In this conversation, Peter Benjamin and Chris Comeaux discuss the impact of COVID-19 on mortality rates, particularly the concept of 'death pull forward' and its implications for hospice care.

Peter highlights the significant role of assisted living facilities in hospice days and explores macro trends in healthcare, emphasizing the shift from vertical to horizontal care models.

The discussion also covers the evolution of palliative care, frail elderly practices, and institutional special needs plans (iSNPs), while stressing the importance of measuring quality of care, particularly in pain management.

The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of healthcare and the necessity of collaboration across various care models.

Guest:
Peter Benjamin, Partner, The Huntington Consulting Group

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TELEIOS

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/conspiracy-of-verticals-rethinking-healthcare-models-with-peter-benjamin

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

As the seasons shift, so do the conversations shaping Hospice and Palliative Care. In this week’s episode, host Chris Comeaux and Hospice Analytics expert and co-host Cordt Kassner explore the latest headlines, challenges, and innovations impacting Hospice and Palliative Care.

Together, they provide timely insights and thoughtful reflection on what matters most right now for providers, patients, and families, with discussion on the latest trends and insights in Hospice and Palliative Care.

Covering a range of topics, including the impact of AI on Hospice Care, the importance of end-of-life visits, and the challenges of Hospice utilization trends. Also highlights significant events and stories from the Hospice community, such as the launch of a new nursing scholarship program and the impact of Hurricane Helene one year later.

More than just a news recap, this episode offers perspective, encouragement, and a reminder of why Hospice and Palliative Care are both urgent and deeply meaningful. Whether you’re a healthcare leader, frontline caregiver, or simply someone passionate about end-of-life care, this conversation will keep you informed and inspired as we enter the fall season.

Highlights

• Projected RN, LPN, NP shortages through 2032 and what that means for bedside care
• Waste, fraud, abuse headlines and the urgency of last week's visit quality
• Byock’s four pillars as a roadmap for standards, data, competition, and brand
• Mental health in palliative care and dignity therapy as practical tools
• HOPE implementation and iQIES readiness across hospices
• Scholarships and legacy programs to build CNA-to-RN pipelines
• AI use cases, editing pitfalls, and critical thinking guardrails
• PACE vs hospice at end-of-life and “rehab to death” incentives
• Utilization trends, COVID death pull-forward, and state disparities
• Disaster preparedness lessons when communications fail
• Leadership training gaps and the masterclass: return to fundamentals

Co-host:
Cordt Kassner, PhD, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today & CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network, Teleios Consulting Group

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Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Are we headed for a healthcare train wreck? The warning signs are flashing: skyrocketing premiums, looming Medicaid cuts, significant reductions in home health funding, and major insurers experiencing substantial stock losses. These aren't isolated issues but symptoms of fundamental structural flaws in our healthcare system.

Rita E. Numerof, co-founder and president of Numerof & Associates, returns to TCNtalks with a powerful analysis of the healthcare industry's trajectory and a bold vision for transformative change. As an "equal opportunity critic" with over 30 years of experience spanning the entire healthcare ecosystem, Numerof offers a uniquely comprehensive perspective on why our current system is failing and what must change.

Host Chris Comeaux and Rita explore the pressing issues facing the healthcare industry and the train wreck they foresee in 2026 and 2027, but this may be the opportunity to finally fix healthcare for our country. From policy reform to consumer empowerment, with her extensive experience, Rita offers a visionary perspective on how to reform healthcare, despite its complexities, and to truly create meaningful change.

Guest: Rita E. Numerof
Co-founder and President of Numerof & Associates

Host: Chris Comeaux
President / CEO of Teleios

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast