Max Diamond, M.D.
The journal

Good questions.
Better conversations.

Practical perspectives on care, leadership, and the policy decisions that shape both.

Managed care

2 perspectives
Managed care2 min read

The discharge plan has to work at home

A completed discharge is only the beginning of a successful transition.

Managed care2 min read

Managed care that works for patients

What changes when quality, access, and accountability move together?

Hospice

3 perspectives
Hospice2 min read

Hospice documentation should tell the patient’s story

An individualized narrative connects the clinical findings to the prognosis.

Hospice2 min read

Palliative care and hospice: explain the difference

A clearer conversation about support, treatment goals, and available choices.

Hospice2 min read

Hospice conversations should start earlier

Timely choices for patients and families living with serious illness.

Utilization

2 perspectives
Utilization2 min read

Prior authorization: clarity is part of access

What the 2026 process requirements mean for clinical teams and patients.

Utilization2 min read

The clinical story behind utilization review

A fair review follows the patient’s condition, treatment, and available setting of care.

Reimbursement

3 perspectives
Reimbursement2 min read

Skilled nursing: planning for FY 2027

A 2.4% payment update, with quality-program changes on separate timelines.

Reimbursement2 min read

Transitional care management: make the follow-up count

Timing, clinical work, and documentation all matter after discharge.

Reimbursement2 min read

Reimbursement: what changes, and when

A practical look at 2026 physician payment and the next hospice payment year.

Policy sources reviewed September 24, 2026. Each article includes links to the relevant official material.