The boss at CMS has some nice things to say about regulations
By
John O'Connor
Jan 22, 2018
It appears there may be some good news ahead, courtesy of the boss at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
A sick way to reduce readmission burden?
By
John O'Connor
Jan 08, 2018
A growing number of hospitals have found a novel way to reduce readmission rates: insist that patients are sicker than they really are.
Three things that won’t happen in long-term care during 2018
By
John O'Connor
Jan 08, 2018
Last week I offered three fearless predictions for the year ahead in long-term care. So without further ado, here are three predictions every long-term care operator can count on. As in, count on NOT to...
3 bold predictions for the coming year in long-term care
By
John O'Connor
Jan 02, 2018
There’s nothing like a budding new year to awaken that urge in scribes to warn better-informed readers what to expect. It must be some kind of occupational hazard. So in the spirit of not always...
Yes, the regulatory picture is actually improving
By
John O'Connor
Dec 18, 2017
Believe it or not, the overall picture has been improving. And it might get even better in 2018.
A no-brainer plan for Medicare and Medicaid
By
John O'Connor
Dec 11, 2017
But for those of you who think outrageous political trickery is dead, please let me point you in the direction of Capitol Hill. For we appear to be in the midst of one of the better con jobs to come along...
Rescued by millennials?
By
John O'Connor
Dec 06, 2017
When it comes to skilled-care staffing, the future outlook is bleak. If it’s possible, the situation for nurses might be even worse.
Tax bill reveals a great divide in long-term care
By
John O'Connor
Dec 04, 2017
One of the more interesting aspects of the epic battle over the tax reform bill has been this sector’s response. One major long-term care organization continues to blast proposed changes while the...
Fire, rain and the elephant on the 40th floor
By
John O'Connor
Nov 27, 2017
You never know when freak storms or unexpected fires might strike. But you can be sure that if and when one does, angry people will line up to demand that you be held more accountable.
How nursing homes can put themselves out of business: skimp on tech
By
John O'Connor
Nov 20, 2017
When you read between the lines, the troubling message in a new study is this: Skilled care operators had better stop being tech cheapskates — before it’s too late.