Why are more RAC audits happening? There are trillions of reasons
By
John O'Connor
Sep 10, 2012
Recovery audit contractors are stepping up their efforts to review Medicare billings. This appears to be a classic case of auditors gone wild.
New SNF business models and alligators
By
John O'Connor
Apr 02, 2012
There’s an old adage that goes something like this: It’s hard to remember that your objective was to drain the ditch when you are up to your waist in alligators.
Nursing homes and loopholes, a love story
By
John O'Connor
Aug 31, 2015
You can bet that nursing home-hired actuaries, lawyers, consultants and other assorted bean counters are going over new rules with a fine-tooth comb. They are looking for the next generation of potential...
Yes, it was a good year
By
John O'Connor
Dec 22, 2011
If you’re like most operators, you’re probably staggering toward the end-of-year holidays. And your unsteady gait may have nothing to do with spiked eggnog.
Voters give providers something to worry about
By
John O'Connor
Jun 08, 2012
GOP and Democratic strategists were watching the Wisconsin governorship recall race earlier this week as a possible harbinger of this fall’s presidential election. But that’s a shortsighted...
Your Medicare future: Bigger pie, smaller slice
By
John O'Connor
Nov 12, 2018
I have seen the future of Medicare. Here’s what you can expect: Demand will grow the program; fiscal realities will shrink your share.
Why the likely demise of LTC insurance isn’t all bad
By
John O'Connor
Jun 22, 2012
Two decades ago, private long-term care insurance was seen as a can’t-miss option for funding future nursing home costs. But like many of the people who purchased policies back then, the product...
Happy New Year. Now pay up.
By
John O'Connor
Jan 08, 2023
Minimum pay hikes took place in 27 states Jan. 1 , so look out, long-term care providers.
Sleeper measures could cut Medicare payments to skilled care operators
By
John O'Connor
Mar 31, 2014
As far as skilled care is concerned, most recent reporting on a major Medicare bill has all but overlooked what’s in the bill for the sector. And it’s not trivial.
Preserving the status quo costs more than ever
By
John O'Connor
Nov 16, 2012
As $6 billion investments go, the 2012 presidential and Congressional races didn’t deliver much of a return. Except, of course, for people who like to spend money in order to keep things the way...