In its most recent report on nursing home payments and quality, February 2013, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that many skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) failed to provide adequate care … [Read more...] about Medicare Paid $5.1 Billion to SNFs that Did Not Provide Care-Planning and Discharge-Planning (February 2013 OIG Report)
Quality of Care
Nursing Home Enforcement by United States Attorneys: What Happened to the Regulatory System?
Two recent cases – one in Georgia and the other in Pennsylvania – enforce nursing home quality of care standards through actions by United States Attorneys. In neither case had the regulatory agencies cited deficiencies for … [Read more...] about Nursing Home Enforcement by United States Attorneys: What Happened to the Regulatory System?
The Worst-Performing Nursing Facilities Are Seldom Sanctioned; Self-Reporting is Not an Accurate Quality Measurement
According to an analysis by the Center for Medicare Advocacy (the Center) few sanctions are imposed for the poor care provided by nursing facilities identified by the Federal Government as among those providing the poorest quality of care and quality … [Read more...] about The Worst-Performing Nursing Facilities Are Seldom Sanctioned; Self-Reporting is Not an Accurate Quality Measurement
Picking a Plan During the Annual Enrollment Period? Choose Carefully
As discussed in last week’s Alert, the current Medicare Annual Enrollment Period lasts until December 7th.[1] During this time period, Medicare beneficiaries can choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D plan for 2013. This … [Read more...] about Picking a Plan During the Annual Enrollment Period? Choose Carefully
New Procedures for Review of Quality of Care Complaints
On April 6, 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Transmittal 17, which revises and creates new procedures for the review of quality of care concerns[1] by Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs).[2] Effective May 7, … [Read more...] about New Procedures for Review of Quality of Care Complaints
Compare Hospitals or Nursing Homes Using Medicare’s Online Tools
Two websites that help Americans make informed choices about hospitals and nursing homes have been redesigned and will make more information available to the public, CMS announced on July 19, 2012. The two sites – Hospital Compare and … [Read more...] about Compare Hospitals or Nursing Homes Using Medicare’s Online Tools
National Alzheimer’s Plan: A Step Forward, More Work Ahead
This week, the Obama Administration launched a National Alzheimer's Plan to help the more than 5 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease and their 15 million caregivers. Consisting of funding for clinical research, provider education and … [Read more...] about National Alzheimer’s Plan: A Step Forward, More Work Ahead
Low Staffing in Nursing Homes Leads to More Deaths
When research conducted a decade ago documented that mortality rates actually increased when employment rates increased, health economists sought to identify the cause. Focusing on employed workers did not explain the increased mortality … [Read more...] about Low Staffing in Nursing Homes Leads to More Deaths
Medicare Hospital Readmissions
Reducing hospital readmissions is generating lots of confusion. The rules are complicated. In addition, some hospitals, facilities, and health care networks have adopted protocols, and have in place some level of procedures … [Read more...] about Medicare Hospital Readmissions
Voluntary Nursing Home Improvement Campaign Does Not Work
Nursing Facilities Participating in Advancing Excellence Still Among Worst Performers Many nursing facilities that are identified by the federal government as among the facilities providing the poorest quality of care to residents in the country … [Read more...] about Voluntary Nursing Home Improvement Campaign Does Not Work