Alzheimer’s researchers — or the public relations machines breathlessly trumpeting their work — should chill out. I see so much of this type of Alzheimer’s news that it’s hard to...
Survey practices around antipsychotic medications need to be updated, report says
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 11, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should provide better surveyor training in understanding use of antipsychotic medications and reestablish a separate F-Tag for related deficiencies, according...
Hospice deaths in nursing homes declined in 2012: report
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 11, 2013
Fewer nursing home residents died while receiving hospice care in 2012 than in 2011, according to a recently released report from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Routine assessment predicts when Alzheimer’s patients will need nursing home care, researchers...
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 08, 2013
Clinicians can use a new assessment to determine when an Alzheimer’s patient is likely to need nursing home care, according to researchers based at Columbia University Medical Center.
CMS clarifies Medicare payment rules for SNF to SNF ambulance transportation
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 08, 2013
A skilled nursing facility discharging a Medicare Part A resident to another SNF is responsible for ambulance transportation fees, and no separate Part B claim should be made for that service, the Centers...
Stroke survivors unaware of therapy options for spastic muscles, survey finds
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 08, 2013
Many stroke survivors don’t know about the therapy options that can address spastic muscles, which is a common and often disabling condition, according to a recent survey.
Less frequent turning is needed with the right equipment and practices, pressure ulcer study finds
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 07, 2013
Nursing staff can turn residents less often if high-density foam mattresses and attentive documentation are being used for pressure ulcer prevention, according to a recent study.
CMS corrects therapy coding examples in RAI Manual
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 07, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has corrected some therapy coding information in the recently released Minimum Data Set 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument manual.
Hospice to pay $3 million to settle Medicare fraud whistleblower case
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 07, 2013
A Florida-based hospice provider has agreed to pay $3 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit alleging false Medicare claims, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday.
Nurse shoots nursing home resident, herself in apparent murder-suicide
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 06, 2013
Authorities were searching for a motive Tuesday after a licensed practical nurse at a long-term care facility in Pennsylvania apparently shot and killed a resident and then turned the gun on herself.