RCS-1 is a complete rewrite of therapy reimbursement rules
By
Josh Pickus
Sep 01, 2017
With Resident Classification System, Version I (RCS-1), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is considering significant changes to the reimbursement model for therapy.
CMS’s confusing kick in the teeth
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 23, 2015
One gets the feeling that federal regulators, no matter how proper the official talk went, took a bit of pleasure in sticking it to nursing home operators over rebasing their star ratings the past week...
Will the emergency button ever change?
By
Lola Rain
Oct 10, 2014
After working in an FDA-regulated environment, I have seen the limitations first hand. Change is hard to embrace for an industry that is a slave to its regulations. This is one reason why the button design...
The psychology behind good customer service (and why it’s more important than you think)
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Jun 12, 2014
We may talk about the term “customer service” and ask our staff members to avoid public arguments in front of residents and family members. But nevertheless, volatile situations happen every...
Practicing gratitude to heal the soul
By
Tina L. Kies
Feb 01, 2017
Wednesday is “gratitude journaling” day at Shuksan and for the next 30 minutes these residents will reflect upon their day and the past week, thinking back on whether there was anything that...
Improving vision can help quality of life in LTC
By
Mark Milner, M.D.
Apr 18, 2016
AMD dramatically impacts quality of life, manifesting in greater social dependence, challenges maintaining independence and early admission to nursing homes.
How Montessori learning is unlocking new methods in dementia care
By
Anna Fisher, Ph.D.
Jun 11, 2014
I have always been fond of the Montessori philosophy. Even when my children were young, I searched for alternative schools where they could explore this type of learning. People ask me, “What is...
The tie between revenue and risk managment
By
Tim Goux and Scout Blount
Oct 20, 2014
By providing the best level of care, a provider will help ensure resident satisfaction as well as foster a positive work environment for employees. Poor quality will affect a provider’s revenue stream.
Neutrality an elusive concept in ‘site-neutral’ payment talk
By
James M. Berklan
May 19, 2016
It’s fitting we’re in the midst of Triple Crown season. That means it’s time to pick a horse as your next winner — and it could possibly be a very big winner.
This year holds promise for post-acute care
By
Stephanie Anthony
Jan 12, 2015
Hospitals traditionally have viewed a patient’s discharge as the endpoint of their care responsibilities. In reality, hospital stays frequently are just one step in ongoing episodes of care. Ensuring...