When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services implemented its latest rounds of new and stricter regulations, the groan was heard throughout nursing homes across the country. But, I have good news:...
How to make your nursing facility RAC-ready
By
Bryan Baird
Nov 08, 2011
As skilled nursing facilities adjust to the changes to Medicare that arrived early last month, they must be ready for Recovery Audit Contractors. RACs are independent auditors for the government that are...
Medicare SNF Final Rule: An analytics- based perspective
While the changes to the new SNF PPS rule have been summarized as a simple number reflecting an overall revenue decrease of 11.1%, there are many details in the rulemaking that result in a disproportionate...
Transitions of Care III — Scarier than a horror movie: Medication errors
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Aug 11, 2011
We’ve been talking for a while about transitioning of our residents to and from the facility and some of the problems associated with it. But let’s talk now about just one huge problem, that...
Having my say: Top rehab pay for all
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Aug 02, 2011
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L, Author, “Rehab Realities” blog, President and owner, A Mesured Solution Inc.
Transitions of Care, Part II: So you know they’re eventually gonna have to leave … right?
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Jul 27, 2011
OK, I’m not talking about your kids, because we all know they NEVER leave, and if they do, they keep coming back like boomerangs. I’m talking about your residents. Let’s face it, one...
Top therapy reimbursement for everyone: here’s how
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jul 18, 2011
If the Ultra High is the highest level of allowable treatment we may seek, it’s our professional obligation to clinically provide these levels of service to every patient.
Will music improve MDS 3.0 scores?
By
Dan Cohen, MSW
Jun 22, 2011
Using iPods to reconnect long-term care residents with their favorite music is a simple intervention with great upside potential and no side effects. They’re an inexpensive tool that can have a positive...
It’s not a bad habit: What’s your coffee IQ?
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Jun 13, 2011
So it’s 4 a.m. and I’m still up finishing a project and jonesing for a cup of my favorite brand of coffee, NuJava. Yes, I am a coffee snob, because I like my coffee like I like my men …...
Long-term care workers are like firefighters
By
Anthony Cirillo
May 04, 2011
In attending the recent Assisted Living Federation of America conference in Orlando, I was impressed with its Hero Awards Program. Five extraordinary senior living professionals were selected from a pool...