Grief could weaken seniors’ immune systems, study finds
By
Kimberly Marselas
Nov 01, 2014
The elderly are more likely than younger people to have compromised immunity and experience infections while grieving, according to a British study.
RACs snatch back $1.8M
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 01, 2014
Recovery Audit Contractors collected $1.8 million in Medicare overpayments made to skilled nursing facilities in fiscal year 2013, according to a Congressional report released in late September.
AHCA goes on offense, backs 5 Star audits
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 01, 2014
Following victories such as the newly signed IMPACT Act, provider advocates now will be more aggressive on Capitol Hill, leaders of the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted...
New goals for antipsychotics not unreasonable, leaders say
By
Elizabeth Newman
Nov 01, 2014
Providers may grumble about renewed pressure to lower the use of antipsychotics among long-term care residents with dementia, but the industry has an opportunity to be a leader, said LeadingAge President...
New strategy for antibiotics
By
Elizabeth Newman
Nov 01, 2014
The White House unveiled a national plan in September to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It includes an executive order to “reduce the emergence and spread” of these bacteria and ensure...
Fatal reactions raise concerns
By
Elizabeth Newman
Nov 01, 2014
Reactions to medication was the leading cause of allergy-related sudden deaths in the past decade, according to a new analysis.
Hackbarth rips 3-day stay rule
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2014
If outgoing MedPAC Chairman Glenn Hackbarth had his way, Medicare would pay for skilled nursing services without requiring a three-day hospital stay first.
CDC renews call for pneumococcal shots
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 01, 2014
Seniors should receive the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended.
Antipsychotics goal gets reset
By
Elizabeth Newman
Nov 01, 2014
Long-term care providers are being asked to reduce the use of antipsychotic medications among residents by 25% by the end of 2015, and 30% by the end of 2016.
Sampling can convict: judge
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2014
In an unprecedented ruling, a federal judge has declared that officials may use just a statistical sampling of Medicare claims to help prove nursing home company overbilling charges.