Verma details administration’s moves to address COVID-19 in nursing homes … Pennsylvania has fined nursing homes more than $93K during inspections amid pandemic … U.S. plans massive COVID-19 vaccine...
Following feds’ $4.9B distribution, expert calls for regulators to address local payment inequities
By
Danielle Brown
May 26, 2020
The recent $4.9 billion funding distribution to address COVID-19 in skilled nursing facilities amounts to $50,000 for each SNF operator, plus $2,500 for each licensed bed. But a post-acute care expert...
CMS rule changes aim to increase telehealth access for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries
By
Danielle Brown
May 26, 2020
Changes under a recent final rule encourage Medicare Advantage plans to increase their telehealth benefits and plan options for beneficiaries in rural areas.
Data on COVID-19 in nursing homes is key to stopping spread; race a factor in facility outbreaks: expert
By
Danielle Brown
May 22, 2020
Publicly available data regarding coronavirus cases and deaths in nursing homes is “crucial” to stopping the spread of the disease in facilities, a long-term care expert told U.S. senators Thursday.
Nursing home experts recommend priority shift following pandemic
By
Danielle Brown
May 22, 2020
Several experts have suggested a shift in priorities among long-term care operators may be needed to improve infection control and quality of life for residents following the coronavirus pandemic.
One-time universal testing at nursing homes would cost $440M, AHCA says; most nursing homes on track...
By
Danielle Brown
May 21, 2020
Just one round of testing every nursing home resident and staff member would cost about $440 million nationwide, according to data released Wednesday by the American Health Care Association/National Center...
Infection control problems ‘persisted’ at nursing homes prior to pandemic: GAO
By
Danielle Brown
May 21, 2020
Infection control deficiencies were widespread throughout nursing homes even before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office.
Skilled nursing occupancy slips as COVID-19 pandemic rages: NIC
By
Danielle Brown
May 20, 2020
Occupancy at skilled nursing facilities took a hit following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic after showing signs of stabilization for several quarters, new data from the National Investment Center...
New MDS updates depend largely on state Medicaid agencies, expert says
By
Danielle Brown
May 20, 2020
How providers respond to an update of MDS item sets 3.0 (version 1.17.2) will largely depend on what their state Medicaid agency will require under the new format, one payment expert emphasized Tuesday.
Latest MDS update could leave providers in ‘limbo,’ expert says
By
Danielle Brown
May 19, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has updated MDS 3.0 items (version 1.17.2) along with related technical data specifications. But providers could be left in “limbo” as they await for more...