News about how there will be Medicare reimbursement for hereditary cancer-related disorders, under a new CPT code for multi-gene panels, gives more options to some long-term care residents.
CMS drops payment cut related to two-midnight rule
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 20, 2016
Faced with a legal challenge, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has killed a two-midnight inpatient payment cut to hospitals. The agency will not move forward with a 0.2% inpatient payment cut...
Hospice fraud in OIG crosshairs
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 20, 2016
Hospice fraud is an enforcement priority for the HHS Office of Inspector General, according to the head of the office.
Providers worried about extra provisions in new SNF payment rule
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 19, 2016
Three categories — rehospitalizations, quality measurements and interoperability — are expected to be major challenges for providers under a new Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System...
Nursing Home Compare hurt by mistrust, unawareness, report finds
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 11, 2016
Consumers react positively to Nursing Home Compare, but they limit use based on lack of awareness and initial lack of trust in the data, according to a new analysis.
OIG clears provider’s irregular procurement of Hurricane Sandy disaster funds
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 11, 2016
A nursing home decimated by Hurricane Sandy was correct in using $2.8 million in federal disaster funds to repair its building, a government audit found.
Other states should follow Nebraska’s nurse protection example
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 08, 2016
If you have any doubt that lawmakers pay attention to news that comes across their desk, meet Omaha Sen. Brett Lindstrom (R). Lindstrom spearheaded a whistleblower protection bill.
Managed care will hit SNFs relying on Part A payments, experts say
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 06, 2016
Skilled nursing providers should be prepared for managed care to drill down on Medicare Part A residents, creating the potential for major financial problems, a long-term care expert warned on Tuesday.
Dementia tied to gum disease
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 04, 2016
Gum disease has been linked to a greater rate in cognitive decline, a study following people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease has found.
Readmissions may drop with adjustment
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 04, 2016
A technology assessment tool may help non-medical workers identify who is at risk for readmissions, according to a new study.