Current Policy Trends to Watch

In response to a recent series of questions from multiple segments of the health care and post-acute industry plus my own experiences within the landscape of providers and policy makers, I’ve summarized a current list of policy trends “pay attention to”. Medicare Cuts and the Super Committee: Nothing seems to loom larger or cast a … Read more

Post-Payment Reductions: Build a Revenue Model for Success

Not too long ago I wrote a post for SNFs regarding “what to do” in preparation for October 1 rate reductions.  Since then, I’ve fielded inquiries galore from all kinds of providers looking into a future that likely includes Medicare and certainly, Medicaid rate/payment reductions.  In most cases, the answer that I provide is clearly … Read more

Post-Acute Outlook Post Debt Ceiling, Post Medicare Rate Adjustments, Etc.

OK, the title is a bit wordy and trust me, I could have included more “posts” but I think I got the point across.  First, I’ll admit to having a crystal ball however, the picture I see is a bit like the first (and only) television set I remember having as a kid: Not in … Read more

The Unraveling of the PPACA

OK readers and requesters, I haven’t gone, as Robert Frost wrote, into the “woods lovely, dark and deep” but I have been preoccupied by work and things familial.  Sadly, energy wanes as one focuses intently on the delicate balance that is juggling a frenetic work schedule, a mile of other professional commitments, travel, and family.  … Read more

Hospices Looking for Census Improvements: Add Some Innovations

Most hospices I talk with are finding census gains difficult these days.  As I’ve written before, a number of factors are conspiring at the moment to keep census somewhat depressed and referrals tough to come by. With a struggling economy, all providers are looking for paying patient days.  Referrals that should (or would) routinely go … Read more

Compliance, the Courts and a Risk Reminder

In previous posts I’ve written about the need for providers in all industry sectors to fully understand the compliance and legal risks that are inherent to the appropriate industry sector, as well as to health care today in general.  As someone who has been immersed in health care operations and health policy for the past … Read more

As the Home Health and Hospice World Turns: Part II

In Part I, I wrote about my last week’s conversations, etc. regarding the home health industry, specifically Amedysis, the Senate Finance Committee inquiry, the industry impact via the PPACA and the likely consolidation and merger trends that are approaching.  Suffice to say, not all of last week’s news and conversations focused on the home health … Read more

As the Home Health and Hospice World Turns: Part I

Sorry for borrowing (piece of)  a soap opera title for this post but it is rather appropriate given the news that occurred over the past 30 days.  Just this past week, I’ve been interviewed by two business newspapers and on the phone with an investment banking firm I consult with from time to time regarding … Read more

Senior Living/Housing M&A and Fitch

The title of this post likely appears a tad bifurcated but as you read through it, the title should make a bit more sense.  In the past two weeks, I’ve had numerous conversations with potential buyer’s looking at or for (to acquire), senior housing projects  (AL, IL, some CCRC and a few SNFs).   Invariably, the conversations … Read more

Five Things Every Administrator Should Focus On

I had a phone conversation earlier today with a friend and colleague (he’s part owner of a rehab consulting and management company) and as we talked, the conversation reminded me about the host of issues facing health care administrators.  Our conversation flowed to long-term care and specifically, SNFs (he spends a lot of his time … Read more