Drug pricing reform deal may allow Medicare to negotiate with drug firms for first time
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 04, 2021
The Democrats’ deal also would limit insulin costs and cap annual out-of-pocket spending at $2,000 for seniors. Pharmacy benefit managers would face transparency requirements as well.
Study: Seniors recover from fall-inducing vertigo on par with younger adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 04, 2021
Older adults are just as likely to benefit from a specialized treatment that can eliminate problems with intense dizziness, investigators say.
Strategies in uncertainty: How best to expand our licensed nurse aide workforce
By
John Reinhart
Nov 03, 2021
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency (PHE) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on January 31, 2020. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services followed...
Unmanifested inflation: Labor shortages may begin to improve — but at a price
By
Kimberly Marselas
Nov 03, 2021
HOUSTON — One of the nation’s top economists predicts many of the workers who left the economy over the last few months may soon start returning, but that’s not all good news for an industry such...
Also in the News for Wednesday, Nov. 3
Nov 03, 2021
Most discharged SNF patients understood instructions but still reported gaps in care coordination … Staffing reforms could be coming for Florida nursing homes … Big jump: 49% of long-term care recipients...
Survey: Short-stay residents want more help with meds, clinician connections upon discharge
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 03, 2021
Fully 80% of respondents said they received and understood their discharge instructions. But at least two-thirds would have liked more help with their medication regimen, physician referrals, and other...
LTC docs urge peers to rapidly increase use of COVID-19 antibody drugs
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 03, 2021
Industry geriatricians have compiled resources for their LTC peers who have not yet come on board with monoclonal antibody treatments. Resident immunity to COVID-19 is declining, and mAbs may prevent hospital...
USPSTF still advises against COPD screening for asymptomatic adults
Nov 02, 2021
There is no net benefit for screening asymptomatic adults for COPD, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has concluded in its latest recommendation.
BREAKING: CMS finalizes therapy pay cuts in 2022 Physician Pay Rule, and extends COVID reporting period
By
Danielle Brown
James M. Berklan
Nov 02, 2021
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services finalized a 15% payment reduction for physical and occupational therapy assistants, and extended temporary telehealth services added to Medicare during the...
Long-term care left behind in race to nab COVID monoclonal antibodies: report
Nov 02, 2021
Delayed shipments of antibody doses are putting residents’ lives at risk after federal authorities barred direct orders of the drugs, LTC clinicians say.