New CMS rule to eliminate section of MDS, revise RUGs
Aug 25, 2009
A controversial new rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid rule will recalibrate Medicare case mixes under the Resource Utilization Group (RUG) system. Specifically, it will eliminate a section...
CMS issues QIS implementation priority order for states
Aug 24, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued guidance for states that currently are not implementing the Quality Indicator Survey.
Vacancy at top of CMS concerns lawmakers, newspaper reports
Aug 19, 2009
As lawmakers debate Medicare and Medicaid changes, the absence of a leader to oversee these programs has become more glaring.
New CMS letter offers revised infection control guidance for F-441
Aug 19, 2009
Information about implementing an infection prevention program, recognizing and containing outbreaks, and proper handling of linens are all part of revised guidance for F-tag 441.
CMS: Demonstration project to reward nursing homes that provide high-quality care
Aug 18, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Monday disclosed positive results from three-so-called pay-for-performance demonstrations at hospitals and physician practices. Now it wants to see if financial...
Premium may rise next year for Medicare Part D beneficiaries who receive low-income subsidy
Aug 14, 2009
The Medicare Part D premium may rise in 2010 among some Part D beneficiaries who receive the low-income subsidy (LIS) benefit, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said Thursday.
Durable medical equipment rebidding process to start in October
Aug 05, 2009
The 60-day supplier bidding period for the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) will begin in late October, the Centers for...
Move to improve residents’ quality of life a welcome development
By
Nancy L. Gorman
Aug 04, 2009
Enhanced standards from The Joint Commission complement new guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Both emphasize improving the quality of life of long-term care residents.
Long-term care associations to battle Medicare cuts during congressional recess
Aug 04, 2009
Congress may take a recess this month, but the long-term care community isn’t planning on it. Instead, the associations will be working to urge lawmakers not to cut millions in Medicare payments...
CMS to cut Medicare funding to skilled nursing facilities by $360 million in fiscal year 2010
Aug 03, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services late Friday issued a rule that will cut $360 million in Medicare payments to skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year 2010.