CMS will pay more to labs that process COVID-19 tests quicker starting Jan. 1
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 16, 2020
Laboratories that process coronavirus diagnostic tests within two calendar days will receive a higher Medicare reimbursement than those that take longer, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced...
CDC gives new pathway for point-of-care reporting on NHSN site
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 16, 2020
A new pathway for reporting results from point-of-care coronavirus testing devices is now available for long-term care providers on the National Healthcare Safety Network.
Provider group issues tips on how to help residents vote amid pandemic
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 14, 2020
Nursing home activity directors could use the upcoming presidential election to engage residents about voting this year, says the nation’s largest nursing home association.
Value of extended Medicare loan repayment period hinges on how neediest rebound: expert
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 13, 2020
The effectiveness of the federal government’s move to extend the repayment terms for providers who received advanced Medicare payments during the pandemic will depend “how quickly the industry and...
Nevada suspends use of point-of-care rapid testing devices at nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 09, 2020
Long-term care providers in Nevada are being advised to continue using point-of-care rapid testing devices provided by the federal government — despite a state order that nursing facilities immediately...
Also in the News for Wednesday, Oct. 8
Oct 08, 2020
HHS updates FAQs for Provider Relief Fund … Strong infection control, limited physical contact among key recommendations for welcoming back nursing home visitors … Nearly half of U.S. nursing homes...
Judge rules nursing home residents can vote by video, while CMS emphasizes that providers must ensure...
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 07, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services this week is reminding providers that they must ensure nursing home residents are able to exercise their right to vote during the upcoming presidential election...
Government ‘vastly undercounted’ nursing home deaths following Hurricane Irma, study finds
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 07, 2020
Hundreds of deaths of Florida nursing home residents due to Hurricane Irma were not accounted for — by more than 400 when compared to what was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...
Allocation for COVID-19 vaccine should first hit nursing home workers and residents, national group says
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 05, 2020
Frontline healthcare workers, including those in nursing homes, should be in the first group to receive prioritization under a four-phase COVID-19 vaccination allocation framework released by a group of...
Additional $20B in relief funding available to providers starting Monday
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 02, 2020
Healthcare providers that have already received coronavirus relief payments through the Provider Relief Fund can apply for additional funding starting Monday.