Sequester cuts are bringing changes to survey process
By
McKnight's Staff
May 01, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will change some nursing home survey procedures in response to budget cuts from sequestration, according to memos released April 9. The CMS Survey & Certification...
Obama’s cuts draw hot provider rebuke
By
James M. Berklan
May 01, 2013
President Obama’s proposed budget is dead in the water as long-term care providers see it. They stand to lose $81 billion over 10 years if the measure is approved.
AHCA makes push for immigration reform
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 01, 2013
Saying the current permanent visa programs for immigrants are “insufficient and inadequate” to meet long-term care staffing needs, the American Health Care Association outlined in March a vision...
‘Bed tax’ reform threat looms
By
McKnight's Staff
Feb 01, 2013
Nursing homes could be hurt if the federal government lowers the Medicaid provider tax safe harbor threshold to reduce the national deficit, according to a January report from the Congressional Research...
Reach of ACOs hits 31 million individuals
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 02, 2013
Accountable care organizations are already beginning to change the landscape of American healthcare, veteran observers say.
Feds lax on bedrails, Congressman insists
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 02, 2013
Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) called on federal regulators to step up oversight of bed rail regulations. The congressman spoke out in the aftermath of a tough investigation into bed rail entrapment.
Reform now likely here to stay
By
Elizabeth Newman
Dec 02, 2012
With the November elections over, and with them the possibility of the Affordable Care Act’s demise, providers likely are girding for more fights over reimbursement cuts, the debut of health insurance...
MedPAC: Cut therapy caps 33%, hike audits
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 02, 2012
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has recommended that Congress drop the annual allowable limits for Medicare Outpatient Part B payments by one-third. It would mean caps at $1,270, down from $1,880.
Feds may void invalid forms
By
Elizabeth Newman
Oct 01, 2012
Overcoding or undercoding incontinence in the MDS 3.0 remains a problem in many facilities, an expert cautions.
Medicare reforms not enough?
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 01, 2012
Medicare payment reforms in the Affordable Care Act might lead to more efficient treatment cycles, but they might not wind up lowering overall payouts to providers and other stakeholders, according to...