Congress takes first step toward dulling 2022 Medicare cuts
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 08, 2021
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include the results of a Tuesday night House vote. Congress reached a bipartisan deal on Tuesday to stave off some impending Medicare cuts, but it...
Nursing home reform bill ‘definitely’ has traction in Congress
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 14, 2021
Nursing home providers can expect even more scrutiny from Congressional lawmakers this year due to the pandemic’s devastating impact on the sector — and the first piece of reform legislation is already...
CMS surprises with therapy pay levels in 2022 Medicare physician fee rule
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 14, 2021
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services pleasantly surprised long-term care therapy providers with several parts of the new 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule that it released Tuesday.
Overall telehealth use dropping but no fear of leaving LTC
By
Danielle Brown
Jul 09, 2021
Telehealth usage is declining and in-person visits at medical facilities are increasing again, according to new data from FAIR Health.
Providers push Congress for permanent telehealth capabilities — pandemic’s ‘silver lining’
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 29, 2021
Long-term care stakeholders are looking forward to telehealth policies remaining a “very, very hot topic” in Congress during the COVID-19 public health emergency, and beyond. Service providers say...
Danger ahead?: SNFs face potentially steep cuts as CMS considers changes to PDPM, VBP program
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 12, 2021
A recalibration to the Patient Driven Payment Model could have troubling payment implications for skilled nursing providers who are still trying to manage a difficult operating environment caused by the...
Providers get relief from Medicare cuts, but no liability protections in year-end legislative packages
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 22, 2020
Providers are set to receive extended relief from the 2% Medicare sequester cuts under a year-end legislative relief deal that was finalized by federal lawmakers on Monday. However, they will have to wait...
Thanksgiving heartburn in store? CMS may release final rule on Medicare Part B therapy cuts this week
By
Liza Berger
Nov 23, 2020
There may be more awaiting long-term care providers this week than meals of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may release its final rule regarding cuts...
Medicare cuts will have ‘damaging effect’ on nursing home therapy offerings, expert warns
By
Danielle Brown
Nov 17, 2020
Nursing home operators will have to cut the amount of therapy services they can offer, thanks to Medicare payment cuts slated to start Jan. 1, a top industry expert said in renewing warnings Monday.
A major step forward or lacking teeth? COVID-19 report prompts range of emotions
By
Liza Berger
Sep 18, 2020
The much-anticipated report outlining COVID-19 problems in nursing homes and offering corresponding recommendations elicited a range of opinions from stakeholders Thursday.