Earlier this month, I was excited to learn that one of my favorite writers, Alice Munro, had been awarded this year’s Nobel Prize in Literature. To mark the honor, The New Yorker republished one...
Facilities have opportunity to improve operations and re-think patient care
By
Imran Javaid
Oct 18, 2013
Long-term care facilities are facing new pressures as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. As part of the shift to integrated care, reimbursements will be linked to patient outcomes...
Skilled nursing facilities: The triple threat of healthcare
By
Tara Roberts
Oct 16, 2013
To say skilled nursing facilities have come a long way would be, well, surprisingly refreshing. Public opinion polls show there is still a wide-spread misunderstanding of what SNFs do, how they are paid...
Senior services agencies reach critical moment in government shutdown, survey finds
By
Tim Mullaney
Oct 15, 2013
Organizations that provide transportation, meals and other services to seniors who need home care are facing imminent service reductions due to the federal government shutdown, and this could mean increased...
The evolving role of the alternate site pharmacist
By
Rich McKeon, MBA
Oct 11, 2013
As the Baby Boom generation continues to age and move through the healthcare system, there are approximately 10,000 people entering Medicare every day. Additionally, some estimates are that the number...
State News
Oct 01, 2013
NEW JERSEY — A “bill of rights” for independent living residents of continuing care retirement communities hit the governor’s desk after passing out of the Senate in August. Sens. Robert...
How to do it … rehabilitation
Oct 01, 2013
Rehabilitation professionals have been presented with significant new challenges since new functional G-code requirements became effective July 1. Those who use them wrong could lose big. Various experts...
No more Rehab Medium RUG defaults
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Oct 08, 2013
Well, Oct. 1 has passed, and we’re all still hanging in. The biggest changes we saw to rehab were the addition of reporting co-treatment minutes on our billing logs and Section O on the MDS. And,...
SNF Medicare Part A appeals increase, success rate holds steady: OIG report
By
Tim Mullaney
Oct 07, 2013
Skilled nursing facilities have been filing more appeals related to Medicare Part A claim determinations since 2008, and the proportion of successful appeals has remained largely steady, according to a...
Providers can cheer widespread quality improvement, but infection control poses a challenge: AHCA report
By
Tim Mullaney
Oct 03, 2013
More long-term care facilities are earning top marks in national quality ratings, but providers may need increased focus on infection control, according to the American Health Care Association’s...