In this game of tag, delay tactics are another way to change the rules
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 07, 2024
For better or for worse, the survey game is one all nursing homes are forced to play.
Biden administration inks deal to lower costs on 10 top drugs
By
Kristen Fischer
Aug 15, 2024
The Biden administration announced Thursday that it has signed deals with drug companies in an effort to lower costs on 10 drugs used by older adults that are among the most popular — and most pricey.
First facility assessment deadline leaves gaping questions about surveyor intent
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 12, 2024
After three months of preparation, skilled nursing providers across the country were required late last week to complete their first enhanced facility assessment.
CMS payment rule symptom of larger malady
By
Brendan Williams
Aug 11, 2024
In the past, any increase in Medicare payments for nursing homes would have been cause for celebration, but there were more thorns for the sector hidden in this year’s payment rule from the Centers...
New SNF payment rule met with ‘disgust,’ complaints of ‘overreach’
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 31, 2024
Critics wasted little time expressing their displeasure with the government’s final nursing home payment rule for fiscal 2025 after it was released late Wednesday afternoon.
Flaw in staffing mandate may push financial decisions ahead of clinical issues as admissions criteria:...
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 25, 2024
Trying to maintain specific staffing levels included in a new federal mandate may lead to a financial “seesaw” for operators, with efforts to admit more residents constantly tempered by the fear of...
Some providers ‘hurting terribly’ as CMS schizophrenia audit penalties drag on
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 06, 2024
A year and a half after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began auditing thousands of nursing homes for inappropriate schizophrenia diagnoses, providers are raising concerns that the quality...
BREAKING: CMS increases abilities to fine nursing homes, hikes Medicare pay by 4.2 percent
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 31, 2024
Nursing homes will be getting a 4.2% Medicare Part A pay raise under the fiscal 2025 final pay rule issued Wednesday. Providers also will be facing a more aggressive fines system.
Docs, therapists to see pay cut but caregivers score in ’25 physician pay rule
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 10, 2024
Doctors, therapists and others billing under the physician fee schedule would see an average 2.93% reduction in Medicare pay next year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposed Wednesday.
Lawmakers say CMS should ban Medicare Advantage’s use of AI to deny care
By
Josh Henreckson
Jun 26, 2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should consider banning artificial intelligence from being used to deny Medicare Advantage coverage pending a “systematic review,” a group of 49 congressional...