Session Overview:
WiHPCA welcomes Husch Blackwell attorneys Katey Hinz, Zaina Niles, and Brooke Griffin who will discuss emerging trends in the hospice Medicare administrative appeals process. They will share insights regarding CMS contractors’ areas of focus in reviewing claims, as well as best practices for avoiding and overcoming the most prevalent claim denials at various appeal stages. Please submit any questions in advance to wihpca@badgerbay.co so our presenters can address them during the presentation.
Meet Our Presenters:
Katey Hinz, JD
Katey Hinz holds a JD from the University of Missouri. Prior to her graduation, Katey served as the Editor in Chief for the Journal of Dispute Resolution and Judging Director for the Board of Advocates, among her more minor involvement in other clubs and organizations. Upon graduation, Katey joined Husch Blackwell, an Am Law 100 firm, as part of the Healthcare Regulatory team where she advises clients on various risks involved in a healthcare-related decision and helps to ensure compliance in the ever-changing healthcare field. Part of her work includes being a member of the firm’s Hospice & Palliative Care Team where she spends her time guiding hospice providers through all stages of the CMS audit and appeal process. She also advises other long term and post-acute care clients on regulatory concerns and has represented individuals in front of professional boards. Her pro bono work focuses on small entrepreneurs. Katey’s hobbies include spending time with her two dogs, traveling with her husband, and participating in the CrossFit community.
Zaina Niles, JD, MBA, MHA
Zaina A. Niles , JD, MHA, MBA, is a dedicated member of Husch Blackwell’s Hospice & Palliative Care Team . In her practice, she guides hospice providers through all stages of the CMS audit and appeal process and advises clients how to both mitigate risk and ensure compliance in the ever-changing healthcare field. She has been featured on episodes of the firm’s palliative care podcast, Hospice Insights: The Law and Beyond , to discuss her experiences with appeal advocacy and the recent uptick in CMS contractor participation in administrative hearings. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zaina contributed to the firm’s State-by-State Daily Updates and ongoing summary of passed/pending legislation related to COVID-19, as well as authored an article in Missouri Medicine , the Missouri State Medical Association’s trade journal, about vaccine mandates in healthcare facilities.
Brooke Griffin, JD
Brooke’s first interest has always been healthcare: she loves the complexity of the field and all its layers, and she was drawn to the industry by the personal impact it has on individuals. Realizing how interconnected law and healthcare were, Brooke then went on to law school and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis.
After law school, Brooke joined Husch Blackwell, where she counsels healthcare clients on the ever-changing regulations governing their field. An integral part of her role at Husch Blackwell is with the firm's Hospice & Palliative Care Team, where she assists hospice providers through the various stages of the CMS audit and appeal process. Beyond audits, Brooke also advises hospice providers and other long term care providers in navigating transactions and addressing regulatory inquiries.
In her free time, Brooke enjoys travelling with her husband, trying new restaurants, and reading fiction novels.
