Lower readmission rates may be offset by observation days
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 09, 2018
Recently touted advances in lower hospital readmission rates might not be as impressive as once thought, according to academic researchers. Their review of nine years’ worth of hospital admissions...
BCPI ups quality: analysis
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 05, 2017
A recent analysis shines a positive light on value-based care models such as federal hip and knee replacement bundled payment programs.
Time for a palliative care makeover
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 21, 2016
Celebrity party animals have done it. Nursing homes have done it. Now, it’s time for palliative care providers to do it.
Providers may learn it’s hard to hit the bull’s-eye when you’re aiming at the wrong target
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 15, 2021
The world is watching and it’s no time to look the COVID-19 vaccine gift horse in the mouth.
Satisfaction? Not yet: CMS
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 04, 2020
Federal regulators say that nursing homes could eventually come to see patient satisfaction scores included in Five Star Quality Ratings and on the Nursing Home Compare website.
Providers cheer bill, but want cap relief
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 05, 2015
Long-term care providers were among those cheering loudest when the Senate returned from its spring recess and promptly voted 92-8 to pass H.R. 2, ensuring that draconian Medicare pay rates for doctors...
RNs may need 4-year degree
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 01, 2012
A firestorm of commentary broke out last month upon news that New York lawmakers might soon again debate a bill that would require registered nurses to attain a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Pay switch costs a bundle
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 02, 2018
Total episode payments declined but the Medicare program lost big from 2013 to 2016 with Bundled Payments for Care Improvement. The total cost was nearly $290 million. Model 2, the most commonly used track...
Poll: IPAB best of options
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 02, 2011
In contrast to providers’ preference, more Americans want an independent payment board to make decisions about Medicare spending, rather than leaving the current system as is.
No need to read this if your job is stress-free
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 31, 2022
While caring for the elderly, you might think you’re in a unique situation, and believe the stress you regularly feel is a unique burden.