Long-term care officials excoriated a federal proposal to trim Medicare payments by more than 11%.
Industry-backed report warns that cuts could hit $79 billion
By
John O'Connor
Sep 01, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently unveiled a Medicare plan that trims Medicare payments by 11.1%, beginning Oct. 1. But the real impact will be a $79 billion loss over the next decade,...
Artificial tissue helps healthy skin grow
By
John O'Connor
Jul 01, 2011
Tissue grafts that promote vascular growth could hasten wound healing, encourage healthy skin to invade the wounded area and reduce the need for surgeries, investigators at Cornell University recently...
Governors eye block grants as way to cut Medicaid costs
By
John O'Connor
Jul 01, 2011
House Republicans would like to see Medicaid outlays trimmed dramatically. And they are hardly alone.
Feds betting improved IT will minimize medical problems
By
John O'Connor
May 02, 2011
The Department of Health and Human Services announced a partnership with providers around the country aimed at reducing medical errors and infections. The initiative will use data collection and health-related...
Blood clots kill every five minutes: group
By
John O'Connor
Apr 01, 2011
Complications from deep vein thrombosis kill one person every five minutes, according to the Vascular Disease Foundation. Overall, between 100,000 to 180,000 Americans die from DVT-related consequences...
CLASS Act’s enemies take on new program
By
John O'Connor
Apr 01, 2011
Like many of his GOP colleagues, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) has strong doubts about the legitimacy of the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act. In fact, after a recent House hearing,...
LeadingAge defends CLASS as critics express concerns
By
John O'Connor
Apr 01, 2011
LeadingAge played a key role in having the CLASS Act included in federal healthcare reform legislation. The organization now finds itself defending the insurance program amid growing demands for its renovation...
The big picture: Gut-check time for LTC
By
John O'Connor
Apr 01, 2011
Many an operator is now contemplating whether to remain in the long-term care field. Having just returned from an NIC conference on the future of skilled nursing, I can offer a definitive answer: It depends.
The BIG Picture: Let’s take out the trash
By
John O'Connor
Dec 01, 2010
In the song “Red Shoes,” Elvis Costello famously sings: “I used to be disgusted, but now I try to be amused.” Although the lyrics were recorded back in 1976, they provide an appropriate...