CMS to begin audits for schizophrenia coding, says citations will affect quality ratings
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 19, 2023
The agency will start auditing nursing homes this month to determine whether residents’ schizophrenia diagnoses are accurate and appropriately coded. A pattern of inaccurate coding may result in a quality...
U.S. releases Tamiflu doses from national stockpile as demand surges
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2022
The U.S. has opened more access to an influenza antiviral to help clinicians cope with rising demand during the worst flu season in a decade
Study confirms effectiveness of bivalent COVID booster; AHCA helps spread word
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2022
New data and support materials are available for clinicians who want to encourage more residents and staff to get the updated COVID-19 booster shot.
GAO report links length of nursing home COVID outbreaks to 4 factors
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 20, 2022
Facilities in counties with low community spread had outbreaks that were seven days shorter than those in counties with high transmission rates, among other key factors.
Top concern of post-acute patients is staff competence, small study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 14, 2022
Staff competence and professionalism lend confidence that restored health and independence are in sight, patients told investigators.
For-profit providers still on hot seat in final House COVID report
By
Joe Bush
Dec 12, 2022
Months after its first attack, a key House COVID subcommittee on Friday targeted five of the nation’s five largest for-profit nursing home companies over low staffing and wages and slow vaccine booster...
Portable air purifiers improve cardiovascular health in COPD, researchers find
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 06, 2022
Participants who used air purifiers with active HEPA and carbon filters had improved markers of heart health. This included a 25% increase in heart rate variability, investigators say.
Opponents of the federal government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers are pursuing two fresh pathways to defeat it. Both challenges cite the pandemic’s current, less critical stage...
Working smarter, not longer: Overcoming staff vacancies by improving operational efficiency
Nov 22, 2022
[Partner content]
States push CMS to repeal COVID-19 vaccine mandate
By
Kimberly Marselas
Lois A. Bowers
Nov 18, 2022
A coalition of 22 states is taking a new angle in its attempts to overturn a national mandate requiring that healthcare workers be vaccinated against COVID-19: They’re simply asking federal regulators...