winter 2012/2013 the surveyor newsletter - achc | home · the surveyor newsletter inside this issue...

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AChC Now offers BeTA TesTiNg for BehAviorAl heAlTh—Page 3

iNdusTry updATes—Pages 4-5

geT A glimpse of AChC’s NewesT employees—Pages 6-7

AChC iN The CommuNiTy—Page 8

spoTlighT oN The provider—Page 9

eduCATor CoNNeCTioN—0

Ask The eduCATor: up Close wiTh The supplier sTANdArds—Page 11

meeT your surveyor—Page 12

AChC’s workshops—Page 13

sTrATegiC pArTNerships—Page 14

CurreNT AChC ACCrediTed loCATioNs—Page 15

855-Yes-aCHC (855-937-2242) I achc.org

ACHC sincerely thanks Board Member Matt Whittington for not only his unwavering dedication to our organization but for his commitment to overseeing our building project. Under his leadership, ACHC moved into our new facility in December 2012.

[ ]

In the spring of 2012, ACHC began rebranding its image, logos, and website. The decision for an updated look was largely in response to our recent 25th

Anniversary. We are excited to present our new look to customers and industry professionals as we move forward into the next quarter century.

Our organization was able to substantially increase the brand aesthetics by creating branding standards, which included the introduction of the ACHC Gold

Accreditation Seal, updated logos and program icons. (Continued pg. 2)

AChC hAs A New look

The surveyor I WInTer 2012/2013

OffICerSrichard M. Wetherell I CHAIrperSOn VICe preSIDenT fOr QUAlITy, Teleflex MeDICAl, InC.

Chris e. Clasen, BS, rrT, rCp I VICe CHAIr DIreCTOr Of THe VenTIlATOr UnIT AT BlUe rIDGe HeAlTH CAre CenTer

Denise fletcher, esq. I SeCreTAry ATTOrney AT BrOWn & fOrTUnATO

rick ferris, r.ph I TreASUrer DIreCTOr Of OperATIOnS, DrUG CrAfTerS

José DomingosCeO

Matt HughesBUSIneSS DeVelOpMenT MAnAGer

Harrison BrendleMArkeTInG ASSOCIATe

Becky JonesGrApHIC DeSIGner

[email protected] [email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]

BoArd of CommissioNers

John Barrett SenIOr COnSUlTAnT, QUAlITy SySTeMS enGIneerInG

floyd Boyer, BS, rrT, rCp exeCUTIVe DIreCTOr, nC reSpIrATOry BOArD

richard Bulich, pharm. D InDepenDenT pHArMACy COnSUlTAnT

Barbara Stover Gingerich, rn MS, fACHe preSIDenT, ADVAnTAGe COnSUlTAnTS, InC.

len Holman, r. pH., CHC SeASOneD HeAlTH CAre AnCIllAry SerVICeS exeCUTIVe AnD COnSUlTAnT

Denise lippy Vp SySTeMS OperATIOnS, prOTOn THerApy CenTer

Susan niewenhous, pH.D., rn, CHCe, COS-C preSIDenT, nIeW SOlUTIOnS, InC.

Marshelle Thobaben, rn, MS, pHn, Apnp, fnp prOfeSSOr, HUMBOlDT STATe UnIVerSITy

Tom Tucker Vp SAleS AnD MArkeTInG, ATTenTUS MeDICAl SAleS, InC.

edward Zazenski DIreCTOr Of QUAlITy ASSUrAnCe, Teleflex MeDICAl, InC.

Matthew Whittington BrIGADIer GenerAl, USAr (reTIreD)

Gregory Bentley prInCIpAl-THe BenTley WASHInGTOn lAW fIrM

Marilyn Wideman Dnp, rn-BC ASSOCIATe DeAn fACUlTy prACTICe AnD COMMUnITy

MeMBerS

mANAgiNg ediTors

QuAliTy poliCy—ACHC is committed to meeting customer and regulatory requirements, enhancing employee skills and efficiencies, continual improvement of our quality management systems and processes, sustained fiscal growth and improved market presence.

visioN—ACHC will be the accreditation organization of choice that inspires excellence in health care.

missioN—To educate health care providers through relevant, industry-specific standards and surveys that lead to successful business practices and improved patient services.

our QuAliTy poliCy, missioN & visioN

ACHC launched its updated, user-friendly website that offers resources and other program-centric information in September of 2012. It features a more sophisticated look, with specific attention to cleanliness and clarity. ACHC will continue its online efforts with the redesign of its Customer Central portal, a website developed specifically for ACHC customers.

