Ketamine – a medicine long used as an anesthetic – is finding a powerful new purpose in hospice and palliative care settings. Dr. Rohini Kanagante, a physician with expertise spanning both Hospice Care and Integrative Psychiatry, unveils the remarkable potential of this medication in our latest episode of TCNtalks.

Chris Comeaux invites Dr. Rohini Kanniganti, a hospice physician, to delve into the incorporation of ketamine in hospice and palliative care. They examine the notion of total pain, how ketamine aids in addressing pain and mental health challenges at the end of life, and the practical applications and regulatory factors involved in its use.

Dr. Kanniganti shares her experiences and insights on how ketamine can offer relief to patients in hospice care, highlighting the significance of meticulous administration and a comprehensive approach to patient care. They explore the ethical considerations of ketamine use, its potential future acceptance in hospice environments, and the necessity of empowering staff and leaders to improve patient care.

The conversation highlights the importance of a compassionate approach to end-of-life care, emphasizing the well-being of patients and their families in conjunction with this innovative treatment method.

This is a great listen for your clinical staff and leaders. Join us - this is a timely and relevant event.

Guest: Dr. Rohini Kanniganti, MD, MSPH, HMDC, Hospice Physician

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

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/breaking-barriers-ketamines-role-in-hospice-medicine-with-dr.-rohini-kanniganti

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

In this episode of TCN Talks, host Chris Comeaux interviews Rebecca Ramsay, CEO of House Call Providers. Rebecca shares her unique journey in healthcare and emphasizes the importance of nonprofit organizations in delivering quality care.

Rebecca discusses the evolution of House Call Providers, the significance of home-based primary care, and the interdisciplinary approach required to meet the needs of patients with complex conditions.

She also advocates for hospice organizations to expand into home-based primary care, highlighting the growing demand and the gaps in current services. Chris and Rebecca explore the challenges of maintaining a stable workforce, the complexities of payment structures, and the importance of a steady referral stream for viable home-based primary care.

Rebecca shares her vision for the future of care, emphasizing the need for integrated services and support for caregivers. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of healthcare. This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and hospice and palliative care organization boards. Join us; this is timely and relevant.

Guest: Rebecca Ramsay, Chief Executive Officer of Housecall Providers

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/rebecca-ramsay-on-home-based-primary-care

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

In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Dr. Cordt Kassner, Publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today and CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics, leverage their data and extensive experience to identify key hospice headlines, articles, research, and social media posts that are driving change and transforming end-of-life care and healthcare in America.

They share personal experiences with hospice care, emphasizing the importance of social work and discussing the challenges of healthcare reimbursement. The conversation also touches on MedPAC recommendations, new social media trends, and highlights from recent research articles.

The hosts explore pressing issues in healthcare, such as workforce challenges, patient demographics, regulatory changes, and the impact of technology. They address the implications of the aging baby boomer population for healthcare services, the influence of corporate interests on healthcare spending, and the critical role of leadership in navigating these challenges.

Their discussion underscores the need for innovative solutions and the role of technology in improving care delivery. It also emphasizes the importance of preparing for upcoming Medicare and home-based care changes. The episode concludes with a Masters Class from Chris on what leadership is and why it is so needed during these times. Join us.

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

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/transforming-healthcare-hospice-in-the-news-march-2025

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

In this crossover show of TCNalks / Anatomy Of Leadership, host Chris Comeaux interviews NY Times bestselling author T. R. Reid. They discuss T. R. Reid’s experiences and insights from researching healthcare systems around the world, particularly focusing on the need for universal coverage and the various models of healthcare delivery.

T.R. emphasizes the importance of a key principle in any functional healthcare system at a national level: healthcare for everyone. He wrote about this in his NY Times bestselling book The Healing of America. Some of the key discoveries in the book are the inefficiencies of the U.S. healthcare system compared to others worldwide and the potential benefits of adopting a government-run healthcare model similar to Medicare and the VA. Reid also critiques the profit-driven nature of American health insurance and advocates for reforms prioritizing patient care over profits.

T.R. and Chris then discuss the unique window of opportunity in 2025 and the need for a new framing of universal healthcare, suggesting alternatives in language around 'Medicare for All.' T.R. emphasizes the importance of price controls in reducing administrative costs and improving efficiency in healthcare systems. Reid also addresses the role of innovation in healthcare, arguing that high costs do not necessarily lead to better medical advancements. He cites several excellent examples of recent innovations, all from outside the U.S.

