SNF occupancy down despite ‘significant’ flu season and Medicaid admissions up, report shows
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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.
Embracing — and encouraging — online reviews
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Nov 08, 2017
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’...
Deathly serious: Time for more talking; odds not great without it
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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....
Kansas lawmakers on Thursday moved forward a proposal that would expand the state’s Medicaid program.
Pharmacist on care team improves dementia care, reduces readmissions
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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.
SNF fined $100,000, barred from running training programs after resident’s suicide
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.