Along with the website came icons that illustrate each of ACHC’s seven (7) accreditation programs. These were developed to create a visual identification for each ACHC market segments and may be viewed at www.achc.org/programs.

Advertisements, documents, business cards, and other related materials will now wear ACHC’s new image; an image largely intended to portray ACHC as a forward leading accreditation agency in the modern era.

AChC hAs A New look (Continued)

2 I 855-Yes-aCHC (855-937-2242) I achc.org

for more questions on AChC’s image, please contact Becky Jones—[email protected] 855-937-2242

A C C R E D I T A T I O N C O M M I S S I O N F O R H E A L T H C A R E I 3

As a small child, I’d listen intently to stories my mom told me about sick babies that she and the other nurses had cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit. I suppose that

my appreciation for healthcare workers really started back then.

Throughout the years, I studied healthcare workers in a variety of venues. I watched the hospice caretakers tend to my father. I marveled over the pediatric staff who creatively mastered caring for my rambunctious toddler in traction. from paramedics to physicians to home health aides, each healthcare provider diligently performed their work ever cognizant of the needs and feelings of their patients.

Although accreditation reviews organizational processes and operations, it is very focused on the performance of the individual healthcare employees. Across America, there are healthcare workers and service providers that we meet every day. They are striving to make a difference in the lives of their patients. We’ve seen a medical equipment delivery technician thoroughly explaining the use of oxygen to a senior. We’ve met performance Improvement Directors teaching the principles of continuous quality improvement to their staff instilling the value of quality. There are endless examples of exceptional work delivered by healthcare workers committed to providing the best care/service. As an accrediting organization, we have the pleasure of witnessing this on a daily basis. yes, I’m sure that my appreciation for healthcare workers started as a child. However, now, more than ever, I admire the work they do.

In AppreCIATIOn Of HeAlTHCAre WOrkerS

By Barb SylvesterAloNg The wAy

surveys include direct observation of the care/service provided. This provides an opportunity for the organization to highlight its greatest asset—the staff.

ACHC is proud to offer beta testing for Behavioral Health Accreditation for organizations offering services to persons challenged with mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and/or substance abuse issues.

BehAviorAl heAlTh BeTA TesTiNg

How BeTa TesTing HelPs You and Your PaTienTs

BenefiTs of BeHavioral HealTH BeTa TesTing

Help shape national standards Become a leader in the Behavioral Health industry Improve your company’s processes – both

administrative and financial

ACHC’s Behavioral Health standards have been developed from research focused on industry best practices. Before the beta testing begins, ACHC and industry professionals rigorously examine the standards developed.

Along the Way is a column written by Barb Sylvester, Vice President of Clinical Compliance & Accreditation. Barb highlights various aspects of ACHC’s culture from an insider’s unique standpoint.

for more info on AChC’s Behavioral health beta testing, please contact Britt welch—[email protected] I 855-937-2242



AChC will be featured in a national sleep documentary hosted by Joan lunden and healthline Tv. The

documentary hopes to educate the general public on the importance of sleep testing and the increasing number of sleep disorders in the country. ACHC continues to grow its sleep program across the United States and has developed strategic relations with the likes of the Atlanta School of Sleep Medicine and the national Sleep foundation.

