The Most Important Questions When Considering Palliative Care – July 2018

Why and Who – Fundamental Questions for Palliative Care…

I had the privilege this month of co-presenting with Jennifer Moore Ballentine, Executive Director of CSU’s Institute for Palliative Care, at the Financial Management Conference sponsored by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.  One thing that we both thought was imperative to discuss was that too many organizations considering the development of a palliative care program jump right to the model of care, how to bill or how to implement a particular model.  Instead, we agreed that they should start with the really critical elements of a palliative care program:  why you are doing a program; and who you plan to serve.

From those two questions will flow the model and funding.  But a second problem many prospective palliative care providers face, is that they make their planning decisions in a vacuum; without input from potential strategic partners.  Strategic partners not only are an important referral source, but they also can provide supplemental funding for palliative care programs that deliver value to them.

These two considerations, the right questions and the right partners are the foundation for any new palliative care program.

Bill Musick, President of Integriti3D, partners with chief executives and boards of hospice and palliative care organizations who seek to make a difference in the areas of planning, board engagement and creating a culture of integrity.  To find out more about taking your planning to the next level, contact Bill at (888) 942-0405.