MedPAC mulls plan to stop covering some ‘low value’ procedures
By
John Hall
Apr 07, 2015
Congress’ advisory panel for Medicare payment policy is considering a plan that would stop covering certain “low-value” procedures and tests because their return on investment isn’t...
Ventas to spin off SNF portfolio after hospital chain purchase
By
John Hall
Apr 07, 2015
Just a month after spending $2.9 billion to acquire medical office buildings and senior housing assets, Ventas announced Monday it will spin off its skilled nursing facility portfolio following the new...
Controversy erupts after webcam removal from disabled resident’s nursing home room
By
John Hall
Apr 06, 2015
It’s not clear yet whether Pennsylvania will become the fifth state to adopt rules or laws prohibiting or allowing private video recording or surveillance in nursing homes. But one Philadelphia nursing...
How to do it… Resident security.
By
John Hall
Apr 06, 2015
All of the bells and whistles in the world won’t protect your staff and residents unless you spend the proper time and resources beforehand preparing for a new security system. Transitions from old...
After giving the ruling a few days to sink in, several patient advocate groups now say a Supreme Court decision will end up hurting Medicaid beneficiaries more than anyone.
SNF group cries foul over attorney general’s contingency deal with private law firm
By
John Hall
Apr 06, 2015
Pennsylvania’s probe into alleged staffing problems at several nursing homes are among the latest to call into question certain kinds of arrangements.
Brookdale ‘whistleblower’ suit dismissed
By
John Hall
Apr 06, 2015
A federal judge has dismissed a former Brookdale Senior Living employee’s False Claims Act suit against the company while leaving the door open for an amended complaint, according to published reports
Poor staffing led to poor care, state says in lawsuit
By
John Hall
Apr 03, 2015
New Mexico has filed suit against one of the nation’s largest nursing home operators for providing what it claims were inadequate resources that led to poor care and improper billing. One leading...
Executives from former nursing home resident monitoring firm Samarion Solutions face up to five years in prison and $250,000 fines after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud their firm’s investors.
Advocates resist call for Five Star ratings change for dual-eligibles
By
John Hall
Apr 02, 2015
A major beneficiary advocate is pushing back on a new study recommending Medicare Advantage rates be adjusted for dual-eligible patients because so many tend to have poorer outcomes than others.