A new federal proposal effectively proposing new Medicaid taxes could lead to the closure of some skilled nursing units in continuing care retirement communities in 18 states, according to provider advocates.
Researchers call providers’ discharge habits into doubt
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 17, 2019
Providers can expect more scrutiny into their discharge practices thanks to research that has found that many Medicare patients appear to be sent home just as financial obligations change.
CMS: Stop ‘info blocking’
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 07, 2019
Federal regulators struck hard toward improving interoperability and information sharing between skilled nursing facilities and other providers.
Device program expands
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 09, 2018
A six-year-old Medicare demonstration program that focuses on pre-approvals for power wheelchairs and other mobility devices will get new life this fall. Overall, 31 items were added to the program, according...
PPS comments are sought
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 09, 2017
Federal regulators have agreed to gather more comments from providers and others on the revision of new skilled nursing prospective payment system case-mix methodology.
Medicare appeals backlog to be fixed by 2020, HHS says
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 06, 2016
Federal health officials say tweaks to the system will enable them to eradicate a massive backlog of Medicare decision appeals in 2019. They made the prediction in a court brief filed in U.S. District...
Extra audits clog and freeze Medicare appeals process
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 01, 2014
Providers who want to have an administrative law judge consider a Medicare claim appeal can save their breath and memos for now.
Referral fees OK, says OIG
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 01, 2014
A long-term care provider that requested clearance for a system of paying an agency to refer patients is in the clear.
PET scans for Alzheimer’s rejected for Medicare pay
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2013
Earlier this year, the Department of Health and Human Services released an action plan for tackling Alzheimer’s diagnostics, treatment and funding.
Cases subject to escrow
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 01, 2013
Federal regulators have expanded the use of escrow accounts so that as of this month, providers will be subject to their use for any kind of deficiency from a standard or complaint survey that draws a...