ACHC is honored to have been chosen as one of the participating organizations in the sleep documentary. The designated educational context directly aligns with the educational core value that ACHC provides in its accreditation. The documentary will be available in the spring of 2013 on www.healthlinetv.com.

sleep updATe

for more info on AChC’s sleep program, please contact Tim safley, director of dMePos, Pharmacy & sleep—[email protected] 855-937-2242

fAll 2012 I The surveyor

feB2013

MHa Business summitfeb 27‒mar 1 las vegas, Nv

mAr2013

illinois Homecare and Hospice Council march 13‒15 lombard, il

Apr2013

new england sleep society April 4‒5 Trumbull, CT

mAy2013

armada specialty Pharmacy summit may 7‒10 las vegas, Nv

national Council for Behavioral Health April 8‒10 las vegas, Nv

2013 spriNg TrAde showsSome of the trade shows ACHC will be attending in 2013. Be sure to stop by and visit our booth.

national Home infusion association April 8‒11 dallas, TX

MaMes April 17‒19 omaha, Ne

national Hospice and Palliative Care organization April 23‒27 National harbor, md

focus spring may 9‒11 Nashville, TN

vitalCare march 14‒15 destin, fl

Private duty Home Care leadership summit & expo march 17‒20 washington dC

California association of Medical Product suppliersfeb 26‒27irvine, CA

Medtrade spring march 19‒20 las vegas, Nv

Pennsylvania Homecare association may 15‒17 state College, pA

Michigan Home Health association Conference may 22‒24 Acme, mi

After the release of ACHC’s Community retail program, there was a very positive response from organizations that met the requirements for Community retail and switched during their renewal. The standards and survey process for this market are both streamlined and very manageable. Over the past year, the number of customers up for re-accreditation that could have easily re-applied for the Community retail program but successfully filed for accreditation exemption was significantly high. However, ACHC was surprised to learn of some of the challenges that organizations faced once their accreditation lapsed.

first, organizations that are exempt from accreditation are not necessarily exempt from a regulatory body’s audits. One of the benefits that organizations receive from meeting ACHC accreditation standards is that it provides guidance and requires customers to keep compliant and timely documentation, allowing an organization to be confident in an unexpected audit.

Second, organizations often mistakenly believe that exemption from accreditation through Medicare includes other payors. As the industry continues to evolve, Medicare will not be the sole regulator to mandate accreditation. More third-party payors are requiring accreditation in order to participate in their programs. It’s vital to thoroughly review all of your potential payor sources and if they have any accreditation requirements.

finally, when you choose the path of accreditation, look for an accreditor like ACHC who has deeming authority and is nationally recognized by third party payors.

CommuNiTy reTAil updATe

for questions about AChC’s Community retail program, please contact Harrison Brendle—[email protected] I 855-937-2242

in 2006, the mandatory regulation of accreditation for dmepos suppliers

changed the landscape of the homeCare industry that we experience today. ACHC has devoted itself to providing the very best accreditation experience for all of those who seek true value in the process. One thing that we have learned in this industry is that we can not make tomorrow’s decisions based on what happened today. Just as the industry evolves, we must as well.

recently, ACHC conducted an intimate strategic discussion, utilizing the knowledge and experience of 12 industry experts in an effort to evolve our service offerings to meet the demands of the industry and the needs of the provider.

To allow providers to experience the ACHC accreditation process, we have created a Transition program that allows currently accredited organizations the ability to switch accreditors regardless of where they are in the cycle. Simplified to four easy steps and partnered with the support of a personal Transition Coordinator, ACHC has made the fear of change a pleasant reality. for more information, visit www.achc.org/transition.

dme updATe

HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT MANUAL

UPDATED TO 2012 ACHC STANDARDS

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

VISIT OUR WEB SITE

WWW.5STARCONULTANTS.NET

There is AlwAys A BrighTer

side

ACHC’S TrANsiTioN

progrAm.



meeT The TeAm

BeCky JOneS Graphic DesignerJuNe 2012

At ACHC we hire only the best. As a non-profit company with a rapidly growing customer base, our philosophy is innovation, honesty and quite simply, excellence. for more information on the ACHC team, visit achc.org/about-achc/employment.

Sean is ACHC’s video-editing whiz. He has previous experience working with multinational corporations on a variety of adverse projects, even freelancing for ACHC while living in Spain. After completing his dual International MBA at The University of north Carolina Wilmington and at the University of Valencia, he was asked to join ACHC’s marketing team as the Multi Media and Web Content Specialist.

In his free time, Sean enjoys woodworking, exercising and spending time with his family (including his pup einstein).

