Second-quarter occupancy rates in skilled care facilities fell to 82.2%, or their lowest level since figures started being tracked in 2011, according to a new National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care report.
“Skilled Nursing Data Report” authors suggested the downturn was caused by more than seasonal shifts. They specifically cited healthcare delivery and payment reform initiatives as likely catalysts.
The report also cited two less ominous developments.
One is that Medicaid revenue grew slightly during the second quarter — to $198 per patient day. The report also found that Medicare managed care revenue cuts appear to be tapering off.
NIC President Robert G. Kramer said that the report’s figures could not be interpreted as trends, but that they bear watching — especially if the findings continue into the next quarter. He added that despite the sample size’s limitations, the findings offer some of the most current data available for the sector.
In other news at the conference, NIC unveiled a new logo and tagline (“Data. Analytics. Connections”).
More than 2,500 people are attending this year’s fall event, which runs through Friday in Washington.
