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.
22% of beneficiaries return to hospital
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 01, 2014
A large number of rehabilitation patients seek hospital care shortly after being discharged from a nursing facility, according to recent research.
White House spending plan less than industry hoped for
By
John O'Connor
Apr 01, 2014
In every White House budget, there are winners and losers. Unfortunately for providers, long-term care again falls into the latter category. All told, President Obama’s $3.9 trillion spending plan...
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.
New test for Alzheimer’s
By
Tim Mullaney
Apr 01, 2014
A new blood test reveals with 90% accuracy which people will develop Alzheimer’s disease or mild dementia within three years, according to study results in Nature Medicine.
Staffing, quality link found shaky
By
Tim Mullaney
Apr 01, 2014
Nursing home staffing levels have not been definitively linked to better care, according to an analysis published in JAMDA.
Feds looking to QAPI, not penalties, for help
By
Elizabeth Newman
Apr 01, 2014
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officials said they consider the upcoming Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement guidelines, not harsher penalties, as the better way to reduce adverse events...
Audits paused, providers glad
By
Tim Mullaney
Apr 01, 2014
Long-term care providers are applauding a pause in the Medicare recovery audit contractor program.
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.
Obama budget cuts provider payments
By
John O'Connor
Apr 01, 2014
Presidents usually release budgets for reasons that have less to do with spreadsheets than legacies. President Obama’s fiscal year 2015 spending plan is no different. The $3.9 trillion proposal offers...