; and Danielle Ross, VP and Virtual Chief Information Officer, Netsmart discuss with host Denny Morrison, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Advisor, Netsmart, how to optimize every facet of your organization, including:Workflow optimization (EHR utilization, Artificial Intelligence)System optimization (Technology usage)Personnel optimization (Operating at top of license)To hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Kevin Scalia, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, NetsmartKeith Boushee, Director of Community Strategy, NetsmartIn this episode, Kevin Scalia, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, and Keith Boushee, Director of Community Strategy, share the importance of properly preparing to apply for funding through federal and state grants and how to efficiently use funding to help with the success of your organization.Identifying, preparing and applying for human services funding opportunities that align with your organization’s goals is crucial to better serve communities. In preparing to apply for grants ahead of time, one should think about how these funds can help grow and expand the business. Find which grants best fit your organization and its strategy along with considering the sustainability of that grant, by thinking about how to keep the success of your organization after the grant goes away. Work that should be done ahead of time before applying for grants also include the consideration of working with partners, collecting letters of recommendation from other community resources and being confident that you have the bandwidth to not only complete the grant application, but have a good chance of success after submission.Join us to hear their experiences as we discuss:Strategies to determine which grants to apply for and why grants are important for the success of the organizationWhat organizations do to prepare to apply for grants and how to make your story stand outHow COVID has affected and impacted organizations across the boardWays to build your grant narrative and how to choose the best themes and key words depending on funding from SAMHSA, the FCC and the USDAIf you want to hear more episodes like this one, look for the Netsmart CareThreads podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher.

Kari Norris, Emergency Services Coordinator, Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB)Brandie Williams, Deputy Executive Director, Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB)Julie Hiett, Senior Director of Population Health, NetsmartIn this episode, Kari Norris, Emergency Services Coordinator for Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) , and Brandie Williams, Director of Operations for RACSB, share their experience with creating crisis intervention teams for their area in Virginia.The 988 Implementation Act is drawing increased attention and funding support to the development of community-based crisis response systems. Because RACSB has been providing crisis management services since 2009, we spoke with them about their experiences and what other organizations can expect as they create and expand their crisis services.Join us to hear their experiences as we discuss:Developing partnerships with law enforcement agencies and the justice systemExpanding training beyond crisis responders to the entire community to remove the stigma of behavioral health issuesCreating crisis stabilization services to deter crises from happeningRegular communication with stakeholders to create strong relationships, improve processes and create memorandums of understanding for moving forwardTo hear more episodes like this one, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, Wes Williams, VP & CIO at WellPower, talks about the transformation of the past two years and the rise of telehealth and how he’s working to make it a complement to mental health services rather than a complicated one — Telehealth has always been here, but the mindset is shifting. Join us as we discuss:Pressing forward through the pandemic & the rise of telehealth Acknowledging how telehealth has changed & how to anticipate for the futureWhat a human-centered lab isBlockchain, IoT, & AI in healthcareAdvice for the audience This discussion with Wes Williams was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Netsmart CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

You could have the greatest software on the face of the earth, but if you don’t have buy-in from people who know what they’re doing, the implementation is going to fail, says Wenona Bowen-Palombi, Manager of Healthcare Informatics at Treasure Coast Hospice.  The secret sauce to a successful EHR implementation is ... people. In this episode of Netsmart CareThreads, Wenona Bowen-Palombi and Latessa Hinson, Vice President at Netsmart, share insider tips, pitfalls, and best practices of an EHR implementation. Join us as we discuss: Crucial first steps for providers to think about before implementing a new application How to make sure your implementation starts and stays on track Why relationships and communication are so essential Establishing post-go-live plans for continued success To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Netsmart CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

In this episode, Mary Madison, Clinical Consultant, Long-Term/Senior Care at Briggs Healthcare, talks about MDS Coordinators and other critical roles that will help long-term care providers and reimbursement teams thrive in 2022 and beyond. Join us as we discuss: Why “challenges” and “opportunities” are often the same A detailed survey of reimbursement  Ways to support MDS and reimbursement roles How to be not just effective but extraordinary The Minimum Data Set (MDS), a standardized, comprehensive assessment of an adult's functional, medical, psychosocial, and cognitive status, is essential for everything that long-term care does today (and in the future). Everyone who works with the MDS plays a critical role in ensuring success for long-term care providers. Ongoing education and clinical support are the mechanisms that enable exceptional patient care and optimal reimbursement. This education and support keeps everyone who works with that MDS from simply filling out a questionnaire and hoping for the best. To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Netsmart CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

