New testing mandates could cost up to $15K each week
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 01, 2020
Larger nursing homes could be on the hook for as much as another $15,000 per week to comply with newly announced COVID-19 testing requirements for staff members, LeadingAge warned in a mid-September report.
SNFs can prosper after CMS’ bundled pay postponement
By
Jan 08, 2018
Skilled nursing providers should capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ plans to roll out more voluntary payment initiatives, according to observers.
New ACO designed to better serve dual eligibles strategy
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 06, 2017
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Dec. 15 it was starting an ACO pilot program aimed at beneficiaries enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid.
CMS widens audits, hones in on Part A claims, expert says
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 01, 2013
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has increased its scrutiny of Medicare Part A filings recently and as a result, has reclaimed more funds than ever from providers, a long-term care compliance...
Hospices earning high scores on newly released ratings
By
Sep 06, 2017
Hospice providers are showing impressive scores on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ new Hospice Compare website — but those high grades have led some to question the site’s efficacy.
Camera policies held up by privacy, litigation concerns
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 06, 2016
In the battle of pros and cons for placing cameras in resident rooms, the potential negative legal and privacy implications are winning out with most providers, new research shows.
CMS makes ‘unprecedented’ quality reporting changes
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2020
In yet another attempt to offset damage due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has made “unprecedented” changes for providers taking part in Medicare quality...
MedPAC mulls bigger role for hospital discharge planners
By
Oct 06, 2017
Hospital discharge planners may get more flexibility in placing nursing home residents under ideas being considered by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.
GAO: Managed care growth putting Medicaid funds at risk
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jan 04, 2016
End-of-year comments from the comptroller general indicated ways the Medicaid and Medicare programs can continue to improve, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services increasing its oversight...
Higher regulatory demands, money for hospice providers
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 01, 2011
When others were sweating out funding threats or declines, hospice providers were able to enjoy the announcement of a 2.5% rise in Medicare payments for fiscal 2012. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid...