Drug pricing reform deal may allow Medicare to negotiate with drug firms for first time
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 04, 2021
The Democrats’ deal also would limit insulin costs and cap annual out-of-pocket spending at $2,000 for seniors. Pharmacy benefit managers would face transparency requirements as well.
Resident living with cancer? Stroke screening may be warranted
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 22, 2019
Cancer survivors and those living with the disease are twice as likely to die of stroke as those who have not had cancer, say investigators.
Treating rare blood clots related to J&J COVID vaccine following usage suspension: new guidance
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 28, 2021
Advisers to the CDC have released new clinical guidance and education regarding a rare blood clotting condition reported after vaccination.
Residents’ lack of energy may signal malnutrition; full assessment advised
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2021
In a study of 13 nursing homes, fully 43% of residents reported that they lacked energy, and 12% were malnourished. The two problems were significantly linked, investigators say.
‘Shark Tank’-like initiative may quicken COVID-19 testing
By
John O'Connor
Apr 30, 2020
The National Institutes of Health has unveiled a $1.5 billion “Shark Tank-like” initiative to rapidly develop coronavirus diagnostics. The effort could lead to the deployment of “millions of tests...
Frail seniors good candidates for health technology training and support, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 06, 2020
When they do use the internet, frail seniors are more likely to gain health information and advice, according to investigators. This may explain why some of these elders have adapted to virtual care during...
CMS: End to pandemic waivers helps nursing homes ‘redirect efforts’ to meet residents’ needs
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 08, 2022
A sweeping phase-out of early COVID-19 pandemic allowances, such as the nurse aide certification waiver, addresses concerns about SNF residents’ physical, mental and psychosocial well-being, the agency...
AMDA launches ‘Moving Needles’ vaccination initiative across 3 LTC organizations
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 28, 2022
AMDA and the CDC are collaborating on a pilot program with 3 long-term care operators toward a goal of setting industry-wide standards for routine vaccinations in resident and staff.
Surgery rates fall in elders; improved screening may be reason
By
Alicia Lasek
May 11, 2021
Despite an aging population and safer surgical procedures, the frequency of abdominal surgery is decreasing among older adults — particularly in those age 85 and older, according to researchers from...
LTC docs push for more training, competency requirements for medical directors
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 11, 2022
It’s time for Congress and CMS to take action and raise the profile and competencies of industry clinicians — especially medical directors, according to long-term care physician advocate AMDA.