Skyrocketing spending on post-acute care shows need for large bundled payment groups, researchers argue
By
McKnight's Staff
May 09, 2013
Post-acute care was the fastest growing major healthcare spending category for government programs between 1994-2009, according to recently released research. The results support large-scale bundled payments...
CMS explains therapy cap notification requirement, but more guidance needed, NASL leader says
By
McKnight's Staff
May 09, 2013
A recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid memorandum provides some clarity regarding new therapy cap notification rules, but providers still need guidance on other aspects of therapy reimbursement, according...
Depressed, lonely seniors are more likely to get C. diff, researchers find
By
McKnight's Staff
May 09, 2013
People who are depressed or lonely are at increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection, according to recently published research.
OIG issues new guidance for nursing homes on hiring people excluded from Medicare and Medicaid
By
McKnight's Staff
May 08, 2013
Nursing homes can now refer to newly updated government guidelines on hiring or contracting with people excluded from participating in federal health programs.
Report shows slow progress on reducing antipsychotics, but AHCA renews 15% goal for 2013
By
McKnight's Staff
May 07, 2013
Skilled nursing providers fell well short of reaching a 15% reduction in off-label antipsychotic use by the end of 2012, the American Health Care Association announced Monday.
Post-acute providers continue to improve on most quality measures, report finds
By
McKnight's Staff
May 07, 2013
Post-acute providers have improved across a broad range of quality measures, according to a comprehensive report released by the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care. Providers improved outcomes in 13...
MDS update will expand use of modifications to make changes
By
McKnight's Staff
May 07, 2013
The Minimum Data Set manual will be revised to reflect a new correction policy, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced.
Observation stay challenge heads to court
By
McKnight's Staff
May 06, 2013
Government lawyers and opponents of Medicare’s “observation stay loophole” squared off in court on Friday, when a federal judge convened the first hearing in the Bagnall vs. Sebelius...
McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards return for second year
By
McKnight's Staff
May 06, 2013
Submissions are now being accepted for the second annual McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards. The awards are open to skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, and continuing care retirement...
Nursing homes’ strong negotiating position with ACOs will not last long, legal expert says
By
McKnight's Staff
May 03, 2013
Skilled nursing facilities that delay joining an Accountable Care Organization will likely be losers in the healthcare marketplace, according to John Durso, a partner at the law firm of Ungaretti & Harris...