Residents need quicker access to helpful medicines and devices
By
John O'Connor
May 27, 2019
There is much to admire about the march of clinical innovation. Yet it remains hampered by one thing: ridiculous delay. By some estimates, 17 years typically elapse between the time of medical discovery...
A better way for states to address long-term care funding?
By
John O'Connor
May 20, 2019
Some say that getting old and going bankrupt can happen two ways: gradually, then suddenly. Perhaps the same will hold true for states’ attempts to fix long-term care funding.
CMS is not terribly interested in hearing about your staffing woes
By
John O'Connor
May 06, 2019
It’s no secret that finding and keeping nurses is one of the skilled care sector’s biggest headaches. But it would appear that the folks who regulate this field don’t want to hear it any more.
The Big Picture: PDPM lowdown
By
John O'Connor
May 01, 2019
Spring is in the air. So, too, is provider angst about Medicare’s looming Patient-Driven Payment Model, better known as PDPM.
Skilled care reprimands: Cheap shots or fair criticism?
By
John O'Connor
Apr 22, 2019
For what seems like the umpteenth time, another media outlet has taken aim at the skilled care sector.
PDPM: Here’s what you really need to know
By
John O'Connor
Apr 15, 2019
The federal government is promoting its updated Medicare payment system as a change that will ensure two benefits. The first is better care. The second is reduced costs. Anyone who thinks those two goals...
The Big Picture: Timing isn’t everything
By
John O'Connor
Apr 04, 2019
The billionaire investor Warren Buffet famously refused to time the stock market. His rationale: Nobody really knows what the future will bring.
Is your approach to patient-centered care out of alignment?
By
John O'Connor
Mar 25, 2019
These days, patient-center care seems to be this sector’s Holy Grail, and for good reason.
Making regulations great again
By
John O'Connor
Mar 18, 2019
If you are running a skilled care facility these days, it might not seem like Uncle Sam is easing up on the rules or penalties. But that is surely happening. And we have some bottom-line proof.
Yes, these are tough challenges for skilled care. But come on …
By
John O'Connor
Mar 11, 2019
We’re hearing a lot lately about ways to improve working conditions and resident care in skilled nursing facilities. Still.