SNF rates should remain unchanged in 2010, MedPAC says
Jan 12, 2009
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) last week recommended a freeze on reimbursements for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation centers for fiscal year 2010.
HHS to release blueprint for reducing healthcare-associated infections
Sep 25, 2008
The Department of Health and Human Services expects to release a draft action plan regarding the reduction of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) before the next president takes office, the agency...
CMS sets deadline of 2013 for installation of nursing home sprinkler systems
Aug 14, 2008
Long-term care facilities have exactly five years to fully equip their facilities with automatic sprinkler systems, according to a final rule published Wednesday by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...
Care not same as caring
By
Mary Eleanor Wickersham
May 01, 2008
When “Dianne Butler’s” mother was rushed to the emergency room with signs of a heart attack, the ER nurses quickly cut away her snug, pullover silk shift. Hurrying to do CPR and start...
Long-term care hospitals treat fewer short-stay patients
Apr 15, 2008
Long-term care hospitals treated fewer short-stay patients from fiscal years 2003 to 2006 as a result of cuts in Medicare reimbursement, according to a memo from the Department of Health and Human Services...
It’s about time
Jan 30, 2008
Staying on top of the latest products, services and industry trends can be a time-devouring pursuit. But the job just became less time consuming, thanks to our new Web site. Eldercare pros can find many...
Wrist action
Jan 30, 2008
The new CodeWatch transmitter from RF Technologies gives residents wristwatch-like comfort. The small, lightweight device feels familiar and comfortable, which helps put residents at ease.
Passing the smell test
Jan 30, 2008
Birchwood Laboratories has introduced two new products that provide a sanitary solution for incontinence cleansing and management. B-SURE Perineal Wash and B-SURE Odor Eliminator are products help operators...
Weighty matters
Jan 30, 2008
Tanita’s PW-630U wheelchair scale is designed to make it easy for residents to get on the scale and be stable. The durable, portable unit is equipped with wheels, allowing caregivers to bring the...
CMS proposes 2.6% funding hike for long-term care hospitals
Jan 24, 2008
Long-term care hospitals may see a bigger than expected bump in their payment rate in 2009, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. On Tuesday, CMS proposed increasing the payment rate...