This is a great listen as the U.S. spends more on healthcare, yet we are not even in the top 10 in the world. It’s hard to make one aspect of healthcare successful, like Hospice and Palliative Care, if the broader ecosystem it resides in is flawed and unsustainable. Join us; this is very timely.

Guest: T.R. Reid, Author of the NY Times Best Selling book The Healing of America

Host: Chris Comeaux, President/CEO of TCN/TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-healing-of-america-with-t.r.-reid

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

This show is dedicated in memory of Tali Sutton, who unexpectedly died the week of February 3rd. Tali was an upcoming leader in hospice and palliative care in New York State as CEO of CareFirstNY.

In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux speaks with Jeanne Chirico, the President and CEO of Hospice and Palliative Care Association of New York State (HPCANYS), about the unique challenges and opportunities facing hospice care in New York State. Many of us think of New York City when we think of New York yet the entire state with New York State is a picture of many of the challenges we will face in healthcare for the country as a whole in the future.

Chris and Jeanne started the show remembering Tali Sutton, who unexpectedly died the week of February 3rd. Tali was an upcoming leader in hospice and palliative care in New York State as CEO of CareFirstNY.

Jeanne shares her extensive background in hospice and palliative care, highlighting the complexities of providing care in a state with diverse cultural and economic landscapes. The conversation delves into regulatory challenges, workforce issues, and the importance of advocacy in ensuring quality end-of-life care. Jeanne emphasizes the need for innovative service lines and the role of technology in adapting to changing customer demographics. The episode concludes with a call to action for hospice leaders to engage in advocacy and community partnerships to navigate the future of healthcare effectively and to do that at a grass roots level.

This episode is a great summary of the challenges facing all hospice and palliative care programs. This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Board’s of hospice and palliative care organizations. Join us, this is timely and relevant.

Guest: Jeanne Chirico, , HPCANYS President/CEO

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-challenges-ahead-with-jeanne-chirico

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

The latest episode dives into important topics affecting hospice and palliative care today, shedding light on key trends from February’s news. Our hosts emphasize how personal experiences shape their perspectives on the challenges and innovations within the field.

• Overview of TCN Talks and its purpose
• Discussion on meaningful personal experiences in hospice care
• Key February news stories impacting hospice leadership
• Overview of workforce challenges faced in hospice
• Exploration of technology's role in hospice care advancements
• Insights into improving access to high-quality end-of-life care
• Predictions for the future of hospice and palliative care
• Importance of continuous learning and innovation in leadership
• Encouragement for audience engagement and dialogue

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

In this episode of TCN Talks, host Chris Comeaux interviews Bree Owens, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of The Holding Group. They discuss Bree’s journey in the healthcare field, particularly in palliative care.

Bree shares insights on having learned the importance of having meaningful conversations with patients and families about their care options, which led her to the unique model of The Holding Group. Her organization has held space, hence the name The Holding Group, for a patient-centered approach, helping patients and their families find the right care at the right place at the right time. Bree emphasizes the significance of informed consent and the role of social workers in facilitating these discussions to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Chris and Bree also delve into the evolution and current state of palliative care, highlighting the challenges and innovations in the field. Bree emphasizes the importance of integrating social work into healthcare, particularly in serious illness and dementia care. They also discuss the upcoming GUIDE model, which aims to provide comprehensive support for dementia patients and their caregivers.

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of Hospice and Palliative Care organizations. Join us, this is timely and relevant.

Guest: Bree Owens, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Co-Founder of The Holding Group

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG

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

In this episode of TCNtalks, Chris Comeaux and Cordt Kassner, PhD, publisher of Hospice & Palliative Care Today and CEO and Founder of Hospice Analytics, begin a new format for the “Top News Stories of the Month.” Cordt joins, stepping in for Mark Cohen, and brings the statistics from the daily newsletter Hospice & Palliative Care Today.

Chris and Cordt explore key trends in hospice news, challenges in reimbursement, competition, workforce issues, and the impact of technology on the field. They also touch on demographic trends, regulatory issues, and predictions for the future of hospice care.

Their dialogue highlights the challenge of filtering vast information and the excellent service provided to hospice and palliative care leaders. This podcast and Hospice & Palliative Care Today are for the leaders in the hospice and palliative care field.

Join us. This is a must-attend opportunity for Hospice and Palliative Care leaders. It’s a one-stop shop for catching up on all the essential and relevant news articles and information impacting the field today and tomorrow.

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG

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


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-january-2025

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