Who knew? Repeal of RUG-IV delay in bill one day and out the next
By
Liza Berger
Jul 26, 2010
When crafting legislation, horse trades are a well-established part of the ritual. What’s unfortunate is that many people who have a stake in these deals don’t know about them.
Alzheimer’s conference offers research surprises
By
Liza Berger
Jul 15, 2010
I always look forward to the research that emerges from the annual international Alzheimer’s conference. This year, the meeting has not disappointed.
Drink your fruits and vegetables
By
Liza Berger
Jun 18, 2010
Everyone likes a juicy story. That became apparent recently after we ran an item about the beneficial effects of apple juice on people with Alzheimer’s.
LTC leaders: News report on ‘upcoding’ distorts the facts
By
Liza Berger
May 01, 2010
The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care and American Health Care Association expressed outrage over a news report that alleged widespread use of so-called “upcoding” in nursing homes.
Industry view differs on rehab ‘overbilling’
By
Liza Berger
May 01, 2010
A news report about therapy overbilling has provoked outrage on the part of nursing home operators.
Therapy policies in need of rehab
By
Liza Berger
Apr 08, 2010
Therapy reimbursement has to be one of the more complicated subjects in long-term care. I have a hard time understanding all the ins and outs of it myself.
Erickson, Sunrise suffer tragic fates
By
Liza Berger
Apr 05, 2010
Most people are familiar with the Greek myth of Icarus, who, enthralled with flying, ventured too close to the sun. It’s a homily that helps to explain the fate of many companies, including two in...
Illinois nursing home settlement could have major impact
By
Liza Berger
Mar 19, 2010
A recent legal settlement regarding mentally ill nursing home residents in Illinois has the potential to transform the state’s long-term system. It also likely will have a ripple effect on the field...
The healthcare reform roller coaster
By
Liza Berger
Mar 16, 2010
This week and next will largely determine the fate of healthcare reform. Of course, we in the media have been offering variations on that theme a lot during the past year.
What to do with unused meds
By
Liza Berger
Mar 10, 2010
There is more and more talk in state legislatures of finding new ways to dispose of unused medications at healthcare facilities. This is an idea whose time has come.