Can you hear me now? Audiologists and new rules for diagnostic testing
By
Renee Kinder
Jun 22, 2023
If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have missed some big “noise” last week about coverage for hearing care. A June 15 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services transmittal titled “Allowing...
‘Killer nurse’ fallout: Nursing homes likely to take the blame even if they did ‘everything right’
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Nov 06, 2023
An “angel of mercy” nurse who saw herself as putting patients out of their misery by hastening their deaths further damages the already fragile reputation of nursing homes, a long-time nursing director...
Unlocking communication: The role of physical, occupational and speech therapy in aphasia
By
Renee Kinder
Jun 08, 2023
Aphasia, noun apha·sia ə-ˈfā-zh(ē-)ə Medical: loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words usually resulting from brain damage (as from a stroke, head injury, or infection) Aphasia,...
Fallout from clearinghouse attack continues to mushroom
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 13, 2024
It seemed improbable the first time someone told me the fallout from the cyberattack on the Change Healthcare platform might last for weeks, or for months even.
BREAKING: CMS failed to publicly post deficiencies for two-thirds of nursing homes, OIG finds
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 12, 2023
Medicare’s Care Compare site did not accurately reflect nursing home deficiencies in two-thirds of listings reviewed by a federal watchdog agency, a finding that implies more than 10,000 health, life...
In McKnight’s 2023 Mood of the Market, nursing home managers warn to pay up, be flexible to stem...
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 10, 2023
The staffing crisis in long-term care is showing signs of easing, but many building leaders still want higher pay and more flexibility in exchange for the extra work they’re putting in, according to...
Do you (unfortunately) hear what I hear?
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Dec 20, 2022
It’s that time of year again. You can’t walk into a grocery store, mall or even a quick mart without listening to Christmas carols. I’ll admit I start listening to those Christmas carols right...
No more lonely nights?
By
Gary Tetz
Aug 10, 2023
No one knows better than long-term care folks the unfortunate toll cognitive decline can take. So if you’re like me, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, you’re always interested in ways to keep your...
We don’t have any frogs. Now go away.
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 09, 2023
In a cruel twist of fate, I spent the past weekend in Las Vegas. Now, before I say more, I need to be clear: I love the people of Vegas, the long-term care facilities of Vegas, the long-term care staff...
‘Impossible’ Medicare Advantage denials decried during Senate hearing
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 18, 2023
A Senate subcommittee Wednesday sent letters to the nation’s largest Medicare Advantage insurers, demanding they reveal internal documents that illustrate how they make coverage determinations.