The Five Star Report, once again, in the SNF spotlight
By
Steven Littlehale
Sep 24, 2014
The Five Star Quality Rating System takes the spotlight on the front page of the New York Times and the top of the news cycle, kicking off other publicity and political pressure. Regardless of any of the...
Painting by numbers: the way to go to make the right business decisions
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 24, 2014
The reasons to pursue more robust data-crunching activities keep growing. Especially for long-term care providers, who could have a leg up on other providers and payers.
Five simple ways to contain costs
By
Scott Collins
Sep 22, 2014
In today’s challenging business environment where providers are expected to do more with less, it’s the ideal time to evaluate all of your major cost centers. In the non-payroll category, two...
Use caution in antipsychotics reduction
By
G. Allen Power, M.D.
Sep 22, 2014
It is true that I began speaking out about the misuse of antipsychotics drugs long before they came to national attention. But as I applaud the efforts of our providers and regulators around this important...
Yet another report takes aim at nursing home staffing levels
By
John O'Connor
Sep 22, 2014
Seems like it is was only a few weeks ago that the New York Times was blasting the nursing home industry for playing fast and loose with staffing numbers. Now comes a state-by-state report card that essentially...
The fault in our (5) stars
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Sep 19, 2014
So, let me start off by saying that I am sure a lot of us have our own rating systems. For example, my sisters and I have a tissue-box rating system for tearjerker books and movies. The book the “Fault...
Maybe this sector’s bankers need to start taking their own advice
Sep 19, 2014
First and foremost, the NIC conference is a conduit that links those with money to those who need it. The event also features informative educational sessions that delve into where the market is now, and...
Non-profit nursing homes offer advantages
By
Matthew Gallardo
Sep 18, 2014
Knowing the right questions to ask and the right characteristics to look for are vital for potential residents and family to making a better and more informed choice. Potential customers, however, may...
ICD-10 is around the corner, for real this time
Sep 18, 2014
There’s a looming massive report on all the hospital readmissions data in your area and the strategic plan your facility needs to pursue. It involves talking to lots of employees, gathering data,...
The sweet irony of a nursing home report card
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 17, 2014
It’s said that politics, among other things, makes for strange bedfellows. Add long-term care quality improvement efforts to the list.