Former exec alleges Florida hospice filed claims for patients not terminally ill; government joins lawsuit
By
McKnight's Staff
Sep 10, 2012
The federal government has joined a whistleblower lawsuit against a Florida hospice over what it says were fraudulent Medicare payments, the Department of Justice announced.
Are you ready for The Conversation?
By
Mary Gustafson
Aug 23, 2012
There are few things I loathe more in the world than ice-breaking, “getting-to-know-you games.” The problem is, though, I’m exactly the kind of person who often needs an icebreaker to...
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...
Medicare might have made duplicate payments for medications used by hospice beneficiaries, OIG report...
By
McKnight's Staff
Jul 05, 2012
Medicare appears to have paid pharmacies twice for medications taken by hospice beneficiaries, a government report found.
Take advantage of the changing long-term care marketplace, top execs urge
By
Elizabeth Newman
May 08, 2012
Long-term care providers should hone in on the changing needs of their market by embracing what customers want and will pay for, and by working to change the profession’s image problem, LTC executives...
Quality measures needed to evaluate end-of-life care in nursing homes, study urges
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 17, 2012
As the number of people who choose nursing homes for end-of-life care continues to rise, more quality measures are needed to help consumers judge quality, a new study recommends.
Social Security recipients cannot opt out of Medicare, appeals court rules
Feb 09, 2012
Senior citizens who receive Social Security benefits cannot opt out of Medicare and rely solely on private insurance, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
Maryland mandates end-of-life wishes form for LTC residents
Oct 11, 2011
Maryland healthcare professionals will soon be required to complete a form outlining a patient’s end-of-life wishes upon admission to a long-term care facility, according to a new regulation.
Hospices to receive 2.5% bump for Medicare patients
Aug 01, 2011
Hospices treating Medicare beneficiaries will see a 2.5% increase in payments for fiscal year 2012, according to a final rule released Friday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. They must...
Study: Nursing home hospice services improved care for dementia patients, families say
Aug 01, 2011
Nursing home hospice services boosted care and support for residents dying of dementia and their families, according to new research.