Skilled nursing reimbursement has become worse, MedPAC report states
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 14, 2015
Years of Medicare reforms actually have worsened the way skilled nursing providers are reimbursed, and more sweeping changes are needed urgently, according to a new report from the Medicare Payment Advisory...
AHCA launches campaign for Sustainable Growth Rate reforms
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 12, 2015
Today marks the launch of a comprehensive new effort from the nation’s largest long-term care provider association, aimed at encouraging constructive reforms of Medicare’s Sustainable Growth...
Insulin spray leads to significant benefits for those with dementia, study finds
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 09, 2015
Taking a man-made form of insulin improved memory and cognition in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, according to recently published findings.
New skin patch helps keep diabetic foot ulcers at bay
By
Amy Novotney
Jan 01, 2015
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a drug delivered through a skin patch that not only helps diabetic foot ulcers heal faster, but prevents the wounds from recurring.
LTC liability costs projected to increase by 5% nationally
By
John O'Connor
Jan 01, 2015
Long-term care providers should prepare for higher liability costs. They are anticipated to increase by 5% on a national basis in 2015, according to a new analysis from the American Health Care Association/National...
State News for January 2015
Jan 01, 2015
NEW JERSEY — Lawmakers here will soon debate the merits of a bill that would require the state to pay facilities up to half of the money owed for uncompensated care for residents whose Medicaid applications...
Bill would speed up post-acute coverage
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jan 01, 2015
Observation stays would count toward establishing Medicare eligibility under reforms in a recent draft bill from the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Study examines ‘elderspeak’ tendencies in LTC caregivers
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 01, 2015
Certified nursing assistants are more likely to use “elderspeak,” a form of patronizing speech used with seniors, if they are familiar with the resident, the resident has dementia or others...
How to do it … Furnishing outdoors
Jan 01, 2015
Many facilities and communities may be overlooking an invaluable annex right under their noses — outdoor spaces that can provide a welcome and inviting place for residents to relax, reflect and commune...
Ask the payment expert … about ABNs and denial letters
By
Patricia Boyer
Jan 01, 2015
Can you demystify the ABNs and denial letters process?