SeAn WeTHerell Multi Media and Web Content DevelopersepTemBer 2012

kate parnell joined the team after working for the nC Department of Commerce in the division of community planning. She is a recent graduate of the University of north Carolina at Greensboro, with a Business Administration degree in Tourism planning. During school, kate had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at the Université d’ lyon in lyon, france.

kate works as an Accreditation Advisor for ACHC’s DMepOS and pharmacy programs. When she is not helping customers

We have an innovative, fresh look to our brand, created by our Graphic Designer, Becky. She brings an extensive design background to ACHC, most recently designing e-learning programs for pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, and previously serving as the Creative Director for flourish Magazine. Her passion for art and design fuels her creative flare. She is your go-to gal for anything ACHC brand related.

Outside of ACHC, Becky spends most of her time doing anything outdoors. She’s training for her first half marathon, and plays competitive softball and kickball with ACHC. If she’s not playing sports, she is fishing, spending time at the beach, playing

kATe pArnell Accreditation AdvisorAugusT 2012

through the accreditation process, kate enjoys the beach, kickball with the ACHC team, Zumba®, and extreme mountain climbing.

fetch with her dogs Gus and Chewy, or watching the Atlanta Braves. (She claims to be Chipper’s wife.)



Overseeing all accounting operations at ACHC, Mike is a certified public accountant with over 15 years experience in healthcare finance. He has managed the operational activities of various companies that perform physician practice management, pharmaceutical research and clinical research. Most recently, he worked for a pharmaceutical company that developed the first asthma inhaler for children under the age of six. Mike received a Bachelors degree in Accounting and finance from the University of Virginia and obtained his MBA from Duke University’s fuqua School of Business.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, traveling to north Carolina beaches, all outdoor activities, and is an avid Duke basketball fan.

“ACHC employees are the best at what they do. We are committed to customer satisfaction and to the values and mission of ACHC.”

we hAve A New CeoMr. José Domingos joined ACHC in november 2011 as the Vice president of Marketing and Business Development. As of December 1, 2012

he assumed the role of ACHC’s CeO.

previously, José served as the Market Segment Director for Becton

Dickinson Diagnostics where he led a Global Marketing team and worked with key Opinion leaders to advance the clinical treatment and access to liquid Based Cytology. José aligned and coordinated BD’s comprehensive approach to eradicate cervical cancer worldwide through

health economics and outcomes research, influencing public policy, and development and implementation of advocacy programs.

José has also served as the Director of Marketing for the Surgical Division of Teleflex Medical. In this role he led the development, branding, promotion, product and marketing management strategy for minimally invasive and open surgery products. He has over 16 years of international medical marketing and product management experience as well as sales and sales management. José holds an Associate of engineering, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering Technology degree from pennsylvania State University.

JOSé DOMInGOS CeOdeCemBer 2012

MIke TATe ControllerJuNe 2012


In 2009, ACHC developed an initiative to give back to the community through various service and fund-raising activities benefitting both local and national charitable organizations. Over the past several months, ACHC has participated in numerous initiatives that truly have made a difference in the community.

July2012

deConsTruCTion ProJeCTACHC team members worked to demolish older homes while salvaging materials that would be used in Habitat’s building projects.

JuNe2012

In June, employees and their family members cleaned camp sites and collected supplies to aid those less fortunate.

oCT2012

As A youNg Child, mATT AlwAys dreAmed of BeiNg spider-mAN.Pictured: Matt Hughes

mouNTAiN dew. iT’s NoT for everyoNe.Pictured: Mike Tate (white) Harrison Brendle (red) at Deconstruction Project

over THe edge

AChC iN The CommuNiTy

I N T H E C OMMUNITY

ACHC worked to raise over $1,000 to participate in the special olympics of North Carolina’s over the edge campaign. ACHC employee Matt Hughes rapelled 40 stories down the Wells fargo building in Downtown raleigh.

To see more photos of ACHC in the community, visit us at www.facebook.com/achc and www.achc.org/achc-in-the-communitiy.


if you or your organization have a fund-raising event and would like AChC to participate, contact aCHC’s volunteer Committee—[email protected] I 855-937-2242



ACHC is proud to have a partnership with the Mental Health Center of East Central Kansas and looks to build on the relationship moving forward.

