CMS releases COVID-19 NH data for week ending November 22, 2020

Mary MadisonSkilled NursingLeave a Comment

CMS has posted the latest nursing home  data for the week ending November 22, 2020. Want to keep up with the changing COVID-19 situation in skilled nursing? Subscribe to the Briggs blogCMS has posted the latest nursing home  data for the week ending November 22, 2020. Want to keep up with the … Read More

Updated COVID-19 vaccine storage and handling toolkit

Mary MadisonSkilled NursingLeave a Comment

CDC has updated the COVID-19 Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit.  The current version carries a date of November 2020. The Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit has been updated with an addendum to address proper storage, handling, transport, and emergency handling of COVID-19 vaccines. The addendum will be updated as new COVID-19 vaccine … Read More

PDPM Provides $200/Day Medicare Boost to Nursing Homes During COVID: ‘It Arrived Just in Time’

Ken BellSkilled NursingLeave a Comment

When the overhaul of Medicare Part A reimbursement for nursing homes took effect in October 2019, predictions of audits and the potential for drastic changes came close on its heels. After all, the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) was meant to be revenue-neutral, meaning that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid … Read More

ACIP and CDC – Healthcare personnel and LTC residents to receive COVID-19 vaccine first

Mary MadisonClient News, Skilled NursingLeave a Comment

The ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) approved the following recommendation by majority (13-1) vote at its December 1, 2020 emergency meeting: When a COVID-19 vaccine is authorized by FDA and recommended by ACIP, vaccination in the initial phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program (Phase 1a) should be offered to … Read More

Permanent expansion of Medicare telehealth services and improved payment for time doctors spend with patients

Mary MadisonSkilled NursingLeave a Comment

Late in the day December 1, 2020, CMS released a “flurry” of announcements impacting physicians, telehealth and therapists that you should be aware of.  A synopsis of these changes along with links to additional information is found in a Special Edition – MLN Connects with that same date.  I have … Read More