Person-centered confusion — and the value of a milkshake
By
Aug 08, 2017
It was a bit disheartening to read some of the comments we received on a story covering a resident-focused care session at a recent national conference. The commenters seemed to immediately pole vault...
Providers have the right friends in next coronavirus relief battle
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 10, 2020
Despite the many uncertainties that come with politics, providers can take comfort regarding their next quest for coronavirus relief.
The family secrets that hold back long-term care
By
John O'Connor
May 21, 2012
Several years ago I called some industry experts with a simple request. I asked if there was a place where I could find some basic benchmarks about industry spending. Didn’t think I was looking for...
‘Special’ times ahead for more nursing homes, and that’s not good
By
James M. Berklan
May 28, 2014
As spring blends into summer, some nursing home operators are going to start feeling more heat — and it will have nothing to do with the weather. They will be given places on the proverbial hot seat....
Senior living operators can choose happiness — which really annoys some economists
By
John O'Connor
May 17, 2013
In recent times, federal deficit spending has only gotten worse. But now that it appears there are some bright spots, it’s a bad thing? Depends on whom you talk to.
Why are more RAC audits happening? There are trillions of reasons
By
John O'Connor
Sep 10, 2012
Recovery audit contractors are stepping up their efforts to review Medicare billings. This appears to be a classic case of auditors gone wild.
The budget and a lack of friends
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 04, 2015
If there’s one thing long-time political observers can tell you with certainty, it is this: You can make friends when you pass laws, but you rarely do when you propose a budget.
Regardless of fiscal cliff outcome, funding cuts loom
By
John O'Connor
Nov 26, 2012
We’re hearing much out of Washington these days about the looming fiscal cliff. Assessments about its impact run the gamut from no big deal to very big deal. As is usually the case, the truth is...
What we can learn from POLST data
By
Elizabeth Newman
Nov 30, 2018
On the heels of my colleague James M. Berklan’s discussion about how little we know about our loved ones’ preferences for end-of-life care, there’s a sign of progress in Oregon.
SNF therapy billing controversy rises from the dead
By
Elizabeth Newman
Oct 02, 2015
Despite my love of Halloween, there is one component of it that is distinctly not for me: Horror movies. Still, I’m enough of a pop culture enthusiast that I can appreciate those with an appetite...