THe MenTAl HeAlTH CenTer Of eAST CenTrAl kAnSAS (MHCeCk)

IntegraSleep is an award-winning industry leader in the

sleep medicine field, supported by a 98% customer satisfaction rating and demonstrated by their recent distinction

of “Best sleep facilities of 2012” from Sleep review Magazine.

provided by Active Healthcare, Inc., IntegraSleep serves customers from multiple locations in the nC research Triangle region with state-of-the-art sleep centers that provide all-inclusive sleep management programs to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

Board-certified sleep physicians work with patients dealing with insomnia, excessive sleepiness, restless leg and other movement disorders, shift worker

syndrome and parasomnias. easy referrals, timely diagnoses, flexible scheduling options and convenient compliance monitoring contribute to IntegraSleep’s rising success.

By investing in accreditation, IntegraSleep expanded their competitive edge in the marketplace, emerged as a leading sleep medicine organization and allowed them to partner with more health care providers, specialists and patients to provide one-stop shopping for sleep disorders diagnosis and managed treatment.

spoTlighT oN The provider

“Our experience, as an ACHC Behavioral Health standards beta testing site, was a very positive

and exciting learning experience. We were treated like partners from the inception of the process. We

found ACHC’s team to be experts in their fields, forward-looking and visionary, as well as highly competent in the language of public behavioral health care and its mission. Their awareness of

our challenges, and their appreciation of our successes, encouraged us to excel in this endeavor.”

-Bill Persinger

InTeGrASleep

“We chose to use ACHC for the accreditation of IntegraSleep because

their standards were both achievable and adaptable to the needs of our organization

and incorporated the industry’s best practices. ACHC made it very easy to work with them, and they delivered competitive

pricing and quickly responded to all of our questions and concerns during the

accreditation process.”

-integrasleep


for more info on AChC’s Behavioral health program or beta testing, please contact Britt welch—[email protected] I 855-937-2242

The MHCeCk was founded in March 1960 to serve the behavioral health needs of residents in lyon County, kansas, and surrounding rural

areas. The Center now serves a 7-county region with a population of 80,000, including the counties of Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, lyon, Morris, Osage, and Wabaunsee. It employs 175 full- and part-time staff members, providing a comprehensive range of outpatient services as the region’s public safety net behavioral health organization.

The MHCeCk is governed by a volunteer board, and operates on a community mental health center (CMHC) license from the State of kansas. recent highlights include the development of five full-time school-based programs, peer support services, health/behavioral health integration activities, training leading to certification for therapists in the field of infant mental health, enhanced post-hospital care, supported employment services, increased diversion from hospital and other out-of-home placements, and implementation of a certified electronic medical records system. The MHCeCk is one of 27 licensed CMHCs in the state providing statewide safety net coverage in partnership with county and state government.

AChC is pleased to extend approved accreditation to executive director Bill persinger and the team at mhCeCk. Their dedication and commitment to providing a higher level of care was illustrated throughout beta testing.



By lisa Meadows, ACHC Clinical educator for Home Health, Hospice and private Duty

eduCATor CoNNeCTioN: AUDIT nOW Or AUDIT lATer

in the words of iris rancatore from Amedisys home health & hospice Care, “you can audit now or audit later.”

Chart audits are a priceless tool in preparing for survey as well as ensuring your agency is in compliance with federal,

state and local laws. In an era of increased scrutiny on fraud and abuse as well as increased litigation, sound business practice requires agencies to be on top of clinical issues, billing practices, staff competencies, etc.

When preparing for your survey with ACHC, chart audits can be a valuable tool in identifying opportunities for improvement.

let’s look at personnel files first. Most personnel requirements can be found in section 4, Human resource Management, of the aCHC standards for accreditation. As you read the standards, pay close attention to the evidence information. This is key information in developing your audit tools. When the evidence states “personnel files” that is the evidence your ACHC surveyor will review to determine if your agency is in compliance with the standard. Standards HH4-1B.01/HSp4-1B.01/pVD4-1C are great standards to review when creating your audit tool for personnel files. remember to examine all standards for additional information that ACHC will review to determine compliance. for example an orientation agenda is expected to be maintained in the personnel file, but the specifics to what is included in orientation can be found in another standard.

all staff are expected to have a personnel file. Contract staff members are not expected to have a personnel file on site but are expected to have the same documentation, with the exception of withholding statements and I-9s, available to the surveyor when requested.

