Groups to find out if Obamacare is their golden ticket
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 09, 2014
Healthcare reform — Obamacare — has stuck a lot of providers and caregivers in tough positions. Whether proponents or opponent of the watershed law, most expect rocky times, at least temporarily, are...
‘The Best Days’ — a best read
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 02, 2014
Where to start when discussing Jean Rene Champion’s engrossing memoir is a difficult question, rivaled only by the struggle of where to stop. His self-published “The Best Days of My Life: Memories...
Some good news (from MedPAC !): Quality rising
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2014
A funny thing happened on the way to a semi-annual eye rolling about a MedPAC report. It contained some information that could make long-term care providers happy.
MDS insight found lacking
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2014
Long-term care staffers’ understanding of the Minimum Data Set and its Quality Indicators is “mediocre at best,” according to recent survey results. Lack of exposure and involvement are...
Feds recover $10 million in incorrect Medicaid payouts
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2014
Federal investigators recovered more than $10 million in incorrect Medicaid payments made to nursing homes in 2013, an annual review shows.
Flu shot cuts stroke risk 24%
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 01, 2014
People who are vaccinated against the flu are 24% less likely to suffer a stroke during that flu season, say British researchers who analyzed records of nearly 50,000 patients.
CMS requests survey buildup
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2014
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is asking for $49 million more in its next budget, largely to expand long-term care inspection programs.
Nursing homes should get ready for another image battering
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 26, 2014
Long-term care providers are sitting anxiously on the sidelines as members of Congress tussle with what to do before the end of the month about certain healthcare payment formulas. What will actually be...
It’s not all bad news coming from MedPAC
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 19, 2014
A funny thing happened on the way to a semi-annual eye-rolling over a MedPAC report. It gave me reason to sit up with interest. Even more unlikely, it contained information that made some long-term care...
MedPAC report shows providers making progress, quality contractor says
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 18, 2014
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission’s latest report to Congress was submitted Friday with previously known recommendations for payment levels. But largely lost among the 400-page report also...