Defibrillator implants often overlooked in hospice, end-of-life care
Mar 08, 2010
A large percentage of hospices don’t account for patients with defibrillator implants, which can lead to unnecessary—and uncomfortable—shocks to patients, new research shows.
State, federal pain policies hurt
By
Liza Berger
Nov 13, 2009
A lot of Americans suffer from chronic pain. This group includes many nursing home residents. Which is why some new developments on the pain front are encouraging.
Agency’s crackdown on drug thefts hurts nursing home residents, senators say
Oct 30, 2009
The Drug Enforcement Agency’s efforts to combat narcotics abuse and theft in nursing homes actually negatively affect those residents and hospice care patients who need pain medications, two senators...
Move toward certifying electronic health records must include long-term care
By
John Derr
Oct 21, 2009
Long-term care must have have certified electronic health records to keep pace with the rest of the healthcare industry.
Researchers question end-of-life practices at nursing homes
Oct 16, 2009
Kidney dialysis treatments near the end of life might do more harm than good and aggressive care for individuals with advanced dementia may be well-intentioned but misdirected efforts, results from a pair...
New congressional report lends credibility to end-of-life provision in House reform bill
Aug 14, 2009
A report released this week has found that end-of-life planning and discussions both improves quality of life near death and is associated with less aggressive and less costly care.
Obama addresses rumors about healthcare reform, accuses opponents of using scare tactics
Aug 12, 2009
President Barack Obama attempted to clear up misconceptions about healthcare reform in a town hall meeting Tuesday. One rumor he addressed is that reform would create government death panels that would...
CMS increases Medicare rates for hospices for fiscal year 2010
Aug 03, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has released a regulation increasing Medicare payments to hospices by 1.4% for fiscal year 2010.
Obama talks about end-of-life planning as hospice providers lobby against funding cuts
Jun 29, 2009
President Barack Obama suggested at a town hall meeting at the White House last Wednesday that some end-of-life education and planning could help save on medical expenses. A day later, hospice care organizations...
Government proposes cutting Medicare hospice payments 1.1%
Apr 24, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Tuesday proposed a rule that would trim Medicare hospice payments by 1.1% in FY 2010.