Long-term care pharmacy groups propose changes to make short-cycle dispensing more efficient, cost-effective
By
McKnight's Staff
Feb 05, 2013
Long-term care pharmacies are struggling with an Affordable Care Act provision related to short-cycle dispensing of brand name oral solid drugs, according to a recent letter from the Long Term Care Pharmacy...
With new rules, more payment denials expected
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Oct 02, 2012
Here it comes again! The Oct 1, 2012, federal regulatory changes will not only impact reimbursement but new reporting requirements also will multiply denials for skilled nursing providers across the country.
Over 2,000 hospitals will be targeted for readmission penalties starting Oct. 1
Aug 14, 2012
In about six weeks, more than 2,000 U.S. hospitals will be subject to financial penalties for preventable readmissions, making their relationships with post-acute providers more important than ever.
Hospices see Medicare payment increase
Jul 26, 2012
Medicare payments to hospice providers had a slight boost in 2013, according to a regulator notice released Tuesday. These providers also should be preparing to report quality data and additional diagnosis...
CMS frees up $275 million for state coordinated care initiatives
By
McKnight's Staff
Jul 23, 2012
States eager to test payment reform models for federal health programs can apply for awards totaling $275 million, courtesy of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
OIG investigation raises conflict of interest concerns in ZPIC program
By
McKnight's Staff
Jul 11, 2012
Regulators need to be more aggressive in identifying conflicts of interest among Medicare’s fraud-fighting Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPICs), a new government report recommends.
Former CMS boss says reforms underway, regardless of how Supreme Court rules
By
McKnight's Staff
Jun 26, 2012
Even if the Supreme Court repeals the Affordable Care Act, its early reforms have already delivered promising benefits, according to former Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Donald...
Final rule reduces regulatory burden for long-term care facilities
By
McKnight's Staff
May 11, 2012
A new rule eases the regulatory burden on providers serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and has the potential to save the healthcare system $100 million in the first year.
Reports forecast Medicare funding boost, dim overall outlook
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 23, 2012
The Affordable Care Act will help Medicare save over $200 billion through 2016, according to government actuaries. But questions as to Medicare’s long-term solvency remain, another report from Social...
Failure to prepare for MDS updates in the next 10 days could be costly, expert warns
By
McKnight's Staff
Mar 21, 2012
If skilled nursing facilities are not prepared for the MDS 3.0 changes that will go into effect April 1, 2012, the consequences could be expensive, a top expert warned Wednesday.