John O'Connor

 
 

Recent Articles

The BIG Picture: Healthcare reform is coming. So who in LTC cares?

November 01, 2009

When the president, Congress, the media and others speculate about healthcare reform, they are not really talking about eldercare services.

The BIG Picture: The kid gloves come off

October 01, 2009

The Internet has given rise to an angry mob that seems intent on snuffing out any thoughts that don't align with theirs.

MedPAC needs a new role, Rockefeller says

September 01, 2009

Sen. John Rockefeller IV (D-WV), chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health, continues to advocate for a stronger role for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC).

The BIG Picture: compartmentalization of ideas is no way to expand a world view

August 01, 2009

The marketplace of ideas remains a worthy goal, but there doesn't appear to be too many shoppers.

Obama against caps for malpractice suits

July 01, 2009

President Obama told a roomful of doctors that he does not favor caps for malpractice awards. But he indicated he may be open to "apology legislation."

The BIG Picture: GM could learn a lot from the nursing home industry

July 01, 2009

Growing up, did you even consider the possibility that you might one day become the major owner of one of the world's largest car companies?

The BIG Picture: understanding why significant healthcare reform is unlikely to happen

June 01, 2009

Despite a general dissatisfaction with Medicare and Medicaid rates, providers have mostly benefited from the way things are, at least as far as payments are concerned. Why would they want to mess with the status quo?

The BIG picture: with so much on his plate, Obama's going to have a tough time keeping his eyes on the prize

May 01, 2009

President Obama appears to have given the mantra "make no small plans" a more contemporary spin: Everything's on the table.

Card-check battle leaves all combatants worse for wear

May 01, 2009

The apparent demise of a bill intended to make it easier for unions to form has left nearly all sides bloodied from battle.

Experts mull ways to improve LTC system

May 01, 2009

Better quality monitoring, technology implementation and the creation of a less disruptive service spectrum are key ways to improve the nation's long-term care system, according to several industry experts.