Within the conspiracy theories around the flu vaccine — and trust me, healthcare reporters have heard them all — there’s also one secret lurking within people’s refusal to receive the shot....
Evaluating California’s dual eligible program
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jun 17, 2016
I’m not a person with particularly complex healthcare needs. That said, over the course of my life, I’ve seen a series of crummy physicians, ranging from those with a poor bedside manner who...
Embracing managed care
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jun 10, 2016
What was clear from the panel was managed care, skilled nursing and home health have to build partnerships.
Finding illumination on PBJ
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jun 03, 2016
I don’t mind saying that hearing a Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services official discuss Payroll-Based Journaling yesterday was the first time a light bulb went off for me about the new system.
CMS: Take advantage of voluntary testing for PBJ
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jun 03, 2016
More providers should be diving into voluntary testing for Payroll-Based Journal reporting, a top Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services official said Thursday.
Shirtless nurse creates controversy
By
Elizabeth Newman
May 13, 2016
Good news, female nurses, you are now respected professionals valued for your experience and education.
The difference between addiction and dependence with opioids
By
Elizabeth Newman
May 06, 2016
While I love long-term care and the people who work in it, I don’t think anyone would assert that it’s cool.
The need for semi-skilled workers in LTC
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 29, 2016
What do the meat and poultry industry and long-term care have in common, other than often dealing with turkeys? It turns out both have challenges in hiring semi-skilled workers, which is addressed in a...
Medicare to reimburse certain genetic tests
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 22, 2016
News about how there will be Medicare reimbursement for hereditary cancer-related disorders, under a new CPT code for multi-gene panels, gives more options to some long-term care residents.
Alleged $250 million overbilling charges in hospices disputed , experts say
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 07, 2016
A recent HHS Office of Inspector General report calling out hospices for billing $250 million inappropriately in 2012 doesn’t tell the whole story, an attorney said this week.