Sleeper measures could cut Medicare payments to skilled care operators
By
John O'Connor
Mar 31, 2014
As far as skilled care is concerned, most recent reporting on a major Medicare bill has all but overlooked what’s in the bill for the sector. And it’s not trivial.
Docs might get a raise, and long-term care might get a bill
By
John O'Connor
Feb 10, 2014
Major League teams don’t celebrate World Series victories midway through the season. But politicians do the equivalent all the time. Consider a revised Medicare payment plan that was joyously unveiled...
Pay cuts could wipe out labs, hurt nursing homes
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 05, 2014
When it comes to worries about how Medicare doctors will be paid, nursing home operators have thought they should stand at the front of a long and anxious line. Truth be told, they have some stiff competition...
Long-term care providers ready to deal with ‘doc fix’
By
James M. Berklan
May 15, 2013
If you hang around long enough, you learn there are only two things long-term care providers fear after Republicans and Democrats. That would be hospitals and doctors.
Best is yet to come? Don’t tell that to providers
By
John O'Connor
Nov 09, 2012
When he gave his acceptance speech Tuesday night, President Obama told the nation that “the best is yet to come.” Many long-term care operators may not be in full agreement.
‘Doc fix’ might hurt a little
By
John O'Connor
Feb 24, 2012
President Obama has signed legislation that delays a pay cut for doctors treating Medicare patients. That comes as good news for physicians, but not so much for nursing facilities.
Ode to the lame-duck session
By
Liza Berger
Dec 22, 2010
Lawmakers have been earning their keep lately. Given all the legislation that has passed, I could not resist writing this little holiday poem.
The road to the RUG-IV-related repeal
By
Liza Berger
Dec 10, 2010
Some good news—and just in time for the holidays. Nursing home providers can ring in 2011 knowing that residents will not be denied Medicare Part B outpatient therapy and the RUG-IV system won’t...
Open up and say ‘Aha’
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 01, 2010
OK, raise your hand if you were surprised to learn that physicians averted a major Medicare pay cut that was supposed to take place this week. Didn’t think so. I wasn’t either.
Commission takes the knife to healthcare spending
By
Liza Berger
Nov 12, 2010
Preliminary recommendations from a new commission gave long-term care providers a bit of a fright this week. And understandably so.