Predictive analytics serves us in our everyday lives. When you’re planning a road trip, your weather and GPS apps help you choose the safest and fastest route. It’s the same with care coordination. Predictive analytics is an essential tool to help nurses deliver effective care. In this episode, we interview Amy Goldsmith, SVP of Care Management at SavaSeniorCare, about leveraging technology and analytics to improve care coordination (and many other aspects of patient care). Listen in as we discuss: How technology enables clinicians who wear so many hats Why education and training strategies make a difference How data improves care coordination and staffing The growing focus on data quality vs data quantity  To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Netsmart CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

Creating the right culture in your agency means setting the expectation that employers and employees will support each other. After all, feeling supported at work is one of the best employee experiences we can have. In this episode, Robert Love, Executive Director/Administrator at Butte Home Health & Hospice, talks with us about achievements that earned his agency a Fortune BEST Workplace in Aging Services, coming in at #5 in the country in the ‘at home’ category. Join us as we discuss: -Building a culture of support -An equal focus on employee satisfaction and patient satisfaction -Curating your online and community reputation as an employer -Strategies for serving others with empathy -Initiatives for keeping the organization an exceptional place to work This discussion with Robert Love was taken from our show Netsmart Care Threads. To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

There are a myriad of challenges facing the post-acute and long-term care community in the wake of the pandemic. The only way to even begin to solve these problems is to give clinicians a seat at the table and give leaders the skills they need to lead effectively. In this episode of Netsmart CareThreads, Dr. Michael Wasserman, Past President of the California Association of Long-Term Care Medicine (CALTCM), shares his recommendations for improving the quality and financial viability of long-term care. Join us as we discuss: -Challenges and opportunities facing clinical teams in long-term care -Why it’s important to invest in a medical director -How to align clinical and operations teams on the same goals - Emerging post pandemic data sets and how they should be used -The role technology, data collection, and communication tools will play Follow Dr. Wasserman on Twitter: @WassDoc.  To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to Netsmart Care Threads on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Manual referrals, besides being inefficient, do not provide effective care. When we move to electronic transitions of care, we have a tremendous advance in referral management that provides the best outcomes for patients.   In this episode of Netsmart CareThreads, Dr. Holly Miller, Chief Medical Officer at MedAllies, shares the benefits of and case studies for electronic transition of care.   Join us as we discuss: -Why manual referrals underserved patients -How incentive programs provided benefits for patients and providers -Who the 360X workgroup was designed to help -Use cases for electronic transitions of care -First steps for implementing closed-loop referrals  To hear more episodes like this one, subscribe to Netsmart Care Threads on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Despite its frequent buzzword reference today, “person-centered care” is rooted firmly and deeply in hospice care.  The future of healthcare lies in replicating what hospice care is really about -- serving the whole person by an interdisciplinary team who believes in care without barriers. In this episode of Netsmart CareThreads, Samira Beckwith, President and CEO at Hope Healthcare , unpacks what it means and why it’s so important for hospices to go back to the future.  Join us as we discuss: How hospice can serve as a beacon for other areas of medicine Why we must get away from saying “end-of-life-care” What it means to go back to the future with hospice care Why Americans think death is optional The effect of value-based payment models This discussion was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts.  If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Netsmart CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

Recent history has impacted many foundational elements of the behavioral health care delivery system as we know it. To make the most of the opportunities before us, we need to understand five key elements that are driving the delivery of behavioral health services. In this episode, I speak with Bob Sheehan, CEO at Co mmunity Mental Health Association of Michigan, about the complex factors influencing the behavioral health services delivery system today and in the future. Join Bob and me as we discuss these five key elements: Growth of managed care and risk management Adequate funding Integration with primary care Role of public and private sector and service delivery Changing community expectations Bonus: Bob’s optimism and encouragement about the future of behavioral health services This discussion was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts.  If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Netsmart CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

Law enforcement often comes in contact with individuals who need behavioral health care rather than lawful arrest or incarceration. To provide immediate and appropriate care in these situations, more communities are pairing behavioral health professionals with police officers when responding to a crisis situation. This collaboration works to reduce unnecessary incarceration and emergency department visits by connecting the individual in need to the appropriate support and resources, benefitting and protecting all who are involved. It’s about the right intervention, at the right time, by the right person.    In this episode, I speak with Tim DeWeese, Director at Johnson County Mental Health, about Mobile Crisis Response to assist first responders. We’ll also talk about the “Zero Reasons Why” campaign designed to disrupt youth suicide, and how community engagement can impact our culture’s ongoing mental health conversation.   In this episode, plan to hear: - Tim’s professional passion in providing immediate access to care - Details about the co-responder program and how to start one - The youth-led campaign that has reduced youth suicide, even during the pandemic - How a positive community response about mental health should look As promised, here are the links to resources Tim described during the podcast: - Mental Health Moments - weekly emails   - “Front Line Support” - an emergency crisis c ounseling initiative supporting the front-lines - #ZeroReasonsWhy Campaign - to disrupt teen suicide t hrough expanded story-telling and social media content - The Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition - a community coalition with nearly 500 members, r epresenting dozens of sucide prevention inittiatives - It's Okay if You're not Okay Podcast  - Mindfulness and Emotion Regulation - information on anxiety and self-car e resources - Whole Healthy You (WHY) - The Mental Health Cent er joined the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) in launching the WHY campaign with the goal to capture the attention of adolescents and young adults and direct them to the State’s new Youth Health Guide. - Elevate for Educators - Elevate for Educators covers seven important topics, including Mental Well-Being for Educators, Managing Mental Health Challenges, Mindful Living, Developing Coping Skills, Supporting a Friend or Loved One, Building Strengths and Motivation, and Strategies for Stress Management. - Racial Trauma - information and resources on racism and racial trauma This discussion was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts.  If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for Netsmart CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

