It’s time again to talk about an issue that’s been increasingly on healthcare providers’ minds in recent years — and will probably only continue to grow more urgent: patients’...
SNF occupancy down despite ‘significant’ flu season and Medicaid admissions up, report shows
By
Mar 16, 2017
Skilled nursing occupancy rates hit their lowest level on record in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to a report released Wednesday.
Deathly serious: Time for more talking; odds not great without it
By
Mar 21, 2017
For all the benefits that end-of-life care talks can bring, a new study indicates that even when such talks take place, patients’ preferences aren’t always understood or effectively communicated....
Pharmacist on care team improves dementia care, reduces readmissions
By
Apr 06, 2016
Adding a pharmacist to healthcare teams may help improve care and cut down on drug-related hospital readmissions for seniors with dementia, new study results indicate.
Kansas lawmakers on Thursday moved forward a proposal that would expand the state’s Medicaid program.
SNF fined $100,000, barred from running training programs after resident’s suicide
By
Oct 24, 2016
A Massachusetts skilled nursing facility was ordered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to pay more than $100,000 in fines after a resident committed suicide in August.
Staff turnover needs to be considered in flu season plans for LTC, researchers say
By
Oct 16, 2017
Long-term care providers should take their staff turnover rate into account when looking for ways to increase employee flu vaccination rates, according to a new research review. Because there could be...
CMS ramping up site visits, data monitoring to combat Medicare fraud
By
Feb 24, 2016
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is beefing up its efforts against Medicare fraud with increased provider site visits, the agency announced Monday.
Provider to pay nearly $170,000 for falsifying, destroying records
By
Jan 11, 2017
A former Ohio nursing home operator will pay nearly $170,000 to state and federal health agencies after its owner pleaded guilty to engaging in “corrupt activity,” state Attorney General Mike...
CMS prioritizes areas for reducing healthcare disparities
By
Sep 09, 2015
A new action plan from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will aim to reduce healthcare disparities among Medicare beneficiaries in four years.