‘Ghost Boy’: A terrifying story to inspire LTC caregivers
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 20, 2015
Anyone who doubts the enormous power wielded by frontline caregivers should listen to the premiere episode of “Invisibilia,” a new radio show and podcast.
Flu now rampaging in long-term care facilities nationwide, officials confirm
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 20, 2015
Long-term care facilities across the country are being hit hard by the seasonal flu, due in part to a problem with this year’s vaccine, federal officials stated late last week.
Prolonging mealtimes could lead to health complications for LTC residents, study suggests
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 20, 2015
Long-term care providers should be aware that residents’ chewing and swallowing ability might be worse at the end of a prolonged meal, increasing the risk of aspiration pneumonia and other conditions,...
No evidence that opioids are effective for long-term pain management, NIH panel says
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 20, 2015
There is no solid research showing that long-term opioid use is an effective treatment for chronic pain, a National Institutes of Health panel has determined.
Also in the news for Jan. 20, 2015 . . .
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 20, 2015
CMS chief Tavenner to step down … House committee announces hearing on SGR … Lawyer wants WV Supreme Court justice off nursing home case
MedPAC unanimously votes to recommend site-neutral payments
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 16, 2015
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has unanimously voted to recommend site-neutral payments for certain post-acute services. Skilled nursing interests have championed the policy, but opponents also...
Nursing home podiatrist admits overbilling ‘thousands’ of times after clipping toenails
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 16, 2015
A Missouri podiatrist has agreed to pay nearly $1 million for repeatedly billing for more complex services after clipping nursing home residents’ toenails, federal authorities recently announced....
Draft bill proposes equal Medicare reimbursement for telehealth, in-person visits
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 16, 2015
A draft bill in the House of Representatives proposes reimbursing Medicare providers at the same rate for telehealth and in-person visits. Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s subcommittee...
Assisted living facilities are prime settings for questionable hospice care, OIG finds
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 15, 2015
Hospice services have rapidly expanded in assisted living facilities, giving rise to suspicions about Medicare billing patterns, according to a new report from the Department of Health and Human Services...
Quality measurement is getting out of hand, MedPAC says
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 15, 2015
Providers are being overly burdened by increasing numbers of quality measures, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission stated in a recent letter to a top health official. The government should take a...