IT expands its horizons: From furnaces to food service, a wealth of software services are available to...
By
John Hall
Apr 08, 2018
While some solutions are just beginning to realize their potential, others are evolving beyond the wildest expectations.
Just a minute! RCS-1 timing is still up in air
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 08, 2018
No timeline has been set for finalizing or implementing a major replacement payment system for therapy patients, a federal official revealed on a national conference call in early March. The Centers for...
‘Deep concern’ gets a reaction
By
Marty Stempniak
Apr 08, 2018
Providers returned fire after a dozen Senators recently expressed their “deep concern” about delaying and reducing federal penalties against nursing homes. Critics, including the lawmakers, say that...
Medicare days tapering off?
By
John O'Connor
Apr 08, 2018
Medicare beneficiaries are spending 15% fewer per-capita days in skilled nursing facilities since 2009, according to a new analysis. The trend likely reflects a drop in days in hospitals — whose practices...
AHCA issues quality improvement goals
By
John O'Connor
Apr 08, 2018
Skilled nursing providers recently were given new industry goals intended to improve care delivery during the next three years. Facilities should reduce hospitalizations by 10%, improve functional outcomes...
Triple pill cuts blood pressure
By
Marty Stempniak
Apr 08, 2018
A pill combining low doses of three blood pressure-reducing medications significantly increased the number of patients reaching blood pressure targets, compared with usual care. About 70% of patients in...
New LTC opioid ‘Playbook’ out
By
Marty Stempniak
Apr 08, 2018
The National Quality Forum has released a comprehensive guide to help support safe opioid prescribing and pain management. The “National Quality Partners Playbook: Opioid Stewardship” provides strategies...
Multi-facility execs’ pay rises
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 08, 2018
Executives with multi-site organizations in the nonprofit aging services sector received average raises of 4.7% in 2017, the same as the previous year, according to a LeadingAge-commissioned survey. Chief...
SNF bed prices drop by 18%, as industry challenges mount
By
John O'Connor
Apr 08, 2018
After setting records for five straight years, the average price per-bed for skilled nursing facilities plunged 18% in 2017, according to acquisition data published by Irving Levin Associates. The media...