MedPAC worried over managed care plan for dual eligibles
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 06, 2012
A Medicare advisory panel has expressed concern that automatic enrollment into managed care plans for dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries would harm their access to healthcare.
Reimbursement penalties did not reduce hospital-acquired infection rates; harsher sanctions might be...
By
McKnight's Staff
Oct 15, 2012
Financial penalties did not reduce healthcare facility-acquired infections in acute-care settings, a new study finds. Researchers say harsher sanctions might help.
Hospital readmission rates plateau, provide SNFs with opportunity
By
McKnight's Staff
Jul 20, 2012
With penalties for preventable hospital readmissions looming, recently released Medicare data shows that U.S. hospitals aren’t making much progress in lowering readmission rates.
‘Smart’ catheter could cut urinary tract infections in long-term care facilities: report
By
McKnight's Staff
Aug 24, 2012
Michigan researchers are developing a “smart” catheter that releases a bacteria-killing nitric oxide substance at the start of an infection, according to a report presented at a conference...
House committee votes to repeal Medicare payment board
By
McKnight's Staff
Mar 06, 2012
The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act’s Medicare payment board Tuesday morning.
Medical device tax could crimp long-term care supplies, hike cost, dampen innovation, expert says
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 20, 2012
A medical device excise tax scheduled to hit Jan. 1 is causing uncertainty among manufacturers and providers, a healthcare expert said Monday.
‘Pay attention’: Free webcast on how retention [of good employees] pays
By
McKnight's Staff
Aug 28, 2012
‘Pay attention: Retention pays’ was the title of the latest in a series of free McKnight’s webcasts for long-term care professionals. The hour-long event was broadcast live Aug. 28 and...
MedPAC recommends lowering outpatient therapy caps by 33%
By
McKnight's Staff
Nov 05, 2012
Already contentious Medicare Outpatient Part B therapy caps would likely receive even more attention if the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has its way. MedPAC recommended Thursday that Congress drop...
Congressman calls for tougher regulations on bed rails
By
McKnight's Staff
Dec 04, 2012
In the wake of a tough investigation into bed rail entrapment, a Massachusetts congressman has called on government agencies to step up their regulation.
Affordable Care Act authorizes $3 billion to keep elderly and disabled out of nursing homes
By
McKnight's Staff
Mar 02, 2012
The Affordable Care Act has freed up $3 billion in grant money available to states looking to keep elderly and disabled individuals out of long-term care institutions.