Here’s the good news for providers: new analytics are making it possible to understand and bill your care in ways that would have been impossible just a few years ago. Here’s the bad news:...
Great staffing ideas from the best in the business
By
John O'Connor
Apr 18, 2016
For those of you feeling a bit overwhelmed about staffing issues, please let me offer a simple suggestion. Take a look at the March 15 issue of Fortune magazine. You’re likely to discover many ways...
How to quickly size up the health of any facility
By
John O'Connor
Oct 24, 2016
When it comes to measuring how well a long-term care facility is doing, we all know the usual benchmarks: revenues, profits and census levels.
Keeping your friends close, and the media closer
By
John O'Connor
Jul 30, 2018
After nearly three decades of watching this sector, I’m still astounded by two bizarre aspects of general media coverage.
Sensitivity training
By
John O'Connor
Apr 07, 2008
The story of Tithonus serves as one of Greek mythology’s more cautionary tales. According to legend, he was a handsome young man who sought immortal life. As they say, be careful what you ask for. While...
Plan of correction can be anything but, as this provider learns the hard way
By
John O'Connor
Apr 28, 2014
Justice has an odd way of showing itself if you’re a nursing facility that disagrees with a deficiency citation but decides to work with inspectors to clear your name. You’re not going to believe...
And now, some important reminders from a 94-year-old
By
John O'Connor
Jan 24, 2014
Conventional wisdom can be a reassuring thing. Especially when it reinforces our suspicions. But it has a fatal flaw: Sometimes it can be flat-out wrong. Consider 94-year-old Olga Kotelko.
The disease that keeps on taking
By
John O'Connor
Aug 06, 2012
There is no way to tally the full cost of Alzheimer’s disease, a life robbing condition that now claims more than 5 million victims nationwide. But what can be put on a ledger sheet is sobering....
Pssst, here’s how the LTC lobby can eliminate the 3-day rule — and gain other Congressional perks
By
John O'Connor
Apr 19, 2013
You might not be old enough to remember the “Schoolhouse Rock” videos that aired between cartoons on Saturday mornings during the 1970s. One of my favorites was “I’m Just a Bill.”...
A no-brainer plan for Medicare and Medicaid
By
John O'Connor
Dec 11, 2017
But for those of you who think outrageous political trickery is dead, please let me point you in the direction of Capitol Hill. For we appear to be in the midst of one of the better con jobs to come along...