Direct Care Hospice Volunteers are also expected to have a personnel file with the Hospice Agency with the exception of an I-9 and withholding statements.

now let’s move to patient records. Again, you want to pay close attention to the evidence information in each ACHC standard. The majority, but not all, of the information needed in the patient record will be found in Section 5, provision of Care & record Management. Standards HH5-1A.01/HSp5-1A.01/pD5-1A & pD5-1B provide you with a list of the requirements for patient records, but again you need to review all of the standards for the specifics of these requirements. for example, an initial assessment is a requirement for each patient record, yet the specifics of the initial assessment will be found in another standard.

It is often asked, “What do we do if we find we are out of compliance with a standard?” It is best to analyze the deficiency thoroughly to determine if it is an isolated “oops” made by one staff member or a systemic problem. At time of survey, ACHC reviews your performance Improvement activities to see if plans of Correction were developed and implemented when noncompliance was identified by the organization. Developing a plan of Correction demonstrates an awareness of the issue as well as a willingness to correct a deficiency and keeps you on the right track going forward.

Happy auditing!


SO WHAT DO yOU AUDIT? patient records and personnel files are the areas in which agencies receive the most citations during a survey.

nOW THAT yOU HAVe CreATeD THeSe TWO AUDIT TOOlS, WHAT DO yOU DO WITH THe InfOrMATIOn? Analyze the data you collected, look for trends, create a plan of Correction to improve low scoring areas, educate your staff and then continue the auditing cycle to confirm improvement. standards hh6-4A and hh6-5A.01 will be helpful in guiding you through the process.

T H E S U R V E Y O R I 11

standard 5—do i still have to inform beneficiaries they can rent some equipment?

A supplier must advise beneficiaries they may rent or own routinely purchased DMe and of the purchase option of capped rental items. Although some items may be less costly than other more substantial items, it is still at the discretion of the beneficiary to rent or purchase the item. Suppliers may find sample forms on the nSC web site, www.palmettogba.com/nsc.

standard 16—Can i just post the standards in my business?

A supplier must disclose the supplier standards to each beneficiary. In order to ensure standards are disclosed, it is recommended to distribute standards to each beneficiary upon completion of initial service. It is not necessary to distribute with each visit or delivery, however if the standards are revised, older versions should be discarded and the revised must be disclosed to the beneficiary on the next service. If you are solely delivering items, posting the standards in the supplier’s office does not grant each beneficiary equal disclosure.

dmepos suppliers now have the option to disclose the following statement to satisfy the requirement outlined in supplier standard 16 in lieu of providing a copy of the standards to the beneficiary: “The products and/or services provided to you by (supplier legal business name or DBA) are subject to the supplier standards contained in the Federal regulations shown at 42 Code of Federal Regulations Section 424.57(c). These standards concern business professional and operational matters (e.g. honoring warranties and hours of operation). The full text of these standards can be obtained at www.ecfr.gpoaccess.gov. Upon request we will furnish you a written copy of the standards.” www.palmettogba.com/Palmetto/Providers.Nsf/files/abbreviatedstandards072712.pdf/$File/abbreviatedstandards072712.pdf

standard 21—what information must i provide Cms and my accrediting organization?

A supplier must agree to furnish CMS and its representatives any information required by the Medicare statute and implementing regulations. If an nSC, CMS or accreditation representative

contacts a DMepOS supplier to verify information on file such as hours

of operation, it is the expectation that the respondent will be able to answer general questions about the business, as the questions are not designed to be difficult or invasive. Suppliers should not be alarmed as this is within normal operating procedures.

standard 30—Am i operational?

require DMepOS suppliers to remain open to the public for a minimum of 30 hours per week with few exceptions: physicians and DMepOS suppliers providing custom orthotics and prosthetics. Suppliers who are sole operators or have a limited staff are still required to follow the 30 hour per week operating rule if applicable. Often suppliers will question operating during delivery and emergency circumstances. It is the responsibility of the supplier to have a business continuity plan—even if doing so compromises optional vacations. Delivery hours should not be included in the 30 hours per week. If a supplier will not be available during posted hours of business, proper signage should be posted. emergencies will be taken into consideration; however the final determination will be that of the nSC, CMS and ACHC.

