Stuck in the middle, LTC pharmacies could be dangerously squeezed by drug price negotiations
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 01, 2023
Any lower drug prices that result from White House efforts to negotiate on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries may lead to short-term gains for nursing homes, but there also could be a steep price to pay...
Staying the course: Lessons from ponies for upcoming Medicare changes
By
Renee Kinder
Aug 31, 2023
There’s a certain kind of magic when watching eq competitions, especially when it involves someone dear to you. Over the weekend, our daughter, Emmy Grace, took part in her first hunter jumper 2-foot...
Skilled nursing care’s cloudy Medicare future
By
Brendan Williams
Aug 18, 2023
A net gain of $1.4 billion for a sector comprised of over 15,000 nursing homes somewhat pales in comparison to a looming CMS staffing mandate estimated to cost nursing homes $11.3 billion a year.
Reintroduced observation status bill could take edge off Medicare 3-day rule
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2023
If the legislation passes, more post-acute patients could qualify for care in skilled nursing facilities, a reprieve for providers following the end of pandemic-era waivers, industry advocates said.
Revised MDS assessments of patient mood disorders may depress payments
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2023
Clinicians should remain vigilant for missed diagnoses — and the potential for reduced Medicare payment rates — as MDS changes take effect Oct. 1, industry experts said.
CMS unveils program to improve dementia care, ease unpaid caregiver strain
By
Kristen Fischer
Aug 01, 2023
The federal government is hoping to do more for people with dementia on Medicare — and their unpaid caregivers.
Accelerating the shift to value-based care in LTC settings
By
Jason Feuerman
Jun 07, 2023
Long-term care providers have always played a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of the frail and elderly. As practitioners continue grappling with the demands of patient care and running...
Ready, set, review!
By
Renee Kinder
May 11, 2023
We’ve all been waiting for this. We knew it was coming! What am I speaking of? The May 4, 2023, notice of Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) 5-Claim Probe and Educate Review, of course! Since the initiation...
Achoo! Springtime is PEPPER season
By
Renee Kinder
Apr 27, 2023
The sound of spring is in the air and irritants abound. The sniffling, sneezing and coughing is always a telltale sign of a change in seasons. April also brings to us the release of the Program for...
Surprise Biden order ‘punishing’ for nursing home providers
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 19, 2023
An executive order signed by President Joe Biden Tuesday afternoon will trigger broad, cabinet-level activities intended to improve nursing home and other caregiving jobs and hold providers accountable...