CMS offers a deal to hospitals to cut Medicare appeals backlog
By
Tim Mullaney
Sep 03, 2014
In an effort to trim the huge backlog of Medicare claims appeals that has stymied long-term care and other providers, the government is offering a new way to settle some cases. Hospitals could receive...
Aggressive lobbying keeps seniors on Lucentis, prevents Medicare savings, USA TODAY article states
By
Tim Mullaney
Apr 28, 2014
Lobbying efforts have ensured that long-term care residents and other seniors are commonly prescribed the expensive drug Lucentis, even though the less costly drug Avastin has proven equally effective,...
CMS clarifies long-term care quality review in managed care models
By
Tim Mullaney
Oct 23, 2013
Noting that long-term care increasingly is being provided through Medicaid managed care plans, the government has released guidance on how to monitor the quality of care in these systems.
Four tips for relieving stress in long-term care
By
Tim Mullaney
Jul 08, 2014
Stress is hurting the job performance of a huge number of people in this country — and long-term care workers are among those at greatest risk. At least, this was suggested by poll results released Monday....
Report: Long-term care providers pay the price for CMS’ poor auditor oversight
By
Tim Mullaney
Aug 14, 2014
Long-term care and other providers could be facing unfair burdens due to ineffective government oversight of Medicare auditors, according to a new report from a federal watchdog agency.
People don’t ‘get’ me: Tips for the misunderstood long-term care provider
By
Tim Mullaney
Sep 24, 2013
Do you ever feel that people don’t really “get” what you do as a long-term care provider? You might take heart from the fact that professionals in other fields also feel this way, according...
C. diff vaccine moves closer to reality with launch of large Phase III trial
By
Tim Mullaney
May 19, 2014
A potential Clostridium difficile vaccine performed well in initial tests and now has moved into a large Phase III trial, researchers announced today. The news from developer Sanofi Pasteur raises hopes...
Cash-strapped feds to cut back Medicare oversight this year, OIG official says
By
Tim Mullaney
May 05, 2014
One of nursing homes’ most vigilant government watchdogs plans to dramatically curb its activities this year, a federal official has told the House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Health. The Department...
Could you make money if Mom’s nursing home does a good job?
By
Tim Mullaney
Jul 29, 2014
A man recently raised more than $51,000 … to make potato salad. And in a similar type of online campaign, senior living investment company Mainstreet raised more than $1.6 million in four weeks through...
MedPAC renews call for long-term care payment cuts, draws fire from providers
By
Tim Mullaney
Dec 13, 2013
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has recommended a 4% reduction in skilled nursing facility payments in 2016, prompting an outcry from providers.