Ask The eduCATor: Up ClOSe WITH THe SUpplIer STAnDArDS

dmepos supplier standards require many operational specific requirements of all hme suppliers. Along with Cms Quality standards, supplier standards are the true “non-negotiable” requirements with Cms. yet DMepOS Suppliers continue to be in violation of many of these Supplier Standards and as a result jeopardize their organizations’ ability to provide products and services to Medicare beneficiaries.

Below are soMe of THe CoMMon quesTions and suPPlier sTandards defiCienCies:

By Greg Stowell, ACHC Clinical Compliance educator for DMepOS, Sleep & pharmacy


Tracy is one of the newest members to the ACHC survey team, joining ACHC as a Home Health and Hospice full-time surveyor in April of 2012.

Tracy has been a rn for over 26 years and has held many positions in the Home Health and Hospice industry including work in public Health nursing and private Duty Aide Services. Tracy worked in a variety of pT positions immediately following the completion of her rn education

and while completing her BSn degree. She has since worked as a “floating nurse” in Mercy Hospital of Iowa City, IA and started a Medicare-certified and accredited in-home Hospice program.

Tracy enjoys traveling, reading, interior decorating, and experiencing new cuisine. Tracy has been married to her husband ron for 32 years and has two sons and two “very spoiled” ragdoll cats.

meeT your surveyorACHC has recently employed more full-time Home Health and Hospice surveyors to allow ACHC to meet and exceed customer demands by delivering a higher quality accreditation experience. Here are a few tidbits about our a few of our surveyors.

A rn for 27 years, Susan joined ACHC as a contract Home Health and private Duty surveyor in July 2008 and moved to full-time in May 2011. She brings 20 years of Home Health industry experience and 15 years of quality and regulatory compliance.

Susan cited meeting new people and visiting various parts of the country while providing education and guidance to agencies to help them achieve success as her favorite part of being an ACHC surveyor. In her free time, she likes to work on home improvement projects, gardening, reading and thrift store shopping to find furniture in need of refinishing.

susAN grANThAmTrACy CAsTle

When asked about the best part of being an ACHC surveyor, Tracy noted that she has been fortunate to have met so many genuinely friendly and caring providers every week, which she added is a unique character trait of most in the Home Care and Hospice industry. She mentioned that she is continuously inspired by the passion and dedication of providers across the country to provide GreAT in-home healthcare services.

Big picture perspective. Masterful results.

Survey Prep | Accreditation Resources | Manuals & Tools

www.corridorgroup.com | 866-263-3795

Scan or Click to Learn More.

AdverTise iN our upComiNg issues.

contact Brooke Banson—[email protected]


A F L A S

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N T M L D A SUA L I T Y I MPH J R A S A FIE A C K Q A TUK G F H D C ABA T J A G A KMP S A R T X MAW L U S X Y JCA A A O Z D BAR A P A K A AZP A R E A A B

S H AF X Q HA C H CO W A BI B H K

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where do you wANT AChC To hosT our 2013 workshops? Chicago dallas detroit

orlando los angeles

Visit www.achc.org/news/workshops to cast your vote.

nOT THe CITy yOU’D lIke TO VISIT? Suggest your favorite city on ACHC’s facebook® page. We may even add it to our 2013 workshop tour.

leT our eduCATors Be your guide wiTh AChC’s workshops.

aCHC dMePos aCCrediTaTion working for You

worksHoPs:

ACHC was founded on offering educational value through accreditation and continues its initiative today through delivering workshops designed to enhance the knowledge of providers. ACHC continues its commitment to providers through employing several workshops and other educational initiatives for ACHC’s seven accreditation programs. Below you will find a few examples of ACHC workshops.

This DMe workshop, designed to help you prepare for ACHC accreditation, is perfect for renewing your accreditation or if you’re just getting started. Clinical educator Greg Stowell will guide you through the accreditation process and also show you that accreditation isn’t just a requirement; it can help you improve your company, save you valuable time and money and give you a competitive edge. Accreditation forces you to closely examine all facets of your business to recognize the areas where you are doing well and also where you can become stronger.

