News
15% Cuts Finalized by CMS for Therapy Assistant Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) for the Calendar Year (CY) 2022. Skilled Nursing News reports the final plan includes a one percent cut to Medicare Part B physical and occupational therapy rates and a 15% cut to services that therapy assistants provide. This includes physical…
Read MoreCMS Announces Vaccine Mandate for LTC Employees
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) announced an emergency regulation ordering all health care facilities that are funded by Medicare and Medicaid to vaccinate all employees against COVID-19 by January 4th. This includes skilled nursing facilities. Skilled Nursing News reports all facilities should ensure that employees receive the one-dose vaccine or the first dose…
Read MoreSNFs Struggle with Occupancy Rates with Ongoing Staffing Challenges and the Delta Variant
The COVID-19 pandemic brought on unprecedented challenges for the skilled nursing industry. Variants like Delta and staffing shortages have made occupancy recovery for the industry unpredictable. Earlier, recovery was expected by end of 2021. However, Skilled Nursing News reports recovery now will take much longer and possibly occur in 2022. Facilities have been struggling with…
Read MoreSNFs and Hospitals Under Pressure to Limit Readmissions
For the last decade, hospitals have faced immense pressure to prevent large number of readmissions. These efforts require them to partner with post-acute facilities that can provide appropriate care to patients. McKnight’s reports it is important to have few readmissions for hospitals, providers and the government as it helps improve patient care and saves Medicare…
Read MoreNew Study Deems Fluzone and Moderna Booster Safe for Co-Administration
Flu season is officially here. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, protection from the flu may be more important than ever. McKnight’s reports the flu shot Fluzone can be safely administered with a booster shot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Sanofi, a pharmaceutical company, has made this conclusion based on mid-stage results from ongoing clinical trials.…
Read MoreLTC Industry Leaders Ready to Welcome Afghan Refugees to the Workforce
The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is encouraging providers to allow immigrants, especially Afghan refugees, to join the long-term care industry. McKnight’s reports the industry should be willing to make efforts to help these individuals settle down in this country, their new home. Clifton Porter II, senior vice president of government…
Read MoreImproving Care for Osteoporosis Related Fractures
A new pilot program has been launched aiming to help improve care for patients with osteoporosis that are receiving post-fracture care. McKnight’s reports this program has been launched by advocates of bone health at the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF). NOF is collaborating with Medstar Health in Maryland and Atrium Health in North Carolina for this…
Read MoreElder Care Sector Should Prepare for Increasing Arthritis Cases Among Seniors
A recent national survey has concluded more adults are being diagnosed with activity-limiting arthritis. This is especially prevalent in seniors reports McKnights. Researchers who conducted the study state the public health sector should start preparing for upcoming challenges when providing care to these individuals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the National…
Read MoreCOVID-19 Infection Rates Decrease in SNFs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published good news for nursing homes. Skilled Nursing News reports, recent data shows a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases among staff and residents in nursing homes. The decline has been a steady pattern for the past few weeks. The lowest number of COVID-19 cases…
Read MoreCongressional Lawmakers Demand Medicare Reform After Proposed Cuts to Therapy Services
Therapists in skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare providers are expected to get pay cuts under to the existing long-term Medicare payment system. McKnight’s reports over 245 Congressional lawmakers are asking for a long-term reform to the system. In an appeal to House leaders, U.S. Representative Ami Bera and others wrote a letter stating, “As…
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