OIG: Regulators need to sharpen retrieval of Medicare overpayments made to providers
By
McKnight's Staff
May 25, 2012
Medicare recovery audit contractors have not been diligent enough in collecting previously identified overpayments, a government investigation finds.
TN providers team up with insurers for bundled payment program for joint replacements
By
McKnight's Staff
May 24, 2012
In anticipation of payment reforms centering on coordinated care, health systems and a major Tennessee insurer are establishing a bundled payment system for joint replacements.
Proposed legislation would regulate use of antipsychotics in nursing home residents
By
McKnight's Staff
May 23, 2012
A proposed bill would require nursing home staff to obtain informed consent from a resident or their legally designated representative acknowledging the potential risks and side effects associated with...
Hospital readmission penalties could transform relationships with SNFs, experts say
By
McKnight's Staff
May 23, 2012
Healthcare reform efforts targeted at reducing hospital readmissions are here to stay, experts told participants in a McKnight’s webcast Tuesday.
Conservatives cast doubt on cost effectiveness of healthcare reform
By
McKnight's Staff
May 21, 2012
Conservative healthcare analysts warned a House committee that several provisions of the Affordable Care Act could cause further industry consolidation and weaken Medicare.
Assisted Living Federation of America kicks off annual conference Wednesday near Dallas
By
McKnight's Staff
May 11, 2012
The Assisted Living Federation of America is welcoming top speakers and educators, vendors and providers from around the country to its annual conference Wednesday through next Friday at the Gaylord Texan...
QI Survey’s further incursion into dining activities to be featured focus at audio conference
By
McKnight's Staff
May 04, 2012
An audio conference will take place Tuesday morning in an effort to help long-term care providers create more efficient interdisciplinary approaches with their dining regimens. Under new QI Survey points...
Senators: Recovery audit contractors might be doubling up tasks; campaign against fraud gears up
By
McKnight's Staff
May 03, 2012
Members of the Senate Finance Committee say they are concerned that the functions completed by independent contractors — known as recovery audit contractors (RACs) and Zone Program Integrity Contractors...
CMS to start covering heart procedure that significantly extends life expectancy
By
McKnight's Staff
May 02, 2012
Medicare beneficiaries with heart valve damage will be able to have a valve replacement covered under certain conditions, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Tuesday.
Healthcare waste accounts for a third of all spending, government official says
By
McKnight's Staff
May 02, 2012
With healthcare waste taking up to a third of all healthcare costs, reducing waste and fraud remain primary goals of the Office of the Inspector General, the head of the agency said Monday.