One key concept emerged from navigating the pandemic over the past year — self care. How can leaders of community providers across post-acute and human services navigate self care for themselves and their team members? In this episode of Netsmart CareThreads, Sonnie Linebarger, Chief Operating Officer at Bristol Hospice, talks about how caregivers can maximize their effectiveness by prioritizing self care. Sonnie’s words of advice transcend all communities of care where clinicians are caring for the vulnerable in our society including mental health, addictions treatment, senior care, and home care. Specifically, Sonnie discusses: - What self care means (and doesn't mean) for caregivers - Exploding the myth that self care is selfish - How hospice leaders can model great self care for their team members This discussion with Sonnie Linebarger was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts.If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.

Missed Developmental Disabilities Month in March? Don't worry – let’s continue the conversation together. Individuals with developmental disabilities often face unique barriers that can make it challenging to fully connect to their communities. In order to create a more inclusive environment for all, whether that be regarding employment, social experiences or available resources, open and consistent communication is paramount.  On a recent episode of the CareThreads podcast, Paige Rockers spoke with Sue Walker, Chief Program Officer, Hammer Residences, about the developmental disabilities community and how we can all create a more inclusive world together. Barriers to Inclusion Most barriers to inclusion are not as complex as we might imagine. But they're not easy to solve, either. Humans have an innate tendency to seek out people we feel comfortable with and have similar ways of interacting. When people appear, act or respond differently than us, we are inclined to feel uncomfortable or uncertain. This often sparks a gap that affects individuals with developmental disorders, as their interactions, needs and ways of communication are sometimes different. Individuals with developmental disorders also face challenges with employment. We want to say that people should be employed wherever they want, with whatever their skill is. But in reality, businesses face an array of challenges when it comes to hiring and supporting people with disabilities. There are financial and regulatory issues involved that most folks don't think about. People with developmental disabilities are highly capable of a wide array of employment opportunities. Employers often need to make adaptations and instill support for people with disabilities in the workplace. It's a space where we have a lot of work to do. And we can all do our part. We don't always think of everything that people with developmental disabilities might need to feel included. At a business or social event — even in a community, such as accessing a building or a resource — people with developmental disabilities may feel ostracized. Creating a More Inclusive Community The more we talk to each other, the more we learn about the barriers other people face. Through honest and genuine conversations, we can work to better understand one another, despite the differing challenges or disabilities. Communication is the easiest way to overcome barriers for people with developmental disabilities. Hammer's mission emphasizes that we're all people — just humans — and forming relationships is the most important part of the human experience. It's how we get to know, appreciate and support one another. Whether someone has a disability or not, we need to keep empathy and respect at the forefront of all of our interactions and thinking. It's important to search out all the opportunities we have for communicating with new people in order to grow as a cohesive community that welcomes all walks of life. While Developmental Disabilities Month of 2021 is in the past, that doesn’t mean the efforts, communication and collaboration should stop. If you’re interested in getting involved or learning more about developmental disabilities a great first step is to volunteer. Simply spending time with individuals helps break down barriers while forming understanding relationships. The more we participate with one another, without feeling uncomfortable, the more inclusive and accepting we will naturally become. This discussion with Sue Walker was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts here. If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

Congress passed and President Biden signed the $2 trillion American Rescue Plan Act. How will it affect your organization? In this episode of Netsmart CareThreads, Tom Herzog, Chief Operating Officer for Netsmart, and Kevin Scalia, EVP, Corporate Development at Netsmart Technologies, discuss this significant legislation. What's included in it? What does it provide for the human services and post-acute provider communities we serve? Here's what Tom and Kevin talked about: - Funding and grant opportunities for human services and post-acute care providers in the American Rescue Plan Act. - The impact of COVID-19 on the scale of this legislation. - How Netsmart collaborated with leading industry associations to build a common agenda to highlight the funding needs of providers who need technology as the bridge to fully integrate with other key components of the healthcare ecosystem. - Potential future legislation with levels of funding that could fundamentally change the way Netsmart clients deliver Home and Community-Based Services. - Move fast: Some providers wait too long to put together a business plan and strategy. Lots of money being allocated, it will be spent fast. Also non-traditional competitors are moving into the space. - Think big: Look beyond vertical thinking like opening new facilities…to horizontal thinking like how to leverage current service lines and expertise in new settings This discussion with Kevin Scalia was taken from our show Netsmart Care Threads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts. If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.

