Providers may be under increased reimbursement restraints, but consumers might have a hard time believing it. The median charge for a private room in a skilled care facility exceeds $90,000 a year, a new...
IT feature: Communication breakdown
By
John O'Connor
Jan 05, 2005
As more operators develop information management networks, technology problems are also on the rise for more facilities.
Reducing seniors’ drug use, one iPod at a time
By
John O'Connor
Mar 28, 2014
For reasons that are understandable yet hard to countenance, antipsychotic drugs are widely used in nursing homes. Too often over-used, according to government statistics. But it’s beginning to look...
Holding the regulators in check
By
John O'Connor
May 27, 2024
By now you have probably heard the American Health Care Association plans to take industry regulators to court.
Reasons to lawyer up
By
John O'Connor
Jul 06, 2015
When you provide long-term care services, lawsuits pretty much come with the territory.
Lawmakers demand answers about rating system quirks
By
John O'Connor
Oct 01, 2014
After The New York Times noted that providers are apparently gaming the Five Star rating system by enhancing staffing and quality data, federal lawmakers quickly put an indignant pen to paper.
Top 5 news stories reveal varied interests among long-term care professionals
By
John O'Connor
Jan 03, 2014
What do neck abnormalities, dangerous bacteria, a murder-suicide, a defensive nursing home chain, and antipsychotic guidelines have in common? These five developments were voted the most popular news stories...
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.
Additional nursing home inspection rules are not the answer
By
John O'Connor
Apr 14, 2014
Many skilled care operators struggle to keep up with a seemingly never-ending array of survey and certification regulations. If two lawmakers get their way, providers can look forward to a large heaping...
Ready for some good news, for a change?
By
John O'Connor
Jun 24, 2019
Operators might be forgiven for feeling a bit more tense and morose than usual in these trying days. But believe it or not, there are also pockets of joy to savor.