Home Health & Hospice accreditation 101—Just getting started or thinking about switching to ACHC accreditation? let lisa Meadows help you prepare for Medicare Certification and/or Accreditation. you will be guided through the accreditation process and learn how ACHC Accreditation can work for you.

Home Health & Hospice accreditation 201—you will be guided by lisa Meadows on maintaining compliance with CMS rules and regulations while prepping for accreditation renewal.This workshop is designed for those already accredited or for those looking to advance their knowledge beyond the initial accreditation process. If you are with another accrediting organization, we invite you to experience the ACHC difference by attending this lively, informative and fast paced workshop.

Private duty accreditation 101—The private duty industry is going through many changes, and lisa Meadows will conduct this workshop to benefit agencies and providers new to private duty Medicare Certification and/or Accreditation. save THe daTe—feBruarY 27 2013, CarY, nCplease visit, www.achc.org/news/events, for a listing of upcoming workshops and new curriculums

If you would like to host a workshop, please contact Brooke Banson—[email protected]




Strategic partnerships are a key component to the success of any industry and specifically an increased initiative of ACHC that allows our organization to provide benefits to customers. ACHC treats every customer that downloads the accreditation standards as a partner in enhancing the quality of the industry. Just as ACHC seeks partnerships with customers, we also partner with industry associations that benefit the provider. national associations, state associations and other group member organizations are a vital resource for our customers. We feel strongly that these relationships are the keys to success.

ACHC recently released a new partnership Agreement that allows membership associations and groups to enter into a collaborative relationship with ACHC. The agreement is designed to encourage providers to join these member associations to start receiving all of the benefits they have to offer. With ACHC being the preferred accreditor, some of the benefits the members will receive include member focused educational sessions, discounts on accreditation costs, and reduced pricing on workshops and webinars. It is the ultimate goal of ACHC to communicate to our customers the numerous partnership opportunities that exist in the industry in an effort to bring the healthcare community together as one.

sTrATegiC pArTNerships

eNhANCiNg BusiNess Through AdverTisiNg your ACCrediTATioNin a healthcare market that is experiencing increasing competition at an exponential rate, how do you ensure that your organization stands out from that of an agency down the road?

how do you objectively and systematically prove to consumers and patients that you are providing the best care possible?

The ANswer is ACCrediTATioN. A non-biased, objective review of providers who illustrate the ability to meet pre-determined criteria. Accreditation is process in which an organization works to demonstrate the ability to meet the highest level of quality standards in compliance with national regulation. It is one of the few organizational achievements that illustrates the dedication to the end patient. Ultimately, the more you publicly announce your achievement, the more recognition you will gain.

Through your weBsiTe

Display the ACHC Accreditation Seal Briefly describe Accreditation, the

process & its importance to your organization

“ Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

—Henry ford

for more info on displaying your accreditation, contact aCHC’s marketing department—[email protected] I 855-937-2242. Contact your Accreditation advisor to receive the updated ACHC Gold Accreditation Seal.

ideAs oN how To use our AChC ACCrediTed seAl

for more info on AChC’s partnership Agreement, please contact Matt Hughes, Business development Manager—[email protected] I 855-937-2242

A pArT of your CompANy’s BrANd

Add the ACHC Accredited Seal to your business cards, letterhead, envelopes, vehicle wraps, etc.

Display provided ACHC window cling visibly in your business



AChC ACCrediTed orgANizATioNs By STATe

Ok—222

kS—144

lA—222

Me—36

Ar—212

Tx—1009

MS—192

Tn—385

MO—256

nM—76AZ—238

CO—208UT—112

nV—86

CA—559

ne—87

Wy—26

ID—43Or—81

WA—130

MT—26 nD—3

SD—25

IA—115

Mn—212

Al—308

GA—414

fl—1035

nC—756

SC—219

Il—426 WV—102

ky—250

OH—374

MI—297WI—259

pA—315

In—235

VA—292

VT—6

nJ—157

De—21

Ak—35HI—14

pr—24

DC—6

rI—18CT—77

ny—360

MD—172

MA—118

nH—46

www.achc.org/news/blog

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