The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be challenging for all healthcare organizations, especially for those who didn’t have some kind of crisis plan in place. In order to adapt and prevail through an unexpected event that could disrupt service lines, organizations need to strategize ahead of time and define their roadmap to success. In this episode of Netsmart CareThreads, Danielle Ross, Virtual CIO and Vice President at Netsmart, talks about discovering your path to value. Specifically, Danielle discusses: - The core foundational requirements needed to address a crisis - Management planning considerations when optimizing processes and tools - Best practice solutions to get on the right track   This discussion with Danielle Ross was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts.If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.

Some things — just a few — changed in 2020. Are those changes here to stay, or are we only having a moment? What does the behavioral health landscape look like post-COVID? On this episode of Netsmart CareThreads, we talked about the future of behavioral healthcare post-COVID with Dr. Ron Manderscheid, President and CEO of the National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Directors and the National Association for Rural Mental Health, and an adjunct professor in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Here's what we discussed with Ron: - “Modernizing” virtual care to engages all of a person’s providers to create a more integrated care environment - Closing the chasm between community-based and institutional care settings to create a “center” while also respecting the recovery movement - Embracing consensus-built (not top-down) data systems - Artificial intelligence systems that support the provider...help them decide more quickly on appropriate meds or interventions - Better use of good apps that are evidence-based - We have to change behavioral health training practices - The ultimate goal is recovery and the well-being of the persons we serve This discussion with Dr. Ron Manderscheid was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts here. If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

Every dollar lost to fraud, waste, or abuse is a life impacted negatively. Kristy Pyles, Principal at In Your Corner Consulting, LLC, joined Hannah Patterson on this episode of Netsmart CareThreads to talk about implementing electronic visit verification (EVV). Kristy designed and implemented an EVV solution which was the first in the United States to achieve CMS certification using the Outcome Based Approach. This design can help providers, states and EVV vendors avoid bumps in the road and have a positive impact on the people they serve. What we discussed with Kristy: - The challenges related to implementation of EVV - Tips and best practices for a successful EVV launch This discussion with Kristy Pyles was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts here. If you don’t use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CareThreads in your favorite podcast player.

Comic books have been popular with teenagers for generations. Hoping to both educate and entertain teenagers, Centerstone, a Tennessee-based behavior health provider, developed a comic book series featuring a variety of important topics. Ashleigh Hall, Grants Marketing Manager at Centerstone, joined Keith Boushee on this episode of Netsmart CareThreads to talk about how her team created a series of comic books to successfully deliver mental health messages to teens. After receiving a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS), Centerstone decided to lay the foundation for bringing Spark, the main character, to life. They hired illustrators who specialize in comic books to bring the series to life. Spark tackles controversial topics in the series including: - Sex messaging - Bullying - Under-age drinking - Opioid issues - Depression - Online safety Since launching the series in 2014, over 60,000 books have been distributed. By including discussion prompts at the end of each book, the books can be used in a classroom setting. Centerstone hopes to bridge the gap between parents and children as well as show these issues can affect everyone, everywhere. The series has also been popular in schools with many counselors and principals helping to distribute the comics. In partnership with Centerstone, we are giving away 50 sets of the six-book series. Go to https://pages.ntst.com/Centerstone-Podcast-LP.html and enter to receive free comic books! This discussion with Ashleigh Hall was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads. If you want to hear more episodes like this one, search Netsmart CareThreads on Apple Podcast. Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for CareThreads in your favorite podcast player. 

Information blocking is all about the data – access to, exchange of, and use of electronic health information (EHI) – regardless of what technology is used. Most importantly, information blocking directly impacts your organization. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) published a Final Rule in May 202, in the 21st Century Cures Act that sets requirements related to Information Blocking. These new regulations that will significantly impact how providers like you manage consumer health information. Listen in to hear Netsmart senior vice president, Carol Reynolds and Netsmart regulatory strategist, Cheri Whalen, discuss what information blocking and the final rule mean for your organization and what you can do now to prepare for the April 5, 2021 compliance date. Key topics discussed: - Strategies to improve response times for data exchange - How to educate your consumers about accessing their data - Tips for breaking down USCDI data elements for your staff and consumers This discussion with Carol Reynolds and Cheri Whalen was taken from our show Netsmart CareThreads.   If you want to hear more episodes like this one, check us out on Apple Podcasts.   If you don't use Apple Podcasts, you can find every episode here.