Nursing home quality scores are on the rise, federal data shows
By
McKnight's Staff
May 22, 2012
The quality of care in U.S. nursing homes is improving, according to newly released federal health data. In evaluating the scores of 15,000 skilled nursing facilities across the country, the Centers for...
Some individuals pre-disposed to recurrent c. diff infections
By
McKnight's Staff
May 22, 2012
Some individuals are predisposed — either genetically or due to an underlying inflammatory condition — to recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, new research finds.
Conservatives cast doubt on cost effectiveness of healthcare reform
By
McKnight's Staff
May 21, 2012
Conservative healthcare analysts warned a House committee that several provisions of the Affordable Care Act could cause further industry consolidation and weaken Medicare.
Antacids linked to higher risk of c. diff, study finds
By
McKnight's Staff
May 17, 2012
Use of proton pump inhibitors, which have medications used to suppress stomach acid, can increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infections, especially when combined with antibiotics, a new study finds.
Statins could lower atrial fibrillation risk in seniors with hypertension, research suggests
By
McKnight's Staff
May 14, 2012
Cholesterol lowering medications known as statins might help prevent new-onset atrial fibrillation in elderly adults with hypertension, a new study reports.
Assisted Living Federation of America kicks off annual conference Wednesday near Dallas
By
McKnight's Staff
May 11, 2012
The Assisted Living Federation of America is welcoming top speakers and educators, vendors and providers from around the country to its annual conference Wednesday through next Friday at the Gaylord Texan...
QI Survey’s further incursion into dining activities to be featured focus at audio conference
By
McKnight's Staff
May 04, 2012
An audio conference will take place Tuesday morning in an effort to help long-term care providers create more efficient interdisciplinary approaches with their dining regimens. Under new QI Survey points...
Senators: Recovery audit contractors might be doubling up tasks; campaign against fraud gears up
By
McKnight's Staff
May 03, 2012
Members of the Senate Finance Committee say they are concerned that the functions completed by independent contractors — known as recovery audit contractors (RACs) and Zone Program Integrity Contractors...
Oops! Owner sues contractor over missing showers in assisted living facility
By
McKnight's Staff
May 03, 2012
The owner of a Southern Illinois assisted living facility is suing its architect and civil engineers for allegedly violating several construction codes when building the community.
CMS to start covering heart procedure that significantly extends life expectancy
By
McKnight's Staff
May 02, 2012
Medicare beneficiaries with heart valve damage will be able to have a valve replacement covered under certain conditions, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Tuesday.