One in every five adults aged more than 60 years takes fish oil supplements, despite many warnings that they have no benefit for heart health. A new study sheds light on what the product labels say that...
AHCA offers ‘wake-up call’ on bed and facility counts: 446,000 residents may be displaced
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 24, 2023
A new report paints a troublesome picture of the US nursing home sector at mid-year, with new facility openings at a standstill, even with the number of beds rapidly declining.
Adult education may lower cognitive decline risk
By
Kristen Fischer
Aug 23, 2023
Learning a new skill or taking up a new language could lower the risk for cognitive decline and dementia, according to a study out Aug. 23 in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.
CMS 5-claim audits so far a ‘debacle’
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Aug 22, 2023
A new federal review process designed to lower the rate of improper government payments is sending provider staffs scurrying to justify their coding.
New guidance for treating hypoglycemia in long-term care stresses understanding of glucagon
By
Kristen Fischer
Aug 21, 2023
There’s some new guidance on treating hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in long-term care communities. It’s specifically geared for healthcare workers, though anyone who is a caregiver for someone...
Threat of devastating ‘bad debt’ grows as nursing home billing offices flounder
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 18, 2023
Unheard of staffing shortages in nursing home billing offices are leading to billing lapses and major uncollectible or ‘bad’ debt amounts. A $4 million case in Connecticut is fueling observers’ concerns...
Study: Isometric exercises may be optimal for lowering high BP
By
Kristen Fischer
Aug 16, 2023
Isometric exercises — tightening muscles without moving nearby joints, such as in a plank move — are effective for lowering high blood pressure. Even more, the findings could lay the groundwork for...
Risk pushing some SNFs away from complex patients, adding to hospital woes
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Aug 16, 2023
Some nursing homes are becoming more reluctant to admit patients with complex health and treatment needs to avoid the risk of survey violations, according to sector observers.
More states increasing scrutiny of healthcare transactions, with skilled nursing targeted
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Aug 15, 2023
California’s new proposed rules on health entity transactions are aimed at addressing rising medical costs but legal experts say the measures could chase away investors due to the public disclosure requirements.
Rising focus on False Claims puts skilled nursing providers in crosshairs, attorneys warn
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Aug 09, 2023
Nursing homes looking to protect themselves from False Claim Act investigations should maintain at least a 3-star rating and ensure they don’t delay discharges to get extra reimbursement, a panel...