Medicaid daily revenue hits record as skilled nursing occupancy dispute flares
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 03, 2023
Medicaid revenue per patient day in skilled nursing facilities rose to a record level in January, even as similar measures for Medicare retreated.
Former top Medicare official scalds long-term care leaders
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 26, 2012
Tom Scully wondered privately before his keynote address at a seniors housing and care conference last week why he was being asked to speak. Afterwards, long-term care executives in the audience were probably...
Pssssst! Have we got a deal for you!
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 10, 2011
We might have just been subjected to the biggest dose of chutzpah seen in a long, long while. It smacked of the old image of the leering used-car salesman (sorry, used car sales people) rubbing his thumb...
Nipping improper Medicare payments in the bud
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 15, 2016
Does the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services need its own Barney Fife to set its house in order? Some seem to think so.
Rehab firm’s overbilling will cost provider $1 million-plus
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2014
The fallout from a recent spike in rehabilitation charges to government payers continued to make headlines in September. This time, a nursing home company was blamed for insufficient oversight of its contract...
DOJ forces observation stay showdown
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 01, 2014
Hospitals have been cast in a harsh light by long-term care advocates recently for allegedly over-using “observation stay” status. The practice can ultimately deny some patients subsequent...
A study that may never be done — but should
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 28, 2013
Government agencies and lobbyists are famous for conducting studies that prove a point — theirs, namely. That’s why I’ll be very interested to see who will have the courage to conduct one...
Federal judge to troubled operator: Exhaust other options before you make a federal case
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 11, 2013
A facility with a history of safety deficiencies must exhaust its administrative options before seeking relief in the courtroom, a district court judge ruled. Moreover, the requested temporary injunction...
No easy solution ahead for LTC funding dilemma
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 15, 2008
The year-end scramble for Medicare and Medicaid dollars ended with a bang — and the usual whimpers from various provider interests. There were winners on one side, losers on the other. And then there...